Leh, July 6 – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Saturday said a step-by-step progress would be made in resolving the Tibetan issue.
“Even after more than 50 years, the resolve and moral strength of Tibetans have been kept intact. I believe that truth shall prevail. Currently in the present scenario, we have renewed our past contacts with People’s Republic of China and have initiated new talks with China. Generally speaking, I have big hope. But the big hope doesn’t mean that things will be resolved soon. Many complexities are involved so step-by-step progress shall be made,” Dalai Lama told reporters in Leh city.
Two envoys of Dalai Lama visited China last month to pave the way for the eventual return of the spiritual leader of the Himalayan region from more than 40 years in exile.
The envoys said Chinese leadership had expressed optimism in solving the issue.
Analysts say the re-establishment of contacts between China and the Dalai Lama’s delegates reflected a softening in Beijing’s position as it tests the waters for a political solution in a region long troubled by violent anti-Chinese unrest.
Tibetans-in-exile have been running a government in Dharamsala since the Dalai Lama fled in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The Dalai Lama seeks greater autonomy for the region but not independence.
Dalai Lama appreciated India’s stand on Tibet.
“India’s stand or policy has remained unchanged. Whatever different words it may use, for the last 44 years, India has helped nurture the growth of education amongst Tibetans and provided immense assistance to preserve the culture and traditions of Tibetans in India scattered over various Tibetan settlements thanks to overwhelming support of the government of India. I don’t think the support and policy of government of India vis-a-vis Tibet has changed and it will never change,” said Dalai Lama.
Tibet has been a key irritant in ties between India and China who fought a brief border war in 1962.
Last month India and China signed a joint declaration to resolve the long-standing border disputes during Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee’s visit to Beijing.
New Delhi agreed that Tibet was an autonomous region of China and the declaration made India’s position clearer, meeting a key Beijing demand.
