BUDDHISTS IN HILLS PROTEST AGAINST ATTEMPTS TO DEFAME DALAI LAMA

Amitava Banerjee, HT, 19 June 2014, DARJEELING: Expressing solidarity with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist community in Darjeeling peacefully protested against the alleged bid by “certain groups” to defame the spiritual head of the Tibetans.
Under the aegis of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYCregional chapter of the Tibetan Youth Congress) Darjeeling, the protesters claimed that China has a hand in propping these “groups” to indulge in baseless character assassination of the Dalai Lama. Tibetan shops and business establishments remained closed in Darjeeling on Wednesday.

Incidentally, followers of the Shugden cult (who worship the Shungden deity) had demonstrated against the Dalai Lama during his recent visit to the USA and Europe. Shugden followers claim that the Dalai Lama is not allowing religious freedom and have labeled him a liar and a “false lama.”

The Tibetan Youth Congress (the largest Tibetan outfit in exile) countered these charges stating them as baseless and fabricated. “The Dalai Lama appears to be a target of character assassination by certain groups who may be working with the Chinese government attempting to discredit the Dalai Lama,” said Diki Dolkar, president of RTYC, without naming the Shungden followers.

She invited all the Tibetans to remain vigilant, attentive and cautious. “Unity is our strength. One should not get carried away by these baseless and false allegations,” added Dolkar.

“We stand by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who has sacrificed everything for Tibet. He is a leader who is compassionate and believes in peace,” said Sonam Tshering, secretary of RTYC.

Other Buddhist communities of Darjeeling, including the Sherpas, Tamangs and Yolmos, marched in solidarity with the Tibetans and the Dalai Lama.

A silent protest rally was taken out from the Chowrasta to the Chowk Bazar and back to Chowrasta on Wednesday.

Source & Courtesy:http://amitavaht.wordpress.com/