GUWAHATI, Nov 2 - Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Dr Lobsang Sangay today warned against major adverse impact of Chinese activities on Yarlung Tsangpo, the part of river Brahmaputra that flows from Tibet, on the Northeast.
�The concern over diversion of the Brahmaputra river towards China is true as was our earlier apprehensions regarding dam construction on the river stand vindicated today,� he said addressing the 5th All India Tibet Support Groups conference here.
�Considering that a significant number of Chinese population is facing the shortage of freshwater, it is in the national interest of the Chinese to divert water from the Brahmaputra. However, the downstream countries like India and Bangladesh would face severe crisis,� he said, adding that though the Chinese government is refuting the claim, that is also supported by a few in New Delhi, it would become visible on time like the dam on Yarlung Tsangpo.
Also raising the issue of ecological concern due to the melting glaciers in Tibet, he said that according to a NASA prediction, two-thirds of the glaciers would disappear by 2050. �As many as 10 major rivers of Asia, including the Brahmaputra, have originated from Tibetan glaciers. Thus, the ecological issues of Tibet have equal implications on India, Bangladesh and other Asian countries.
Reaffirming his faith in the spiritual, geological, ideological and social ties between India and Tibet, he said that Tibet has kept intact the preaching of the Nalanda University. �Though connecting with the Tibetan cause is a matter of choice, only the Tibetan
narrations can help in understanding China better,� he added.
In his message, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama also hoped for a just solution to the Tibetan problem. �As the status of the Tibetan language and identity is diminished, there is a risk that Tibetan culture, a valuable culture of peace and non-violence, will degenerate. As Tibetans increasingly find themselves as minorities in their own land, international support for the Tibetan people, particularly the friendship and support of the Indian public, carry a great significance,� his message read.
Inaugurated today, the two-day conference is also celebrating the 80th birthday of the Dalai Lama.
Speaking on the occasion, veteran Gandhian Natwar Thakkar expressed his solidarity with the cause. �Great spiritual leader Dalai Lama is the strongest supporter of non-violence in the post-Gandhi India,� he said.
