Agnivesh urges China to hold talks with Dalai Lama

Kochi, Apr 18 (UNI) Reiterating his support for the Tibetans, Social activist Swami Agnivesh today said China should take the initiative to hold talks with exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to settle the Tibetan issue.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, '' the Dalai Lama was preaching love and non-violence, and was accepting China as a country. He is the only demanding autonomy for Tibetans.'' Agnivesh further said China was trying to assert itself and this would not augur well for the country's future.

'' If a peaceful solution for the Tibetan issue was found, the entire world will celebrate Olympics and it would be a win-win situation for both China and Tibet,'' he added.

The national capital was held hostage to conduct the Olympics torch relay rally he said.

On the 'Stayartha Prakash' book, the netigious leader said it was unfortunate that two Muslim clerics had moved a local court in Delhi to ban Maharishi Dayanand's book.

The book does not contain anything inflammatory to hurt the sentiments of any section of the society, he said, adding the Arya Samaj was only trying to create a casteless society in the country.

Referring to the Changara agitation in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, Agnivesh urged the Left Democratic Front Government to give land to the agitators and not deny their rights.

UNI MA ROY PY RK2000