China trying to annihilate Buddhism in Tibet: Dalai Lama

Lhasa/Dharamshala, Mar 11(ANI): Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has accused China of trying to "annihilate Buddhism" in Tibet and claimed the Chinese authorities were conducting "patriotic re-education" campaigns in monasteries in Tibet.

"They are putting the monks and nuns in prison-like conditions, depriving them the opportunity to study and practice in peace," The Telegraph quoted The Dalai Lama, as saying.

The Dalai Lama further said he only wants some form of autonomy for Tibet within China that would allow Tibetan culture, language and religion to thrive.

His comment comes after hundreds of Tibetans were rounded up by Chinese armed paramilitary forces in Lhasa on the anniversary of the failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule on Wednesday.

The anniversary of the failed uprising on March 10, 1959 had sent the Tibetan spiritual leader into exile in India.

Armed patrols have become routine since anti-Beijing unrest turned violent two years ago in protests that left at least 19 dead, which had prompted protests across Tibetan.

Meanwhile, China shot back and accused the Dalai Lama of using deceptions and lies to distort its policy in the region. (ANI)