In a move which shows deep respect for the important position of Dr. Lobsang Sangay as the Tibetan prime minister-in-exile, India has cleared the way for him to use a red beacon on his car. Today, March 4, 2013, the Tibet Sun has reported, Tibetan PM-in-exile allowed red beacon on vehicle. The Himachal Pradesh government in India has allowed Tibetan prime minister-in-exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, to use a red beacon on top of his official car.
A senior police officer in India has said, “Lobsang Sangay has been granted the permission on request from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).” State government sources in India have said this decision has been taken as a goodwill gesture towards the Tibetan government-in-exile. Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has said in an official statement, “Since he is a democratically elected leader and His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a respected and honourable guest, it’s our responsibility to give them respect and security.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, has also been granted permission to use a red beacon on his car. This is due to his important protocol status. The Dalai Lama fled to India from Tibet and established his government-in-exile in Dharamshala more than 50 years ago. At this time there are over 27,000 Tibetan exiles staying in the state, primarily in and around Dharamshala.
