JOIN USDalai Lama on four-day visit to Bylakuppe
Chatting with reporters after landing at Bylakuppe in Periyapatna taluk, the Dalai Lama refused to comment on border disputes or the refusal of visa by the Chinese government to Lt Gen B S Jamwal, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, saying: “This is a non-political visit.
You should pose these questions to the Indian and Chinese governments.” However, the Dalai Lama was more than willing to talk about the Tibetan camp in Bylakuppe. “I have visited this place several times in the past and each visit has been very joyous.”
He used the opportunity to remember and thank the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Karnataka chief minister S Nijalingappa who helped in the rehabilitation of displaced Tibetans 50 years ago.
The Dalai Lama also thanked the State government profusely saying: “While my people live in constant fear back in Tibet, the Karnataka government has provided a peaceful abode for about 40,000 displaced Tibetans here. We will never forget their generosity.”
Golden jubilee
The Dalai Lama is in Bylakuppe to participate in the commemoration ceremony of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibetan camp on September 2.
While in Bylakuppe, the Dalai Lama addressed the participants during the closing ceremony of the first National General Meeting of Tibetans organised at the Sera Jey monastery here.
More than 300 delegates representing Tibetans from across the world participated in the meeting.
Security heightened
One Superintendent of Police, two deputy SPs, five circle inspectors, 14 sub inspectors, 22 assistant SIs, 232 police constables have been deputed to manage the security at the camp.
Moreover, a platoon of the Karnataka State Reserve Police and three platoons of District Armed Force have also been deployed.
The Dalai Lama is scheduled to leave Bylakuppe on Friday.