LHASA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Flag raising ceremonies were held across Tibet Autonomous Region Sunday to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the emancipation of serfs.

The national flag was hoisted against the backdrop of the grand Potala Palace at about 10 a.m. as more than 3,000 representatives from all walks of life sang the national anthem.

"There is an overt contrast between today's equality among Tibetan people and the old Tibet where human rights were bloodily abused," said Party chief in Lhasa, Qin Yizhi, after the flag was raised.

"The democratic reform abolished serfdom and allowed Tibetan people to enjoy legal rights and interests. We held the ceremony here in an effort to remember the past, cherish the present and work for the future," he said at the ceremony that lasted about 20 minutes.