China Has No Authority To Choose Next Dalai Lama, Says Arunachal Pradesh Monastery Head

In view of China's expansionism policy, Rinpoche said that it is important for India to counter it and maintain strict vigilance over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with the neighbouring country.

14th Dalai Lama. (File Photo)

New Delhi: Gyangbung Rinpoche, Head of the 350 years old Tawang monastery in Arunachal Pradesh has said that China has no authority in the selection of the next Dalai Lama especially since the nation doesn't believe in religion. He further said that the selection of the next Dalai Lama is an entirely spiritual process, PTI reported.

In view of China's expansionism policy, Rinpoche said that it is important for India to counter it and maintain strict vigilance over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with the neighbouring country.

He further said that the contemporary Dalai Lama and Tibetian people have the right to choose the next Tibetan spiritual leader and China has no role to play in the matter of succession.

"The Chinese government does not believe in religion. How can a government that does not believe in religion decide the next Dalai Lama. The succession plan is a matter of religion and faith; it is not a political issue," Rinpoche was quoted by PTI in its report.

"China does not have any right to even get involved in the process of choosing the next Dalai Lama. Only the current Dalai Lama and his followers have the right to decide on the issue," he further said.

Rinpoche remarks on the succession of the next Dalai Lama came amidst the tension between the two countries following the eastern Ladakh border standoff. India in its policy maintains that the state of Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country.

"It will be difficult for China to win the hearts of the people of Tibet. China is tightly controlling Tibet. The authorities do not even allow people from outside to meet Tibetans. There are so many restrictions. It is important that countries like India support the Tibetans," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)