Dalai Lama tells China not to politicise his visit to Tawang

Tokyo, Oct 31 (PTI) Ahead of his proposed visit to
India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, the Dalai
Lama Saturday hit out at China for opposing his trip to the
state saying it was "politicising too much" the issue as he
was going there solely for teaching.
The Tibetan spiritual leader said he was surprised and
saddened by China's criticism of his visit to Tawang monastery
in Arunachal Pradesh.
"I was surprised at China's criticism. If my visit
creates problem, I am very sad, that's all," the Tibetan
leader, on a visit here told journalists, implying that he
intends to go ahead with his visit on November 8.
"The Chinese government politicises too much wherever I
go. Where I go is not political," the 74-year old Nobel Peace
Prize winner said.
Contending that he was travelling to Arunachal in
connection with teaching his beliefs, the Dalai Lama said
Tawang held great memories for him as this was his first stop
50 years ago when he was forced to flee Tibet, Kyodo said.
India and China were recently engaged in a verbal spat
over Dalai Lama's proposed visit to Arunachal over which China
lays claim.
China objected to his visit, but India rejected the
objection, saying the Tibetan leader was free to travel
anywhere in India.
New Delhi, however, has made it clear that the Dalai
Lama is not supposed to indulge in political activities or
discuss India-China boundary question. (MORE) PTI