By BOB Goswami
INDIA NEWS - In an emotional and a bit unexpected move, Tibetan political leader and one of the most rebellion spiritual figures of modern times, has announced to step down from the leadership of political head of Tibetan government-in-exile. However, he has assured to remain as spiritual leader and continue to advocate autonomy for Tibet.
Dalai Lama has been working for six decade long for the freedom of Tibetans. The 75-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate said he would pass the formal authority to a freely-elected leader. Nevertheless, the monk is more renowned all over the world as a spiritual leader, and assured that he would remain as a spiritual leader of Tibetans and committed to playing his role for the Tibet cause.
He has made his announcement on the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day in Dharamsala where he announced in the front of scores of foreigners and large Tibetans crowd, who asserted it as a 'lifetime experience'.
Dalai Lama said he repeatedly emphasized on a political leader for Tibetans who was supposed to be chosen by a free election amongst Tibetans. Now, after so many years he felt the time had come when this needed to put into effect.
The new Parliament will be elected on March 20 when Tibetans from all across the world will vote.
China has critically taken the decision and said in response "are his (Dalai) tricks to deceive the international community."
"The Dalai is in political exile under a religious cloak long engaged in activities aimed at splitting China," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said.
He further said that the government-in-exile was an illegal political organization and world didn't recognize it.
In past, the Dalai had already expressed to give up from the political leadership, but this is the first time he publicly made statement and cleared his intention, asking Tibetans to accept his decision.
He also said about the ‘Jasmine Revolution’ in the Middle East in his speech, preaching non-violence and people power and said he was convinced that non-violent action can indeed bring about positive change.
Several Tibetans and foreigners had gathered at the temple to listen to the Dalai annual speech.
Prime Minister of Tibetan government-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche is apprehensive about the political transition the Dalai wants to. He said the political transition is unlikely to happen immediately.
March 10, 2011 | 0
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