Dalai Lama accentuates need for development in rural India

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, emphasised on rural development in India on Friday.

He was in New Delhi to inaugurate an eye centre for the treatment of retina diseases and glaucoma.

Addressing media here, the Dalai Lama said medical facilities are extremely important for rural India.

"I always feel that country side India, basically farmland, real development must take place in India's rural area, so medical facility, education facility in rural area is I think extremely important (sic)," said the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama, who is based in India, says he is merely seeking greater autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.

Many Tibetans say Chinese rule has eroded their culture and religion. They are agitating for the Dalai Lama's return from exile in India, and genuine autonomy for their homeland.

The Chinese government denies trampling Tibetan rights and boasts of having brought development and prosperity to the region.

Since 2009, at least 120 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in China in protest against Beijing's policies in Tibet and nearby regions with large Tibetan populations. Most were calling for the return of the Dalai Lama.

Tensions have mounted between Tibet and China since 2008, after riots that broke out in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Tibetan parts of China, which led to a government crackdown.