Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Sunday said that protests in Tibet contradict the Chinese "propaganda" about people there enjoying a prosperous and contended life and made it clear that the issue "can no longer be neglected".
"The Chinese authorities have been making false allegations against myself and the Central Tibetan Administration for instigating and orchestrating the recent events in Tibet. These allegations are totally untrue," he said in a statement.
"The recent protests all over Tibet have not only contradicted but also shattered the People Republic of Chinas propaganda that except for a few 'reactionaries', the majority of Tibetans enjoy a prosperous and contented life," the spiritual leader said.
The protests have made it clear that Tibetans in the three provinces of Tibet, U-tsang, Kham and Amdo, harbour the same aspirations and hopes, he said in a statement.
"These protests have also conveyed to the world that the Tibet issue can no longer be neglected," he said. Demanding a probe into the unrest in Tibet by an "independent and respected international body", he said "I am sure this independent body will uncover the truth. If the Peoples Republic of China has any basis and proof of evidence to back their allegations, they need to disclose these to the world. Just making allegations is not enough."
The Dalai Lama also talked about the "mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach" to find a solution for the future of Tibet. "Since 1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making, except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense," the Dalai Lama said. The Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet, he said. He asked all the Tibetans to keep away from violence.
{{/usCountry}}The Dalai Lama also talked about the "mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach" to find a solution for the future of Tibet. "Since 1974, I have sincerely remained steadfast to the mutually beneficial Middle-Way Approach. The Middle-Way Approach means that all Tibetans must be governed by similar administration that enjoys meaningful National Regional Autonomy and all the provisions in it, self-rule and full decision-making, except for matters concerning foreign relations and national defense," the Dalai Lama said. The Tibetans in Tibet have the right to make the final decision for the future of Tibet, he said. He asked all the Tibetans to keep away from violence.
{{/usCountry}}"I know you are being provoked at every level but it is important to stick to our non-violent practice. We should not engage in any action that could be even remotely interpreted as violent," the spiritual leader said.
He said that nobody should create any hindrance in the holding of Olympic games in China. "The hosting of the Olympic games this year is a matter of great pride to the 1.2 billion Chinese people. I have from the very beginning supported the holding of these Games in Beijing. My position on this remains unchanged," he said.
"It is the legitimate right of every Tibetan to struggle for their freedoms and rights. On the other hand, it will be futile and not helpful to anyone if we do something that will create hatred in the minds of the Chinese people," he said.