Himachal to create cells to keep an eye on Tibetans

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to set up a separate intelligence unit to monitor activities of Tibetans in the state.

Chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has taken strong exception to the alleged anti-national activities and has demanded the Centre to reimburse the total expenditure being incurred on the security of the Dalai Lama and the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.

At present, only a small part of the expenditure was being reimbursed by the ministry of external affairs.

Meanwhile, supporters of the Karmapa organised a candle-light march with placards saying “Our Guru is not a Chinese spy.”

They sang hymns “Karmapa Kheno” (Karmapa our god only you know). The placards carried messages “Long live Karmapa” and “We Support You. Let the truth prevail”.

Karmapa is facing allegations of having a Chinese connection after 11 lakh yuan were recovered from his monastery.

He responded to the solidarity march by addressing his supporters. “We are facing a situation which has arisen due to misunderstandings and mistakes. It has even concerned The Dalai Lama,” he said.

“India had become a second homeland to the Tibetans. We all have taken refuge and settled here. The country, in contrast to communist China, is a democratic country that is based on the rule of law. Therefore, I trust that things will improve and truth will become clear in time. So please be at ease. There is no need to worry,” the Karmapa said.