On December 29, 2022, the security agencies released the sketch of a Chinese woman who is suspected of spying on the 14th Dalai Lama who is currently in Bodh Gaya, Bihar for Kaal Chakra puja.
Police identified her as Song Xiaolan and shared her passport and visa details with the press. After the alert, security around the Mahabodhi Temple complex has been intensified.
SSP Gaya Harpreet Kaur said, “It has been reported that a Chinese woman is living in Gaya. We have been getting inputs for the last two years. At present, the Chinese woman is not being traced, due to which many suspicious points are being raised. Suspicion that the woman is a Chinese spy can’t be ruled out. Searches are underway.”
Followers from across the world have come to Bodh Gaya for the Kaal Chakra Puja. Spiritual leader Dalai Lama is also on a month-long stay at the holy site for puja. Dalai Lama arrived in Bodh Gaya on December 22, 2022. He is also scheduled to offer lessons at the Kalchakra Maidan from December 29 to 31.
SSP Harpreet Kaur added, “The Chinese woman’s name is Miss Song Xiaolan. Police are collecting information about all the activities and residence of this woman. People have been appealed to immediately inform the police if the missing Chinese woman is seen anywhere. There is no danger or insecurity anywhere in Bodh Gaya. Everything is going on normally.”
On December 29, 2022, Dalai Lama discoursed Buddhist Lamas and his followers on the first day of a three-day sermon programme at the Kaal Chakra ground in Bodh Gaya. On the first day, more than 65,000 devotees attended His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching in Bodh Gaya.
At first, Theravada Buddhist monks conducted the sutta recital. After that, Mahayana Lamas recited sutta. Dalai Lama advanced his teaching and added that Buddhahood will aid only when you think about the welfare of others.
He said, “I will salute the real form of Bodhichitta and convey to you the spirit of Bodhisattva”.
This is not the first time the reports of the spying of Chinese spies on Tibetans have come to be noticed. It has been reported several times in India.
Earlier on October 21, 2022, a Chinese woman identified as Chai Rau was arrested in Delhi on the allegations of spying on senior officials of Indian Government departments and Ministries. Woman was accused of passing secret information to China. The arrested woman had been residing in India posing as a Nepalese national with the name Dola Lama. A woman was living in Majnu Ka Tilla which is known as a hub of Tibetan refugees in North Delhi.
In the month of June this year, Noida Police raided a property in Gharbara village, which was found to be a Chinese-only club. Twenty Chinese nationals residing illegally in India utilised this club as a safe harbour and gathering.
In 2020 also, a Chinese nationalist Charlie Peng alias Luo Sang was arrested as the suspect of spying on Tibetans in India. Under disguise, he had married a girl from Mizoram in India to easily conduct his activities.
The Chinese Government in year 2011 announced that the government in Bejing can only appoint the next Dalai Lama. It would not recognise succession candidates. China is trying to manipulate the selection process by putting spies among exiled Tibetans.
