On March 28, 1959, the State Council announced the dissolution of the former local government of Tibet, and the Tibet Autonomous Region Preparatory Committee exercised the power of the local government. The Central People's Government and the Tibet Autonomous Region Preparatory Committee led Tibetan people and implemented democratic reforms, overthrowing the feudal serfdom system which combines politics and religion, and abolishing the feudal hierarchy, the system of bondage, and various barbaric penalties, thus liberated millions of serfs and slaves.