Expressing concern over the recent meeting of Indian Parliamentarians and ministers with the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile (TPiE), the Chinese Embassy in Delhi, in an unusual and undiplomatic move, has written directly to these MPs, including the Union minister, asking them to refrain from providing support to the ‘Tibetan independence’ forces', the Indian Express reported. The Chinese embassy's reaction came a week after six MPs, including MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar, attended a dinner reception hosted in New Delhi by the TPiE, officially known as the Parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration.
In the letter, written by Political Counsellor Zhou Yongsheng, the Embassy called the Tibetan Government-in-exile an illegal separatist political group "that violates China’s Constitution and laws as, unlike their beliefs, Tibet has always been an inseparable part of China". The embassy asserted that it will not allow the Tibetans to conduct any kind of anti-China political activities. The letter was sent to the MPS on Thursday and the sudden move is reportedly being seen as an undiplomatic move by Delhi, the report added. The MPs have reacted sharply to the letter and expressed their anger over the uncalled move by the Embassy. BJP MP Sujjet Kumar, one of the participants, has asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene in the matter.
The December 22 event hosted by TPiE was attended by Speaker of TPiE Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and six Indian MPs including MoS for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP’s Maneka Gandhi and K C Ramamurthy, Congress MPs Jairam Ramesh and Manish Tewari, and BJD’s Sujeet Kumar.
What does the letter from the Chinese Embassy say?
- “I have noticed that you have attended an activity held by the so-called “All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet” and interacted with some members of so-called “Tibetan Parliament in Exile”. I would like to express our concern on that,” read the letter written by Political Counsellor Zhou Yongsheng .
- It further said: “As is known to all, the so-called ‘Tibetan Government in-exile' is an out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organization completely in violation of China’s Constitution and laws. It is not recognized by any country in the world. Tibet has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times, and Tibet related affairs are purely China’s internal affairs that allow no foreign interference.”
- The letter further mentioned that China firmly opposes all kinds of anti-China separatist activities held by the 'Tibetan independence forces'.
- “China firmly opposes any anti-China separatist activities conducted by “Tibetan independence” forces in any capacity or name in any country and opposes any forms of contact by officials of any country with them,” the letter said.
Also Read | Immunity after covid vaccination or infection lasts for 9 months: ICMR
- Talking about the MPs attending the event by the Tibet forum, the letter mentioned: “You are a senior politician who knows the China-India relations well. It is hoped that you could understand the sensitivity of the issue and refrain from providing support to the “Tibetan independence” forces, and make contributions to China-India bilateral relations.”
How the MPs have reacted:
- BJD’s Kumar expressed his displeasure over the letter and told the India Express: “Who is the Political Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to write to a Member of Parliament of India, the largest democracy? How dare you send letters to Indian MPs? If anything, you can raise your protest through official channels. I think the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) should take a stand.”
- The BJD leader also said that he does not consider Tibet to be a part of China and that the event should not be mixed with politics as it was an occasion intended to support the cause of Tibetan cultural and religious beliefs. “Personally speaking, I don’t consider Tibet to be a part of China. That is separate because the Government of India’s official policy is different. But this Parliamentary forum on Tibet is to support the cause of Tibetan cultural and religious beliefs and is between the people of India and the Tibetan government-in-exile. One should not read too much politics into it,” he said.
Also Read | India records first 'Omicron death' in Maharashtra, state govt denies
- “The stated goals of the Parliamentary forum is not to advocate for the independence of Tibet or anything controversial. It is largely to build a relationship between the government-in-exile and the people of India because of the shared history, shared civilization and linkages..because of Buddhism, because of trade between Tibet and India in the past. The idea is to build on those linkages. I think I have already received four or five letters from the Embassy. I give them befitting replies, too,” he added.
- Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India Rajeev Chandrasekhar said: “I was a member of the Indo-Tibetan Parliamentary forum under the chairmanship of (BJP veteran) Shanta Kumarji and I was invited in the capacity. I attended the dinner,” the report added.
- Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also confirmed receiving the letter and told the news firm that he chose to be a part of the event due to his deep respect for the Dalai Lama and admiration towards Buddha. “When I was asked to speak (at the event), I said I never go to any evening functions but I have made an exception because of my profound admiration for the Buddha, deep respect for the Dalai Lama and in gratitude for the role Tibetan sources have played in the rediscovery of India’s Buddhist heritage,” he said.
