Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama on Thursday announced his decision to retire from active politics, saying the time had come for him to be succeeded by a freely elected leader. The 76-year-old head of the exiled Tibetan movement said he will formally propose to Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile that necessary amendments be made to reflect his decision. Speaking in Dharmasala, the Lama said, his desire to devolve authority has nothing to do with a wish to shirk responsibility and it is to benefit Tibetans in the long run. He hoped that gradually people will come to understand his intention and accordingly let his decision take effect. The Dalai Lama had earlier given hints about stepping down as the political head of the Tibetan movement.