TPiE Deputy Speaker: 'It is Tibet's right to protest against China'

After 11 protesters were detained for allegedly trying to stage a protest outside the star hotel where Chinese President Xi Jinping is slated to stay, Deputy Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE), Acharaya Yeshi Phungstok said that it was Tibet's right to protest against China's Tibet policy to help resolve the Tibetan issue. Phungstok also said that it is good that India is holding talks with Beijing to solve the ongoing issues between both the countries. 

'Tibet issue is bound to come up,' says TPiE deputy Speaker

The Deputy Speaker said, "It is good for India to invite the Chinese Premier to hold talks to resolve the issues between two the countries." When asked about if the issue of Tibet will come up during the discussion between the Indian PM and Chinese Premier, he said, "It is the Chinese side that has always tried to pressurise the Indian government and when there is a high-level meeting between India and China at this level, then the Tibet issue is bound to come up. The Tibet community is in exile right now and Beijing has always pressurised the Indian government to stop Tibetians from doing any activity against the Tibet Community." 

READ | Xi Jinping Welcomed Amid Riot Of Colour & Sound At Chennai Airport

Phungstok also expressed hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that, "I hope the issue comes up in their meeting and PM Modi should take a bold step on the Tibetan issue."Youdon Aukatsang, an elected member from TPiE while speaking on Jinping's visit to India said that, "No one other than Dalai Lama himself will foresee the reincarnation process of the future Dalai Lama. This is a strong message that we want to send to China. Beijing should meddle with our faith and our belief with incarnation politics."

READ | PM Modi's Warm Welcome To China's President Xi Jinping Ahead Of Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping lands in Chennai 

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday landed in the Chennai around 2 PM, ahead of his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the Chinese premier stepped out of his aircraft, he was welcomed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly P Dhanapal amidst traditional music and 'poorna kumbam'. A large number of artists lined up at the airport waving colourful flags, beating drums and dancing to traditional music to welcome the Chinese leader. 

(Inputs from ANI)

READ | Modi-Xi Summit: India-China High-level Engagements In 2019

READ | PM Modi Arrives In Chennai, Says 'gladdened To See TN Host Xi Jinping'