The central government has granted Z-category security by the central reserve police force (CRPF) to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama across India.
The Union home ministry's decision followed a recent threat analysis report by the Intelligence Bureau, reported ANI.
Under the Z-category, the Dalai Lama will be protected by a dedicated team of 30 CRPF commandos along with an escort and close-protection officers during his travels within the country.
The move is aimed at ensuring a more coordinated and robust protection plan for the 89-year-old leader who had so far been provided security by the Himachal Pradesh Police and other agencies.
The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since 1959 following the Chinese occupation of Tibet. The IB has flagged a security threat to the spiritual leader, especially in the wake of Beijing's long-standing objections to his activities.
China is viewing the Dalai Lama's global engagements as a threat to their control over Tibet and his presence in India has been a sensitive issue in the relations between New Delhi and Beijing.
Last year, a US Congressional delegation's visit to Dharamsala and its meeting with the Dalai Lama angered China which urged the Tibetan leader to thoroughly reflect and completely correct his political propositions.
Beijing also urged the US to consider the sensitivity and importance of Xizang-related issues and respect China’s core interests in its comments on Xizang.
