BEIJING: The provincial government of Tibetan autonomous region has come out with a statement that reveals a hidden worry among Chinese officials that the Dalai Lama might actually seek Indian citizenship. The state-run China Tibet Information Centre has said that the Dalai Lama's recent statement describing himself as "son of India" show he has become subservient to his "Indian masters" while trying to deny his Chinese citizenship. This is a rare occasion when an official organ has described him as a Chinese citizen, something that the Dalai Lama hardly ever talks about. "In fact, another reason why the Tibetan calls himself a "son of India" is that he intends to deny his Chinese citizenship," the Centre said in an article pasted on its web site. Chinese leaders have been worried that the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama will take place outside China and far from its control. But this is the first time that the government has betrayed its worries that the Tibetan leader might actually change his citizenship. The article pointed out that an Indian businessman, Bhupendra Kumar Modi, had claimed that the Dalai Lama would try to obtain Indian nationality if the conditions were right. "Later, the Dalai Lama's remarks and actions bore out Modi's words," the article, which is also circulated by the state-run People's Daily, said. It accused the Tibetan leader for giving away Arunachal Pradesh, which it describes as "south Tibet", to India. The Dalai Lama had kissed the ground last year "to win the heart of India in addition to his intensive lobbying around the world," it said. "The Dalai Lama pleases his Indian masters not only by showing his willingness to be a "son of India," but also by effacing the originality of the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama uses such words to dwarf the rich Tibetan culture with distinctive local characteristics. He could not be more subservient," it said. The article says two earlier Dalai Lamas, the 7th and 8th, were approved by Chinese emperors. The allusion is meant to remind him that the government at the center will be the final decision maker when it comes to approving the next incarnation. Beijing issued rules two years back saying that all Living Buddhas including the Dalai Lama will need to be approved by it. Source: China worried Dalai Lama might seek Indian citizenship - China - World - The Times of India
