15. Jul 2006
Rumour of Dalai Lama visit to Kumbum spreads
(Phayul; Reuters; TibetNet) There is a rumour currently spreading in Tibet that the Dalai Lama is about to visit Tibet and China. The news has caused excitement among Tibetans especially those living around Kumbum Jampaling (Chin: Ta’er) monastery in the traditional Tibetan province of Amdo, now incorporated into Qinghai province. Many Tibetans in different groups from Amdo and the TAR have gathered in Kumbum and more are said to be on their way. Some sources have suggested that as many as 9,000 have assembled there. The Dharamsala-based Tibetan government in exile’s Department of Security has denied that the Dalai Lama was visiting Tibet and China. In an interview with Radio Free Asia’s (RFA) Tibetan service on July 15, Mr. Ngodup, secretary of the department said it was a false report and the Dalai Lama had no plans to undertake such a visit for the time being. "The news is completely baseless because His Holiness the Dalai Lama is currently in Dharamsala taking much-needed rest on his doctor’s advice after a hectic travel schedule", he said. It was not clear where or how the rumour started. A Chinese government official at the Religious Affairs Bureau in Xining, the provincial capital, said the reports of thousands were unfounded. "The number cannot be that big. There are 300 people at most", he said, adding that it was the usual mix of tourists and devotees coming to pray. However, TibetInfoNet sources in the region confirm the unusual number of people in Kumbum, and report that buses from Rebkong were being turned away, while many disappointed villagers are hanging around in Xining.