'I am hurt by China's claim over Tawang,' says Dalai Lama

Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Nov.8 : Describing his visit to Arunachal Pradesh as non-political, Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Sunday said China's objection to his visit was uncalled for, and added that he was also hurt by Beijing's claim on Tawang District.

'I am hurt by China's claim over Tawang. I think their objection to my visit is unwanted. It is a non-political visit, said the Dalai Lama soon after arriving in Tawang on a week-long visit.

Last week, the Dalai Lama reportedly said he was travelling to Arunachal Pradesh with the objective of teaching his beliefs. He also said then that Tawang held great memories for him, as this was his first stop 50 years ago when he was forced to flee Tibet by the Chinese.

As per his scheduled programme, the Dalai Lama will visit the famous Tawang monastery to deliver a spiritual discourse to his followers at the invitation of local leaders and also dedicate a new hospital.

He is also scheduled to hold discourses in the monastery and at nearby Dirang from November 9 to 12 and another at Bomdila before leaving for Itanagar.

China has repeatedly raised objection to Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang area.

To China's objection over Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang, India has stated that the Tibetan leader was free to travel any part of India, but is not allowed to indulge in political activities.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after meeting his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao recently in Hua Hin city of Thailand on the sidelines of an ASEAN Summit, had stated that the Dalai Lama was an honoured guest of India and was free to travel anywhere he wished to.

India has maintained that the Tibetans are not allowed to indulge in political activities on Indian soil.

Meanwhile, posters with pictures of the Tibetan spiritual leader in a colour presentation and flags have been prepared to greet visitors to the place, where Dalai Lama had landed in 1959 after his escape from Tibet.

Tight security arrangements have been put in place around the area, located between - China and Myanmar, with the Tawang district administration making all efforts to ensure a peaceful visit of the leader.

Tawang is perched at a height of 10,000 feet.

--ANI