Dalai Lama condemns ethnic violence in Assam, says corruption is negative karma

Jammu, Aug.13 (ANI): The Dalai Lama has condemned the ethnic violence in Assam, adding that people in India must practice religious harmony and tread the path of non-violence.

Addressing media on Monday, the Dalai Lama said: "It is very sad. Almost my whole life has been dedicated to promotion of harmony. India, overall, thousand years, you have culture of 'Ahimsa' (non-violence), and also, a culture of harmony among different religious believers. Of course, some pockets, some problems here and there, that is understandable. But overall wonderful. So, every Indian, irrespective of what religious follower and even non- believers, I think we should realize the thousand-year-old India's traditional Ahimsa and traditional religious harmony, this must be retained."

Commenting on the several agitations against corruption led by anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare and yoga guru, Baba Ramdev, the Dalai Lama said: "As far as this question is concerned, I always make clear, corruption is one kind of violence, exploiting on other's right in money field, so it is indeed very sad. India, basically religious-minded nation, people always talk about karma (deed). Corruption is truly doing very negative karma. So, people should avoid and I think like this kind of movement, this is kind of helpful to remind people and also leaders, something should be done."

Graft has long been part of daily life in India and can affect everything from getting an electricity connection to signing business deals. But the latest scandals-that have seen ministers jailed and business billionaires questioned-are unprecedented.

The central government has faced severe criticism because of its alleged involvement in various scams. (ANI)