Remaining with China in economic interest of Tibet: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Thursday said that the state of Tibet should stay within China in its own economic interests.

"As far as future is concerned, Tibet, which is a backward (state), therefore for our own interest (should) remain within the people of China, for economic interests, provided China should give us meaningful autonomy so that we can take care of our own culture, our Buddhist religion and environment, these things. So that there is mutual benefit," he said.

During the event, Dalai Lama was optimistic that the Tibet issue would be resolved very soon.

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.

Beijing denies trampling Tibetan rights and boasts of having brought development and prosperity to the region.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dalai Lama also spoke on corruption and called it a form of violence.

"If anyone who really believes (in) god or Buddha or Dharma (then) they must carry their principles 24-7, so corruption is a form of violence, exploitation so therefore there are two choices, you either believe in spirituality, truth or forget these things and (just worry) about money," he said.

The Dalai Lama was in Nagpur to meet with Indian Buddhists.