New Delhi August 22 – The conveners of the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) Shri Basishtha Narain Singh (Rajya Sabha, Samata Party), Shri Kharabela Swain (Lok Sabha, BJP) and Shri P T Gyamtso (Rajya Sabha, SDF) called on the Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee today(22.8.2003) at 11.25 am and presented a memorandum. It is after more than 8 years, a delegation of Indian Parliamentarians met the Prime Minister and apprised him about the other follow up actions to be taken up by government of India following the signing up of the Joint Declaration between India and China on the issue of Tibet.
The conveners briefed the Prime Minister on the demographic changes that have taken place in Tibet after Chinese occupation. In this connection they mentioned about the Railway connection linking Tibet with Mainland China and its effect on the zone, which in the long run would affect the national security of India.
The members also appealed to the Prime Minister that since he had been championing the Tibetan cause for the last 50 years, he should initiate track II diplomacy with the Chinese to facilitate dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government through diplomatic channel. The conveners also urged the Prime Minister to utilize the service of Shri Brajesh Mishra who besides being a seasoned diplomat is also the convener of the follow up committee of the Joint Agreement. The Prime Minister appreciated the points raised and agreed to examine the possibility of initiating track II diplomacy. He asked the conveners to visit Tibet and satisfy themselves about the large scale demographic changes that had taken place in Tibet.
The conveners enquired whether government of India is in touch with the Tibetan government in exile, the Prime Minister replied in the affirmative.
The complete text of the memorandum is as below: 21st August 2003 To, The Prime Minister Government of India Honourable Sir, With utmost respect, we would like to submit that while applauding your successful visit to China, we would like to bring to your kind notice some of the issues concerning Tibet, which is being misunderstood and which leaves room for wrong interpretations.
Many feel that by using the term Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in the Joint Declaration, India has accepted that “Tibet Autonomous Region” (TAR) is Tibet, where as TAR is only less than half of Tibet. As you mentioned in the Rajya Sabha discussion on your foreign trip that Tibet is a large region and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is a part of it. We feel that India should make its position more clear on this.
While dealing with China, India has to tread very cautiously. Needless to remind you that the intrusion in Arunachal Pradesh while your honourable self were in Shanghai and China’s decision to aid Pakistan with Rs. 30 billions for a 3rd Nuclear Power Plant immediately after your return are not exactly reciprocation of our faith and goodwill.
Though our government had accepted that TAR is part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, we support an amicable solution between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government in ending human rights violations and genocide in Tibet, and thereby assuring genuine autonomy for Tibet as proposed by the Dalai Lama. Towards this end we appeal to you to initiate track II diplomacy and facilitate dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama.
We all share the pain of the Tibetans and we hope your honour will not allow our request go unheeded.
With utmost respect and high regards.
