India Stands Firm Dalai Lama Alone Will Select His Successor

India's Rebuttal to China's Comment

India has categorically reaffirmed that the present Dalai Lama alone can decide on his succession. The nation also rejected the Chinese requirement for approval in this regard. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju vindicated this with a statement issued on Thursday.

No Intervention from the Outside

Rijiju stressed that no single person or nation can intervene in the process. He opined the choice is completely up to the Dalai Lama or the institution he heads. In his view, the Dalai Lama is of very important significance not only to Tibetans, but to millions of his followers worldwide.

Celebrations for the Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday

The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations began on Wednesday at the Suglagkhang Temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Indian delegates, such as Kiren Rijiju and Janata Dal (United) leader Lallan Singh, are present for the events.

Dalai Lama's Message on Successor

On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama put up a message on social media. According to him, the selection process for his successor will go on. He added that the Gauden Phodrang Trust is the only entity allowed to deal with the process. Without explicitly mentioning China, he meant that no other organization can be involved in the selection.

China's Reaction

China responded swiftly. It asserted that the choice of the future Dalai Lama has to proceed under certain Chinese laws. The Chinese government also declared that it should grant the final approval.

Historical Background

China occupied Tibet in 1950. Ever since, the Dalai Lama has remained in India, in the town of Dharamshala. China has attempted to hijack the process to choose a successor that is favorable to it. Looking at this, the Dalai Lama has chosen to keep the process in his and his institution's control alone.