Dharamshala: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama slammed China on Thursday stating that he would “prefer to die in a free democracy of India – rather than amid artificial Chinese officials”. The spiritual leader made these remarks during a two-day dialogue with youth leaders at his residence in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.
Holding an interaction organized by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the Dalai Lama said, “At the time when I die, I prefer dying in India. India is surrounded by people who show love, not artificial things. If I die surrounded by Chinese officials, it is too artificial. I prefer dying in this country with a free democracy.”
“At the time of death, one must be surrounded by trusted friends who really show you genuine feelings,” he added.
The Dalai Lama over the years has tried to advocate for a mid-way negotiation with China to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet. But the Chinese authorities have often regarded the Dalai Lama as a “controversial and a separatist figure”.
Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama is highly regarded by the people of India. The Indian government has given full freedom to the spiritual leader to carry out his religious activities. Recently, the Dalai Lama visited Ladakh, a Buddhist majority area in the north as Indo-China tension over border disputes peaked.
