Tibetan Parliament stands with Hong Kong protesters

Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), Sep 2 (IANS) The democratically elected Tibetan Parliament-in-exile on Monday said it stands in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong who are peacefully protesting for democracy and freedom.

"Along with commemorating today the 59th anniversary of the establishment of Tibetan democracy, we remember with solidarity the plight of our brethren who remained back in their homeland," it said in a statement.

"Ever since we lost our national territory into Chinese hands, our brethren who remained there under the occupation rule had no democratic rights to speak of whatsoever."

This is a state of affair which has continued for 60 years. All Tibetans living in exile remain in solidarity with their brethren living under and enduring the occupation rule with regard to their resolute yearning for freedom, it said.

Extending solidarity with protesters in Hong Kong, the Parliament said: "Also, millions of Hong Kongers have been peacefully protesting for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong for the last few months. The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile stands in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong."

Over the last 60 years, a number of countries, especially the trio of India, Nepal and Bhutan, as well as numerous foreign aid agencies, have extended cooperation, support, and help in the preservation of the ethnic Tibetan identity and in the revival, promotion and practice of religion and culture, it added.

The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959. The exile Tibetan administration is based in Dharamsala.