China, which is building numerous villages in Tibet close to its borders with India and Bhutan, has held several celebratory events to mark its takeover of Tibet in the new border villages with a mix of border troops and the local population, the official media has reported.

“Last Thursday marked the 65th anniversary of the democratic reform that ended feudal serfdom in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, with multiple grand celebrations and commemorative activities held across the region,” state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

China celebrates March 28 as ‘democratic reform’ day in the Himalayan region marking the end of the rule of the Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959. Chinese troops took over Tibet in 1951.

State-run Global Times in its report highlighted the commemoration of the day in the new border villages built along the borders of India and Bhutan.

“Across the border regions of southwest China’s Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region, the 65th anniversary of democratic reform was celebrated with enthusiasm and reflection,” Global Times reported on Friday.

“Today’s Xizang sees continuous, rapid development in its border areas, with 624 border well-off villages fully established,” it said.

China refers to Tibet by Xizang,