Apropos news reports published in local mainstream media on the recent mock drill conducted by the Department of Security, CTA at locations in the vicinity of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s temple on 21 May, we are issuing a clarification with the correct and truthful representation of the event.
On 21 May, concerned security agencies carried out a mock drill in and around the vicinity of the Dalai Lama’s temple, an exercise which has been conducted several times in the past.
Secretary of the Department of Security, Mr. Karma Rinchen has confirmed that the drill is part of the regular security exercises conducted in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
“There is absolutely no cause of worry with regard to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s health. His Holiness has fully recovered since the treatment he underwent for the minor chest infection in Delhi last month. As of now, His Holiness’ health is excellent and he will continue to carry out public engagements and audiences as scheduled,” Secretary Karma Rinchen said.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself has assured many times in public that he is “physically fit and mentally sharp” and he would live for “at least 110 years”.
Just last week, during the long life prayer offering organised by CTA and the Tibetan people, Holiness the Dalai Lama has said: “Even now when I am 84 years old, I am still very much healthy so I think there is certainly no doubt that I would live for 110 years.”
Any person who has been in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his public audiences and teachings could reasonably infer that there is no cause of concern with regard to His Holiness’ health.
The misinformed reportage of the event has caused deep worry and distress among the devotees of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. While we regret the public distress caused by the recent events, we advise the public to remain vigilant of unverified reports and sources in the future.