By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, MAR 11: US House Representatives expresses solidarity with the Tibetan people, and calls on China to stop their state-sanctioned repressive policies in Tibet on Tuesday. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jim McGovern and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released separate press statements on the 61st anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi honored the sacrifices of Tibetans since the Uprising and called out China’s ongoing brutal repression in Tibet. “China’s cruel crackdown on the religious liberty, cultural heritage and freedom of speech of Tibetan men, women and children remains a challenge to the conscience of the world,” the statement read. Speaker reiterated her faith in the struggle and Dalai Lama’s message of peace and compassion. The statement mentioned the Tibet Policy and Support Act (TPSA) which was recently passed in the US House with overwhelming majority as a show of support to the cause of Tibet.
Congressman Jim McGovern, who co-sponsored the initiation of the aforementioned bill with Senator Mark Rubio, also appealed for the release of political prisoners, emphasizing on the US’ support for Tibet. Congressman wrote, “Once again, we all can commemorate this 61st anniversary to encourage the Senate to pass the bill. Last Congress, with your support, we passed into Law the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. Now let’s get the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed into law as well.” He also raised concerns over China’s claim to the next reincarnation of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez addressed the Students for a Free Tibet and New York and New Jersey Tibetan community and expressed her support. She said, “For Decades, Tibetan people have bravely fought for their freedom. It is responsibility of all those of us who value freedom of speech and expression to stand with them against China’s growing human rights abuses. I am proud to stand with the Tibetan residents of NY-14 and all those the country in their religious fight against persecution.” Congresswoman had also attended the NY-14 community’s last year Losar celebrations and greeted the Tibetans with an important address.
The solidarities reached many parliamentary doors and gathered momentum in the political discourse on a global scale. Across European countries along with England, Taiwan and Australia, many expressed their support on the occasion of 10th March and diligently praised the non-violent struggle of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.