M A I N   N E W S

Sino-Indian ties not to be hit
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Jan 14 — India and China today decided not to allow the Karmapa issue cloud the “sound momentum in bilateral relations”.

Briefing newspersons about a meeting between Chinese Ambassador, Zhou Gang and Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, T.C.A. Rangachari, a Ministry spokesman said that “in response to a request made by the Chinese side, we have informed them today that Lama Ogyen Trinley Dorjee accompanied by six others arrived in Dharamsala on January 5” this year.

“The Chinese side has been asked to share with us specific details regarding his departure from Tibet, the route taken and other relevant details”, the spokesman said.

Both China and India have noted with satisfaction the sound momentum in bilateral relations and the process of improvement and development of these relations on the basis of Panchsheel by the concerted efforts of the two countries, the spokesman said. The meeting lasted about 25 minutes.

With both India and China making a conscious effort to ensure that the “sudden arrival” of the Karmapa Lama in Dharamsala does not affect the “sound momentum” of the bilateral relations, the sensitive issue related with the Tibetan spiritual leader is being handled carefully.

The President, Mr K.R. Narayanan, who was once India’s envoy to China, is schedule to pay an official visit to Beijing in the next few months.

Dalai Lama, Karmapa meet
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, Jan 14 — Significance is being attached to the two-hour closed-door meeting between the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, and the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, at McLeodganj today.

The third meeting between the two religious heads eversince the arrival of the Karmapa here is being considered important as no other person was present at the meeting. Despite being in retreat, the Dalai Lama met the Karmapa for the second time. Six more persons, including the Karmapa’s sister, also met the Dalai Lama.

Interestingly, the Karmapa, along with those who fled with him from Tibet, walked the 1 km-stretch from the McLeodganj bus stand to the Dalai Lama’s palace as due to snowfall, no vehicle was plying on roads. A majority of people in McLeodganj missed the opportunity of having a glimpse of the Karmapa as inclement weather kept them indoors.

It was under tight security that the Karmapa was taken to the Dalai Lama’s palace. The meeting which was fixed for 11 a.m. was delayed as the Karmapa had to walk the distance. The meeting started at 11.45 a.m. and lasted two hours. The two religious heads had lunch together. It is said important issues like that of political asylum and education plans were discussed between the Karmapa and the Dalai Lama.The Karmapa is still living at the Gyuto Tantrik Monastery in Sidhbari.