Published by World Tibet Network News - Saturday, 2 December 1995

By Rajiv K. Phull

DHARAMSALA, Nov 30, 1995 (Indian Express): Subsequent to arrest of three Chinese military trained Tibetans alleged to be on a spying mission with special emphasis on keeping an eye on movements and security of His Holiness Dalai Lama, a high-powered committee discussed here today all the aspects of security of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Government in exile, and other officials of the Central Tibetan Administration.

The arrested persons, Phontcho (26), Tsering Samten (25) and Lakami Chungaki (19), all residents of Lahanchi, Tibet, have been remanded to police custody till December 1. While Phontcho and Tsering Samten who have served for three and six years in the Chinese Army were arrested from the Tibetan Government in exile at Mcleodganj, the third suspect Lakami Chungaki was picked up by the police from Tibetan village Suja near Bir on November 24.

The three youths were nabbed by the Nepal police in November last year, but were released on intervention of the Tibetan Reception Committee (TRC), Kathmandu.

Mr Tempa Tsering, Secretary, Information and International Relations, at the Central Tibetan Administration told ENS that their major concern was security of the Dalai Lama. "This is a move by the China to destablise the Tibetan government in exile as it (China) is being criticised all over the world for activities in Tibet."

It may be recalled that three arrested youths were to be joined by some more persons along with weapons to carry out the further missions'.

Although the Superintendent of Police, Kangra, Mr R. K. Singh, refused to comment on the whole issue, it is learnt from reliable resources that the meeting held to strengthen the existing security arrangements for the Dalai Lama, was attended by an officer of the External Affairs Ministry, Mr. B. N. Khurana, who is always with the Dalai Lama, the SP and the ASP, Kangra, besides other officials from the intelligence bureau. Sources further disclosed that the high-power-red committee decided certain additional measures, some of which have already been initiated to make the security of the Dalai Lama foolproof.

The measures include construction of concrete all along the palace of Dalai Lama, provision of sophisticated security equipments, bullet proff car for Dalai Lama, restriction on entry of visitors inside the place, training of the Tibetan Security Staff and drivers. Already the drivers had been sent to Manesar for a course in defensive driving sources revealed.

The other measures included proper peripheral lighting arrangement, alarm system at the entry post and posting of fully trained commando personnel from the Himachal Pradesh in Dalai Lama's outer circle is being handled by the Tibetan Police, it is reliable learnt. The funds for all these measures would be provided by the Centre, sources added.

The police sources complain that Phontcho, Tsering Samten were well-versed with all kind of weapons and Army ranks.