'A few incidents of attack on minorities cannot become symbolic of the nation,' says the Dalai Lama on the claims of 'intolerance'

Taking a strong stand on the claims of religious intolerance in India, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said that 'few incidents of attack on minorities cannot be symbolic of the traditions of this country'. He made the following statement while addressing a press conference on Thursday. 

Reacting to a question on attacks on the minority community in India, including the recent incident in Gurgaon where a mob of over 40 persons had recently pelted stones at the house of muslim family, the spiritual leader said there are always "a few mischievous people", but that does not mean it a symbol of that nation.

 "A few incidents (of attack on minorities) cannot become symbolic of the nation that we are. There are always a few mischievous people, but that does not mean it a symbol of that nation". 

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The spiritual leader further said that India should help the world in reducing conflict in the name of religion and asserted that he has been suggesting to the government to organise an international religious conference.

"Since many years, I have suggested to the Indian government to organise international religious conference in India. In 1956, an international Buddhist conference was held in Delhi and then Vice President S Radhakrishnan was the chairman of the committee," the Dalai Lama said. So why not hold an international religious conference now.

"It should not be held just for one day. Big leaders should come and address, but after that, religious leaders should sit and hold serious discussion, about the contribution that can come from this country towards reducing conflict in the name of religions," the 83-year old Dalai Lama added..

He suggested that delegations can go to various country spreading the message of religious unity. Naming countries like Myanmar and Syria, he said that 'religious harmony has existed in this nation for long'. He gave the example of a small Parsi community that has been living in a big city like "Bombay" in peace.

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(inputs from PTI)