Buddhist monks claim that Karmapa Lama raids caused by Chinese propaganda

Siliguri, Feb 4 (ANI): Buddhist monks and officials in Siliguri claimed the raids against 17th Karmapa Lama followed by Chinese propaganda.

Sonam Lhundup Lama, Convener of the core group for the Tibetan Cause for the Northeast Region of India, believed that the raids were part of Chinese strategy to attack the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders' popularity in India.

"We feel that China always does such propaganda. They know that in India there are a number of people following Buddhism, and they want to treat them poorly and play propaganda. So there is no doubt of them having a role in this. China can do anything. They have power and money. The indication is very clear that China wants the followers of the Dalai Lama to vanish, and the population of Tibet will not be able to voice their problems," he said.

Commenting on the 1.1 million Yuan recovered from the monastery, Jampa Tenzing, a Buddhist Monk of the Sed-Gyed Monastery in Salugara, said that the Karmapa has a lot of followers from China and hence gets donations in the currency.

"If the students give them the money then the secretary of Karmapa cannot refuse, he said.

"But we believe that the Karmapa is innocent and there is no doubt about it. He is our leader and we worship and respect him," Tenzing added.

The Karmapa Lama is being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate officials, and continues to remain under the scanner for his alleged Chinese links.

Police have so far arrested several people in connection with the seizure and raided several places in Himachal Pradesh and New Delhi.

During questioning, Karmapa had said he was not aware of the seizure of foreign currency worth over Rs 7.5 crore from the monastery and maintained that Shakti Lama and Gompu Tshering handled the affairs of the trust.

Karmapa's office had also maintained that Karmapa had nothing to do with currency and money was received by way of offerings and donations from disciples coming from different parts of the world, including China and Tibet.

Rabjaychojan also known as Shakti Lama, a close aide of the Karmapa Lama, has been sent to police custody till February 5, in connection with the case. (ANI)