Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday sought to allay China’s fears that Tibetans might cause trouble when the Olympic torch comes to India, suggesting that he favoured a safe relay of the flame.
“I have said they (China) deserve to host the famous games as it is the most populous nation of the world. My position is the same despite the suppression in Tibet,” he told mediapersons here.
“The Olympic torch is part of the games and my attitude towards it is the same,” the Dalai Lama said.
His comments assume significance as China is worried that Tibetans could cause trouble during the India-leg of the Olympic torch relay starting on April 17.
The Chinese Embassy has conveyed its concern to the government here, with a warning that the India-leg of the torch relay could be skipped if foolproof security was not assured.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan even met Home Minister Shivraj Patil in this context two days ago.
China’s concerns were heightened after a group of Tibetans stormed into its embassy on March 21, breaching the security cordon around the mission.
{{/usCountry}}China’s concerns were heightened after a group of Tibetans stormed into its embassy on March 21, breaching the security cordon around the mission.
{{/usCountry}}India has promised to make proper security arrangements during the torch’s run here.