In an article 'Many accusations of spying but few facts as Karmapa accused of spying' published on February 9, a Tibetan political activist was reported as saying that Mr Shamarpa Rinpoche, a senior figure in the Karma Kagyu Buddhist sect, was trying to demonize Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who is recognised by the Dalai Lama as the 17th Karmarpa. In the same article, an unnamed observer was reported as saying that it was widely assumed but not proven that Mr Shamarpa Rinpoche had paid off various Indian newspapers and officials. These allegations against Mr Shamarpa Rinpoche are unfair and unfounded. Any inconvenience caused to Mr Shamarpa Rinpoche is much regretted.

Acting Editor-in-Chief