Indian Government Increases Security for Dalai Lama Amidst Potential Threat

The Indian government has taken steps to bolster the security of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, in response to a potential threat to his life. The decision to enhance his security detail was based on an intelligence report from India's Intelligence Bureau.

The Dalai Lama, who is 89 years old, will now be protected by a team of 33 personnel, including static guards stationed at his residence in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This security detail will provide him with round-the-clock protection, including trained drivers, surveillance personnel, and commandos forming an armed escort in shifts.

Previously, the Dalai Lama had a smaller security detail in Himachal Pradesh, which was increased during his travels to New Delhi or other locations outside the state.

The Dalai Lama has resided in Dharamshala since fleeing Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Representatives of a Tibetan government-in-exile also reside there. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

In 2011, the Dalai Lama formally relinquished his political and administrative powers, handing over his political responsibilities to the community's elected leadership. However, he remains the spiritual leader of the Tibetan community.

His followers view him as a unifying and mobilizing force for Tibetans both inside and outside China.

According to Tibetan organizations, over 100,000 Tibetan refugees reside in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. The number of Tibetan refugees in India is estimated at around 85,000, while many others have relocated to countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland.

China criticizes the Dalai Lama as an advocate for Tibetan independence and has not had direct contact with his representatives for over a decade.

The Dalai Lama maintains that he merely advocates for substantial autonomy for Tibet and the protection of its native Buddhist culture.