As a result of the violent protests by pro-Tibet independence activists and the crackdown by Chinese troops, his Holiness, the Dalai Lama has given an ultimatum. He vowed to step down if the violence continues.
During an interview several days ago with BBC, his Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama explained his support of using the Olympic Games in Beijing to publicize the cause for Tibet’s autonomy. Marches and protests began on March 10, which is the anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China in 1959. On that same day, the Dalai Lama had to flee Tibet where he is in exile living in India.
The protests in Tibet had become violent as Tibetans attacked Chinese owned businesses. Tibetan exiles began their long march from India and Nepal on the same day. China’s crackdown had brought forth international outcry as it could affect the Olympics as Beijing will be this year’s host.
The Dalai Lama, the United Nations (UN), and the United States have urged both sides to show restraint. Recently, China’s Premiere Wen Jiabao fired back and accused the Dalai Lama of starting the violence. He also called the Dalai Lama’s accusation of China committing “cultural genocide” in Tibet as a pack of lies.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged the international community not to boycott the games over Tibet. China has been trying to keep the games and politics separate. But, it is easier said than done.
During his interview with BBC, the Dalai Lama expressed concerns about Tibet. At the same time, he said that he feels powerless. He said that while he may be the spokesman for Tibet, the Dalai Lama said that he does not control them. The Dalai Lama admits that more activists are taking the more radical route such as the path of violence.
He was also given a request not to ask for the demonstrations to stop. However, the Dalai Lama has given the Tibetans an ultimatum. He threatens to step down as the leader of Tibet if activists continue going the radical route. The Dalai Lama said that the only thing he could possibly do is resign.
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If the Tibetans were to choose the path of violence he would have to resign because he is completely committed to nonviolence,” according to Tenzin Taklha, a top aide to the Dalai Lama. He adds: “He would resign as the political leader and the head of state, but not as the Dalai Lama. He will always be the Dalai Lama.”
In short, the Dalai Lama said to the Tibetan exiles to stop their marches from India and Nepal. He said that marching is useless as China will not grant Tibet’s autonomy. China has claimed that Tibet has always been apart of the country. He also said for the demonstrators to quit using violence.
The Dalai Lama has set his foot down. The question is: How strong is the Dalai’s Lama message to the Tibetans?
