Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh): Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Wednesday downplayed China's concern over his visit to North East India, and said he has no problem even if someone dubs him a demon.
Talking to media here, the Dalai Lama said, "No problem, even if some considers me a demon."
Hailing the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Tibetan government-in-exile on Tuesday said that China should not have any problem with it as the spiritual leader's visit is purely religious.
"He has been invited by the people of Tawang to come and give teachings and blessings. He is visiting as a religious leader. He travels all over the world and give teachings on Buddhist philosophy, inter-religious harmony and peace. There is no reason for China to protest the Dalai Lama visiting places where his followers are," Tibetan government-in-exile spokesperson Sonam Dagpo said.
He further said China is not protesting against the Dalai Lama's visit for the first time.
"He has been visiting Tawang for the last many years. But for the past five-six years now whenever he is being invited by the people of Tawang, China begins to protest against the Indian Government," he added.
Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday also warned against any 'artificial controversy' being created and asserted that the Dalai Lama's visit was strictly religious and not political.
"His (Dalai Lama) visit is purely religious in nature and there should be no political angle given to that," Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju told the media here.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier had issued a statement, saying that no additional colour should be ascribed to the Dalai Lama's religious and spiritual activities.
During his visit, he is also expected to hold a religious discourse at the stadium of Tawang's senior secondary school and will also deliver a public talk on 'Secular Ethics and Happiness' at the Kala Wangpo Convention Centre.
On global stage, China has repeatedly warned India that the Dalai Lama's visit would hit the bilateral ties significantly.
Protesting Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China earlier on Friday warned India to avoid damaging bilateral relations between the two nations and adhere to political pledges or else face the consequences.
