In a move which can attract more attention and criticism from China, Arunachal Pradesh will see the visit of Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama early in 2017. Narendra Modi-led government has cleared his visit, even after the recent hosting of US envoy received a lot of protests from our neighbour.
According to a report, the invitation to Dalai Lama was extended on October 9, with an aim to make his followers in Arunachal meet the spiritual leader. He will be in the state for a fortnight and visit Tawang, Itanagar and other eastern parts of Arunachal.
Meanwhile, US envoy Richar Verma’s October 21 visit to Arunachal received a lot of protests and criticism from China, but the Ministry of External Affairs had dismissed their opposition saying that the northeastern state is an important and integral part of India. China, however, claimed that it is a disputed region between the two countries.
TOI also cited sources in Tibetan government in exile who confirmed the proposed Dalai lama visit to Arunachal in 2017. This move will undoubtedly grab some eyeballs in Beijing, China who will not sit quietly. China had also protested in 2009 when Dalai Lama had planned to visit the Indian state.
