Lobsang Sangay is a legal scholar and Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile. He spoke to Rohit E David on Dalai Lama’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China’s belligerent response and its impact on the relationship between Delhi and Beijing:
What is your response to China renaming six places in Arunachal Pradesh?
It actually doesn’t make any sense. These names are more Chinese than the traditional names. From their point of view, they wanted to take an action and that’s why they have done this.
China called in India’s ambassador to China to lodge a protest. Your comments?
This is standard response. I wasn’t surprised. This happens when one government is unhappy. They want to politicise Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
What has been the impact of Dalai Lama’s visit?
From the very beginning we have said that His Holiness’s visit to the state was spiritual. He has been there six times. This was his seventh visit to Arunachal Pradesh. There was tremendous love everyone saw during his visit. I don’t think any politician can get as much love and affection as His Holiness got.
How do you respond to China’s stance that India will pay dearly if it plays the Dalai Lama card?
This is a standard Chinese procedure. When personalities like Barack Obama or George W Bush meet Dalai Lama, they also tell them to be ready to face consequences. Next day it’s business as usual. Even during this visit there won’t be any consequences. In the last seven years, India’s relation with China has remained the same. We want to thank all governments who had allowed His Holiness’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Not many people know but this visit was actually postponed two to three times. China says that it was a deliberate move. No, it wasn’t.
Why does China dislike Dalai Lama’s visit?
His Holiness is a monk. He talks about ahimsa, karuna and mahakaruna. I don’t know why they are so scared.
Do you see Dalai Lama staying in Arunachal Pradesh for good?
No. He is a traveller. He likes to go around the world and India. He would go to Bodh Gaya once a year, south India, Himachal Pradesh. Wherever there are Buddhists, he will go there. He will keep going to Arunachal Pradesh.
Do you feel Dalai Lama’s successor should have China’s endorsement?
No. They are communist and atheist. They don’t believe in religion. I don’t know why they want to interfere in religious matters. If they are so interested they should find the reincarnation of Mao Zedong. He has done good work for China.
What do you have to say about China’s claims on Tibet?
Historically, Tibet was an independent country. During the eighth century, Tibet was so powerful it extended its empire all the way to China. A puppet emperor was also imposed by the Tibetan military. So, during 821-23 a treaty was signed which said that Tibetans will be happy in Tibet and Chinese in China. This was signed by both representatives. Right now, Tibet is under occupation. Our hope is that we gain genuine autonomy as per Chinese laws. We want that envoys of Dalai Lama meet with Chinese authorities, have dialogue and negotiate an agreement for genuine autonomy within China.
Do you consider Dalai Lama an Indian?
Dalai Lama has said that he is a ‘son of India’. Obviously he was born in Tibet and is a Tibetan in his heart and mind. His Holiness says his body for 57 years has had ‘dal’ in India. His brain is filled with the scholarship, knowledge and wisdom of Nalanda University. He is the greatest living Nalanda scholar. I was born in India. We are proud and grateful that the Indian government has provided refuge. We have also contributed to the success of the unity and diversity of this nation.
How do you respond to China’s claims on Tawang?
There is not much of a claim. In 1914, when Simla Agreement was signed, Chinese officials participated in the meet. Tibet was represented by Lonchen Shatra. Sir McMahon represented India. On the sideline they also signed McMahon Line demarcating the border between Tibet and India. They also signed a trade agreement. So, in the Simla Agreement and the border negotiations, the Chinese ambassador first initialled the agreement but did not sign. His disagreement was on the border between Tibet and China. Now, this is a new issue they are raising about Tawang.
