No Dalai, here for just trade

NEW DELHI, November 16 (Agencies): China may be busy squabbling with India over the visits by the PM and Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, but those from the land of the dragon don't even seem to know about the state's existence, let alone bother with its ownership. At the ongoing trade fair of which China is the partner country Chinese participants not only refused to recognise the name of the northeastern state but also said that business should be kept away from politics and religion.
Vincent Zhang from the province of Wenzhou looked completely blank when asked about the political tension between the two countries. "We should have mutual respect for each other's economies. I have no idea about any tension between India and China at present, but I do know that business between the two is doing well,” he said. Ivy Xu, representing a reflective clothing company from China, was equally clueless about Arunachal. "I haven't even heard of Dalai Lama, so can't say how he will affect anything. Tibet is an issue that took centrestage in our politics a while back but the issue is sensitive and I don't know much about it. This is my first trip to India and I am quite excited to be here and don't think I will face any problems,” she said. Nancy Tang from the Jiangsu province in south China was quite upbeat about the response she had been getting from Indian buyers. Representing a company that manufactures agricultural machinery, she said that she had been coming to India for a while but did not believe there was any tension between the two nations. "Wouldn't they have issued some advisory to us if our country was actually upset with India?” she asked innocently.
Only one person, who refused to reveal his name, said he was aware of the issue but "for internal reasons” could not comment on it. “It is a matter to be sorted out by the politicians. We are here to do business and hopefully will get a good response in the coming days,” he said.

Tawang fears the Dalai Lama won’t visit again

Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), November 15 (PTI): People in this picturesque Himalayan town, which hosted the Dalai Lama last week, fear that the Tibetan spiritual leader may not come here again due to his advancing age and busy schedule. Lama Tashi, a composer of religious hymns who was once nominated for the Grammy awards, says he is not sure whether the Dalai Lama, 74, will set his foot here again. "He is an international figure and has hectic schedules and one never knows as his visits are to be cleared from all levels," Tashi told PTI. The people feel that the Dalai Lama's advancing age may not permit him to travel to this township which is located 10,000 feet above sea level and is very cold. Torjee Khandu, who has seen the Dalai Lama in his last two visits, says this may the monk's last trip.