Tibet marks 60 years since end of serfdom

Democratic reforms have enhanced living standards, education, transport

Thousands of people gathered on Thursday in front of Lhasa's landmark Potala Palace in the Tibet autonomous region to celebrate the 60th anniversary of democratic reforms.

"The democratic reform was the widest, deepest and greatest movement that has ever happened in Tibet's history. It was a significant historical event in the development of the region's society and the progress of human rights, setting the course of Tibet's people on the broad road of socialism," Wu Yingjie, the region's Party secretary, said during the ceremony.