Dharamsala, April 12 – Even as India and China plan to embark on a new relationship with Chinese premier Wen Jiabao’s visit, the fate of Tibet is unclear.
India has already said that it will not allow any anti-China activities on its soil.
While the Chinese premier’s visit was not preceded by any major protests, in Dharamshala the conflict is evident.
Shift in policy
Tibetans in Dharamshala are grappling to reconcile their decades old antagonism and distrust of China with the recent shift in their government-in-exile’s policy which has officially welcomed the Chinese premier’s visit this time.
“We have been saying for many years that the issue of Tibet should be resolved within the framework of China. We are not asking for separation of Tibet from China,” said Sonam Norbu Tagpo of the Tibetan government-in-exile.
“We want to live within the framework of China and we Tibetans should have a high degree of autonomy within China itself,” he added.
Muted protests
While the Tibetan government running out of Dharamshala has been careful to avoid controversy, asking its followers to refrain from protests and demonstrations, non-governmental organizations feel it is their duty to highlight their suppression.
But in deference to their leader’s wishes, their protests are more muted than the last time a Chinese Prime Minister visited India in 2001.
“Whenever we have an opportunity despite local restrictions, even though we know our activities may become irritants for the local authorities but then we as Tibetans and freedom fighters have a responsibility to our cause,” said Lobsang Yeshi, Tibetan Youth Congress.
But on the ground the conflict within Tibetans is evident.
“As a Tibetan individual we don’t trust China. It is high time China came forward to talk to the Dalai Lama,” said a local.
And as Sino-India engagement touches new heights, even though sceptical Tibetans hope it will bring peace to their homeland.
