I SAY CHINA CANNOT STAY IN TIBET IF TIBET STAYS IN CHINA

I SAY CHINA CANNOT STAY IN TIBET IF TIBET STAYS IN CHINA

 

In my analysis, the real issue is not that of where Tibet stays. Dalai Lama says, 'Tibet can stay in China'. I say, "China cannot stay in Tibet." China in Tibet is the real problem.

 

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

 

TIBET CAN STAY IN CHINA, DALAI LAMA SAYS

 

 

Clipped from: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/tibet-can-stay-in-china-dalai-lama-says/ar-AAwhE6P

The Dalai Lama has said that Tibet can remain a part of China if Beijing guarantees to protect the disputed region’s culture and autonomy.

Speaking to mark the 60th anniversary of his exile to India on Sunday, the 82-year-old said Tibetan and Chinese citizens could have a mutually beneficial relationship, daily Indian newspaper The Hindu reported.

The Dalai Lama—the 14th person to be chosen for the position—left Tibet at the start of the unsuccessful 1959 uprising against the Chinese central government. He has since been based in northern India, initially serving as the political and later only spiritual head of the Tibetan community in exile.

© Provided by IBT Media

“Historically and culturally, Tibet has been independent. The region’s geography shows where Tibet begins,” he said. “So long as the constitution of China recognizes our culture and Tibetan autonomous region’s special history, they can remain [part of China].”

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate noted that while Tibet stood to benefit economically from remaining a part of China, the rest of the country could gain from exposure to Tibetan Buddhism. Although the speech is an important step toward compromise with Beijing, the Dalai Lama stressed the need to protect Tibetan culture.

China has been accused of a “cultural genocide” against the Tibetan people—sometimes by the Dalai Lama himself—over its policy of Sinicization of the region. Beijing has been uncompromising in its rule of the Himalayan region and considers the Dalai Lama a separatist.

The Communist Party has encouraged Han Chinese migration to Tibet and restricted the teaching of traditional languages. Such policies have drawn fierce opposition from Tibetans. In 2008, Tibetan protests against the central government broke out. The movement was brutally suppressed, with scores killed and thousands arrested. Since 2009 there have been more than 100 self-immolations as desperate Tibetans voice their continued dissent.

© Provided by IBT Media

Nonetheless, the Dalai Lama is now encouraging cooperation and reconciliation. “There was a time when every French looked at the Germans as enemies,” he said. “But today they are in the European Union. Similarly, we can work together.”

The Dalai Lama’s remarks come ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 27 and 28. Regional rivalry and border friction have meant relations between the mammoth neighbors have often been tense, and occasionally outright hostile.

The “informal summit” will be held in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and will be the first since the 2017 Doklam border standoff. The Dalai Lama said he was in favor of the meeting, encouraging both leaders to improve relations. “I think it is really good that they are meeting,” he said. “They have to live side-by-side, so it is better to live as a family.”

The Dalai Lama was formally assigned his leadership duties aged just 15. With China's tight control of Tibet, he has admitted he may be the last to hold the position, and Beijing says it has the power to choose his successor. “The Dalai Lama institution will cease one day,” the leader told the BBC in 2014. “These man-made institutions will cease.”

 

 

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LIVING TIBETAN SPIRITS NEED INFINITE COMPASSION OF BODHISATTVA

LIVING TIBETAN SPIRITS NEED INFINITE COMPASSION OF BODHISATTVA

 

As life's tedious journey relentlessly proceeds towards its miserable conclusion, Living Tibetan Spirits need Infinite Compassion of Bodhisattva.

 

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

 

THE MURALS OF TIBET, WITH AN ASSIST FROM THE DALAI LAMA

 

Clipped from: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-murals-of-tibet-20180429-htmlstory.html

"Eleven-Headed Avalokiteshvara," 15th century, from Gyantse Kumbum, 65 inches by 45 inches, from Taschen's "Murals of Tibet." (Thomas Laird / Taschen)

American photographer Thomas Laird spent 50 hours over 10 years with the Dalai Lama, and through all those candid conversations, one point stood out: Before his holiness could read, Tibetan murals were crucial to his early education.

Now Laird has compiled images of 130 centuries-old, life-size artworks into “Murals of Tibet,” newly published by Taschen. The sumo-sized tome is the first collection of representative Tibetan art blessed by the Dalai Lama, who signed all 998 copies of the 500-page limited-edition book.

The murals are housed in temples, monasteries, stupas and other sites dating from 633. Because they were in small spaces with no electricity or windows, the murals had long been challenging to view. Traditional photographic techniques couldn’t capture the breadth of the paintings.

Armed with new multi-image capture and render techniques, Laird spent 10 years photographing the murals in life-size resolution, some 10 feet by 10 feet. Every mural is laden with copious, intricate details relating purposeful stories.

“They are not just art but motivational tools and philosophical statements,” Laird said.

Take, for example, “The Eleven Headed Avalokiteshvara,” the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, with more than 40 hands and multiple levels of faces.

Detail of "Eleven-Headed Avalokiteshvara." Thomas Laird / Taschen

“They’re a metaphor,” Laird said. “He is omniscient, able to see in all directions simultaneously.”

In each hand is a unique object indicating the Bodhisattva’s power to reach out to different classes of beings.

“The multitude of appendages symbolize his immense ability to see pain and suffering in the world,” Laird said.

Dressed in robes of a prince and adorned in gold jewelry, the Bodhisattva expresses transmutation and power. A blue, red and gold aura emanates around the 11 heads. Behind is a red field, an infinite void, symbolized by flames. Beyond is an archway of lotuses, peonies and clouds. A goose on either side symbolizes long life and spiritual attainment.

While objects of majestic beauty, the murals also serve as points of guidance and appreciation for those seeking spiritual mindfulness.

 

 

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THE TIBET QUESTION – TERMS FOR TIBET'S NATURAL FREEDOM

THE TIBET QUESTION – TERMS FOR TIBET'S NATURAL FREEDOM

 

The Tibet Question revolves around the terms for Tibet's Natural Freedom consistent with Natural History of Tibetan Plateau. China's domination, subjugation, occupation, and colonization of Tibet must fail for it compromises Natural Inheritance of Tibetans.

 

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

TIBET CAN REMAIN IN CHINA ONLY IF BEIJING RECOGNIZES OUR CULTURE AND SPECIAL HISTORY: DALAI LAMA

 

Clipped from: https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/tibet-can-remain-in-china-only-if-beijing-recogizes-our-culture-and-special-hist/311263

The Dalai Lama on Sunday said that Tibet can remain in China, only if Beijing recognized and respected the region's distinct culture and autonomy.

Speaking at a lecture on 'Role of Ethics and Culture in Promoting Global Peace and Harmony' here, organized by Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and Antar-Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad, the Dalai Lama said, "Historically and culturally, Tibet has been independent. China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called a 'peaceful liberation'. So, as long as the Constitution of China recognizes our culture and Tibetan autonomous region's special history, it (Tibet) can remain there."

The event was being held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 82-year-old Tibetan spiritual icon's exile to India.

The Dalai Lama also expressed concerns on the ethnic violence against the Rohingyas in Myanmar, calling it as sad and terrifying. Also, he underscored the need to iron out differences and to work for all-round development and peace together.

Calling on the inclusion of ancient Indian traditions in the country's education, the Dalai Lama added, "Discussions on how to include ancient Indian traditions in educational system should begin. India has the ability to combine modern education with its ancient traditions to help solve problems in the world. This would help India to fight against terrorism and global warming."

Also, pressing on efforts to spread Indian traditions globally, like how China was able to spread its traditions, he further said, "Try to revive ancient Indian traditions. Actual change does not come from prayer, it comes from action. Wherever Chinese go, they have a 'China Town'. Why not an 'India Town' by Indians?"

The Dalai Lama also went to say that the global warming had adversely affected the amount of snowfall in Dharamshala, where he resided and also the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Terming Buddha as an 'ancient Indian scientist', the 82-year-old spiritual leader added that he considered himself as "a half-scientist and a half-monk."

Throwing light on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama said, " The greatness of the Indian civilization is its spiritual brotherhood and harmony. It has helped to produce the greatest philosophical thinkers and preachers who gave rise to the Nalanda tradition of Buddhism based on reason and logical conclusion."

The Dalai Lama, along with his followers, fled to India from Tibet in 1959 in a massive uprising by the Chinese forces.

Beijing calls the 82-year-old Buddhist monk a 'separatist,' seeking to secede Tibet from China.

(ANI)

 

 

 

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CHINESE DREAM – GREAT GAME OF TIBET DOMINATION

CHINESE DREAM – GREAT GAME OF TIBET DOMINATION

 

Natural Forces, Natural Factors, Natural Conditions, and Natural Causes shaped Tibetan Existence over centuries. In the 19^th century "Great Game" expanding empires of Great Britain, Czarist Russia, and Manchus - Qing Dynasty of China dreamed about domination of remote, desolate Tibetan Plateau. They failed to realize their dream.

 

The Chinese Revolution of 1949 gave Communist Party leader Mao Zedong to reinstate Chinese Dream and to relaunch Great Game of Tibet Domination.

 

In my analysis, Natural Forces will kill Chinese Dream of Tibet Domination. For example, asteroids have the most destructive power in Solar System and can neutralize Chinese Dream in matter of a few minutes. Beijing invented her own Doom by using physical force with evil intentions.

 

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

THE TIBET QUESTION

 

Clipped from: http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/oped/the-tibet-question.html

Despite six decades of Chinese rule, maintaining domestic stability in Tibet is a challenge for Beijing, JNU professor Swaran Singh tells Sapna Singh in an interview. Excerpts:

Q:  In 2000, China officially launched the 'Open Up the West' policy which is also termed as the Xibu da Kaifa policy to address economic, regional, ecological and security concerns…

A: The fundamental limitation of Xibu da Kaifa has been the continued alienation of the Tibetans. Though a large number of native Tibetans have been co-opted into various positions and programs, the policy has largely focused on Han Chinese being resettled in Tibet. They have also been the main beneficiaries. Besides, this region also remains sparsely inhabited by Chinese minorities with few urban centers to generate commercial activity, Lhasa being an exception. But China has also done work in building all-weather expressways, starting regular flights and, above all, operationalizing the rail link between Beijing and Lhasa which is being extended to other cities.

Q: China aims to become a regional power by 2025 and a global power by 2050. However, securing complete control within its own boundaries has gained huge significance. How challenging is maintaining domestic stability for China?

A: With China's economic growth rates tapering down from 9 per cent to about 6.5 per cent in the last three decades, it has resulted in nationalism becoming another instrument to ensure regime legitimacy. Having emerged as the next economic superpower, China is today seeking to reclaim territories that it thinks were wrongly taken away from it. But instead of negotiating, Beijing seems to be using unilateral muscle-flexing to reclaim these territories, especially from weaker and vulnerable

neighboring nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping's outline of the 'Chinese Dream' and his target to make China a "regional and global power are part of that exercise to ensure his regime's legitimacy.

Q: For the projection of China's hard and soft power in the Western and Central Asian region, how pivotal do you think the Belt and Road initiative is to Xinjiang and Tibet?

A: With President Xi being empowered like no other leader, his ambitious BRI has the potential to become the locomotive of China's rise. By building infrastructure and other logistics of connectivity, this initiative seeks to rekindle the Middle Kingdom's dream of all roads leading to Beijing. Poor nations are becoming willing partners to this scheme; though in the future, these nations will have to bear the burden of China's indulgence that will create debt traps for a host of nations. In the long run it will most likely negatively affect China's equations with these countries.

Q: Is the 'Hanization of Tibet' and the marginalization of Tibetans through infrastructure development Beijing's attempt to 'control' Tibet?

A: In the 19th century Great Game among expanding empires of Czarist Russia, British India and China, the insurmountable plateau of Tibet was always seen as an impregnable territory. With the end of the British Empire in India and Russia getting entangled with European nations, China extended its control over Tibet in the early 1950s. Given this history — especially Younghusband's expedition (1905) followed by the Shimla Accord (1915) — Beijing saw Tibet as its soft underbelly, making it vulnerable to its South Asian neighbors, especially India, where the Dalai Lama fled in 1959 to set up his Government-in-exile. For several decades, Tibet was held as a fortress by the Chinese and it was only gradually, from the 1970s, that it was opened up to foreign visitors.

Though China's economic prowess and garrisons ensure control over Tibet today, continued unrest among Tibetans, both inside China and outside, and especially the iconic presence of the Dalai Lama in India, continues to cause paranoia in China about Tibet not being fully assimilated as a Chinese province.

Q: Tibet is a multi-ethnic society with people from Se, Mu, Dong, Tong, Drum, Ra and Bai… how is this diversity being managed by China?

A: China has launched several affirmative action policies to support its minorities. Yet, they stand to be marginalized. Especially, the Tibetans with their nomadic culture has allowed China to fill its urban centers with members of the Han ethnic group who today control most of the administrative and commercial levers in Tibet. Empowerment of Tibetans in that sense is mere window-dressing. Both in Xinjiang and Tibet, these minorities are often categorized as Muslim and Tibetan but have dozens of sub-categories with strong identities, which have allowed monolithic Han ethnic identity to subsume the Centre, pushing these minorities further to the periphery.  

Q: What is Protected Area Permit (PAP) scheme? Do you think that by promoting or relaxing PAP, China is trying to control visitors to India's frontiers even as it promotes 'border tourism'?

A: Both China and India remain sensitive to their remote border regions and have institutionalized special permit provisions to disallow free thoroughfare and access to their border areas. The main difference is that China's infrastructure building in these remote border regions has been relatively efficient. Having travelled on both the Tibetan/Chinese and Indian side of the border, I can vouch for the difference though both sides have their limitations in accessing uninhabited terrain.

Q: China has constructed an elaborated network of roads in Tibet which includes both national highways and provincial roads. Indians, on the other hand, are migrating to cities and border areas' population is shrinking. Comment.

A: China's economy is a $13.6 trillion one and India's economy stands at $2.6 trillion. This tells us how much economic resources are available to both sides to pursue their national priorities. China surely has earned a reputation for infrastructure building though India has also been making efforts to provide more comfort for both the Armed Forces and the population that lives in these remote border regions. Only the scale and speeds are very different and this asymmetry is on the rise and needs to be calibrated in India-China policy.  

Q: China is also working on building road infrastructure in terms of its 'long-term goal'. What would be the impact of road infrastructure near border areas on India in terms of national security?

A: China's juggernaut of infrastructure building in its frontier areas facing India is a reality that cannot be ignored by New Delhi. China has already brought the railways to Shigatse and has carried out feasibility studies for its extensions to Bulang, Gyirong and Yadong. China's historic feet in building railroads using permafrost technologies in snow-capped Kuen Luo and the Himalayan ranges to reach Lhasa provides credibility to its commitment to undertake these extensions.

Besides, Nepal seems equally excited to participate and facilitate connections to Kathmandu. Bhutan may also be lured by Beijing in coming times. It's a tough choice for New Delhi to make as to whether it wishes to allow this rail network to connect with India's in Nainital, Siliguri and Guwahati or stay away from it. Both decisions will have their costs and benefits.

Q: According to Beijing's narrative, Tibetans have enjoyed the benefits of growth. However, Tibetans have been arguing that they have been excluded from growth and been relegated to second-class citizenship.

A: China's incentivization of Tibetan minorities has not been fully harnessed by the Tibetans, given their nomadic culture and spiritual values which are broadly non-materialistic. Besides, continued disjunction of Tibetans, torn between Beijing and their Government-in-exile in Dharamshala, has been a constant source of anxiety and uncertainty. As a result, invariably, Han Chinese have remained the major beneficiaries of most pro-Tibetan policies, leaving Tibetans on the margins.

(The interviewer is Principal Correspondent, The Pioneer)

 

 

 

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PRACTICAL vs NATURAL SOLUTION FOR FREEDOM IN TIBET

PRACTICAL vs NATURAL SOLUTION FOR FREEDOM IN TIBET

 

In my analysis, Freedom in Tibet is Natural Condition or Phenomenon resulting from Natural Forces acting upon Tibetan Plateau in unceasing manner. Tibetans got accustomed to Independent lifestyles as Freedom in Tibet is entirely natural. People's Republic of China's use of military force and power to abrogate Freedom in Tibet apart from being unfair and unjust remains unnatural. Peace, Harmony, and Tranquility in human living experience demand natural operations.

 

Living Tibetan Spirits bet on 'Karmic Design' as consequences of evil actions result in Calamity, Disaster, Catastrophe, Cataclysm, and Apocalypse. China cannot ward off disaster by paying ransom. Natural Calamity will force China to restore Natural Freedom in Occupied Tibet. All existence is bound by time and change, yet ultimately rests in the Divine. Freedom in Tibet is Just a Stone's Throw Away. I say, "BEIJING DOOMED."

 

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

 

AS DALAI LAMA LOOKS FOR PRACTICAL SOLUTION OVER 'FREE TIBET', TIBETANS BET ON 'KARMIC DESIGN'

 

Clipped from: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-as-dalai-lama-looks-for-practical-solution-tibetans-bet-on-karmic-design-for-free-tibet-2601382

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland.

With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “certain rights” to enable Tibetans preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown-up on the idea of a Free Tibet now find themselves in a quandary.

The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams dreamt by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true the third one will come true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”.

In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation.

In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad—both used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well.

But it is the third dream which gives Tibetans maximum hope. In that, the Dalai Lama dreamt of himself being in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa where he is getting reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeod Ganj last week.

“Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, Dalai Lama's political successor, said asking the Tibetans to re-dedicate themselves and strengthen their efforts to make the dream and Dalai Lama's return to Potala Palace a reality.

The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years is something that has not gone unnoticed.

Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing the year 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle” and “movement” alive for six decades.

McLeod Ganj—the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile--in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This place has not been just a home away from home for the exiled Tibetans. It has also been a launchpad sheltering a struggle which hopes to return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day.

So,when the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this.

In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realizes that this is the best bargain he could secure from the increasingly assertive Chinese.

But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement however would still make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up completely. Not yet.

At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilization, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources...our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”.

Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” program by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”.

“Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

No separation from China?  And Dalai Lama's return to Potala Palace even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that is the question that needs immediate answering.

 

 

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SIXTY-EIGHT YEARS OF CHINESE AGGRESSION IN TIBET

SIXTY-EIGHT YEARS OF CHINESE AGGRESSION IN TIBET

 

For the last sixty-eight years, India is facing security threats all along the Himalayan Frontier following Communist China's invasion of Tibet. India has no border with China. The border disputes between India and China simply describe the fact of Chinese Aggression in Tibet.

 

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

ARMY INCREASES STRENGTH AT INDIA-CHINA-MYANMAR TRIJUNCTION NEAR TIBET TO PREVENT REPEAT OF A DOKLAM-LIKE STANDOFF

 

Clipped from: https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/to-prevent-repeat-of-a-doklam-like-standoff-army-increases-strength-at-india-chi/310352

Indian troops deployed along the disputed Sino-India border in the Himalayan range of the Arunachal sector have increased their patrolling at a tri-junction of India, China and Myanmar to prevent a repeat of a Doklam-like standoff.

Top Army officials told PTI that the tri-junction, located around 50km from Walong, the easternmost town of India near the Tibet region, is extremely important for India to help it maintain its dominance in the nearby mountain passes and other areas.

"After the Doklam standoff, we have increased our presence on India's side of the tri-junction as it is very important for us from the strategic dimension," a senior Army official said.

He said Chinese troops did not enter the Tri-junction too frequently but had developed a road infrastructure near the area which could be advantageous for the mobilization of army personnel.

Walong, situated on the bank of Lohit river, had witnessed the bravery of Indian troops against Chinese aggression during the 1962 war between the two countries.

The deepening of military engagement between China and Myanmar was another reason for India ramping up its presence at the tri-junction with thick rainforests on the Himalayan ranges.

The official said Myanmar's border guarding forces did not patrol the tri-junction.

"After the tri-junction in Doklam in the Sikkim sector, this is the most important tri-junction along the Sino-India border," he said.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28.

The area in Doklam where China tried to construct a road is a disputed territory claimed by both China and Bhutan. India sent its troops to stop the Chinese construction activity, saying it could be a threat to its strategic interests in the region.

Since the Doklam standoff, India has deployed more troops and increased patrolling along the borders with China in the Tibetan region.

Another official said Indian troops have also enhanced their presence in all the areas in the Lohit Valley near the tri-junction.

"There are 18 mountain passes in the region and we have been carrying out long-range patrols to all these passes regularly," he said.

He further said," We have been carrying out war rehearsals regularly. You have to be in an offensive mode to remain in an advantageous position."

China has been laying new roads and improving its overall infrastructure along the nearly 4,000km-long border with India.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said last month that China had undertaken the construction of helipads, sentry posts and trenches for its army personnel near Doklam.

 

Sources said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area.

In January, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had said the time had come for India to shift its focus from its borders with Pakistan to the frontier with China, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

 

 

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THE TIBETAN STRUGGLE IS MADE IN INDIA

THE TIBETAN STRUGGLE IS MADE IN INDIA 

The Tibetan Struggle is Made in India. It dates back to November 1949 when Indian Prime Minister met with US President Harry Truman in Washington, D.C.

Tibet declared full independence on February 13, 1913. But, Tibetans chose to keep their external relations only with immediate neighbors such as China, Mongolia, India, and Nepal. United States desired formal diplomatic relations with Tibet while Tibet was unwilling to enter the global stage. For that reason, India took responsibility to represent Tibetan interests in diplomatic talks and negotiations. Communist China's belligerence compelled Tibet and India to formulate Tibetan Resistance Movement since 1949.

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada
SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

Tibetan Struggle is Made in India. The beginning of Tibetan Resistance Movement in Washington, D.C.

'TIBET WILL SET THE LITMUS TEST FOR CHINA'S RISE'

Clipped from: http://www.dw.com/en/tibet-will-set-the-litmus-test-for-chinas-rise/a-43193973

Tibetans are preparing to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dalai Lama's exile in India. Indian officials stoked controversy by spurning celebrations to avoid angering China. Sonia Phalnikar reports from Dharamshala.

The Tibetan Struggle is Made in India.

The Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader of Tibetans and an international icon, fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed anti-China uprising. He arrived in India and set up a government in exile in the northern Indian town of Dharamshala.

India has continued to host the Dalai Lama and his fellow Tibetan Buddhist exiles even though China condemns them as dangerous separatists. India's public embrace of the Dalai Lama has periodically aggravated border tensions and inflamed diplomatic spats between Delhi and Beijing.

Earlier this month, India's 100,000-strong Tibetan community had planned a celebratory "Thank you, India" event in Delhi as a gesture of gratitude from the Dalai Lama and his followers for India's role in sheltering them 60 years ago.

But a directive from India's foreign secretary urged officials to stay away from the events, saying they coincided with a "sensitive time" for Delhi's relations with Beijing. Invitations to top officials were withdrawn and the event was moved from Delhi to Dharamshala.

DW spoke with 36-year-old Dhardon Sharling, Information Secretary at the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamshala, about the deep bonds between India and Tibet, the rise of China and what it means for the Tibet cause, and life after the Dalai Lama.

"The Tibetan Struggle is Made in India." Dhardon Sharling.

Dhardon Sharling: 'The Tibetan struggle is made in India'

DW: Are you upset that India has disregarded the Tibetan community's interests to avoid angering China?

Dhardon Sharling: Not at all. China is always offended at anything the Dalai Lama does or says. That is the norm. But it was our own decision to shift the "Thank you, India" event to Dharamshala and not do it in Delhi, and respect what India deems fit for their diplomacy or diplomatic dealings with China.

We've been here for the past 60 years, so a small political decision, which I call a temporary phase in political diplomacy, will not undo six decades of deeply rooted bonds and ties. If the Tibet cause is at all alive, if the Dalai Lama is a flourishing icon, it's thanks to India. We have even gone on record to say the Tibetan freedom struggle is made in India. It's built on the foundations that India provided us with - education, health, housing etc.

This relationship dates back thousands of years, right from the start of Buddhism. Our language and our script come from India.

India is the only country [Tibetans live in 27 different countries] that allows you to write "Tibetan" as your nationality. Some countries require you to write China.

There's no denying that India is keen to build good ties with China, which is growing increasingly assertive in the region. The presence of the Dalai Lama in India remains a sticking point between the two Asian giants. Aren't you threatened by that?

Not really. What seems assertive to you is actually [China's] insecurity. I'll give you an example. Two months ago, German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz posted an Instagram feed as part of their Monday motivation campaign. It was a picture of a car and a quote by the Dalai Lama saying "Have an open mind and heart and things will be easy." China lodged a complaint and Mercedes-Benz had to remove that post. Does that look like dominance or insecurity? If someone is really powerful, they won't be affected by the simple things the Dalai Lama does.

But I agree that China's dominance is growing in the Asian region and across the globe. We do understand that China will extend its tentacles and try to strangle India. That's when we'd like India to be more assertive, to stand its ground, look into the eyes of their counterparts and not bow or kowtow, because that's not in the Indian spirit.

Better ties between India and China don't necessarily have to lead to India putting pressure on us. That's because we ourselves are looking for reconciliation, for better relations with China, for engagement with China. I don't think we'd apply a double standard and say India cannot do that. But that does not mean to abandon or disregard the Tibetan interest as well.

There have been no formal talks between China and the Dalai Lama's representatives since 2010. Are you still open to dialogue with Beijing?

We are looking for friendship with China. We are looking at something called the Chinese outreach program, which is massive. We have Chinese outreach officers in four countries and we have a China desk in our office. Our official policy of resolving the issue of Tibet is the "Middle Way approach." It calls for dialogue and engagement with China.

With Chinese President Xi Jinping's term being extended indefinitely, we will continue to see Tibet being his biggest challenge. Tibet will really set the litmus test for China's rise. China wants to rise and become powerful, but it will be Tibet that will mirror the reality in China.

What we are saying is that the Dalai Lama is the solution to all the problems that China is confronted with. So,Tibet is an opportunity for the Chinese leadership. If Beijing could see wisdom in that, India could be the best possible channel and partner in achieving this harmony between Tibet, India and China.

You say the Dalai Lama is the solution to everything. But the question remains: what happens when the Dalai Lama is gone? He seems to be what has held everything together so far.

There is a growing network of supporters rallying behind us. History tells us that the arc of justice definitely will bend toward a struggle that has survived on principles of nonviolence for 60 years.

Someone once said, "If Tibet fails, the world fails." I really don't think the world will fail us in our struggle.

Dhardon Sharling is the Information Secretary at the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamshala, India.

The Interview was conducted by Sonia Phalnikar.

The Tibetan Struggle is Made in India.

A young Dalai Lama (right) is seen with Mao Zedong, chairman of the People's Republic of China, in 1956

MARCH 31, 2018 - 60th MILESTONE OF MY LIFE'S STRUGGLE: LIVING TIBETAN SPIRITS

MARCH 31, 2018 - 60^th MILESTONE OF MY LIFE'S STRUGGLE: LIVING TIBETAN SPIRITS

 

 

From March 31, 1959 to March 31, 2018, Living Tibetan Spirits record Sixty Years of Life's Journey in Exile. The Struggle is not over and yet it is time to take a deep breath and say Thank You India and Thank You America.

 

 

 

 

In Indian Tradition, the number 60 is very significant for Indians recognize Sixty specific names to mark Years for purposes of timekeeping. The Cyclical Flow of Time continues in sets of Sixty Years.

Rudranarasimham Rebbapragada

SPECIAL FRONTIER FORCE

 

 

DALAI LAMA: 'DON'T KNOW HOW LONG STRUGGLE FOR TIBET WILL LAST'

 

Clipped from: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/dont-know-how-long-struggle-for-tibet-will-last/articleshow/63563896.cms

A cultural program being organized as part of the Thank You India function held in McLeod Ganj on Saturday

I do not know for how long the Tibetan struggle will go on. However, the struggle will remain alive till the spirit of Tibetans remains,” the spiritual leader of Tibetans The Dalai Lama said at the “Thank You India” programme being held at McLeod Ganj on Saturday to mark his arrival in India, exactly 60 years ago.
 

On March 31, 1969, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee Tibet following failed uprising against China. After he took shelter in India, Tibetan community across globe under his leadership launched struggle for free Tibet but till date have not succeeded. During last few years, the demand has changed into one for autonomous Tibet.

While interacted with media persons, the Dalai Lama, when questioned about the possibility of Tibetans returning to their homeland one day, replied that Tibetan issue is an issue of justice. While commenting on the equation between India and China, he said that both were most populated countries of the World and both have ability to destroy each other.

“Any sensible person would want ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’ to live together. None of them can be disloyal to each other, so other things will go on by the side,” he said. “Confrontation does not yield any result and amicable solution of Tibet problem is the only way out,” the Nobel Peace Laureate said.

“The Chinese are following a socialist form of government, which means everybody should have equal rights. We are not demanding separation from China, but the Tibetan people should have the autonomy to preserve their culture, language, environment and religion,” he added.

Earlier, the Dalai Lama recalled his journey in exile. He said that no time was wasted in these years. “It is a matter of pride that Tibetans have preserved their tradition and culture, wherever they are living across the globe,” he said.

He said that as there was need to preserve Tibetan culture and language, a logical analysis was also the need of hour. “When everybody is praising Tibetans it becomes our responsibility too to check where we were lacking,” he said.
 

 

 

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