Sir, Jeremy Page’s analysis (“Old ways are losing power over young”, Mar 19) was inaccurate and misleading. He suggests that the Dalai Lama has “alienated many young Tibetans”. While younger Tibetans may feel tempted to use violence, and the Dalai Lama advocates a non-violent approach, we recognise that there are different strategies for the same goal of seeking human rights for the Tibetan people. Such strategies can coexist and can even further the cause as different actions capture different supporters and reactions.

This is a sort of “loyal opposition” within the Tibetan movement where we may not agree with his actions in the political arena but our devotion to him is stronger than ever. We certainly do not, as Page asserts, “question his role as a political leader”. In fact, the Dalai Lama has been the unifying link between Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, and without him the Tibetan movement would not have achieved the release of political prisoners or dialogue with the Chinese Government.

Furthermore, I was offended by Page’s comment that the Dalai Lama’s message will win “further photo opportunities with Western leaders, Hollywood stars and Buddhist converts”. To suggest that His Holiness, who preaches and practises compassion for others over ego and self, would be interested in such frivolities is sacrilegious.

Tenzin Metok, London SE1

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