TIBET

TIBET

Introduction

1.         International pressure has been mounting over China to inject a degree of liberalism in its rule over Tibet.  On the other hand China is also diplomatically persuading the West about its legitimate right in relation to Tibet.

2.         Analysts feel that the China’s policy on the question is human rights in Tibet and the region’s autonomy has left much to  be desired.

Background

3.         The Chinese Army entered Tibet in 1950.

4.         The Dalai Lama is the supreme leader of Tibet.  The present Dalai Lama is the 14th in line.

5.         In 1959, the present Dalai Lama fled into exile as an uprising against Chinese rule collapsed.  Currently he is  based in India.

Dalai Lama’s Stand

6.         According to the Dalai Lama, Tibet is a separate nation, and his effort is to solve the problem not through a call for independence but for regional autonomy.

7.         He emphasised on seeking genuine autonomy in all aspects of Tibetan life, except defence and foreign affairs.

8.         The Dalai Lama has stressed that talks with China are essential to resolve Tibet’s problem.

9.         The Dalai Lama has been trying to convince the Chinese Government to come to the negotiating table to establish a truly self-governing Tibet within the framework of China.

China’s Stand

10.       China has firmly ruled out a dialogue with the Dalai Lama over the quantum of autonomy which the region should enjoy. This was prompted by the international criticism of human rights violations in Tibet.

11.       The China has accused the Dalai Lama of vilifying and attacking the development and progress made in new Tibet and fabricating stastistics to confuse world opinion.

India’s Policy on Tibet

12.       Sino-Indian Accord.  According to the 1954 Sino Indian Accord, India recognised that Tibet was an integral part of China and considered it to be an autonomous region of China.

13.       Adequate Autonomy.  While acknowledging Chinese sovereignty, India is of the view that Tibet should have adequate autonomy.  This is reasonable as Chinese have accepted the principle of ‘one country two systems’ for Hong Kong.

14.       Implications for India’s Security.  India should be legitimately concerned about the situation in Tibet having serious implications on its security, economy and evnironment.

15.       Militarisation of Tibet.  China’s activities in Tibet are the reason behind some of the major Sino-Indian irritants.  India has reason to be concerned about the increasing militarisation of Tibet.

16.       Targeting India.  China has been actively building military infrastructure in Tibet such as runways and missile-delivery sites so as to allow aircraft like SU-27 and other bombers to take off and engage targets inside Indian territory.  The improved military capability in Tibet is not meant for other countries like Bangladesh and Nepal and could target only India.

17.       Environmental Implications.  The nuclearisation of Tibet and the dumping of radioactive wastes has grave environmental implications for India, because it may lead to polution of Brahmaputra river which originates in Tibet.

18.             Early Solution in India’s Interest.  An early solution to the Tibetan problem is in India’s interests as there are over one lakh Tibetan refugees in the country for over 40 years.  Analysts feel that India should call upon China to resume the dialogue with Dalai Lama.