Tibetans in exile celebrate 49th democracy day in Dharamsala

Dharamsala, Sep 2 (ANI): Tibetans-in-exile living in India celebrated the 49th Democracy Day, the anniversary of their government-in-exile in Dharamsala.

Hundreds of Tibetans gathered at the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the main Buddhist temple in the picturesque hill town to mark the occasion.

The celebrations were marked by the hoisting of the Tibetan flag by Samdhong Rinpoche, the Prime Minister of the Tibetan government in exile. Performances by various Tibetan artists and schoolchildren were part of the celebrations.

Tibetan dignitaries expressed their gratitude towards the Indian government for the freedom of expression, which they enjoy, while living in the country.

"In Tibet we had dictatorship under the People's Republic of China, there is no freedom of expression, no body has any rights, but we here in exile, due to the grace of the Government of India and the people of India, can celebrate democracy day," said Karma Yeshi, lawmaker, Tibetan government-in-exile

"49 years ago, his Holiness, the Dalai Lama, after having chartered a democratic charter approved by the parliament made the Tibetan administration into a democratic one," said Thubten Samphel, spokesperson of Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

People's Liberation Army troops marched into Tibetan region in 1950 and since then China has controlled Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part of its territory. (ANI)