Electronic gadgets banned in Dalai Lama gatherings

Electronic gadgets can no more be taken to meetings addressed here by the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama due to security concerns, it was announced Friday.

"As a result of new security measures, no outside electronic gadgets, including FM radios, will be allowed in the temple premises at all times," the Dalai Lama's office said.

The hilltop Tsuglagkhang temple is close to the official palace of the Dalai Lama.

Security has beefed at Buddhist monasteries across Himachal Pradesh since the serial bomb blasts at the Mahabodhi temple complex in Bihar last month.

Superintendent of Police Balbir Thakur told IANS that some loopholes were found in the security of the Dalai Lama and the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who also resides here.

These loopholes have been plugged, the officer said.

The Dalai Lama lives in exile along with some 140,000 Tibetans, over 100,000 of them in India.

The Tibetan exile administration is based in this northern Indian hill town. It is not recognised by any country.