Non-violence cannot tackle terrorism: Dalai Lama

New Delhi The Dalai Lama, a lifelong champion of
non-violence candidly stated that terrorism cannot be tackled by
applying the principle of ahimsa because the minds of terrorists are
closed.

“It is difficult to deal with terrorism through
non-violence,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said delivering the
Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture here.

He termed terrorism as the worst kind of violence
which is not carried by a few mad people but by those who are very
brilliant and educated.

“They (terrorists) are very brilliant and
educated…but a strong ill feeling is bred in them. Their minds are
closed,” the Dalai Lama said.

He said the only way to tackle terrorism is through prevention.

The head of the Tibetan government-in-exile left
the audience stunned when he said “I love President George W Bush.” He
went on to add how he and the US President instantly struck a chord in
their first meeting unlike politicians who take a while to develop
close ties.

“I told him ‘I love you but some of your policies
I oppose’,” said the spiritual leader to a loud round of applause from
the audience which included Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Election
Commissioner Navin Chawla and several ministers, diplomats and
artistes.

The Dalai Lama said in the aftermath of 9/11
attacks he had asked Bush to spend billions of dollars on education and
promotion of non-violence instead of warfare.

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