Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar has accused China of deliberately attempting to erode the cultural and religious identity of Buddhists in the Himalayan region, by promoting intermarriages between Chinese youth and Buddhist girls from Tibet and adjoining Himalayan communities.
Addressing media persons in Shimla after a four-day visit to the Buddhist-majority tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur along the India-China border, Kumar alleged that such efforts are part of a long-term Chinese strategy to weaken Tibetan religious autonomy and cultural roots.
"After occupying Tibet and Kailash Mansarovar, China is now targeting the Buddhist population in the Himalayan region. It has already begun crossbreeding campaigns in Tibet and might expand them into Indian Himalayan regions," he claimed.
Kumar also expressed strong opposition to China’s recent declaration that it would name the next Dalai Lama, terming it a direct infringement on Tibetan spiritual sovereignty. “Such moves must be strongly opposed to send a clear message that Buddhists and Tibetans will not accept any external control over their faith,” he asserted.
Highlighting recent border tensions, Kumar pointed to symbolic incursions by Chinese troops in Himachal’s frontier areas. “They sometimes enter with two or four people and inscribe ‘China Zindabad’ on rocks to create symbolic claims. These are not random acts—they're calculated steps to assert presence,” he said.
Citing India’s past responses to external provocations, Kumar warned that India would not hesitate to act decisively against any threat to its sovereignty. “India has destroyed terror training centres, airbases, and launchpads operated by Pakistan with Chinese support. This shows that India won't spare anyone who promotes terrorism. The message has been clearly given through Operation Sindoor,” he said. “China never imagined India would retaliate with such precision. But we did, and they are rattled.”
Touching on the issue of religious conversions, the RSS leader claimed that such conversions—whether to Christianity or Islam—result in an alteration of personal and cultural identity. “Conversion changes one’s name, tradition, and cultural foundation. It breaks the social fabric and must not be taken lightly,”
Kumar stated. “Conversion is not a symbol of progress; it is the degeneration of humanity. Everyone should feel proud of their own religion. No one should impose their prayer methods or insult others’ beliefs.”
Referring to recent terror attacks such as the one in Pahalgam, Kumar said terrorism cannot be linked to any religion. “Terror has no religion. A terrorist is a devil, not a follower of any faith. Those who justify terrorism or perform last rites for terrorists must deeply introspect,” he remarked.
During his visit, Kumar also interacted with monks and residents in Tibetan monasteries, discussing developmental and cultural concerns. He called upon Buddhists and Sanatani Hindus to remain united and resist divisive forces. Alleging that Christian missionaries are encouraging conversions through service and education, he reiterated the need for vigilance.
Kumar urged the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government to ensure timely and efficient implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in border areas.
“The Government of India has launched several initiatives for the welfare of border regions. The state government must prioritise their execution for faster development,” he said.
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