'Let 1.3 billion Chinese people know the reality about Tibet'

Dharamshala: Terming the media censorship in China as immoral, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said Thursday "the Chinese people have a right to know the truth about happening in Tibet".

His Holiness made the remarks at a press conference in Bhopal, capital of India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, where he delivered a keynote address on human rights at the State assembly.

“They (Chinese media) need complete freedom. Let the 1.3 billion Chinese population know the reality about Tibet. So censorship and distorted information, these are immoral. Of course, censorship and distorted information cannot fool the rest of the world but it is fooling their own people… So China should have complete freedom on media and Chinese people have the ability to judge what is right and what is wrong. So people should know what’s going on, what’s reality,” His Holiness said .

''We are no longer seeking separation from mainland China. There had been some 800 articles written by Chinese hardliners who support our view on seeking autonomy for Tibet,'' His Holiness said.

Speaking on the issue of democracy in China, His Holiness said the path to an open society would need to be taken gradually.

“I think, I always stress that democracy immediately in China is questionable and whether it will really be helpful or not. If the centralised authority collapses, then there could be a chaotic situation. That’s in nobody’s interest so gradual change is the best way,” His Holiness said.

His Holiness also said India and China are the two powerful nations in south Asian region. Both countries maintaining good relations is very essential, he added.

source tibet.net