Dalai Lama refuses to comment on ongoing Tibetan conclave

Dharamsala, Nov 20 : Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday refused to comment on the ongoing Tibetan meeting in Dharamsala, saying that it might become a hindrance in the free expression of Tibetans.

Hundreds of prominent members of the community in exile are attending a conclave in Dharamsala called by their spiritual leader to discuss the future of the Tibetan people and debate how to advance their cause.

The Dalai Lama is not attending the week-long meeting, as he reportedly wants to give Tibetan people an opportunity to express their views.

Speaking elsewhere at a function in the hill town, seat of Tibetan government in-exile, on Thursday, the Dalai Lama called for rejuvenating Buddhism in Tibet being ruled by communist China.

"Till Buddha Dharma reaches Tibet in spite that Tibet dark. Once Buddhism reach there, then all those darkness disappear and become bright. So that's very true," said Dalai Lama.

Later responding to reporters' queries, the Dalai Lama refused to comment about the ongoing Tibetan conclave in the town and also on the future of relations with the Chinese government.

"I have made very clear now it's up to people. So if I mentioned something then that may become hindrance of their free expression. So therefore for the time being I remain complete silent," he said.

The Tibetan conclave, taking place seven months after riots across Tibet left one hundred people dead, according to activists, entered fourth day of its deliberations on Thursday.

The special meeting is likely to see a change to the settled policy of the Tibetan spiritual leader since the Dalai Lama dropped his call for Tibetan independence in 1979 after China's then leader, Deng Xiaoping, offered talks in return.

On Tuesday, Tibetan Prime Minister in-exile had said that Tibetans would push for independence from China if the conclave decided that is their only option.

Analysts say the meeting may be an attempt to persuade the Chinese that if they don't compromise, more radical elements will surface against China's rule.

China this month rejected demands for autonomy during talks between Chinese officials and the Dalai Lama's envoys.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, who fled into exile in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising, recently hinted that his push for an autonomous Tibet had failed.

Speculation has grown that he wants to step back from day-to-day political leadership.

ANI