Police for tighter security at Dalai Lama’s palace

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 30

The state police have sought additional funds and manpower to beef up security at the palace of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in McLeodganj.

They have proposed to install high-resolution cameras, baggage scanners and other sophisticated equipment at his palace.

A detailed report has been sent by the police to the State Home Department. The state will be seeking funds from the Ministry of Home Affairs as it is responsible for the security of the spiritual leader who has made McLeodganj his abode since he sought refuge in India.

The enhanced security cover for the Dalai Lama has been proposed in view of the threat perception to his life as the entire Tibetan freedom struggle rests on his persona. There have been several instances in the recent past when alleged Chinese spies with maps and documents containing secret information have been arrested from around his residence. The Dalai Lama, who fled from Chinese-occupied Tibet in 1959, travels for more than 20 days in a month all around the world.

The plans to deploy additional force and install equipment at the Dalai Lama’s palace is a follow up of the review of his security by various agencies, including the state CID, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Military Intelligence and other security forces. The security of the Dalai Lama is managed by Tibetan security personnel who form the inner ring of security, along with more than 50 Himachal Police personnel.

The police have proposed to install high-resolution 360 degrees cameras, baggage scanners and sophisticated sabotage-check equipment at the entrance of the Dalai Lama’s palace. “We have proposed a full-fledged battalion for his security against the existing strength of 50 Himachal Police personnel,” said a senior police functionary. If the proposal is accepted, more than 100 personnel will guard him round the clock.

The police also want security at the residence of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, up. He heads the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. He fled from Tsurphu monastery in Tibet and landed in McLeodganj in January 5, 2000. He has been residing at Gyuto Monastery located in Sidhbari on the outskirts of Dharamsala.

Only 20 police personnel are deployed for his security. As followers, including a large number of foreigners come to Gyuto to seek his blessings every day, the police want the security cover enhanced.

The proposal 

• As per the proposal, high-resolution cameras and baggage scanners will be installed at the entrance 
• The police have sought a battalion for his security 
• At present, Tibetan security personnel, along with more than 50 Himachal Police personnel, guard the Dalai Lama round the clock