'Middle way approach to solve Tibetan issue'

New Delhi, Mar 10: Harping on his commitment to the ''Middle Way'' approach in resolving the Tibetan problem within the framework of the Chinese Constitution, the Dalai Lama today asked the Tibetans to sustain their struggle with courage and determination till their aspirations are fulfilled.

In his message on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Tibetan people's peaceful uprising in Lhasa in 1959, the Dalai Lama said five rounds of comprehensive discussions were held between his representatives and Chinese officials since the resumption of direct contacts between the two sides in 2002.

''In 1979, China's paramount leader Deng Xiaoping proposed that except for independence, all other issues regarding Tibet could be resolved through negotations. As this was in accord with our thinking, we adopted a mutually-beneficial Middle Way policy,'' he said.

For the past 28 years, the Dalai Lama said the Tibetans had followed this policy consistently and sincerely, which was formulated as a result of thorough discussion, based on the broad objectives of meeting the long-term and immediate interests of both Tibetans and Chinese and ensuring peaceful co-existence in Asia.

''This policy has been endorsed and supported by many pragmatic Tibetans in and outside Tibet by many countries,'' said the Nobel-laureate and the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan community.

Strongly defending his proposal for ''genuine national regional autonomy'' for all Tibetans, he said this would help achieve genuine equality and unity between the Tibetans and Chinese by eliminating big Han chauvinism and local nationalism.

Pointing out that the Chinese constitution guarantees regional autonomy to minority nationalities, he regretted that this had not been implemented fully, thereby failing to meet its objective of preserving and protecting their distinct identity, culture and language.

In this connection, the Dalai Lama said President Hu Jintao's continued call for a harmonious society was laudable. ''The basis for the realisation of such a society is to foster trust among the people, which can take place when there is freedom of expression, truth, justice and equality.'' In his message, the Tibetan leader also thanked the people and government of India for their ''unwavering and unparalleled generosity and support to us''.

The Dalai Lama, however, expressed his feelings of disquiet and unease over recent train links between Tibet and mainland China, saying it had become a ploy for the increased Chinese population transfer into Tibet. ''There is nothing wrong with infrastructural development such as railway in itself. However...ever since the railway line became operational, Tibet has seen a further increase in Chinese population transfer, deterioration of its environment, misuse and pollution of its water, and exploitation of its natural resources...'' In order to provide real benefits for both the majority and minority nationalities, he said there was an imperative need for putting into place a meaningful autonomy.

''...the demand for a single administration of the Tibetan nationality is sincere, just and transparent. It is clear to the world that we have no hidden agenda. As such, it is the sacred duty of all Tibetans to continue our struggle towards fulfilling this reasoanble demand.'' Looking back on the developments in the year gone-by, he said Tibet witnessed both positive and negative changes in China.

On the one hand, the hard-line position was intensified with a vilification campaign against the Tibetans and heightened political restriction and repression In tibet. On the other hand, in China itself, there was some improvement with regard to the freedom of expression.

''In particular, there is a growing feeling among Chinese intellectuals that material development alone is not sifficient and that there is a need to create a more meaningful society based on spiritual values...as a result of which belief in religion in general, and interest in Tibetan Buddhism and culture is growing.'' The Dalai Lama also referred to the growing demand by many people that he should make a pilgrimage to China and give teachings there.

''The struggle of the Tibetan people is not about the struggle for the status of a few Tibetan individuals; it is the struggle of a people. We have already transformed the exile Tibetan administration and community into a genuine democratic system,'' he said.

''We have thus set up a a deep-rooted, vibrant social and political institution that will carry forward our struggle from generation to generation. In the end, the ultimate decisions will be made democratically by the people themselves.''

UNI