Dharamsala, Jan 1 (ANI): Tibetan’s in-exile living in India hope for freedom from Chinese control and peace in the New Year.

On the occasion of the New Year they also prayed for the long life of Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama.

“The only desire that we truly have is that His Holiness the Dalai Lama will live hundred more years and that he will continue to work for the welfare of Tibetan people and we continue to pray that Tibet will be free soon and the peace will once again rein in the land of snows,” said Tenzin Pema a Tibetan.

Thubten Samphel, spokesperson Tibetan government-in-exile said it is high time that Chinese leaders make efforts to resolve the issue of Tibet by talking to envoys of Dalai Lama.

“I think the majority of the Tibetan people sincerely hope that the Chinese leaders will understand and realize the critical importance of resolving the issue of Tibet by discussing the overall issue, the important issues with the envoys of his holiness the Dalai Lama,” said Pema.

China has controlled Tibet since troops of the People’s Liberation Army marched into the region in 1950. Beijing considers Tibet as an integral part of its territory.

Critics have accused China of repressing Tibetans’ religious aspirations, especially their veneration for the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. (ANI)