SHIMLA, DEC 10: (Indian Express) - The Tibetan government-in-exile and other Tibetan bodies, which had lodged their protests against enthronement of rival Panchen Lama by Chinese authorities, are likely to wait for return of the Dalai Lama to chalk out new strategy to attract world's attention towards the issue.

The Dalai Lama who happens to be supreme religious and political head is scheduled to return on December 19 from the "Retreat", when his period of meditation will be over. During this phase, the Tibetan leader remains totally locked inside the "retreat", and to keep himself cut off from the entire community. All his functions are performed by his representatives on the Dalai Lama's behalf.

It was because of his absence from the scenes the Tibetans did not announce any major action. On return, the Dalai Lama, besides meeting the people, is also having a busy schedule to tour the North East, southern parts of the country, before leaving for abroad.

However, before he proceeds on tour, the state administration and Tibetan government-in-exile are also supposed to take all security measure to deal with threats to the Dalai Lama's life in the wake of arrest of three Chinese spies. The state security and intelligence agencies are placing the Dalai Lama in top security list to protect his life. He may also be advised to minimise touring in certain areas.

Officials of the Tibetan government and some monks although deny any change in the course of struggle, but young Tibetan leaders favour changes in mode of protests. "We may have to organise a padyatra upto Tibet," suggests a monk. Young Tibetans feel that "that peaceful means had failed to pay and Panchen Lama issue needs to be taken up more vigorously, if at all they (Tibetans) have to survive.

On Panchen Lama issue, Mr Thubten Samphel, joint secretary in department of information and international relations, says that not even a single Tibetans would accept Chinese choice and one recognised by the Dalai Lama, who is the only traditional authority to do so, is real Panchen Lama. The China's plea that the system of golden urn has not been used was meaningless as only two out of total 10 Panchen Lama's were selected.