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Tawang locals fear the Dalai Lama won't visit again

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Agencies

Posted: Nov 15, 2009 at 1056 hrs IST
Dalai Lama

Tawang People in this picturesque Himalayan town, which hosted the Dalai Lama last week, fear that the Tibetan spiritual leader may not come here again due to his advancing age and busy schedule.

Lama Tashi, a composer of religious hymns who was once nominated for the Grammy awards, says he is not sure whether the Dalai Lama, 74, will set his foot here again.

"He is an international figure and has hectic schedules and one never knows as his visits are to be cleared from all levels," Tashi said.

The people feel that the Dalai Lama's advancing age may not permit him to travel to this township which is located 10,000 feet above sea level and is very cold. Torjee Khandu, who has seen the Dalai Lama in his last two visits, says this may the monk's last trip. "He's growing old and given the political repercussions on his every visit here, this might be his last trip."

87-year-old Rempa Tsering fears the worse. "The Chinese may not allow coronation of the next Dalai Lama. Every time there is a hue and cry from China when he visits this part of the country which they claim to be theirs and so there might be every effort by them to stop coronation of the fifteenth Dalai Lama."

Tulku Rinpoche, head of the Tawang monastery who supervised the four-day stay of the Dalai Lama here, however, is optimistic.

"I still have a feeling that he might choose to come here once again as he has emotional attachment to this area which he crossed from Tibet to enter into the country," Rinpoche says.

"His holiness is hale and hearty and has no health problems and so we feel that he will come here once again," the head of the 500-year-old monastery says. Asked about the days when the Dalai Lama was his guest, Rinpoche says after a hectic day, he will retire in his room (a suite at the rooftop of the monastery) and pray.

"Meeting a couple of persons was his habit after he has an early dinner of rice and vegetable before he sleeps," he says.

The Dalai Lama spent four days in Tawang and went to the every nook and corner of the town be it the historic Tawang monastery or the Tawang playground and the deputy commissioner's residence.

He travelled in his Scorpio as the people lined up on the streets with colourful banners and posters all over. Thousands congregated in his prayer meetings and there was a virtual bandh in the town with people going out for the entire day to listen to the spiritual leader.

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arunachal by raja on 16 Nov 2009

If this part of land is in china control, this area receive lot of improvement. unfortunatly this part become part of india.

unfortunate by krunal shekhar on 21 Nov 2009

it is unfortunate that people like raj are born in india

reflect by ray on 16 Nov 2009

Very Few people are like HIs HOLINESS, the Dalai Lama. given this fact, people should feel blessed that he is making a visit to their state or region.

Give important to arunachal by amjathali on 16 Nov 2009

Indian goverment not given importance to north east state past 40 years now the time has come for developmenting Arunachal pradesh let china what ever tell are do china not giving imporantncs to our policy why should we care china it is our internal matter.we should constract roads, air ports top offcial, politician to visit watch the developments how long china will dicatate us we should not lession to others.in H.H THALAILAMA matter india took very strong position it is wellcome sign same strong view in all foreign policies we should take.

The Indians will always have a special place for the Dalai Lama by M. R. on 16 Nov 2009

Respective of his relationship, the Indian people will always have respect for HH Dalai Lama and his message of peace. He chose India to be his home in exile. Regardless of how his relationship with China plays out, we will always love him.

Deal with the Chinese firmly by Charanjit Singh on 15 Nov 2009

India should deal with Chinese firmly. Chinese have taken part of POK and built their infrastructure. India should promote this area as international tourist destination. Stand up to the Chinese. Dont look for approval from USA or anyone. Show some balls. Dealing with them in a cowardly way will not work.

If Chinese do not respect Dalai Lama then.... by KMR Overseas on 15 Nov 2009

they are not fit to be humans.

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