CPM Slams Supportes Of Free Tibet
Asserting that Tibet was an integral part of China, the CPI(M) on Monday attacked BJP and NDA convenor George Fernandes for supporting its separation asking whether he would support similar demands in Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland. Pointing out that the central government had consistently taken the position that Tibet was part of China, party General Secretary Prakash Karat told a press conference in Coimbatore “some Indian politicians are toeing the line of certain Western powers like the US which would lead to the break-up of larger states in the name of human rights or rights of ethnic minorities. Tibet was an integral part of China, the CPI(M)
“The BJP has come out with a statement attacking the government position while the NDA Convenor has gone further than that. Those who wish to join this chorus (of separation) do disservice to India also. Will they support the demand for a free Nagaland or a free Jammu and Kashmir?” he said. Noting that the government from the beginning has held the position of “upholding the one-China principle”, Karat said it has never recognised Taiwan as a separate country.
“The government has reiterated this stand even now.” The CPI(M) leader said even the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had maintained in writing that the Tibetan Autonomous Region was part of China. “That is the correct position.” “We want a dialogue between the Chinese government and the representatives of the Dalai Lama. Beijing has already said it is willing to hold talks provided the Dalai Lama does not want to go out of the framework of a united China. ... We have also seen statements by the Dalai Lama asking for autonomy within China,” he said.
31.03.2008.
