BJP MP and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shanta Kumar has snubbed China. The BJP leader was invited to the commemoration event of the 60th Tibetan National Uprising day organized by the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala on March 10.
In a symbolic display of support and solidarity with the Tibetan people inside Tibet and exile, an array of Members of Parliament from India, EU, Germany, Canada, Slovakia, Italy, Peru, Taiwan gathered at the courtyard of Tsuglagkhang in a sombre ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising.
Among the guest MPs from around the world, BJP MP Shanta Kumar too dared the Chinese government by ignoring an official message from the Chinese Embassy three days before the event. The Indian leader was urged not to attend the event as it threatened the sovereignty of People’s Republic of China.
Shanta Kumar in a report by Times of India admitted that he received an official communication from the Chinese embassy in New Delhi and he explained that, “It said that I should refrain from attending this event as it would threaten the national sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China.”
However, the MP added that China should not decide where he should go or not as he attended the important Tibetan event and even met with the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.
The leaders pledged to champion the voices of brave Tibetans inside Tibet and declared renewed support for the political leadership led by the Central Tibetan Administration and its earnest efforts to resume dialogue with the Chinese government based on the Middle Way Approach. As they conveyed their highest admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the lawmakers urged that China would only benefit in embracing His Holiness’ vision for Tibet and the world, according to the report by Central Tibetan Administration.