The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Dharamshala

Leading Tibetan exiles began a week-long meeting Monday in northern India that could usher in a more radical approach to their long struggle against Chinese rule in Tibet. The Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, called the gathering after admitting that his attempts to secure greater autonomy for the region through negotiation with the Chinese government had failed. Before the talks began, he urged the 500 participants to consider all aspects of policy regarding China-ensuring that the thorny issue of whether to push for full independence would be tackled. The meeting should air "the real opinions and views of the Tibetan people through free and frank discussions," said the Dalai Lama, who has expressed uncharacteristic frustration over failing to win concessions from Beijing. Many exiles feel that his campaign for "meaningful autonomy" for Tibet-which he fled in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule-should now be replaced by a more aggressive pro-independence stance.

"We certainly hope the cause of independence for Tibet is stronger by the end of the week," said Tsewang Rigzin, president of the influential Tibetan Youth Congress and a delegate at the meeting.

"I was a bit surprised when the Dalai Lama called this meeting," Rigzin told AFP. "But it was high time. As he says, he has done everything in his power and not made progress."

The conclave in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala opened with the arrival of a large portrait of the Dalai Lama, which was set at the front of the meeting hall.