According to the latest unfolding, a classified circular within the framework of Indian government, it is being told to the Ministers and other officials to avoid participation in any kind of Dalai Lama events! The note is being sent out to all the ministries/departments of the central and state government to avoid such events scheduled in next two months.
As per the report from the Indian Express, The Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha as per the directive from Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, he has sent out a note asking “senior leaders” and “government functionaries” of the Centre and states to stay away from scheduled ‘Thank You India’ events by Tibetan government in Exile, in New Delhi and other states of India in commemoration of 60th year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama stay in India.
“A note to the effect, dated February 22, was sent by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha. Four days later, Sinha put out a directive telling “senior leaders” and “government functionaries” of the Centre and states that it is “not desirable” to participate in the events of the Tibetan leadership in exile.” noting that this is a ‘sensitive time’ for bilateral relations with China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration are based in India under the support of Indian government, facilitating His Holiness to visit any part of the country against China’s protest, such as His Holiness’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh in April last year.
“We understand that this includes a large public event titled ‘Thank You India’ being organised at Thyagaraj Sports Complex in New Delhi on 1 April, 2018. The Dalai Lama set-up also intends to invite a number of Indian dignitaries. These are likely to be followed up by additional events in Delhi as well as other States of India.” the Foreign Secretary is quoted as saying in the note.
Therefore the Foreign Secretary has directed the Cabinet Secretary to discourage any government functionary either from the Centre or the State to participate in these events.
“The proposed period will be a very sensitive time in the context of India’s relations with China. Participation by senior leaders or government functionaries, either from the Central Government or State Governments, is not desirable, and should be discouraged,” Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale wrote to the Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha.