November 16, 2011
Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader Dalai Lama visits Jammu. He is received by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and some of his cabinet colleagues. Talking to journalists, the Lama says, “Despite some aberrations here and there, rule of law is in place with open society and freedom of speech in Jammu and Kashmir. Every issue could be settled through dialogue. I think through talks, understanding and relations will improve.” Lauding India for spreading the message of peace, the Dalai Lama said its “message for hundreds of years has been Ahimsa, which means non-violence. This is something very relevant today and there is hope that the message of non-violence will help in promotion of unity and harmony among the people of the world.” On Chinese incursions he said, Bejing did not accept the border as it was with J&K, or Arunachal Pradesh. “Incursions are routine.”

An Indian paramilitary trooper stands guard as Kashmiris prepare to vote during the sixth phase of voting in the village panchayat elections on the outskirts of Srinagar on May 16, 2011. pic/ AFP PHOTO