India formally clears Dalai Lama's Arunachal visit

New Delhi, Oct 27: Setting the tone ahead of the India-China meet in Bangalore, New Delhi has given its nod to the week-long visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader to the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Oct 26, chairperson of the state level reception committee, T G Rinpoche said that the External Affairs Ministry cleared the visit on Oct 19. He clarified that the ministry's letter was not handed over to the chief minister, Dorjee Khandu because of the model code of conduct in force for the Assembly elections.

He also added that the letters signed by director of the External Affairs Ministry, Monica Jain, directing for adequate security arrangement were sent to the chief secretaries of West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

Dalai Lama is expected to begin his visit from Nov 8 and Rinpoche welcomed devotees, and others interested to attend the Dalai Lama's discourses at Tawang from Nov 9 to 11, at Dirang on Nov 12, Bomdial on Nov 13 and Itanagar on Nov 14.

This comes amid Chinese opposition against the spiritual leader travelling to the northeastern Indian state citing that Dalai Lama was reflecting separatist ideology with this visit.

However, Prime Minister who meet the Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao in the East Asia summit in Thailand, clarified India's stand on the issue stating that the religious leader has all rights to travel in India.

OneIndia News