China accused the US on Monday of using the United Nations to "meddle" in Tibet, as Washington intensifies its bid to prevent Beijing from handpicking the Dalai Lama's successor.

Last week, Sam Brownback, the United States' ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, said the US wanted the U.N. to take up the succession issue of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

The choice of the Dalai Lama's successor "belongs to the Tibetan Buddhists and not the Chinese government", Brownback told AFP.

But Beijing responded angrily, saying the US is attempting to "meddle in China's internal affairs under the pretext of religious freedoms".

"It is doomed to fail and will certainly be met with opposition from the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

China,&nbsp;which argues it has brought modernisation and development to the Himalayan region,&nbsp;has increasingly hinted it could name the next Dalai Lama, who would presumably be groomed to support Chinese rule.

The Chinese government has also indicated it is waiting out the Dalai Lama, believing his campaign for greater Tibetan autonomy will end with him.

At age 84, the spiritual leader who once travelled incessantly has slowed down and earlier this year suffered a chest infection, although he is not known to have serious health issues.

In 1995, the officially atheist government selected its own Panchen Lama and detained a six-year-old identified for the influential Buddhist position -- whom rights groups called the world's youngest political prisoner.

Mindful of Beijing's plans, the 14th Dalai Lama has mused about breaking with the centuries-old tradition in which wandering monks look for signs that a young boy is a reincarnation.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner has said that he could pick his own successor, possibly a girl, or even declare himself the final Dalai Lama.

China accused the US on Monday of using the United Nations to "meddle" in Tibet, as Washington intensifies its bid to prevent Beijing from handpicking the Dalai Lama's successor.

China accused the US on Monday of using the United Nations to "meddle" in Tibet, as Washington intensifies its bid to prevent Beijing from handpicking the Dalai Lama's successor. Last week, Sam Brownback, the United States' ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, said the US wanted the U.N. to take up the succession issue of the Tibetan spiritual leader. The choice of the Dalai Lama's successor "belongs to the Tibetan Buddhists and not the Chinese government", Brownback told AFP. But Beijing responded angrily, saying the US is attempting to "meddle in China's internal affairs under the pretext of religious freedoms". "It is doomed to fail and will certainly be met with opposition from the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. China, which argues it has brought modernisation and development to the Himalayan region, has increasingly hinted it could name the next Dalai Lama, who would presumably be groomed to support Chinese rule. The Chinese government has also indicated it is waiting out the Dalai Lama, believing his campaign for greater Tibetan autonomy will end with him. At age 84, the spiritual leader who once travelled incessantly has slowed down and earlier this year suffered a chest infection, although he is not known to have serious health issues. In 1995, the officially atheist government selected its own Panchen Lama and detained a six-year-old identified for the influential Buddhist position -- whom rights groups called the world's youngest political prisoner. Mindful of Beijing's plans, the 14th Dalai Lama has mused about breaking with the centuries-old tradition in which wandering monks look for signs that a young boy is a reincarnation. The Nobel Peace Prize winner has said that he could pick his own successor, possibly a girl, or even declare himself the final Dalai Lama.

China accuses US of using U.N. to 'meddle' in Tibet

A top US diplomat has claimed that China's increased influence in Nepal has led to the ban on Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in the Himalayan nation.

Alice G Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of US, Bureau of South and Central Asia in a briefing to the House of Foreign Affairs Sub-committee on Asia and Pacific had made the statement.

"Nepal's constitution and international commitments guarantee the right to practice and profess one's faith, but religious freedom remains a challenge in practice. A new criminal code enacted in 2018 restricts "forced conversion" and puts members of religious minority groups a risk," Wells said.

She further added, "The government has also increased restrictions on the Tibetan Buddhist community, including preventing the public celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday. As Chinese influence has grown in Nepal, so has the Government of Nepal's restrictions on the Tibetan community."

The statement from a top US Diplomat comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping's stop-over<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinas-xi-promises-aid-development-in-nepal-visit-255691"> state visit </a>to the Himalayan Nation.

China always has been searching for a strong commitment from Nepal on its so-called One-China Policy which always has censored events relating to Tibetian refugees who are in the tiny Himalayan Nation since decades.

The Communist Government formed in 2018 with a nearly two-thirds majority under Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli this year had banned birthday celebration in Nepal.

The Chief District Office which has been issuing a permission for the celebration of Dalai Lama's Birthday this year denied granting permission citing orders from the high post.

About 20,000 exiled Tibetans are currently seeking shelter in Nepal and had been marking the birthday of Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama annually.

With the uprising against Chinese Rule in March 1959, a number of Tibetan's fled Tibet and came over into Nepal and spiritual leader Dalai Lama has then been on exile.

Nepal Government's exaggerated "One China Policy" has downplayed the performance of the government itself.

In the month of July, an American citizen was sent back from Nepal's airport after Nepali officials misidentified him as a Tibetan Official. At that time also the Chinese Mission in Nepal had asked Nepali authorities to do so.

Previously In the month of May, three journalists of Nepal's National News Agency were under investigation for translating and dispatching news about the discharge of Dalai Lama from the hospital.

A top US diplomat has claimed that China's increased influence in Nepal has led to the ban on Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in the Himalayan nation. Alice G Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of US, Bureau of South and Central Asia in a briefing to the House of Foreign Affairs Sub-committee on Asia and Pacific had made the statement.

A top US diplomat has claimed that China's increased influence in Nepal has led to the ban on Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in the Himalayan nation. Alice G Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of US, Bureau of South and Central Asia in a briefing to the House of Foreign Affairs Sub-committee on Asia and Pacific had made the statement. "Nepal's constitution and international commitments guarantee the right to practice and profess one's faith, but religious freedom remains a challenge in practice. A new criminal code enacted in 2018 restricts "forced conversion" and puts members of religious minority groups a risk," Wells said. She further added, "The government has also increased restrictions on the Tibetan Buddhist community, including preventing the public celebration of the Dalai Lama's birthday. As Chinese influence has grown in Nepal, so has the Government of Nepal's restrictions on the Tibetan community." The statement from a top US Diplomat comes shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping's stop-over state visit to the Himalayan Nation. China always has been searching for a strong commitment from Nepal on its so-called One-China Policy which always has censored events relating to Tibetian refugees who are in the tiny Himalayan Nation since decades. The Communist Government formed in 2018 with a nearly two-thirds majority under Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli this year had banned birthday celebration in Nepal. The Chief District Office which has been issuing a permission for the celebration of Dalai Lama's Birthday this year denied granting permission citing orders from the high post. About 20,000 exiled Tibetans are currently seeking shelter in Nepal and had been marking the birthday of Tibetan Spiritual Leader Dalai Lama annually. With the uprising against Chinese Rule in March 1959, a number of Tibetan's fled Tibet and came over into Nepal and spiritual leader Dalai Lama has then been on exile. Nepal Government's exaggerated "One China Policy" has downplayed the performance of the government itself. In the month of July, an American citizen was sent back from Nepal's airport after Nepali officials misidentified him as a Tibetan Official. At that time also the Chinese Mission in Nepal had asked Nepali authorities to do so. Previously In the month of May, three journalists of Nepal's National News Agency were under investigation for translating and dispatching news about the discharge of Dalai Lama from the hospital.

China's increased influence in Nepal led to ban on Dalai Lama birthday celebration: US envoy

Chinese hackers who used a previously unknown iPhone security flaw to target ethnic minority Uighurs also went after Tibetans in exile, according to a report published on Tuesday.

It was the first detected use of malicious software against exiled Tibetans that required only a single click on a mobile device to work, said Citizen Lab, a Canada-based academic research group.

Citing the technical similarities in the attacks and ones uncovered by U.S. tech firms against Uighurs, the report suggested that forces likely working with the Chinese government may be upgrading their surveillance efforts against key minorities more broadly. The Tibetans are protesting the Chinese rule of the mountainous region inside China.

Asked in Beijing about the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China resolutely opposed and cracked down on any form of internet attacks, and that any accusations needed to be backed up by cast-iron proof.

Citizen Lab, based at the University of Toronto, said it had worked with the recently established Tibetan Computer Emergency Readiness Team (TibCERT), a coalition of Tibetan organizations working on digital security, to probe cyber-attacks that occurred between November 2018 and May 2019.

In the attacks, people posing as human rights workers or journalists contacted unnamed senior figures in Tibetan groups over Facebook's WhatsApp messaging service, according to screenshots featuring their phone numbers posted in the Citizen Lab report. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the authenticity of the screenshots or details of the report.

Among the groups targeted in November 2018 was the private office of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Parliament, and human rights organizations, the report said.

Using well-crafted cover stories, the attackers tried to entice the targets to click on links to websites that would have installed spyware on Apple or Android devices, the report said.

Eight of the 15 Tibetans known to have received the tainted links recalled clicking on them to open them, the researchers said. All their devices were protected by patches that had been issued for the security flaws, but the researchers followed the links themselves to determine what would have happened.

Citizen Lab said the spyware aimed at the Tibetans had also been used to target Uighurs, a mostly Muslim minority group considered a possible security threat by Beijing, in two campaigns revealed in the past month. One was discovered by Google, and another by security company Volexity.

An Apple spokesman said the company had consulted with Citizen Lab and confirmed that the attack tools would not have worked against the Tibetan targets who had updated their iPhones.

"We always encourage customers to download the latest version of iOS for the best and most current security enhancements," said spokesman Todd Wilder.

China is facing growing international criticism over its treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang. It has repeatedly denied involvement in cyberattacks or any mistreatment of the Uighur people.

Although lead Citizen Lab researcher Bill Marczak said Citizen Lab found "a very clear nexus with China," he acknowledged that "it doesn't automatically mean it's the government, it's kind of hard to say from a technical point of view."

Lobsang Gyatso, secretary of TibCERT, said that the group would use the report to spread awareness of hacking tactics and promote better defense

Chinese hackers who used a previously unknown iPhone security flaw to target ethnic minority Uighurs also went after Tibetans in exile, according to a report published on Tuesday.

Chinese hackers who used a previously unknown iPhone security flaw to target ethnic minority Uighurs also went after Tibetans in exile, according to a report published on Tuesday. It was the first detected use of malicious software against exiled Tibetans that required only a single click on a mobile device to work, said Citizen Lab, a Canada-based academic research group. Citing the technical similarities in the attacks and ones uncovered by U.S. tech firms against Uighurs, the report suggested that forces likely working with the Chinese government may be upgrading their surveillance efforts against key minorities more broadly. The Tibetans are protesting the Chinese rule of the mountainous region inside China. Asked in Beijing about the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China resolutely opposed and cracked down on any form of internet attacks, and that any accusations needed to be backed up by cast-iron proof. Citizen Lab, based at the University of Toronto, said it had worked with the recently established Tibetan Computer Emergency Readiness Team (TibCERT), a coalition of Tibetan organizations working on digital security, to probe cyber-attacks that occurred between November 2018 and May 2019. In the attacks, people posing as human rights workers or journalists contacted unnamed senior figures in Tibetan groups over Facebook's WhatsApp messaging service, according to screenshots featuring their phone numbers posted in the Citizen Lab report. Reuters was not able to independently confirm the authenticity of the screenshots or details of the report. Among the groups targeted in November 2018 was the private office of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Parliament, and human rights organizations, the report said. Using well-crafted cover stories, the attackers tried to entice the targets to click on links to websites that would have installed spyware on Apple or Android devices, the report said. Eight of the 15 Tibetans known to have received the tainted links recalled clicking on them to open them, the researchers said. All their devices were protected by patches that had been issued for the security flaws, but the researchers followed the links themselves to determine what would have happened. Citizen Lab said the spyware aimed at the Tibetans had also been used to target Uighurs, a mostly Muslim minority group considered a possible security threat by Beijing, in two campaigns revealed in the past month. One was discovered by Google, and another by security company Volexity. An Apple spokesman said the company had consulted with Citizen Lab and confirmed that the attack tools would not have worked against the Tibetan targets who had updated their iPhones. "We always encourage customers to download the latest version of iOS for the best and most current security enhancements," said spokesman Todd Wilder. China is facing growing international criticism over its treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang. It has repeatedly denied involvement in cyberattacks or any mistreatment of the Uighur people. Although lead Citizen Lab researcher Bill Marczak said Citizen Lab found "a very clear nexus with China," he acknowledged that "it doesn't automatically mean it's the government, it's kind of hard to say from a technical point of view." Lobsang Gyatso, secretary of TibCERT, said that the group would use the report to spread awareness of hacking tactics and promote better defense

Chinese hackers who pursued Uighurs also targeted Tibetans: researchers

As Tibetans start grappling with the once-unthinkable prospect of the octogenarian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-has-to-stand-up-to-china-on-dalai-lamas-succession-237820">Dalai Lama</a>'s passing, the United States is looking to lay down a red line against China handpicking his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reincarnation-of-the-dalai-lama-should-follow-national-rules-china-204287"> successor</a>.

Through a warning from a senior official and legislation under consideration in Congress, the United States is hoping to make clear in advance that Beijing would face international opprobrium if it tries to take over the reincarnation process.

At 84, the 14th Dalai Lama has slowed his once incessant travel down a notch and earlier this year was hospitalized for a chest infection, although there is no indication he faces serious health issues.

Nonetheless, both Tibetan activists and Beijing are keenly aware that his death will mark a major setback in his push for more autonomy for the Himalayan region, depriving the cause of a Nobel Prize winner whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humour have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders.

China has not held talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives for nine years and has increasingly hinted it may identify his successor -- who, Beijing would presume, would back its iron-fisted rule of Tibet.

A bill recently introduced in the US Congress would call for sanctions on any Chinese official who interferes with Tibetan Buddhist succession practices.

Testifying Wednesday before Congress, David Stilwell, the top State Department official for East Asia, vowed that the United States would keep pressing for "meaningful autonomy" for Tibetans.

"Disturbingly — and ironically — the party continues to assert its role in the Dalai Lama's reincarnation process, even as President Xi has urged party members to remain 'unyielding Marxist atheists,'" he said.

"We believe that Tibetans, like all faith communities, must be able to practice their faith freely and select their leaders without interference," he said.

Questioning tradition

Tibetan monks traditionally choose the Dalai Lama through a ritualistic search that can take years, with a wandering party seeking telltale signs that a young boy is the reincarnation of the last spiritual leader.

The 14th Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing an aborted uprising in 1959, has mused of a non-traditional succession that would throw off China.

He has said he could choose a successor while he is still alive -- possibly a girl -- or even decide that he was the final Dalai Lama.

Matteo Mecacci, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, a Washington-based pressure group close to the Dalai Lama, said that the legislation introduced in the

US Congress would send a clear message both to China and Tibetans.

"We hope that the Dalai Lama will live much longer, but having early legislation, I think, will have an impact on Chinese thinking," he said.

"I'm not saying this is going to change the decision of the Chinese government, but they will probably have to reconsider some of the fallout and its implications," he said.

The bill, introduced in the House by Democrat Jim McGovern, would also prevent China from opening new consulates in the United States until Washington can open a mission in Tibet's capital Lhasa.

A rising China

Mecacci, a former member of parliament in Italy, said the US law would have an impact on decision-makers in Europe and Asia and warned of international effects if China installs a compliant Dalai Lama.

"If you have a religious leader who is the arm of a foreign government and who has Buddhist centres around the world, this is part of a much more ambitious plan to control Buddhism," he said.

Lobsang Sangay, who was elected Tibetan prime minister-in-exile after the Dalai Lama ceded his political role, said Beijing's goal was to "make Tibet into Chinese territory and make Tibetans into Chinese."

China has faced international criticism for the treatment of its mostly Muslim Uighur minority, with the detention of up to one million people in re-education camps in the western region of Xinjiang.

China says it is providing vocational training and that it has brought development to both Xinjiang and Tibet.

Some observers expect a repeat of 1995 when China selected its own Panchen Lama and detained a six-year-old identified for the influential Buddhist position -- who was dubbed the world's youngest political prisoner.

But Sangay, on a recent visit to Washington, doubted that any Dalai Lama tapped by China would enjoy legitimacy.

"Let's say Fidel Castro recognized a pope and tells all the Catholics, 'Hey, this is my pope, will you follow him,'" he said. "How many Catholics will follow that pope?"

As Tibetans start grappling with the once-unthinkable prospect of the octogenarian Dalai Lama's passing, the United States is looking to lay down a red line against China handpicking his successor.

As Tibetans start grappling with the once-unthinkable prospect of the octogenarian Dalai Lama's passing, the United States is looking to lay down a red line against China handpicking his successor. Through a warning from a senior official and legislation under consideration in Congress, the United States is hoping to make clear in advance that Beijing would face international opprobrium if it tries to take over the reincarnation process. At 84, the 14th Dalai Lama has slowed his once incessant travel down a notch and earlier this year was hospitalized for a chest infection, although there is no indication he faces serious health issues. Nonetheless, both Tibetan activists and Beijing are keenly aware that his death will mark a major setback in his push for more autonomy for the Himalayan region, depriving the cause of a Nobel Prize winner whose moral teachings and idiosyncratic humour have made him one of the world's most popular religious leaders. China has not held talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives for nine years and has increasingly hinted it may identify his successor -- who, Beijing would presume, would back its iron-fisted rule of Tibet. A bill recently introduced in the US Congress would call for sanctions on any Chinese official who interferes with Tibetan Buddhist succession practices. Testifying Wednesday before Congress, David Stilwell, the top State Department official for East Asia, vowed that the United States would keep pressing for "meaningful autonomy" for Tibetans. "Disturbingly — and ironically — the party continues to assert its role in the Dalai Lama's reincarnation process, even as President Xi has urged party members to remain 'unyielding Marxist atheists,'" he said. "We believe that Tibetans, like all faith communities, must be able to practice their faith freely and select their leaders without interference," he said. Questioning tradition Tibetan monks traditionally choose the Dalai Lama through a ritualistic search that can take years, with a wandering party seeking telltale signs that a young boy is the reincarnation of the last spiritual leader. The 14th Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing an aborted uprising in 1959, has mused of a non-traditional succession that would throw off China. He has said he could choose a successor while he is still alive -- possibly a girl -- or even decide that he was the final Dalai Lama. Matteo Mecacci, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, a Washington-based pressure group close to the Dalai Lama, said that the legislation introduced in the US Congress would send a clear message both to China and Tibetans. "We hope that the Dalai Lama will live much longer, but having early legislation, I think, will have an impact on Chinese thinking," he said. "I'm not saying this is going to change the decision of the Chinese government, but they will probably have to reconsider some of the fallout and its implications," he said. The bill, introduced in the House by Democrat Jim McGovern, would also prevent China from opening new consulates in the United States until Washington can open a mission in Tibet's capital Lhasa. A rising China Mecacci, a former member of parliament in Italy, said the US law would have an impact on decision-makers in Europe and Asia and warned of international effects if China installs a compliant Dalai Lama. "If you have a religious leader who is the arm of a foreign government and who has Buddhist centres around the world, this is part of a much more ambitious plan to control Buddhism," he said. Lobsang Sangay, who was elected Tibetan prime minister-in-exile after the Dalai Lama ceded his political role, said Beijing's goal was to "make Tibet into Chinese territory and make Tibetans into Chinese." China has faced international criticism for the treatment of its mostly Muslim Uighur minority, with the detention of up to one million people in re-education camps in the western region of Xinjiang. China says it is providing vocational training and that it has brought development to both Xinjiang and Tibet. Some observers expect a repeat of 1995 when China selected its own Panchen Lama and detained a six-year-old identified for the influential Buddhist position -- who was dubbed the world's youngest political prisoner. But Sangay, on a recent visit to Washington, doubted that any Dalai Lama tapped by China would enjoy legitimacy. "Let's say Fidel Castro recognized a pope and tells all the Catholics, 'Hey, this is my pope, will you follow him,'" he said. "How many Catholics will follow that pope?"

Dalai Lama's succession: US lays down red line against China's handpicking

India, in its attempt to strike a rapport with China, should not renege on her time-honoured stand on Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

Earlier, the NDA government had issued a note to senior officials, asking them not to attend events organised by the Tibetan government-in-exile. India has also supported the ‘One China’ policy, which states that Taiwan and Tibet are part of China’s mainland. Beijing made the ‘One-China’ policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it.

Chinese authorities have warned that Dalai Lama’s successor has to be decided within China and any ‘interference’ by India will impact bilateral ties. The Tibetan spiritual leader has taken China to task for raking up the issue of his successor, asserting that the subject would be decided by the people of Tibet.&nbsp;

By tagging its sensitivities on Dalai Lama as a perquisite for settlement of the border dispute with India, China runs the risk of overusing its Tibet card, which India must not lose sight of.

Though Nehru’s unwillingness to condemn China’s invasion of Tibet and the expulsion of Dalai Lama in the 1950s was a mistake, his decision to give refuge to the spiritual guru and the ruler of Tibetan Buddhists, in India in March 1959, cannot be faulted. &nbsp;

In the aftermath of the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Nehru and his military advisors thought the Chinese takeover of Tibet could neither be resisted by India nor any other external power. India signed an agreement with China on Tibet in 1954, renouncing its inherited prerogatives and recognising Tibet as a ‘region of China’. The forfeiture of India’s rights in Tibet happened without China being made to recognise the Indian-claimed boundary.&nbsp;

Again, it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in June 2003, who ceded Tibet to be ‘part of Chinese territory’ while trying to bargain Chinese recognition of Sikkim in exchange for Tibet.

The Uighurs have been condemned to a fate similar to the Tibetans, fighting Chinese domination for centuries, enjoying brief periods of independence twice during the twentieth century, facing threats from Han Chinese migration alongside rigours of “centrally” planned development policies besides being subject to newly- strengthened anti-terror measures.&nbsp;

All of this cannot be, and is not Western propaganda. Nehru signed the agreement in 1954, knowing fully well that Tibetans would be disappointed. In 1959, following a crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled to India. Therefore, 2019 is the 60th year of the great event — incidentally when the Modi government’s policy of standing up to China is touted to be a sharp departure from Nehru’s China policy.&nbsp;

India, overly careful in assuaging Chinese sensitivities, must not concede further. If the fear to offend Beijing becomes an obsession, or India is seen to be too much in awe of China as has been the case for decades, it might be unfairly treated at international fora like the Organisation for Islamic Countries (OIC) that remains critical of India, but is wary of offending China.&nbsp;

With the succession issue of the Dalai Lama assuming importance, India would have to take a firm decision. The US Congress has made it clear that it would not recognise a Dalai Lama chosen by the Chinese government, nor does the current Dalai Lama believe anyone to trust the Chinese government’s choice.&nbsp;

The point is this: has India, which has seen Tibet as part of China for over five decades, made more concessions than it has received? No Indian government has ever sought to extend political support to the Dalai Lama, despite the tortuous contours of Sino-Indian relationship.&nbsp;

If China links Tibet and Dalai Lama to a settlement of the long-standing border dispute, it amounts to distrust of India’s position.&nbsp;

The succession of Dalai Lama is distinctly different from China’s claims to Tibet. If India lends support to a future Dalai Lama chosen by China, it would not only fritter away its time-honoured policy on Tibet, but the mistake of 1954 would also turn a full circle. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India, in its attempt to strike a rapport with China, should not renege on her time-honoured stand on Dalai Lama. Earlier, the NDA government had issued a note to senior officials, asking them not to attend events organised by the Tibetan government-in-exile.

India, in its attempt to strike a rapport with China, should not renege on her time-honoured stand on Dalai Lama. Earlier, the NDA government had issued a note to senior officials, asking them not to attend events organised by the Tibetan government-in-exile. India has also supported the ‘One China’ policy, which states that Taiwan and Tibet are part of China’s mainland. Beijing made the ‘One-China’ policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it. Chinese authorities have warned that Dalai Lama’s successor has to be decided within China and any ‘interference’ by India will impact bilateral ties. The Tibetan spiritual leader has taken China to task for raking up the issue of his successor, asserting that the subject would be decided by the people of Tibet. By tagging its sensitivities on Dalai Lama as a perquisite for settlement of the border dispute with India, China runs the risk of overusing its Tibet card, which India must not lose sight of. Though Nehru’s unwillingness to condemn China’s invasion of Tibet and the expulsion of Dalai Lama in the 1950s was a mistake, his decision to give refuge to the spiritual guru and the ruler of Tibetan Buddhists, in India in March 1959, cannot be faulted. In the aftermath of the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Nehru and his military advisors thought the Chinese takeover of Tibet could neither be resisted by India nor any other external power. India signed an agreement with China on Tibet in 1954, renouncing its inherited prerogatives and recognising Tibet as a ‘region of China’. The forfeiture of India’s rights in Tibet happened without China being made to recognise the Indian-claimed boundary. Again, it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee in June 2003, who ceded Tibet to be ‘part of Chinese territory’ while trying to bargain Chinese recognition of Sikkim in exchange for Tibet. The Uighurs have been condemned to a fate similar to the Tibetans, fighting Chinese domination for centuries, enjoying brief periods of independence twice during the twentieth century, facing threats from Han Chinese migration alongside rigours of “centrally” planned development policies besides being subject to newly- strengthened anti-terror measures. All of this cannot be, and is not Western propaganda. Nehru signed the agreement in 1954, knowing fully well that Tibetans would be disappointed. In 1959, following a crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, fled to India. Therefore, 2019 is the 60th year of the great event — incidentally when the Modi government’s policy of standing up to China is touted to be a sharp departure from Nehru’s China policy. India, overly careful in assuaging Chinese sensitivities, must not concede further. If the fear to offend Beijing becomes an obsession, or India is seen to be too much in awe of China as has been the case for decades, it might be unfairly treated at international fora like the Organisation for Islamic Countries (OIC) that remains critical of India, but is wary of offending China. With the succession issue of the Dalai Lama assuming importance, India would have to take a firm decision. The US Congress has made it clear that it would not recognise a Dalai Lama chosen by the Chinese government, nor does the current Dalai Lama believe anyone to trust the Chinese government’s choice. The point is this: has India, which has seen Tibet as part of China for over five decades, made more concessions than it has received? No Indian government has ever sought to extend political support to the Dalai Lama, despite the tortuous contours of Sino-Indian relationship. If China links Tibet and Dalai Lama to a settlement of the long-standing border dispute, it amounts to distrust of India’s position. The succession of Dalai Lama is distinctly different from China’s claims to Tibet. If India lends support to a future Dalai Lama chosen by China, it would not only fritter away its time-honoured policy on Tibet, but the mistake of 1954 would also turn a full circle. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India has to stand up to China on Dalai Lama’s succession

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has clarified that his successor to be decided by him. Watch this video to know more.

The Dalai Lama: 'Will myself decide on my successor'

Who Will Succeed The Dalai Lama? China refuses to follow convention on the issue of finding a successor to the Dalai Lama. Beijing wants a say, what's more? China wants the Dalai Lama must be recognised by the government and wouldn't take any interference by India. Is China using the reincarnation issue as a political tool? Palki weighs in on the story

Gravitas: Who will succeed The Dalai Lama?

An influential Beijing back Think Tank, China Tibetology Research Centre (CTRC) has said India- China ties would be impacted if New Delhi doesn't recognise the next China appointed Dalai Lama.

Zha Luo, Professor CTRC said, "If Indian government refuse to recognise (next china appointed Dalai Lama) it would be a major political difference that would impact Sino-Indian ties."

Adding further Luo said, "This extreme circumstance may not happen as both China and India are large developing countries and we have shared interest.. and reincarnation of Dalai Lama is important for China, so any friendly country or friends of china would not interfere or meddle."

The current 14th Dalai Lama had fled Tibet after it was invaded by China in 1950s. After him, the Tibetian government in exile will announce the next Dalai Lama but China will also announce its own Dalai Lama using a process of drawing a lot from a golden urn.

"The bottom line, that China wants India to do during the reincarnation process of Dalai Lama, India should respect China's rights to deal with its domestic, political, economic, social, religious affairs, that is the bottom line, mutual respect," said Xiao Jie Assitant fellow in institute of commentary studies of CTRC.

Xiao Jie said, "To choose next Dalai Lama inside China will be more satisfactory to religious feeling."

He explained China government's position saying Tibet government in exile is not a legal religious body but only seeks political independence of Tibet from China and won't be allowed to participate in "reincarnation" process of next Dalai Lama.

Another scholar at the China-backed Think Tank, Liang Junyan who is a Researcher in the institute of historical study reiterating China's stand on Mc Mohan line said, "The British interfered in Tibet... and asked China to sign an illegal treaty."

Mc Mohan line defines the border between India's Arunachal Pradesh and China's Tibet with Beijing not recognising it since according to it Arunachal Pradesh is south Tibet. It was signed between British negotiator Henry McMahon and Tibetian representative in 1914 in Shimla.

An influential Beijing back Think Tank, China Tibetology Research Centre (CTRC) has said India- China ties would be impacted if New Delhi doesn't recognise the next China appointed Dalai Lama.

An influential Beijing back Think Tank, China Tibetology Research Centre (CTRC) has said India- China ties would be impacted if New Delhi doesn't recognise the next China appointed Dalai Lama. Zha Luo, Professor CTRC said, "If Indian government refuse to recognise (next china appointed Dalai Lama) it would be a major political difference that would impact Sino-Indian ties." Adding further Luo said, "This extreme circumstance may not happen as both China and India are large developing countries and we have shared interest.. and reincarnation of Dalai Lama is important for China, so any friendly country or friends of china would not interfere or meddle." The current 14th Dalai Lama had fled Tibet after it was invaded by China in 1950s. After him, the Tibetian government in exile will announce the next Dalai Lama but China will also announce its own Dalai Lama using a process of drawing a lot from a golden urn. "The bottom line, that China wants India to do during the reincarnation process of Dalai Lama, India should respect China's rights to deal with its domestic, political, economic, social, religious affairs, that is the bottom line, mutual respect," said Xiao Jie Assitant fellow in institute of commentary studies of CTRC. Xiao Jie said, "To choose next Dalai Lama inside China will be more satisfactory to religious feeling." He explained China government's position saying Tibet government in exile is not a legal religious body but only seeks political independence of Tibet from China and won't be allowed to participate in "reincarnation" process of next Dalai Lama. Another scholar at the China-backed Think Tank, Liang Junyan who is a Researcher in the institute of historical study reiterating China's stand on Mc Mohan line said, "The British interfered in Tibet... and asked China to sign an illegal treaty." Mc Mohan line defines the border between India's Arunachal Pradesh and China's Tibet with Beijing not recognising it since according to it Arunachal Pradesh is south Tibet. It was signed between British negotiator Henry McMahon and Tibetian representative in 1914 in Shimla.

Not recognising China appointed Dalai Lama will impact India-China ties: Think tank

A Top Chinese government official in Tibetian Autonomous region has said that China will not recognise any personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal who is in Lhasa, Wang Neng Shang a vice minister in Tibet autonomous region of China and Director General of people's government information office also spoke on India china ties.

WION: How do you see India China ties?

Wang Neng Shang: Both India and China are ancient civilisation in the east and we are the two largest developing countries in the world. Two peoples of China and India are connected by traditional friendship and similar historic reason, which is a foreign invasion and in history, we have enjoyed friendship and supported each other. Now in the new era, we are happy to see that India has made great strides, in economic development, cultural prosperity and improving people's livelihood, in particular, high tech industry India's progress has impressed the world.&nbsp;

On part of China, we under the guidance of the Xi Jinping thought of socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the new era in building socialism with Chinese features and to realise common prosperity. Our two countries share a common interest as we are bounded by our common history and brilliant civilization and we are working towards the same goal. Leaders of our both countries have met at multiple occasion time, they are carving the future of our ties. Very happy and looking forward to closer cooperation between our two countries and people in promoting national development and overcoming challenges.

WION: Who after the current Dalai Lama, because people in Dharamshala and people in Bejing have different views?

Wang Neng Shang: On reincarnation of Dalai Lama, the position of the Chinese government is clear. It is not his personal decision to make. The process must go through a lot drawing in the golden urn, and reincarnation must be recognised by the central government as history goes. The centrality of the central government must be recognised. His personal move will not be recognised by the Chinese government and religious followers in Tibet. It was with the central government's recognition that Dalai Lama became the 14th Dalai lama otherwise he would not have this position.

WION: Are there any talk currently on between Dalai Lama and China government as it happened in 2011?

Wang Neng Shang: We do not have any information about that. If there are going to be any talks, the information will be released.

A Top Chinese government official in Tibetian Autonomous region has said that China will not recognise any personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor. Speaking exclusively to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal who is in Lhasa, Wang Neng Shang a vice minister in Tibet autonomous region of China and Director General of people's government information office also spoke on India china ties.

A Top Chinese government official in Tibetian Autonomous region has said that China will not recognise any personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor. Speaking exclusively to WION's correspondent Sidhant Sibal who is in Lhasa, Wang Neng Shang a vice minister in Tibet autonomous region of China and Director General of people's government information office also spoke on India china ties. WION: How do you see India China ties? Wang Neng Shang: Both India and China are ancient civilisation in the east and we are the two largest developing countries in the world. Two peoples of China and India are connected by traditional friendship and similar historic reason, which is a foreign invasion and in history, we have enjoyed friendship and supported each other. Now in the new era, we are happy to see that India has made great strides, in economic development, cultural prosperity and improving people's livelihood, in particular, high tech industry India's progress has impressed the world. On part of China, we under the guidance of the Xi Jinping thought of socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the new era in building socialism with Chinese features and to realise common prosperity. Our two countries share a common interest as we are bounded by our common history and brilliant civilization and we are working towards the same goal. Leaders of our both countries have met at multiple occasion time, they are carving the future of our ties. Very happy and looking forward to closer cooperation between our two countries and people in promoting national development and overcoming challenges. WION: Who after the current Dalai Lama, because people in Dharamshala and people in Bejing have different views? Wang Neng Shang: On reincarnation of Dalai Lama, the position of the Chinese government is clear. It is not his personal decision to make. The process must go through a lot drawing in the golden urn, and reincarnation must be recognised by the central government as history goes. The centrality of the central government must be recognised. His personal move will not be recognised by the Chinese government and religious followers in Tibet. It was with the central government's recognition that Dalai Lama became the 14th Dalai lama otherwise he would not have this position. WION: Are there any talk currently on between Dalai Lama and China government as it happened in 2011? Wang Neng Shang: We do not have any information about that. If there are going to be any talks, the information will be released.

China to not recognise personal moves of 14th Dalai Lama on his successor: Wang Neng Shang to WION

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned.

Army sources told ANI on Friday that Chinese Army personnel, wearing civilian clothes, came in a civilian vehicle and stationed themselves on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok area in Ladakh when the villagers were organising the birthday of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama on July 5-6.

Chinese from their side of the LAC said that all activities that may be for&nbsp;splitting Tibet must be banned, said army sources.

A few years ago, China has objected to Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh In retaliation to his visit to the state, China had renamed six places in Arunachal Pradesh.

Army sources also refuted reports claiming that PLA had infiltrated several km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh on July 5-6.

&nbsp;

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned.

China has objected to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's birthday celebration in Ladakh while demanding all activities that may be for "splitting Tibet" be banned. Army sources told ANI on Friday that Chinese Army personnel, wearing civilian clothes, came in a civilian vehicle and stationed themselves on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Demchok area in Ladakh when the villagers were organising the birthday of the Tibetan leader Dalai Lama on July 5-6. Chinese from their side of the LAC said that all activities that may be for splitting Tibet must be banned, said army sources. A few years ago, China has objected to Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh In retaliation to his visit to the state, China had renamed six places in Arunachal Pradesh. Army sources also refuted reports claiming that PLA had infiltrated several km inside the Indian territory in Ladakh on July 5-6.

Chinese object to Dalai Lama's birthday celebration from their side of LAC

Authorities here have stopped the Tibetan community from holding events to commemorate the 84th birthday of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, over security concerns.

The Nepal government beefed up security in areas inside the Kathmandu valley, where Tibetan refugees and people of Tibetan origin reside, ahead of Dalai Lama's birthday, The Himalayan Times reported.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Lhamo Thondup, who was born on July 6, 1935, is known for his messages of unity and compassion.

He has exiled himself in Dharamshala in India ever since the rebellion against the Chinese rule in 1959.

To mark his birthday, Tibetan refugees and people of Tibetan origin planned to hold several events in the valley in the weekend.

One of the places where the programme was scheduled to be held was Mustang Gumba in Swoyambhunath, according to high-level security sources.

"But police have been dispatched to the place to halt the programme," a security source was quoted as saying.

The programme, according to security sources, was to be attended by senior diplomats from western countries, including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

"These diplomats have expressed serious concerns about the forced cancellation of the event, which is a severe violation of rights of people of the Tibetan community," a western diplomat said on condition of anonymity.

The Nepal government generally intervenes in events organised by the Tibetan community stating Nepal is committed to 'One China Policy'.

"We stop any event that goes against this policy," Spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ram Krishna Regmi, said.

This, however, does not mean people of Tibetan community cannot celebrate the occasions, the source added.

"They can do so privately at their homes. They are only barred from organising events in public places, including hotels," he said.

Authorities here have stopped the Tibetan community from holding events to commemorate the 84th birthday of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, over security concerns.

Authorities here have stopped the Tibetan community from holding events to commemorate the 84th birthday of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, over security concerns. The Nepal government beefed up security in areas inside the Kathmandu valley, where Tibetan refugees and people of Tibetan origin reside, ahead of Dalai Lama's birthday, The Himalayan Times reported. The 14th Dalai Lama, Lhamo Thondup, who was born on July 6, 1935, is known for his messages of unity and compassion. He has exiled himself in Dharamshala in India ever since the rebellion against the Chinese rule in 1959. To mark his birthday, Tibetan refugees and people of Tibetan origin planned to hold several events in the valley in the weekend. One of the places where the programme was scheduled to be held was Mustang Gumba in Swoyambhunath, according to high-level security sources. "But police have been dispatched to the place to halt the programme," a security source was quoted as saying. The programme, according to security sources, was to be attended by senior diplomats from western countries, including the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. "These diplomats have expressed serious concerns about the forced cancellation of the event, which is a severe violation of rights of people of the Tibetan community," a western diplomat said on condition of anonymity. The Nepal government generally intervenes in events organised by the Tibetan community stating Nepal is committed to 'One China Policy'. "We stop any event that goes against this policy," Spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ram Krishna Regmi, said. This, however, does not mean people of Tibetan community cannot celebrate the occasions, the source added. "They can do so privately at their homes. They are only barred from organising events in public places, including hotels," he said.

Nepal halts Tibetans from holding Dalai Lama's birthday celebrations

The Tibetan community in Nepal called off plans to mark the birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama after their request for a public celebration was rejected over security concerns, a government official said on Sunday.

The Dalai Lama turned 84 on Saturday and his followers in Nepal had hoped to celebrate the occasion in the capital, Kathmandu, but the communist government rejected their request.

China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist, has been increasing its influence in the Himalayan nation that is home to about 20,000 Tibetans.

Nepal is a natural buffer between China and India and is considered by New Delhi as its natural ally, but China is also making inroads by pouring aid and infrastructure investment into what is one of the world's 10 poorest countries.

Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

Krishna Bahadur Katuwal, assistant district administrator of Kathmandu, said the government refused permission for Tibetans to mark the Dalai Lama's birthday because "infiltrators" could create trouble.

"There could be a law and order problem as infiltrators could organise demonstrations or try to self-immolate," Katuwal told Reuters.

Tibetan news portal Phayul.com said celebration plans were then withdrawn.

Airport immigration authorities in Kathmandu refused to admit a U.S. citizen of Tibetan origin and deported him last month, reportedly at China's request.

Nepali authorities have also previously detained Tibetans trying to cross the border on their way to India after fleeing their disputed homeland.

Human rights groups say Nepal faces intense Chinese pressure to control the flow of Tibetans crossing the border.

The Tibetan community in Nepal called off plans to mark the birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama after their request for a public celebration was rejected over security concerns, a government official said on Sunday.

The Tibetan community in Nepal called off plans to mark the birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama after their request for a public celebration was rejected over security concerns, a government official said on Sunday. The Dalai Lama turned 84 on Saturday and his followers in Nepal had hoped to celebrate the occasion in the capital, Kathmandu, but the communist government rejected their request. China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist, has been increasing its influence in the Himalayan nation that is home to about 20,000 Tibetans. Nepal is a natural buffer between China and India and is considered by New Delhi as its natural ally, but China is also making inroads by pouring aid and infrastructure investment into what is one of the world's 10 poorest countries. Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since. The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Krishna Bahadur Katuwal, assistant district administrator of Kathmandu, said the government refused permission for Tibetans to mark the Dalai Lama's birthday because "infiltrators" could create trouble. "There could be a law and order problem as infiltrators could organise demonstrations or try to self-immolate," Katuwal told Reuters. Tibetan news portal Phayul.com said celebration plans were then withdrawn. Airport immigration authorities in Kathmandu refused to admit a U.S. citizen of Tibetan origin and deported him last month, reportedly at China's request. Nepali authorities have also previously detained Tibetans trying to cross the border on their way to India after fleeing their disputed homeland. Human rights groups say Nepal faces intense Chinese pressure to control the flow of Tibetans crossing the border.

Nepal denies Tibetans' request to hold Dalai Lama birthday celebration

The Dalai Lama is "deeply sorry" about comments he made about women in a recent BBC interview, his office said in a statement on Tuesday.

"(In) responding to a question about whether his own reincarnation could be a woman, and suggesting that if she were she should be attractive, His Holiness genuinely meant no offence," the statement said.

"He is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies."

The comments were made in an interview with the British broadcaster aired last week from the Tibetan spiritual leader's exile in Dharamsala in northern India.

"If female Dalai Lama comes, then she should be more attractive," he had said. "If female Dalai Lama, oh, oh... that people, I think to prefer, not see her, that face."

The comment caused a stir on social media around the world.

"His Holiness, a monk now in his mid-eighties, has a keen sense of the contradictions between the materialistic, globalized world he encounters on his travels and the complex, more esoteric ideas about reincarnation that are at the heart of Tibetan Buddhist tradition," the statement said.&nbsp;

"However, it sometimes happens that off the cuff remarks, which might be amusing in one cultural context, lose their humour in translation when brought into another. He regrets any offence that may have been given.

"For all his long life, His Holiness has opposed the objectification of women, has supported women and their rights and celebrated the growing international consensus in support of gender equality and respect for women," it added.

The Dalai Lama is "deeply sorry" about comments he made about women in a recent BBC interview, his office said in a statement on Tuesday. "(In) responding to a question about whether his own reincarnation could be a woman, and suggesting that if she were she should be attractive, His Holiness genuinely meant no offence," the statement said.

The Dalai Lama is "deeply sorry" about comments he made about women in a recent BBC interview, his office said in a statement on Tuesday. "(In) responding to a question about whether his own reincarnation could be a woman, and suggesting that if she were she should be attractive, His Holiness genuinely meant no offence," the statement said. "He is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies." The comments were made in an interview with the British broadcaster aired last week from the Tibetan spiritual leader's exile in Dharamsala in northern India. "If female Dalai Lama comes, then she should be more attractive," he had said. "If female Dalai Lama, oh, oh... that people, I think to prefer, not see her, that face." The comment caused a stir on social media around the world. "His Holiness, a monk now in his mid-eighties, has a keen sense of the contradictions between the materialistic, globalized world he encounters on his travels and the complex, more esoteric ideas about reincarnation that are at the heart of Tibetan Buddhist tradition," the statement said. "However, it sometimes happens that off the cuff remarks, which might be amusing in one cultural context, lose their humour in translation when brought into another. He regrets any offence that may have been given. "For all his long life, His Holiness has opposed the objectification of women, has supported women and their rights and celebrated the growing international consensus in support of gender equality and respect for women," it added.

Dalai Lama 'deeply sorry' for comments on women

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama came under fire on Sunday as he said, his successor in case of woman needs to "more attractive" otherwise people would not "prefer" seeing her face.

In 2015, during an interview with BBC, the Dalai Lama had commented that if a female Dalai Lama comes then she would have to be attractive, "otherwise it’s not much use."

In the latest interview, the BBC reporter again asked about his stand on his earlier comments to which he reiterated that the female Dalai Lama should be "more attractive" or &nbsp;people would prefer " not see her, that face."

"If a female Dalai Lama comes, she should be more attractive," Dalai Lama answered adding, If not, "people, I think prefer, not see her, that face."&nbsp;

"Real beauty is inner beauty, that's true. But we're human beings. I think the appearance is also important," Lama said in an answer when the reporter asked him "It's about who you are inside, isn't it".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
This was perhaps the most surprising moment in the interview. I asked the Dalai Lama if he stood by his earlier comment that if his successor was female, she should be attractive. 
 
He said he did. Watch here:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DalaiLama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DalaiLama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCDalaiLama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCDalaiLama</a>. <a href="https://t.co/QAy0EFDZTT">pic.twitter.com/QAy0EFDZTT</a>
— Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRajiniV/status/1144254308176879616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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I am curious to know if attractiveness was a quality looked for when monks went to look for him??? ‘We have found the Dalai Lama but wait he is not attractive’
— Claire Chambers (@ClaritanicA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaritanicA/status/1144563032829440002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Dalai Lama has stood by his earlier comments that if his successor was female, she should be attractive. And this is the man we look to for inspiration. Sure he’s just like every other man. <a href="https://t.co/pS6y0qt6F9">https://t.co/pS6y0qt6F9</a>
— Bríd Stenson (@bridstenson) <a href="https://twitter.com/bridstenson/status/1144561587744923648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Apart from these, The Nobel peace prize winner also raised eyebrows as he said that European nations should be take in those who are fleeing their home countries but later they should return to their own countries.

"European countries should take these refugees and give them education and training, and the aim is – return to their own land with certain skills."

He continued, "But the whole of Europe [will] eventually become Muslim country – impossible. Or an African country, also impossible."

After 1959's Tibet uprising against the Chinese rule, Dalai Lama along with thousands of Tibetan fled for an exile in India. He has been living mostly in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala since then while his supporters operate a government-in-exile.

&nbsp;

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama came under fire on Sunday as he said, his successor in case of woman needs to "more attractive" otherwise people would not "prefer" seeing her face.

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama came under fire on Sunday as he said, his successor in case of woman needs to "more attractive" otherwise people would not "prefer" seeing her face. In 2015, during an interview with BBC, the Dalai Lama had commented that if a female Dalai Lama comes then she would have to be attractive, "otherwise it’s not much use." In the latest interview, the BBC reporter again asked about his stand on his earlier comments to which he reiterated that the female Dalai Lama should be "more attractive" or people would prefer " not see her, that face." "If a female Dalai Lama comes, she should be more attractive," Dalai Lama answered adding, If not, "people, I think prefer, not see her, that face." "Real beauty is inner beauty, that's true. But we're human beings. I think the appearance is also important," Lama said in an answer when the reporter asked him "It's about who you are inside, isn't it". This was perhaps the most surprising moment in the interview. I asked the Dalai Lama if he stood by his earlier comment that if his successor was female, she should be attractive. He said he did. Watch here:#DalaiLama #BBCDalaiLama. pic.twitter.com/QAy0EFDZTT — Rajini Vaidyanathan (@BBCRajiniV) June 27, 2019 × I am curious to know if attractiveness was a quality looked for when monks went to look for him??? ‘We have found the Dalai Lama but wait he is not attractive’ — Claire Chambers (@ClaritanicA) June 28, 2019 × The Dalai Lama has stood by his earlier comments that if his successor was female, she should be attractive. And this is the man we look to for inspiration. Sure he’s just like every other man. https://t.co/pS6y0qt6F9 — Bríd Stenson (@bridstenson) June 28, 2019 × Apart from these, The Nobel peace prize winner also raised eyebrows as he said that European nations should be take in those who are fleeing their home countries but later they should return to their own countries. "European countries should take these refugees and give them education and training, and the aim is – return to their own land with certain skills." He continued, "But the whole of Europe [will] eventually become Muslim country – impossible. Or an African country, also impossible." After 1959's Tibet uprising against the Chinese rule, Dalai Lama along with thousands of Tibetan fled for an exile in India. He has been living mostly in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala since then while his supporters operate a government-in-exile.

Woman successor should be 'more attractive' or people would not prefer seeing her face: Dalai Lama

A youth appointed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans made his first trip outside the country last month, attending events in Thailand, Chinese state media reported.

Although officially atheist, China selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 in a drive to win the hearts and minds of Tibetans.

Tibet's current spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, had announced his own choice of a six-year-old boy, but he was taken away by authorities and has since vanished from public view.

In a brief report late on Monday, the official China News Service said that China's Panchen Lama had gone to Thailand in the middle of May, the first time he had ever left China.

On his trip, which has not been reported before, he gave a speech at a Buddhist university in Bangkok and attended other Buddhist events and religious exchanges.

The visit made him even more aware of the "greatness of the motherland and the Chinese Communist Party", he told the Chinese News Service.

"We thank the Chinese Communist Party for leading the Chinese people to stand up and become rich and strong."

China has gradually exposed its Panchen Lama in public roles in the hope he will achieve the respect commanded by the Dalai Lama among Tibetans and globally. He made his first trip outside mainland China in 2012 when he visited Hong Kong.

Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. China routinely rejects criticism of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion.

After the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the 10th Panchen Lama stayed on and was initially seen as a collaborator. It later emerged that his criticism of Beijing had earned him more than a decade spent either in prison or under house arrest.

Freed in 1977, he was politically rehabilitated the following year and died in 1989.

April this year marked the 30th birthday of the boy appointed by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama. China has said he is living a "normal life" and does not want to be disturbed.

A youth appointed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans made his first trip outside the country last month, attending events in Thailand, Chinese state media reported.

A youth appointed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans made his first trip outside the country last month, attending events in Thailand, Chinese state media reported. Although officially atheist, China selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 in a drive to win the hearts and minds of Tibetans. Tibet's current spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, had announced his own choice of a six-year-old boy, but he was taken away by authorities and has since vanished from public view. In a brief report late on Monday, the official China News Service said that China's Panchen Lama had gone to Thailand in the middle of May, the first time he had ever left China. On his trip, which has not been reported before, he gave a speech at a Buddhist university in Bangkok and attended other Buddhist events and religious exchanges. The visit made him even more aware of the "greatness of the motherland and the Chinese Communist Party", he told the Chinese News Service. "We thank the Chinese Communist Party for leading the Chinese people to stand up and become rich and strong." China has gradually exposed its Panchen Lama in public roles in the hope he will achieve the respect commanded by the Dalai Lama among Tibetans and globally. He made his first trip outside mainland China in 2012 when he visited Hong Kong. Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. China routinely rejects criticism of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion. After the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the 10th Panchen Lama stayed on and was initially seen as a collaborator. It later emerged that his criticism of Beijing had earned him more than a decade spent either in prison or under house arrest. Freed in 1977, he was politically rehabilitated the following year and died in 1989. April this year marked the 30th birthday of the boy appointed by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama. China has said he is living a "normal life" and does not want to be disturbed.

China says its Panchen Lama made first trip outside country in May

China on Tuesday rejected US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call to Beijing to engage in "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-hold-talks-with-dalai-lama-us-ambassador-terry-branstad-221709">substantive dialogue</a>" with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/three-journalists-under-probe-for-reporting-news-about-dalai-lama-in-nepal-219523">Dalai Lama</a>, saying it was firmly opposed to "foreign interference" in Tibet and its internal affairs.

Branstad visited Tibet from May 19 to 25, the first such visit by a US ambassador to China to the remote Himalayan region since 2015, where access is restricted for diplomats and journalists.

During his visit, he asked the Chinese government to "engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," according to US embassy spokeswoman who briefed the media.

"He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government’s interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practice their religion," she said.

Asked about the US envoy's call for dialogue with the Dalai Lama, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here that Chinese officials had briefed the ambassador about China's religious and ethnic policies and also about socio-economic development in Tibet.

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It has also been made clear to him that "the Chinese government's policy on dialogue and contact with the Dalai Lama and foreigners access to Tibet. Finally, it was also stressed that China firmly opposes any foreign interference in Tibet affairs in China's domestic affairs," he said.

"The ambassador thanked China for the hospitality given to him and spoke positively about socio-economic development in Tibet and said that the visit helped him have a better understanding of the situation in Tibet," Lu said.

Beijing's permission to Branstad came after the US early this year passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, warning equal and reciprocal measures if Beijing denied access to American citizens, government officials and journalists to Tibet.

The new US law would impose a visa ban on Chinese officials who deny American citizens, government officials and journalists access to Tibet.

Before the US's envoy's visit, Lu hoped that he would make an objective and unbiased judgement on the situation in Tibet.

China, which accuses the Dalai Lama as a "splittist" working for Tibetan independence, has held talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives to find an amicable solution to the Tibetan issue in the past. The last such dialogue took place in 2010.

The 14th Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from the Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

Beijing criticises the Dalai Lama's demand for autonomy, saying that it is a ploy for the separation of Tibet from China. Chinese officials have said in the past that the Dalai Lama's demand to unify all the Tibetan prefectures with the present Tibetan Autonomous Region and provide greater autonomy is unacceptable to Beijing.

Over 120 Tibetans committed self-immolations in recent years calling for the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile in India.

China on Tuesday rejected US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call to Beijing to engage in "substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama, saying it was firmly opposed to "foreign interference" in Tibet and its internal affairs.

China on Tuesday rejected US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call to Beijing to engage in "substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama, saying it was firmly opposed to "foreign interference" in Tibet and its internal affairs. Branstad visited Tibet from May 19 to 25, the first such visit by a US ambassador to China to the remote Himalayan region since 2015, where access is restricted for diplomats and journalists. During his visit, he asked the Chinese government to "engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," according to US embassy spokeswoman who briefed the media. "He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government’s interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practice their religion," she said. Asked about the US envoy's call for dialogue with the Dalai Lama, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here that Chinese officials had briefed the ambassador about China's religious and ethnic policies and also about socio-economic development in Tibet. It has also been made clear to him that "the Chinese government's policy on dialogue and contact with the Dalai Lama and foreigners access to Tibet. Finally, it was also stressed that China firmly opposes any foreign interference in Tibet affairs in China's domestic affairs," he said. "The ambassador thanked China for the hospitality given to him and spoke positively about socio-economic development in Tibet and said that the visit helped him have a better understanding of the situation in Tibet," Lu said. Beijing's permission to Branstad came after the US early this year passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, warning equal and reciprocal measures if Beijing denied access to American citizens, government officials and journalists to Tibet. The new US law would impose a visa ban on Chinese officials who deny American citizens, government officials and journalists access to Tibet. Before the US's envoy's visit, Lu hoped that he would make an objective and unbiased judgement on the situation in Tibet. China, which accuses the Dalai Lama as a "splittist" working for Tibetan independence, has held talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives to find an amicable solution to the Tibetan issue in the past. The last such dialogue took place in 2010. The 14th Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from the Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala. Beijing criticises the Dalai Lama's demand for autonomy, saying that it is a ploy for the separation of Tibet from China. Chinese officials have said in the past that the Dalai Lama's demand to unify all the Tibetan prefectures with the present Tibetan Autonomous Region and provide greater autonomy is unacceptable to Beijing. Over 120 Tibetans committed self-immolations in recent years calling for the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile in India.

China rejects US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call for talks with Dalai Lama

China should hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told Chinese officials during a trip to the Himalayan region where he criticised Beijing for interfering in religious freedom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ambassador-to-china-visiting-tibet-this-week-220100">Branstad visited Tibet last week</a>, the first such trip by a US ambassador since 2015, amid escalating trade and diplomatic tension between the two countries.

His visit followed the passing of a US law in December that requires the United States to deny visas to Chinese officials in charge of implementing policies that restrict access to Tibet for foreigners, legislation that was denounced by China.

Branstad met Chinese government officials and Tibetan religious and cultural figures, and "raised our long-standing concerns about lack of consistent access" to Tibet, the US Embassy in Beijing said in an emailed statement on Saturday.

"He encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," an embassy spokeswoman said.

"He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government's interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practise their religion," she said.

Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and Beijing still brands him a dangerous separatist. China says its leaders have the right to approve his successor, as a legacy from China's emperors.

But the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate monk, who lives in exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, has said that his incarnation could be found in India after he dies, and that any other successor named by China would not be respected.

Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child on his death.

Tibet's Communist Party secretary, Wu Yingjie, told Branstad how China had made "huge achievements" in "guaranteeing according to law" religious freedom and traditional culture in Tibet, the official Tibet Daily newspaper said late on Saturday.

Wu added that he "sincerely welcomed more American friends to visit" the region.

China's Foreign Ministry said last week that China hoped the ambassador would not take any "prejudices" with him on the trip.

In December, China criticised the United States for passing the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, which seeks to promote access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet.

The US government is required to begin denying visas by the end of this year.

China should hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told Chinese officials during a trip to the Himalayan region where he criticised Beijing for interfering in religious freedom.

China should hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told Chinese officials during a trip to the Himalayan region where he criticised Beijing for interfering in religious freedom. Branstad visited Tibet last week, the first such trip by a US ambassador since 2015, amid escalating trade and diplomatic tension between the two countries. His visit followed the passing of a US law in December that requires the United States to deny visas to Chinese officials in charge of implementing policies that restrict access to Tibet for foreigners, legislation that was denounced by China. Branstad met Chinese government officials and Tibetan religious and cultural figures, and "raised our long-standing concerns about lack of consistent access" to Tibet, the US Embassy in Beijing said in an emailed statement on Saturday. "He encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," an embassy spokeswoman said. "He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government's interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practise their religion," she said. Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since. The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and Beijing still brands him a dangerous separatist. China says its leaders have the right to approve his successor, as a legacy from China's emperors. But the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate monk, who lives in exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, has said that his incarnation could be found in India after he dies, and that any other successor named by China would not be respected. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child on his death. Tibet's Communist Party secretary, Wu Yingjie, told Branstad how China had made "huge achievements" in "guaranteeing according to law" religious freedom and traditional culture in Tibet, the official Tibet Daily newspaper said late on Saturday. Wu added that he "sincerely welcomed more American friends to visit" the region. China's Foreign Ministry said last week that China hoped the ambassador would not take any "prejudices" with him on the trip. In December, China criticised the United States for passing the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, which seeks to promote access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet. The US government is required to begin denying visas by the end of this year.

China should hold talks with Dalai Lama: US ambassador Terry Branstad

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital.

"They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed.

The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue.

"They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology).&nbsp; 
The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity.

"This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed.

"We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge.&nbsp;

This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North".

The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists.

The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics.

"The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states.

The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million.

The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party.

The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time.

Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law.

Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict.

Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code.

The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12&nbsp; 
months, double that of 2017.

"Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated.

The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation.

"The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger. The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital. "They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed. The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue. "They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology). The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity. "This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed. "We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge. This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North". The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists. The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics. "The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states. The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million. The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party. The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time. Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law. Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict. Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code. The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12 months, double that of 2017. "Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated. The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation. "The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists under probe for reporting news about Dalai Lama in Nepal

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan have come forward with donations for those affected by cyclone 'Fani', which caused widespread destruction in the state and claimed at least 35 lives, reported news agency PTI.

"As a mark of solidarity with the people of Odisha, I am donating Rs 1,000,000 from the Dalai Lama Trust to the efforts to provide relief and rebuilt," a letter written by the Dalai Lama's office to Patnaik, said.

The spiritual leader also hailed the measures taken by the Odisha government in facing the cyclonic storm. Due to the proactive steps, the human casualties have been minimal, the Dalai Lama said.

"At the same time, I would like to express my sadness about the lives that were lost, the devastation of property, and hardship this storm has caused to many people," he said.

Meanwhile, Patnaik announced he will donate one year's salary to the chief minister's relief fund for the cyclone-hit people, the report added.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also donated his one month's salary.

Official sources said the government of Chhattishgarh has donated Rs 11 crore to the chief minister's relief fund, while Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu contributed Rs 10 crore each for the cyclone victims. The Uttarakhand government has donated Rs 5 crore.&nbsp;

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan have come forward with donations for those affected by cyclone 'Fani', which caused widespread destruction in the state and claimed at least 35 lives, reported news agency PTI.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan have come forward with donations for those affected by cyclone 'Fani', which caused widespread destruction in the state and claimed at least 35 lives, reported news agency PTI. "As a mark of solidarity with the people of Odisha, I am donating Rs 1,000,000 from the Dalai Lama Trust to the efforts to provide relief and rebuilt," a letter written by the Dalai Lama's office to Patnaik, said. The spiritual leader also hailed the measures taken by the Odisha government in facing the cyclonic storm. Due to the proactive steps, the human casualties have been minimal, the Dalai Lama said. "At the same time, I would like to express my sadness about the lives that were lost, the devastation of property, and hardship this storm has caused to many people," he said. Meanwhile, Patnaik announced he will donate one year's salary to the chief minister's relief fund for the cyclone-hit people, the report added. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also donated his one month's salary. Official sources said the government of Chhattishgarh has donated Rs 11 crore to the chief minister's relief fund, while Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu contributed Rs 10 crore each for the cyclone victims. The Uttarakhand government has donated Rs 5 crore.

Cyclone Fani: Dalai Lama, Patnaik, Pradhan donate for victims

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for treatment after being diagnosed with the chest infection, returned to Dharamshala on Friday.

"Fully recovered. No problem. The illness was a little serious, but now I have fully recovered," Dalai Lama said while speaking to mediapersons.

On April 7, Dalai Lama was brought to Delhi after he complained of discomfort. "His Holiness was admitted to the hospital today due to a chest infection. He will remain in the hospital for the next two to three days," Tenzin Taklha, private secretary of Dalai Lama had told.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. After a rebellion against the Chinese rule in 1959, the spiritual leader had exiled himself in India and has since been living mostly in Himachal Pradesh`s Dharamsala.

The Nobel laureate`s supporters operate a government-in-exile and promote Tibet`s autonomy by peaceful means.&nbsp;

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for treatment after being diagnosed with the chest infection, returned to Dharamshala on Friday.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for treatment after being diagnosed with the chest infection, returned to Dharamshala on Friday. "Fully recovered. No problem. The illness was a little serious, but now I have fully recovered," Dalai Lama said while speaking to mediapersons. On April 7, Dalai Lama was brought to Delhi after he complained of discomfort. "His Holiness was admitted to the hospital today due to a chest infection. He will remain in the hospital for the next two to three days," Tenzin Taklha, private secretary of Dalai Lama had told. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. After a rebellion against the Chinese rule in 1959, the spiritual leader had exiled himself in India and has since been living mostly in Himachal Pradesh`s Dharamsala. The Nobel laureate`s supporters operate a government-in-exile and promote Tibet`s autonomy by peaceful means.

Dalai Lama back in Dharamshala, says fully recovered now

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was discharged from Delhi hospital on Friday, his personal spokesman said, three days after being admitted with what an aide called a "light cough".&nbsp;

"He was discharged from the hospital at 8 o'clock in the morning," Tenzin Taklha told. "He is doing very well now."

Dalai Lama was admitted to hospital with chest infection on Tuesday.

The 83-year-old, a globally revered figure and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, had come to Delhi from Dharamshala for a check-up at the Max Hospital in Saket.

The 14th Dalai Lama was in Delhi for attending a global learning conference that ended on April 6. He returned to Dharamshala from New Delhi on Monday.

The Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was discharged from Delhi hospital on Friday, his personal spokesman said, three days after being admitted with what an aide called a "light cough".

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was discharged from Delhi hospital on Friday, his personal spokesman said, three days after being admitted with what an aide called a "light cough". "He was discharged from the hospital at 8 o'clock in the morning," Tenzin Taklha told. "He is doing very well now." Dalai Lama was admitted to hospital with chest infection on Tuesday. The 83-year-old, a globally revered figure and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, had come to Delhi from Dharamshala for a check-up at the Max Hospital in Saket. The 14th Dalai Lama was in Delhi for attending a global learning conference that ended on April 6. He returned to Dharamshala from New Delhi on Monday. The Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

Dalai Lama discharged from Delhi hospital after chest infection, says spokesman

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama was admitted to a private hospital in Delhi on Tuesday with a chest infection.

Dalai Lama hospitalised with a chest infection

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