Ahimsa useless against terror: Dalailama

The Dalai Lama, a lifelong champion of non-violence today candidly stated that terrorism cannot be tackled by applying the principle of ahimsa as the minds of terrorists are closed.

"It is difficult to tackle terrorism with non-violence," the Tibetan spiritual leader said delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture here. He termed terrorism as the worst kind of violence which is not carried out by mad people but by those who are very brilliant. "They (terrorists) are very brilliant and educated...But a strong ill feeling is bred in them. Their minds are closed," the Dalai Lama said. He said the only way to tackle terrorism is through prevention.

The head of the Tibetan government-in-exile left the audience stunned when he said "I love President Bush." He went on to add how he and the US President instantly struck a chord in their first meeting unlike politicians who take a while to develop close ties. "I told him `I love you but some of your policies I oppose`," said the spiritual leader to a loud round of applause from the audience which included Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, Election Commissioner Navin Chawla and several ministers, diplomats and artistes.

The Dalai Lama said in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks he had asked Bush to spend billions of dollars on education and promotion of non-violence instead of warfare.