Dalai Lama now heading to Arunachal

Dharamsala, March 21 (IANS) A day after China expressed its discontent over Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's public event in India, his office on Tuesday confirmed the Nobel laureate's trip to Arunachal Pradesh, the region China claims has historically been part of Tibet.

"His Holiness will be in Arunachal Pradesh from April 5 to 12 where he will bless his followers and attend religious functions," an official in the Dalai Lama's office told IANS.

As per the programme, from April 5 to 7 the Dalai Lama will give teachings at Yiga Choezin in Tawang. On April 10, he will give teachings at Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery in Dirang.

A day later, the Dalai Lama will be at the Buddha Park in Bomdila and on April 12 he will talk at Thupten Gatsal Ling in Itanagar.

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is home to one of most sacred Buddhist monasteries.

The Dalai Lama passed through this region when he fled into exile in 1959. Moreover, the sixth Dalai Lama was born there in the 17th century.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing China in 1959 after a failed uprising against Communist rule over Tibet. The government-in-exile is based in Dharamsala. It is not recognised by any country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its discontent on Monday to New Delhi after the Dalai Lama attended a global meet on Buddhism organised by India at Rajgir in Bihar.

It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama and India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma also attended.

"In recent days the Indian side, in total disregard of China's stern representation and strong opposition, insisted on inviting the 14th Dalai Lama to attend the international conference on Buddhism held by the Indian government," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.