Jigme Sangpo who had been an inspirational teacher of a Tibetan School who spent over four decades imprisoned. Prior to his release he was told by Chinese officials to give in writing that he would never return to Tibet. Of this he said,  "I felt like I was betraying myself if I accepted that. Later on, they made me agree that I did not want to go to the United States".

After his release, American negotiators accompanied by a Chinese official came to his home and asked if he wanted to leave for USA for medical treatment.

Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman of the US State Department at the time of Takna's release said "His (Takna Jigme Sangpo) release on medical parole and the recent permission to travel to the United States for medical treatment is the result of active involvement of several Administrations, the Department of State and our diplomats posted in China, Congress, private Americans, and the community of non-governmental organisations."

Statements by Takna Jigme Sangpo

'The Chinese systemically destroys Tibet’s culture and tradition. There is also gross violation of human rights in Tibet. The Chinese talk a lot of human rights. But the main issue is of political rights. They are trying to manipulate the Tibetan people in Tibet by ignoring the main political issue. I know and am sure Tibetans in Tibet cannot be manipulated. In the past a lot of Tibetans have sacrificed their lives for the sake of Tibet’s independence. I appeal to my fellow Tibetans in Tibet to continue their struggle against the Chinese occupation I strongly feel and hope that all of you and those in Tibet would continue with our struggle for independence.'

Testimony to the UNHCHR

At the 59^th UN Commission on Human Rights, Takna Jigme Sangpo was invited to give evidence of  human rights violations in Tibet. He informed the Commission of his 37 years of imprisonment from 1965 – March 2002.

He told the Commission: "When I was 37 year old, the Chinese authorities detained me for remarks I made about the 10th Panchen Lama of Tibet that they charged as 'counter-revolutionary' views. All in all (between 1965 and 1992), I was sentenced to 41 years of imprisonment, out of which I have still nine years to complete."

Takna Jigme Sangpo concluded his statement by saying "this old man from Tibet, appeals to all nations in this hall to help end the human suffering of the Tibetans. Please urge the Chinese government to open earnest negotiations with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to resolve the long-standing Tibetan Issue in the interest of both the Tibetan and Chinese peoples. The unfortunate people of Tibet, including the political prisoners, who are the same human being as everyone else in this hall, urgently need your support before it is too late ... I pray for an end to the suffering of all political prisoners in this world.”

Interview with RFA's Tibetan Service

Takna Jigme Sangpo said, "To realise my complete freedom — its unimaginable. This time the Chinese did not impose any preconditions for my release and departure. They allowed me to go directly with no special restrictions. I am unsure whether I will be able to return to Tibet after my medical treatment here. My first priority is my health. I cannot say for sure what I will do. I will study the situation as it comes. Since, I now have complete freedom, I hope to live a better life. It is difficult to say what will happen."

Takna Jigme Sangpo leads Free Tibet's march in 2004

On Tibet Day, Sunday 7 March 2004, ex-political prisoner Takna Jigme Sangpo was joined by hundreds of Tibet supporters marching from the Chinese Embassy to Whitehall, to demand for Tony Blair tp push for a just and peaceful end to the illegal Chinese occupation of Tibet. Jigme Sangpo and Free Tibet campaigners delivered a letter to Downing Street urging the Prime Minister to press China's new Premier, Wen Jiabao, during hisUK visit in May 2004 to end China's prevarication over recently stalled talks and enter into unconditional negotiations with the democratically elected Tibetan Government in exile. The letter called on the Prime Minister to rethink his decision, citing "diary pressures", not to meet the Dalai Lama during his visit to London in May. Tibet Day 2004 marked the 45th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising in which tens of thousands of Tibetans were killed by illegal Chinese occupying forces.