India should review Tibet policy from time-to-time : Dalai Lama

New Delhi, Apr 7 (UNI) Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has suggested that India should review its Tibet Policy from time-to-time as New Delhi had been ''over cautious'' on the issue causing resentment among his people.

''Usually I say the government of India's attitude or policy regardng China in general and particularly the Tibetan issue, is over cautious. But sometime certain attitudes create more resentment with Tibetans,'' he said.

Admitting that India's policy on Tibet was difficult to change as it had been in place for the last 50 years, the Dalai Lama said it should be reviewed from time to time.

''...I think it is very important to review it from time-to-time. That is important,'' the Buddhist leader told CNN-IBN in an interview to be telecast on Sunday.

Asserting that he was not seeking independence from China, The Dalai Lama said it was in Tibet's interest, as far as material development was concerned, to remain within the People's Republic of China.

He, however, said it was his dream that Tibet remained a zone of peace, demilitarised.

He accused the Chinese of ruling with ''terror,'' and made it clear that Tibetans should be allowed to control all aspects except Foreign Affairs and Defence.

Apprehending loss of Tibetan culture and language under the Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama said all six million Tibetans were anxious to preserve their culture and spirituality.

''Therefore, since we are not seeking independence or separation, we want certain rights within the concept of autonomy or self rule.

Our main concern is preservation of our culture, our spirituality, our environment,'' he said.

The 71-year old Buddhist spiritual leader also questioned the stand taken by Tibetan youth to be more assertive vis-a-vis China, even if it meant resorting to violence, and said they (the youth) should fight in a democratic way.

''...if they (the youth) want a different approach, they must show the people, their system and their method, step-by-step...We have elections every five years. So if you have a serious programme, let them elect one assertive leader...'' the Dalai Lama said.

UNI