Stick to path of non-violence, says Tibetan PM-in-exile

Tibetan prime minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 144th birth anniversary Wednesday here and called on Tibetans to re-affirm their commitment to non-violence in the freedom struggle.

"On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we offer our profound reverence to Mahatma Gandhi and gratitude to the people and government of India," democratically elected Sangay told reporters at a ceremony marking the occasion at the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) secretariat.

"Tibetans are leading a successful non-violent freedom struggle and we re-dedicate ourselves to non-violence," he added.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama had shared an inspiring news that the 'middle-way' approach will succeed in resolving the Tibet issue. Tibetans will see the day when the issue of Tibet is resolved within the lifetime of His Holiness," he added.

The "middle-way" approach favours more autonomy for people of Tibet, but within the framework of Chinese constitution.

As a mark of respect to the Mahatma, the CTA organises function every Gandhi Jayanti since 2007. It has been observing a public holiday in all its offices on this day.

The Dalai Lama along with many of his supporters fled Tibet and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959.

The Tibetan government-in-exile that never got recognition from any country is based here.