Desperate situation causing self-immolations, China must review Tibet policy, says His Holiness

Friday, November 04, 2011

Tibet.net

His Holiness the Dalai Lama flanked by presidents and abbots of the organising committee – Buddhist Associations in Sendai and Ishinomaki - after a press conference in Sendai, Japan, on 4 November 2011/Photo by Tenzin Choejor/OHHDL

SENDAI, Japan-- His Holiness the Dalai Lama today called on the Chinese leadership to review its 60 years of Tibet policy, saying using force is counterproductive and will not bring peace and stability. (Click here to watch full press conference)

His Holiness said this in response to media queries on the recent spate of self-immolations in Tibet during a press conference in Sendai in Japan. Journalists from many of the mainstream Japanese media organisations attended today's press conference.

"Since March this year, I have handed over my complete political authority to the elected Tibetan leadership. The political head of the Tibetan people is on a visit to Washington, DC. So it is better to ask him question on self-immolation issue," His Holiness said.

"But speaking as a ordinary Tibetan, these are very very sad incidents. The leadership in Beijing should look into the ultimate cause of these tragic incidents. These Tibetans have faced tremendous desperate situation, otherwise nobody will commit such drastic acts."

His Holiness further said: "In 2009, one senior party leader in Guangdong said the Central authority should review the policy on minority nationalities. This approach is right, scientific and realistic. The time has come to review their last 60 years of policy on Tibet.

"Prime minister Wen Jiabao said publicly that China needs political reform and western style of democracy. The Chinese leadership should seriously think about it. The time of using force is gone and outdated. Relying on force is counterproductive and it will never bring unity and stability," His Holiness added.

An Italian reporter asked why the international media is not highlighting these incidents as they did to similar acts by Vietnamese monks. His Holiness said: "There must be many factors. But there have been quite of lot of coverage on self-immolations in Tibet. The crisis in Tibet has received strong sympathy and support from different parts of the world, including the Chinese people."

He further said: "In 1970s and 80s, the human rights violations in the Soviet Union received lots of publicity from the west. But not less attention is being paid when serious human rights violations are taking place in Asia. There should be no basis of discrimination on the human rights issue."    

The press conference was organised by Buddhist Associations of Sendai and Ishinomaki, and the press club of Sendai. His Holiness the Dalai Lama will begin his visit tomorrow with a prayer service at Ishinomaki for the people affected by the devastating earthquake, tsunami and danger of radio-active nuclear leak.  

Addressing the press conference, His Holiness said as a Buddhist and a friend of Japanese people, it is his duty to visit them and share their moment of sadness. "Japan is a Buddhist country and I am also a Buddhist. I have made so many friends during my past visits here. So as a friend it is my duty to visit and share your sadness," he said.

He recalled his earlier visit to Japan this April en route to US during which he offered prayers and condolences on the occasion of 49th day of the tragedy. "During my visit in April, I offered prayers at Gokoku-ji temple in Tokyo and the atmosphere at that moment was very moving and sad. After the prayers I promised to one Japanese man from that region that given opportunity I will visit the affected places and meet with the people. So I am here now and I am very happy," he added.

On being asked about his message to the people in Sendai, he said as the tragedy had already happened it is of no use to feel dejected by it. Instead of this, the tragedy should be translated into enthusiasm and rebuild your region, he added.