DHARAMSHALA, February 5: The Tibetan Prime Minister Dr Lobsang Sangay reiterated the Tibetan government in exile’s commitment to Middle Way Approach to resolve the issue of Tibet saying that it will not seek separation from China if given ‘genuine’ autonomy in the future.
Addressing at a press conference in Shillong, Sangay expressed his belief in dialogue to solve the crisis. “…dialogue is the way to solve the issue to Tibet for their (Chinese government) own interest as they want respect from the international community and they ought to show respect to the Tibetan people.”
Nine rounds of talks took place between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and People’s Republic of China since 2002. However, in 2012 two special envoys resigned citing the deteriorating situation inside Tibet and their “utter frustration” over the lack of positive response from China.
He further hoped that His Holiness will return back soon to Tibet. “Tibetans are frustrated and desperate due to the political repression, economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, social discrimination, cultural assimilation of the hard-line Chinese policies towards them (Tibetans).”
Since 2009, 124 Tibetans set themselves on fire in Tibet calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet.
Sangay noted that with genuine autonomy, Dalai Lama can return to Tibet and restore the freedom and dignity of the Tibetans.
The elected head of the Tibetan people also underlined the geopolitical and environmental interest of Asia to support Tibetans in resolving the Tibet issue.
“Tibet is vital for the whole of Asia, particularly India, from the environmental perspective. Billions of people in Asia including China and India depend on major rivers such as Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Indus, and Mekong which originate from Tibet. Diversion of rivers, deforestation and mineral exploitation taking place in Tibet under the Chinese government will have serious repercussions on the whole of Asia,” said the Harvard graduate.
He said India could play a “very constructive role” to resolve the issue of Tibet as it serves as a buffer zone between China and India. “A solution to the issue of Tibet will usher peaceful boundary between India and China.”
Sangay added, “Having said that, we always remember India has been the most generous country for the Tibetan people. The Indian government has been very supportive.”
