By Phurbu Thinley
Phayul Correspondent
McLeod Ganj (Dharamsala): May 05: Distressed by the Wednesday night’s untoward incident, which led to a brooding atmosphere here for a couple of days, Tibetan Prime Minister in exile Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche today on behalf of Kashag called for the situation to calm down immediately.
Addressing a large Tibetan public assembled here this evening, Prof. Rinpoche called the May 2nd incident an impetuous one. The gathering was held at the Tsuglagkhang courtyard at the behest of the Kashag (Highest Executive Body) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Exile in an urgent effort to end the mounting hostility as a result of the fateful incidence. Kalon, Thupten Lungrig, Minister for the Department of Education, CTA was also present during the assembly.
In his address, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said that effort should be made from all side to ease the tension right away. Rinpoche said that it is for law to decide the matter now and called upon people from both the communities to do away with the impediments and continue with peaceful coexistence. Large number of Tibetans and leaders from the Indian community and representatives of the local bodies were present at the courtyard.
Prof. Rinpoche said that from the beginning Tibetans with all the other neighbouring countries around Tibet relied on the centuries-old shared relationship with the people of India and chose to seek refuge here and seek their support for our cause. Citing ancient historical relations, Rinpoche said that Tibetans hold with great regard and faith in the oldest bond of friendship Tibetans have had with the people of this land.
Rinpoche also said that living together, little tribulations are inevitable, and stated that there are ways to resolve such problems responsibly without sparking them off into much bigger issues.
Rinpoche also noted in his address that this year is an obstacle period in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s life and said that incidence like this would further aggravate the efficacy of the occasional prayers that Tibetans have been holding this year for His long life.
According to Tibetan practice, His Holiness the Dalai Lama turned 73 on this Losar (Tibetan New Year), and Tibetans believe that it is one of the most obstructive years in a person’s life.
Earlier on Friday, a meeting was convened by the district authorities to bring the situation here under control. Dharamsala Superintendent of Police, Mr Ajay Yadav presided over the meeting and asked for cooperation from both the communities not to make the matter worse. He assured that necessary legal actions would be taken as per the findings of the case. The meeting decided to form high authoritative committee with representatives from both the communities to secure stability in this international tourist destination.
Prof. Rinpoche also cautioned that care should be taken to keep under control small disturbances like this. He noted that situation like this should not allow China to take undue advantage to disrupt our struggle for freedom and strain our long shared bond of friendship with Indian people. Rinpoche said that Tibetan people and their exile government based here in Dharamsala continue to seek political support from the government of India and its people in resolving the issue of Tibet.
Rinpoche also urged Medias from both the communities to take extra responsibilities in reporting incidences like these fairly and more accurately, bearing in mind the larger public interests and long term consequences.
