I am deeply moved by the interest that the international community has shown in my case, as I am an ordinary person. I am simply a Tsampa-eating Tibetan but my small actions were inspired by the terrible actions of the Chinese. I did what anyone whose community is deprived of its dignity and respect would do. In our hearts, no Tibetan can stand the denunciation of our peerless leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, or accept the denial of our fundamental rights. However, the political situation in Tibet and the suppressive rule there are not permitting the Tibetan people to come out with their true feelings. There is fire inside our bodies, but we dare not let the smoke out.

As I said before, it is very clear to me that I was released and given freedom because of international concern. Even as I learn to enjoy this freedom, I am concerned about the many more Tibetan political prisoners in Chinese jails. I appeal to you good people to help give them freedom. I want to especially call attention to two women with whom I was jailed in Drapchi prison, Pekyi and Namdol; I am gravely concerned about their health and urge you to assist in gaining their early release from prison.

I also am gravely concerned about the fate of former prisoners, including Phuntsok Nyidrol, who face a difficult life after their release from prison. After my release, even though I was free from prison, I was cut off from Tibetan society. As a former political prisoner, I was not allowed by law to return to my nunnery; I could not find any other job. A former political prisoner cannot even get a job as a street sweeper. Without the support of my family, I would have had no place to live, no food and no medical treatment. Almost all released prisoners face these same problems and many are living in the shadows, with no support. Many must go begging. Many risk their lives fleeing Tibet for hope of any future. These people who have sacrificed so much for freedom are paying the dearest price. I appeal to you for some attention to their cases.

When I came into exile in the United States, my foremost desire was to set my eyes on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I cannot describe the joy I felt to see His Holiness in good health and to receive his blessing. I pray every day that His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s efforts towards the resolution of the Tibetan problem will bear results. I will abide by any advice His Holiness may have so that I can best contribute towards the fullfilment of his wishes for a solution to the just cause of Tibet. The Tibetan people in Tibet are eagerly waiting for the day when they can see the return of their beloved leader to their homeland, with dignity, freedom and respect.

As a Tibetan, I am most grateful to the United States for supporting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s efforts to find a negotiated solution to the Tibetan issue. I would like to urge you to continue to do so. It is only His Holiness the Dalai Lama who has the trust and loyalty of the Tibetan people, and he is our only hope for freedom in Tibet.

I thank you for this opportunity of submitting this testimony to the United States Congress. I hope my words have made a difference.

[Ngawang Sangdrol’s testimony was translated by Pema Gorap]