India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Security has been beefed up at the residence and monastery of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama here, following recent confirmed reports of possible threat to his life. Religion and Culture Minister of Tibetan government-in-exile, Pema Chhinjor informed this to the mediapersons here on Sunday. "In recent days, there has been considerable media attention concerning reports of possible security threat to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The security of His Holiness is a matter of great concern," Chhinjor said. The Dalai Lama's security personnel and the local police have stepped up vigil to ensure his safety. "According to reports received from Tibet in June 2010, Chinese intelligence agencies are making concrete plans to harm His Holiness by employing well trained agents, particularly females. It is also learnt that they are exploring the possibility of harming him by using ultra-modern and highly sophisticated drugs and poisonous chemicals," added Chhinjor. According to another report received in October 2011, the Chinese intelligence agencies have stepped up their covert efforts to collect all inputs on the status of the Dalai Lama's health, as well as garner samples of his blood, urine and hair, Chhinjor informed, adding that Chinese agencies are reportedly co-opting local Tibetans for this. Security Minister of Tibetan government-in-exile, Ngodup Dongchung who was also present at the news conference cited that all possible efforts were taken into account while the spiritual leader's visit to Bihar recently. "In the beginning of the year, His Holiness was in Bihar . More than 8000 people participated from Tibet . Lots of Chinese had come from mainland China . We had taken care of everything," he said. Chhinjor also expressed his gratitude towards the Centre for providing all facilities to the Tibetan spiritual leader. "The Central Tibet Administration is grateful to government of India for the efficient security arrangements provided to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Central Tibet Administration is cautious to all concerns to remain vigilant and alert in this regard," he observed. In a recent interview to an international media, the Dalai Lama had mentioned that he has information of China planning to send in fake female devotees to assassinate him.

Security stepped up for Dalai Lama after threats to his life