Tibet is ruled by terror: Dalai Lama

New Delhi: Tibet remains tense and shut off as China cracks down on protesters. The world is calling for restraint as a second wave of anti-China marches on in Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, speaking on CNN-IBN show Devil's Advocate, the Dalai Lama said Tibet is ruled by terror.

Dalai Lama: I think many visitors to Tibet, including many Chinese, when they come to Lhasa (see that) Tibet is actually ruled by terror, rule of terror. Autonomy is not acceptable. The Tibetans should have the final authority, except foreign affairs and defence. So that is the meaning (of the autonomy) I am seeking. At present on paper there's autonomy but in reality the Chinese occupy every key position.

The Dalai Lama also revealed that India's handling of Tibetan protestors during Hu Jintao's visit to India had created resentment in the community. He also said that India should think about reviewing its policy towards Tibet.

Karan Thapar: In November when Hu Jintao came to India, the Indian Government went to extraordinary lengths to stop Tibetans protesting. Do you think it's proper that the world's biggest democracy should have behaved in this way?

Dalai Lama: Usually I say the Government of India's attitude or policy regarding China, in general, and particularly regarding the Tibet issue is over-cautious. But sometimes certain attitudes create more resentment with Tibetans. It sometimes happens."

In the meanwhile, Samdhong Rinpoche, The Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government in Exile, has also agreed with Dalai Lama’s middle path policy.

“We agree with the 'middle path' approach of Dalai Lama. It's not just his idea but it has been evolved with consensus of Tibetan people. It is not a static idea and can be modified in the future. We will achieve nothing by stopping China from hosting the Olympics,” Rinpoche said.