Dharamsala, May 20 (PTI): Threats to the Dalai Lama's life are being taken seriously and steps are being taken to foil a possible attempt on his life through the use of "drugs and poisonous chemicals", the Tibetan government-in-exile said today.
In a statement after the Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) met in the wake of the spiritual leader's remarks on threat to his life from Chinese agents, a spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration said: "The security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a matter of great concern."
The Tibetan authority accused the Chinese government of launching an "unprecedented offensive campaign" against the Dalai Lama in Tibet and during his visits outside India. Tibetan officials said although the Dalai Lama "takes security threat to his person lightly, there are a variety of threats to his well-being that the security agencies are obliged to take seriously".
"According to reports received from Tibet in June 2010, Chinese intelligence agencies are making concrete plans to harm His Holiness by employing well-trained agents, particularly women. It is also learnt that they are exploring the possibility of harming him by using ultra-modern and highly sophisticated drugs and poisonous chemicals," said Tashi, the secretary for information and spokesman of the Central Tibetan Administration.
"In another report received in October 2011, it is also learnt that Chinese intelligence agencies have stepped up their clandestine efforts to collect intelligence on the status of His Holiness's health, as well as collecting physical samples of his blood, urine and hair," he said.
"They are reportedly co-opting Tibetans inside Tibet to visit India with the intention of seeking an audience with him to this end," Tashi said.
The Tibetan minister for security, Ngodup Dongchung, said steps were being taken to counter these threats, including the use chemical detectors in the Dalai Lama's security.
The administration said it "is grateful to the Government of India for the efficient security arrangements" provided to the Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
The administration also warned of the threat posed by a fundamentalist Tibetan group, Dorje Shugden Devotees Charitable and Religious Society, founded in May 1996.
The outfit was allegedly involved in murdering three monks close to the Dalai Lama, including his Chinese translator in February 1997.
"Various reports also point to the fact that the Chinese government is also covertly backing the Shugden fundamentalist groups," the spokesman said.
Tashi also claimed that leaders of an association, called the North America Gelug Association, which was established in March 2011 in the US, met Chinese officials in New York several times and also visited China on a regular basis.
"The Central Tibetan Administration cautions all concerned to remain vigilant and alert," the statement said.