China's diktat indicates 'whether there is religious freedom or not': Dalai Lama

As China recently issued directions to Tibetans and Chinese pilgrims visiting India to come back before 'Kalachakra' (Wheel of Time) initiations by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama dubbed the diktat as "sad", saying it is an indication of whether there is religious freedom or not.

After China's diktat, some pilgrims met the Dalai Lama, where he questioned the religious freedom in Tibet.

When asked whether he had met pilgrims after China had directed them to return before Kalachakra, the Dalai Lama told ANI, "I met. They were simply crying...crying...crying... crying; very sad; but there is no other choice. I think this is the indication whether there is religious freedom or not."

The Dalai Lama thereafter left for his visits to Delhi; Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mundgod in Karnataka; and Bodh Gaya in Bihar from the Kangra Airport here.

He will give the 34th Kalachakra initiations from January 3-14 in Bodh Gaya.