Edinburgh (Scotland) [India], May 24 (HBTV): The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting religious freedom and the human rights of the Tibetan people, particularly concerning the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

During a session of the Scottish Parliament held on May 22, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Ross Greer raised questions about the government’s plans to commemorate the upcoming 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama alongside the Buddhist community in Scotland. He also voiced concerns about possible Chinese interference in the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process.

Responding to the inquiries, Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart expressed the Scottish Government’s appreciation for the contributions of all faith and belief communities, including Buddhists. She extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama and the Buddhist community, recognising their role in promoting peace, compassion, and cultural diversity, as highlighted in the CTA report.

MSP Ross Greer also reminded Parliament of the Chinese government’s abduction of the six-year-old Panchen Lama three decades ago, followed by the installation of another boy as a replacement. He stated that Tibetans worldwide fear similar interference in the selection of the 14th Dalai Lama’s successor.

Greer asked whether the Scottish Government would commit to recognising only a future Dalai Lama chosen in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist traditions, free from external influence.

Stewart affirmed: ‘The Scottish Government upholds the principles of religious freedom and human rights. It believes that the Tibetan Buddhist community should have the autonomy to select the next Dalai Lama without external interference,’ as stated by the CTA.

Since the 1950s, Tibetans have faced persecution under Chinese rule following the annexation of Tibet. The 1959 uprising led to the Dalai Lama’s exile and intensified repression. Tibetan culture, language, and religion have since been systematically suppressed.

Numerous reports indicate that within China, monasteries are tightly regulated, religious practices are limited, surveillance is widespread, and dissent is harshly punished.

(ANI)