Dragon Fire

Briefing

Tibet forms a strategic buffer between India and China, and Beijing is uncompromising about policies there. Chinese troops invaded Tibet in October 1950, a year after the Communist Party victory. In 1959 Tibet’s spiritual and political ruler, the Dalai Lama, was forced into exile during an uprising against Chinese occupation. Since then, he has lived in India. The international community recognizes Chinese suzerainty — or control — over Tibet. Although Tibetan nationalism has won great sympathy in the West, the Dalai Lama’s campaign of non-violence has failed to deliver back the homeland. Many of the younger generation have become frustrated and have proposed a more confrontational approach against China. Little known to the outside world, the Indian army maintains a unit of Tibetan commandos, specifically trained to operate in Tibet behind Chinese lines. It is known as the Special Frontier Force.