New York: Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who is widely perceived as the next leader of the Tibetan people, has said that India should be more vocal with China on the political and environmental rights of the Tibetans.
"It is not inappropriate for India to raise its voice and be a very active participant in this discussion," the 17th Karmapa, one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, said, noting that India was "not just another county" of the international community but that "Tibetan culture was Indian culture”.
"Right now we find the environment of Tibet in a perilous condition," he said, adding that the Chinese government had continued its "repressive acts in an uninterrupted fashion since 2008."
The Karmapa said that Tibetans were "not political people", but were fighting for basic human rights like freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
The Karmapa, who is on his second visit to the US after 2008, also warned against the dam that China is constructing in the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra.
He said the dam was "not a small deal" and it would impact India and its neighbouring countries. He added that it was "important" for the Indian government to speak on the matter.
The Karmapa accompanied Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his trip to Washington DC, this week, to attend the Kalachakra ceremonies.
PTI
