NEW DELHI, Oct 27 - The Centre today cleared the Dalai Lama�s visit to Arunachal Pradesh in March next year.
The Centre issued a statement saying there is no bar on the Dalai Lama visiting any place in India. Hence his visit to Arunachal in March next is technically not a problem.
The Dalai Lama was extended an invitation by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on October 9 to visit the State.
The visit is slated for the second week of March next.
The move assumes significance as China raised objections to US Ambassador Richard Verma�s visit to Tawang on October 21 for the Tawang Festival. India dismissed it by saying it is nothing unusual as Arunachal is an integral part of India.
When asked about the Dalai Lama�s visit to Arunachal, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said he is a �guest of India� and is free to travel across the country.
�The Dalai Lama is a revered spiritual figure and an honoured guest of India. He is absolutely free to travel to any part of the country.
�It is a fact that he has a sizeable following among the Buddhists in Arunachal Pradesh who like to seek his blessings. He has visited the State in the past as well and we see nothing unusual if he visits again,� Swarup said.
