The 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day was observed on March 10 at Polo Ground, commemorating the 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.

Chief Representative Officer (CRO) of the Ladakh Sonamling Settlement, Tashi Dhondup, read out the official statement from the highest executive office of the Central Tibetan Administration (Kashag). He recalled, “On this date, 66 years ago, in Tibet’s capital Lhasa, Tibetans from all three provinces united in resistance against the illegal occupation of Tibet and China’s brutal, inhumane policies. Under violent suppression by Chinese forces, over a million Tibetans lost their lives, and His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, along with approximately 80,000 Tibetans, was forced into exile.”

Expressing gratitude to the Government of India and its citizens for their continuous support, Dhondup highlighted the challenges faced by Tibetans in exile. He also appealed for global solidarity in Tibet’s peaceful struggle for freedom.

Senior Vice President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Regzin Dorjey, voiced deep sorrow over the destruction of monasteries in Tibet, emphasizing the profound cultural and spiritual loss suffered by Tibetans. He acknowledged their resilience and expressed his unwavering support for their cause.

President of Anjuman Imamia, Ashraf Ali Barcha, extended strong solidarity with the Tibetan community. In his speech, he expressed hope that Tibet will one day regain its freedom, stressing that Tibetans deserve justice and peace.

The event concluded with prayers for peace and liberation, marking a solemn yet hopeful moment for the Tibetan community as they reflected on past struggles and their aspirations for a free Tibet.