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Dalai Lama compares fate of Tibetans to WWII Warsaw Uprising
AFP
Last Updated IST
Dalai Lama rings a bell at a museum in Warsaw dedicated to the ill-fated 1944 Warsaw uprising against the Nazis. AFP
Dalai Lama rings a bell at a museum in Warsaw dedicated to the ill-fated 1944 Warsaw uprising against the Nazis. AFP

"Since 1956 in many parts of Tibet there is a similar situation. Even the Chinese, communist military sometimes used bombs, airplanes," he said during a visit to a Warsaw museum dedicated to the battle.


Hailing the Polish people's "desire for freedom", the Dalai Lama lit a candle at the foot of a vast black memorial wall inscribed with thousands of names of Polish resistance fighters killed in the Uprising launched August 1, 1944.


The rebellion, which lasted 63 days, saw 200,000 civilians and 18,000 resistance fighters massacred by the Nazis.

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He also rang a bell decorating the memorial wall before hanging a large white scarf on it, a Buddhist symbol of purity and happiness.


"Very moving" he said following the visit. "I always admire the Polish people's spirit and also I think the desire for freedom," he said.


"Of course unfortunately one enemy gone and another enemy comes. (It's) seen very clearly in this museum," the Dalai Lama said referring to the fact that after Nazi Germany's defeat, Poland was ruled by a communist regime installed by the Soviet Union.

"Now you really got genuine freedom. Freedom gives rights. I think you have to realise with rights also there is duty and responsibility..." said Dalai Lama, 74, who arrived in Warsaw yesterday for a three-day visit.

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(Published 29 July 2009, 10:00 IST)