Dharamshala, India — "Over the decades, the Dalai Lama has come to represent the spirit of resiliency of the Tibetan people," Speaker of the US Congress, Hon Nancy Pelosi said her statement in observance of the 60th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, which commemorates resistance to occupation by Chinese communist government forces in Tibet on March 10, 1959.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi said that guided by Tibetans' untiring voices, Congress will continue to take actions until all Tibetans can live in peace, hope and prosperity.
“Sixty years ago, the people of Tibet rose up against the Chinese government’s systemic repression and brutal attacks to defend their lives and liberty. Each March 10th, we remember their bravery and determined spirit of those who fought and gave their lives, and we recommit to securing the promise of human rights and religious freedom for the people of Tibet.
“This year, we also mark 60 years since His Holiness the Dalai Lama was forced into exile in India. Over the decades, the Dalai Lama has come to represent the spirit of resiliency of the Tibetan people, and his transcendent message of hope continues to inspire all freedom-loving people to champion the aspirations of Tibetan men, women and children, and their right to speak their language, teach their culture and practice their religion in peace.
In a statement, Pelosi said that on this important anniversary, the United States must renew the unbreakable bonds of friendship between the Tibetan people and the US.
“On this important anniversary, we must renew the unbreakable bonds of friendship between the Tibetan people and the United States. Members of Congress are committed to building on the recent passage of the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act which advances a future where all Tibetans are free to practice their faith and customs, and holds Chinese officials accountable for their campaign of fear and cultural repression. Guided by Tibetans’ untiring voices, Congress will continue to take action until all Tibetans can live in peace, hope and prosperity.”
The Chinese Communist totalitarian regime began their invasion of Tibet in 1949, reaching complete occupation of the country in 1959. Since that time, more than 1.2 million people, 20% of the nation's population of six million, have died as a direct result of China's invasion and occupation. In addition, over 99% of Tibet's six thousand religious monasteries, temples, and shrines, have been looted or decimated resulting in the destruction of hundreds of thousands of sacred Buddhist scriptures.
