‘Reclaim Tibet’
Author: M K Tayal Date: 10 Apr 2008
Even as the Indian government is towing a strictly diplomatic line on Tibet , renowned Yoga exponent Baba Ramdev has come out in open support of the cause. Says Tibet is Indian territory and the government must reclaim it from China
With barely 10 days to go before the arrival of the controversial Olympics torch in the Capital, Yoga guru Swami Ramdev yesterday threw his weight behind Tibet and lambasted the Indian Government for compromising with China on the region.
"I am with the Dalai Lama," Baba Ramdev said, demanding that the Government support the Tibetans in their cause.
Speaking on an issue which is currently being sidestepped by the Manmohan Singh government as well as most political parties, Ramdev went hammer and tongs against the Centre for allowing China get away with the "Indian crown", Tibet , and not claiming the territory.
Part of India
" Tibet is a part of India . It is our crown. The Indian government has not supported the cause and must immediately take corrective action," Baba Ramdev said. "It is high time the people in the country stood up and demanded that the government take immediate action and fully support the people, who are culturally close to the Indian people."
"When Buddha is from India , why Tibetan Buddhists are not. I am with the Dalai Lama," he said at the launch of a news magazine, Raj Sarokar.
"Our government is totally non-performing. When people ask me, what is India doing, I hang my head in shame. We have already given our Mansarovar and Mount Kailash , our crown to China . Now, they can give our head ( Kashmir ) too," he said, attacking the policy makers in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Weak stand
Ironically, the Indian government has been pussyfooting the Tibet issue ostensibly to keep China in good humour.
MEA spokesperson Navtej Sarna termed the Tibetan in India as guests. "Tibetan refugees are our guests in India . All those in India , whether Indian citizens or foreigners, are subject to the law of the land regarding the crossing of our borders, marches or demonstrations. Like our other guests, Tibetan refugees, while they are in India , are expected to refrain from political activities and those activities that affect our relations with other friendly countries."
Security cover
The Olympics torch will reach New Delhi on April 19 amid unprecedented security. In view of the attempts by Tibetans in France and the US to snuff out the torch, the relay route has been curtailed to only 2.5 km and the ceremony, which would have marked its conclusion has been done away with. The NSG and even Chinese commandos are to cordon the route. Tibetan protestors have held demonstrations all over the country.
There is worldwide resentment against the Beijing Olympics because of the ongoing violent repression of Tibetans by China .
