New Delhi: Anticipating a strong reaction from China against the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, India on Tuesday stressed that the Tibetan spiritual leader’s visit was in relation to the discharge of religious duties.
“The Government, therefore, urges that no artificial controversy should be created around his present visit to Arunachal Pradesh,” the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.
The Indian government statement came as the Dalai Lama is expected to reach Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.
Listing out the Tibetan leader’s previous visits to Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian external affairs ministry statement said, “The Government has clearly stated on several occasions that HHDL (Dalai Lama) is a revered religious leader, who is deeply respected as such by the Indian people. No additional colour should be ascribed to his religious and spiritual activities and visits to various states of India.”
The Dalai Lama’s last visit to Arunachal Pradesh was in 2009. Prior to that the Tibetan spiritual leader has visited the state five times—in 1983, 1996, 1997 and twice in 2003.
