*NEW DELHI:* In an unusual departure from its stand on theTibetans-in-exile, the Indian government, underlining that this is a “verysensitive time” for bilateral relations with China, has sent out a noteasking “senior leaders” and “government functionaries” of the Centre andstates to stay away from events planned for March-end and early April bythe “Tibetan leadership in India” to mark the start of 60 years in exile ofthe Dalai Lama.
A note to the effect, dated February 22, was sent by Foreign SecretaryVijay Gokhale to Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha. Four days later, Sinha putout a directive telling “senior leaders” and “government functionaries” ofthe Centre and states that it is “not desirable” to participate in theevents of the Tibetan leadership in exile.
China calls the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, a“splittist” and a “dangerous separatist”, the Indian Express reported.
In his note to secretaries and heads of government departments, Sinha saidparticipation in these events “should be discouraged” and “accordingly, youare requested to ensure appropriate action in the matter”.
He quoted Gokhale’s note to underline “the sensitive nature of the subject.”