(TibetanReview.net, Aug22, 2016) – Recalling the days of peace and tranquillity which prevailed along India’s Himalayan borders in earlier times, a prominent leader of India’s largest social group, the Hindu-based Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (National Volunteer Organisation, RSS), has said Aug 20 that New Delhi had never accepted that Tibet was historically a part of China.
Addressing a press conference organised by the Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat at Dharamshala, India, Mr Indresh Kumar has reaffirmed his group’s continued support for the cause of Tibet and demanded that China engage in constructive dialogue with Tibetan representatives.
He has called China a colonial power which is in occupation of several other countries as well, such as Mongolia.
He has bemoaned the fact that since China’s invasion and occupation of Tibet, the once peaceful northern borders of India has been heavily militarised with stationing of soldiers, air force bases and missile launchers. He has accused China of desiring to occupy the entire Himalayan region.
There were earlier only 78 personnel – 26 Tibetans and 52 Indians – stationed at 13 check-posts throughout the Indo-Tibet border. However, following China’s occupation of Tibet, there were now over two-hundred thousand heavily armed soldiers and military equipment deployed at the same check-posts, he has added.
Mr Indresh Kumar has demanded that China respect the Tibetan people’s aspirations and not undertake activities to annihilate Tibet’s cultural heritage and its pristine environment. He has asked it not to violate the Tibetan people’s fundamental rights in the name of development.
And he has expressed gratitude to the Dalai Lama for making Dharamshala an international destination known for peace and tranquillity.
Mr Indresh Kumar has been associated with the Tibet cause since 1997, is the founder of groups called the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch and Himalayan Parivar which campaign for the cause of Tibet and the Himalayan regions, said Acharya Yeshi Phunstok, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was also present at the press conference.