Dharamsala, July 22 – A panel discussion organised by the Bharat-Thibet Sahyog Manch, Himachal Pradesh at Dauladhar hotel yesterday drew in a large audience from the locality. The discussion, on the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister and its impact on Tibet bore a high degree of historical and diplomatic analysis on India’s past relation with China and Tibet.
Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri at the outset opposed the general view of the media comparing Tibet with Sikkim. He lamented the mistakes made by the press in bringing Tibet parallel to Sikkim, claiming Sikkim to be a non-issue due to the reality of its existence as an integral part of the Indian State.
Dr. Agnihotri was of the view that Tibet’s issue by no means can be separated from India He said, “Tibet’s issue can be solved with India’s involvement. Tibet is an Indian issue.” Dr. Agnihotri stressed the need to keep the process of dialogue continuing in the long run.
Mr. Thubten Samphel, Secretary of Department of Information and International relations, representing the Central Tibetan Administration welcomed visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee’s recent visit to China saying a stable relation between the two giant countries will bring ‘peace and stability in Asia in particular and world in general. “A good normal relation will have a positive impact on the whole world. It will enable China to solve Tibet issue in a way suitable to both the parties”, He added.
Pro- Vice Chancellor of the Patiala University, Mr R N Pal spoke on the essence of sovereignty. Agreeing with Mr Agnihotri’s views, he also expressed the relevance of Tibet’s freedom to India’s security.
The Panelists were later questioned by the audience on a wide array of issues pertaining to Tibet’s more recent history. “But India must define clearly which areas constitute ‘Tibet Autonomous Region’,” Dr. Agnihotri ended the discussion with this question in response to a question from the audience.
