• Source:JND

Dalai Lama 90th Birthday: India has finally made its first official statement on the Dalai Lama’s Succession plan announcement. New Delhi said that India ‘does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion’ after China described the reincarnation process as an internal matter. 

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that the Indian government has always upheld freedom of religion for all, and it is determined to continue the same. 

The remark of the External Ministry came after China objected to India’s stance on the process of selecting the Dalai Lama's successor. Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that India will not interfere with the Buddhist institution’s procedure and decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama will be taken by the community leaders. 

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Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said that India should be clear of the separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and fulfil its commitment on the issue of Tibet.

 The Ministry spokesperson also said that India should exercise cautionary measures and not interfere in the internal matters of China. He further warned that India should avoid negatively affecting recent improvements in the India-China relationship.

Earlier, Kiren Rijiju had said, “Decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else."

Will Have To Take Approval From China: China

The row began after the spiritual leader on Wednesday said that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue to exist and the Gaden Phodrang Trust, founded by his office in 2015, will have the right to recognise his future reincarnation solely. Later, China objected to the decision, saying any future heir will have to receive Chinese approval.

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“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister, will attend the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday in Dharamshala on July 6 in an official capacity, representing India.


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