The Dalai Lama announces his decision to retire

Dharamsala, Mar 10 (PTI) Tibetan spiritual leader, the
Dalai Lama on Thursday announced his decision to retire from
active politics, saying the time had come to be succeeded by a
"freely elected" leader.
The 76-year-old head of the exiled Tibetan movement
said he will formally propose to Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile
that necessary amendments be made to reflect his decision.
"As early as the 1960s, I have repeatedly stressed that
Tibetans need a leader elected freely by the Tibetan people to
whom I can devolve power. Now we have clearly reached the time
to put this into effect," he said speaking on the anniversary
of the 1959 Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule.
"During the forthcoming 11th session of the 14th
Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile which begins on March 14, I will
formally propose that the necessary amendments be made to the
Charter for Tibetans-in-Exile, reflecting my decision to
devolve my formal authority to the elected leader," he said.
The Dalai Lama, who had come to India in 1959 after a
failed uprising against Chinese rule, said, "My desire to
devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk
responsibility. It is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. It
is not because I feel disheartened."
The Nobel Peace Prize winner said he was committed to
playing his part in the "just cause" of Tibet.
He hoped that gradually people will come to understand
his intention and accordingly let his decision take effect.
The Dalai Lama had earlier given hints about stepping
down as the political head of the Tibetan movement.