Travelling more than 400 kilometers from Lhasa to Lingji (spelt also as Nyingchi, Linzhi), one can see the effects of the development in his own eyes. The villages are bursting with economic activities. Traditional agriculture is gradually being replaced by modern and profitable cultivation. Wholesale markets of farm produces have been set up. Animal husbandry resources are abundant and they are being gradually industrialized, offering more wealth and job for people. The houses for the farmers, herdsmen, built with state subsidies are all over the remote areas now. The emphasis on promoting tourism has helped greatly, with thousands of tourists from other parts of China are now visiting Tibet, known for its exquisite natural beauties. The building of Qinghai-Tibet railway, a wonder of engineering, has made Tibet closer to the world. This railway, popularly known as Train to Lhasa, crosses deserts, plateaus and ridges with an average height of 10,000 feet in Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region.

The senior Chinese officials and policy planners are not, however, complacent. "Tibet is developing faster than ever. It has brought changes in interests and correlation of forces too. At present, the very important task is modernization and the harmonious, scientific, sustainable development. Though the March 14th incidents were minor in nature, the Central Government should be more vigilant about the development of Tibet," says Dong Yunhu, a Director General of the State Council Information Office and In-charge of the Bureau on Tibet and Human Rights in Beijing.

An expert on the Marxist Studies, Dong points to the changes in the role of religious leaders in Tibetan society. " Before the democratic reforms, they had the ruling role in older system. They owned more than one-third of the productive forces. They had cultural, political, judicial dominance also. After the democratic reforms, they lost many of the privileges. Serfs and peasants were liberated. That caused some kind of discontent among monks, particularly among Living Buddhas. Chairman Mao has once remarked jokingly that the monks produce neither goods nor descendants, they are only consuming," says Dong. He adds, "Chairman Mao urged Dalai Lama to lead the democratic reforms which he could not do. Modernization is not only needed for China, it is needed for Tibet too. Few monks may be still nostalgic for the old days. They are far, far away from modernization."

About the role of Dalai Lama, the Chinese Government has a sharp, clear-cut stand." Dalai does not want the stability and development of Tibet. He has pre-meditated the violence in Lhasa. For last 50 years, Dalai has maintained relations with the Western forces, particularly the Anti-China forces. In fact, they are the sources of his strength and he is being used as an instrument of hostile forces," says Dong.

"However Dalai is spreading misinformation through the media and in the period of opening up, he is out to damage the image of China. We have to counter that propaganda. We have to show to the whole world the truth in Tibet, the reality in Tibet," says Dong. The terms of negotiations with Dalai Lama and his representatives are also clear. "There is no point in discussing with him about the future of Tibet. Up to 1959, he was the minister in chief in Tibet. He is no one in Tibet now. TAR government and the Chinese Government are the only representatives of Tibet. We are ready to discuss with him only the future of 14th Dalai Lama and not of the future of Tibet," asserts Dong.

Back in Lhasa, the architectural marvel Potala Palace, once the residence of Dalai Lamas, looms large over the whole city. This treasure house of relics and statues is a world heritage site now and is thronged by hundreds of tourists every day. It does not wait for Dalai Lama.

Author: Debasish Chakraborty, 33-22278950, 9830275247; news@ganashakti.co.in

First published on July 28, 2008

(China.org.cn September 18, 2008)