Dalai Lama expresses concern over Tibet issue, but lauds Chinese

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, said Friday that the Tibetan community is passing through a difficult phase, but lauded the Chinese for their hardwork and economic development.

The Dalai Lama was speaking after paying his tribute at the memorials of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and its second chief M. S. Golwalkar in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The Dalai Lama also said he has always admired Chinese people residing in different parts of the world.

"This moment we are passing through difficult sort of moment. However, Chinese people, I always admire. Hardworking, realistic, you can see in different parts of the world wherever there are Chinese communities they are economically quite well," he said.

Beijing considers the Dalai Lama, who fled China in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule, a violent separatist. The Dalai Lama, who is based in India, says he is merely seeking greater autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.

The Dalai Lama also said that India has a great potential to contribute to world peace.

"India, you see really, I see a great potential to contribute world peace, a healthier world," he added.

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.

Hailing India's democratic system, the Dalai Lama said the nation's democracy is stable due to its 1000-year-old tradition.

"Most populated democratic country and since independence, this country in comparison to other sort of neighbouring states, this country is very-very stable because of democracy and democracy is very successful because of thousand-year-old tradition. Different view but respect, I think that's a healthy sign," added Dalai Lama.

Violence has flared in Tibet since 1950, when Beijing claims it "peacefully liberated" the region. 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.

As shocking as the first suicides were, the people who chose to burn themselves did so, Tibetan scholars say, in reaction to specific instances of abuse at particular monasteries. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are often under surveillance and subject to raids by Chinese security forces.

Since 2009, at least 121 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.