Dalai Lama may name reincarnation on July 2: Report
Bengaluru: The 14th Dalai Lama is expected to make a significant announcement, most likely on his reincarnation, on July 2, four days before he turns 90 on July 6.
“Dalai Lama will make an important announcement on July 2. It is likely to be about his reincarnation,” The New Indian Express quoted Penpa Tsering, Sikyong (President), Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), as saying.
The announcement is set to coincide with a high-level meeting in Dharamshala, where the Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk will convene with senior leaders from the four major Buddhist sects—Sakya, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Gelug—between July 2 and 4. Dharamshala also serves as the headquarters of the CTA.
The question of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation holds deep significance, not only for Tibetans but also for communities across the Himalayan region, from Lhasa to Arunachal Pradesh, who revere him as their spiritual guide. However, the issue remains a contentious one with the People’s Republic of China, which regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist figure and a symbol of Tibetan resistance, added the report.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama formally stepped down as the political head of Tibetans in exile, transferring his responsibilities to the democratically elected leadership of the CTA. At the time, he made it clear that his successor, male or female, will be born in a free world, a pointed message challenging China’s claim of having the exclusive right to appoint the next Dalai Lama.
As part of the upcoming milestone, the CTA is reportedly planning for a year-long celebration marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, which will begin on July 2, 2025, and continue until July 2026.
“We are celebrating the period as the ‘Year of Compassion’ and have scheduled multiple events, from prayers for His Holiness’ long life to religious and cultural events, which will be spread throughout the year,” said Tsering.
Meanwhile, the July 6 celebrations are expected to witness the presence of prominent dignitaries, including a Union minister, several chief ministers, and Members of Parliament. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has also been invited by the Central Tibetan Administration, recognising the state’s unique connection to the Tibetan community. Karnataka is home to the world's largest Tibetan diaspora, with five major settlements—two in Bylakuppe (Mysuru district), and one each in Mundgod (Uttara Kannada), Hunsur (Mysuru), and Kollegal (Chamarajanagar).
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7 held in election-related violence in Assam: Police
Guwahati, Apr 9 (PTI) Seven people were held in connection with election-related violence at two places in Assam, officials said on Thursday.
Besides, minor clashes also erupted at several polling booths after voting began in the morning, with people suffering minor injuries, they said.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Akhilesh Kumar Singh, told PTI that violence took place in Tamulpur and Sivasagar on Wednesday night, hours before polling began for the assembly elections at 7 am.
"We got reports of a clash between two groups at Tamulpur last night. Police reached the spot immediately and tried to control the crowd. When they did not listen, a few rounds were fired in the air to disperse the mob," he said, adding that four people were arrested from the site.
In another incident, two to three members of a political party were attacked in Sivasagar, the IG said.
"We have detained three persons there. The investigation is going on," he said.
Akhil Gogoi, who is seeking re-election from the Sibsagar seat, alleged that BJP nominee Kushal Dowari was behind the incident.
In a series of social media posts, Gogoi claimed two people were injured, and their vehicles were also damaged in the attack.
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary said a detailed enquiry will reveal the cause of the clash in Tamulpur.
"The situation is normal now. We are monitoring it, and there is enough security presence to avoid any untoward incident," he said.
Polling is underway for the 126-member assembly to decide the electoral fate of 722 candidates. It will continue till 5 pm, with May 4 scheduled for the counting of votes.
A number of minor clashes have erupted at several polling stations in Sribhumi, Golaghat and Nagaon districts.
"Most of the clashes took place due to heavy rush, with people fighting over breaking the queue," an official said.
At some polling booths in places like Patharkandi, Merapani and Raha, supporters of ruling and opposition parties clashed, he said.
"However, police were already present in those areas, and the situations were handled instantly. The polling is going on uninterrupted," he added.
The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term in power in these elections, while the Congress is looking to reclaim the state it lost a decade ago.
