World Tibet Network News Friday, May 1, 1998 (I)

By Seema Mustafa

New Delhi: April 30, 98 (Asian Age) -- Tibet has taken over Sino-Indian relations with the foreign office trying to walk the tightrope in the absence of a clear political signal from the top. China has not minced words in communicating its resentment about India's decision to allow Tibet to carry on political activities on Indian soil to the ministry of external affairs while the defence minister, Mr George Fernandes, has let it be known that he was in no mood to let off the visiting Chinese Chief of Army Staff without discussing the demarcation issue. The foreign office, in the absence of clear instructions and different political signals, has decided to keep repeating the "our policy remains unchanged" line.

The fact that the Tibet activists have intensified their agitation in violation of the bilateral agreement with China that India will not allow political activities to be conducted on its soil, is being ignored by the foreign office on the plea that India believes in democratic expression. Sources said that a change in China's position on India can be expected after the visiting Chief of Army Staff Gen. Fu Quanyou returns to Beijing. The foreign office has received sufficient indications to suggest that the Chinese government is "not at all happy" about the Indian government's refusal to take a position against the political activities being carried on here by Tibetan activists. Mr Fernandes has not improved relations by his strong comments against China. Former minister of state for external affairs Natwar Singh said, "George Fernandes is carrying his China shop with him." He said that even the BJP government could not afford to tinker with India's longstanding relations with China "although they have a Geo

rge Fernandes and one never can say what he will do." Mr Natwar Singh was of the view that the present confusion in the foreign office was because "they do not have a minister, Mr Vajpayee is too busy and the minister of state is too new." The political adviser to the Prime Minister, Mr Brajesh Mishra, is described in diplomatic circles as "an old China hand." Sources said that he was against diluting India's position on China. The RSS, on the other hand, has launched a strong attack against China in its publications and is very supportive of Mr Fernandes' critical posturings on China. The Communist parties are particularly critical of the BJP government's position, with CPI leader Atul

Anjan stating, "There is obviously no policy and no foreign minister. Our soil cannot be used for political purposes and we cannot allow our good neighbourly relations with China to be destroyed."

Former foreign secretary J.N. Dixit wondered "why the government did not take pre-emeptive action." He pointed out that he had handled such visits in the past and it was customary for the Indian foreign office to use its influence over the Dalai Lama to call off such agitations. This particular hungerstrike by the Tibetan activists had begun in March but India did not take any action even though it was aware of Gen. Fu Quanyou's visit. Mr Dixit said, "We are dealing with a great power (China) and it is important we do so with a degree of sobriety."