Resolution to Review Middle Way Approach Under Intense Discussion
Dharamsala 10 September: The resolution (document no. 13) passed by the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies to review the exile administration’s policy of Middle Way Approach if no positive response from China comes by March 2005 may be withdrawn.
The Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies today discussed resolution (document no. 14) proposed by deputy Hortsang Jigmey for the termination of the document no.13.
A voting in the assembly will decide whether the proposal (document no. 14) will be passed, and if so, by majority or unanimously. If the resolution (document no. 13) is terminated by way of voting, it will be for the first time that a resolution faces termination in such a short period of time.
The regional associations of Domed and Utsang have earlier resolved to resign from the assembly if the resolution is not withdrawn. It is said that the ATPD has received several letters from various Tibetan individuals and communities expressing their resentment against the resolution and even threatening to sit on hunger strikes if the resolution is not withdrawn.
A heated discussion on the issue went on in the afternoon session of the assembly. According to some deputies, the general public is of the view that reviewing the Middle Way Approach will amount to undermining His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s authority and challenging him. While some think that the resolution must be terminated because the general public wishes so and not because it is challenging His Holiness.
Surprisingly enough, a few deputies who had earlier supported the resolution (document no.13) to review Middle Way Approach now supports the proposed resolution (document no. 14) challenging it.
At the time of this report going online, the assembly is yet to reach any outcome. .