DHARAMSHALA: A top US leader has urged the Chinese government to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and end its repressive policies in Tibet.

In a statement for the 54th Tibetan National Uprising Day, Ms Nancy Pelosi, former US House Speaker and serving Congresswoman, said: “We honor the many brave Tibetans who have lost their lives fighting for their religious freedom and human rights.

On 10 March, Tibetans around the world will mark the 54th anniversary of the peaceful national uprising against the occupation and repression of Tibet by the Chinese government.

“The current situation on the ground in Tibet continues to deteriorate as the Chinese military presence grows and more Tibetans subject themselves to self-immolations. It is long past time for the Chinese government to address the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people and cease its religious repression,” Ms Pelosi said.

“I am proud that today Secretary of State John Kerry and First Lady Michelle Obama will present the 2013 International Women of Courage Award to Tibetan writer and blogger Tsering Woeser for her courageous efforts to report on repressive policies in Tibet and promote Han Chinese-Tibetan solidarity on human rights and the rule of law. The selection of Tsering Woeser sends a strong message of international concern about the human rights situation in Tibet.

“The cause of Tibet continues to be a challenge to the conscience of the world. We must heed the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and we must not forget the people of Tibet and their ongoing struggle,” Ms Pelosi said in her statement on 8 March.

Ms Pelosi, as the US House Speaker, visited Dharamsala to express solidarity with the Tibetans when peaceful protests against China’s continued occupation and repression shook Tibet in March 2008.