Dalai Lama to visit Tawang: Rinpoche

New Delhi, Nov.2 (ANI): The Tibetan Govt.-in-exile on Monday reasserted its stand over the proposed visit of Tibetan Spiritual Leader, Dalai Lama, saying that their leader will visit Tawang city of Arunachal Pradesh.

"He will visit," said Samdhong Rinpoche, the Tibetan govt.-in exile told a private news channel.

"China may object but his visit to Tawang is purely spiritual," Rinpoche added.

China has already expressed firm opposition to Dalai's Tawang visit on Nov.8.

Ahead of his proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama on Saturday (Oct.31) had hit out at China for opposing his trip to the state saying it was "politicising too much" the issue as he was going there solely for teaching.

He said that he was surprised and saddened by China's criticism of his visit to Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Tibetan leader said that he was surprised at China's criticism. "If my visit creates problem, I am very sad, that's all," Dalai Lama stated.

"The Chinese government politicises too much wherever I go. Where I go is not political," stated the Nobel Laureate about his visits.

He contended that he was travelling to Arunachal in connection with teaching his beliefs, the Dalai Lama said Tawang held great memories for him as this was his first stop 50 years ago when he was forced to flee Tibet.

Speaking about Dalai Lama's proposed visit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had recently stated: "He is a religious leader; we do not allow the Tibetan refugees to indulge in political activities."

India and China were recently engaged in a verbal spat over Dalai Lama's proposed visit to Arunachal over which China lays claim.

China objected to his visit, but India rejected the objection, saying the Tibetan leader was free to travel anywhere in India.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Tawang monastery to deliver spiritual discourse to his followers at the invitation of local leaders and also dedicate a new hospital, built in part with funds donated by him.

New Delhi also has made it clear that the Dalai Lama is not supposed to indulge in political activities or discuss India-China boundary question. (ANI)