Protest march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament Street

Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok Godrukpa, President of TYC delivering speech

Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok Godrukpa, President of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) outline the background, the need and the objectives of the Mass People's Movement, which includes the Indefinite Hunger Strike. He said, "Today we are sitting just opposite to the venue of the 1998 Hunger Strike, where martyr Thupten Ngodup set himself on fire after Indian police forcibly interrupted the unto death hunger strike. Today after nine years, we are again sitting here with fourteen committed hunger strikers. The difference is that we were pressing our demands to the United Nations then; and this time our demand is to the People's Republic of China, itself. It is the time to confront the Communist China head on.  He further said that looking back at the history of the freedom struggle around the world, it is the voluntary turning of people in huge numbers in demonstrations, which were the decisive moments of freedom struggle around the world.  At the most critical juncture in the history of Tibetan struggle, Tibetans will have to gear up voluntarily for a mass initiative to strengthen a unified voice to form a movement parallel to that of 10 March National uprising held in Lhasa in 1959. Hence, I appeal to every Tibetan, residing in any part of the world, to come and join the Mass People's Movement, due to held in 8 August 2007 in Delhi".     

As a chief guests, Ms. Rigzin Choenyi and Ms. Lhundup Sangmo, former political prisoners, famously known as Singing Nuns of Drapchi Prison, lit the prayer lamp and then offered scarf to H.H. The Dalai Lama’s picture.  Ms. Rigzin Choenyi, while narrating the brutal torture experience that she and her inmates endured at the hands of the Chinese authorities remarked that 'had there been no protest and outcry against the Chinese Government like this by the exiled Tibetans, we would have been silently killed by the Chinese authorities.  She said that China comes under pressure due to the voice of Tibetans and Tibetan supporters.  We must therefore continue to pursue our protest", she said.

The program ended with the prayer for truth "Dhen tsik Monlam", taking solemnity for the success of the movement.

A Doctor examing the hunger strikers

However, the severe conditions of the first day took their toll on two of the hunger strikers who fell sick due to the intense heat.  Ven Gelek Gyatso Yougang is suffering from diarrhoea, and 65-year-old Mr. Tsewang Dhargyal from headache. A medical doctor was invited to look after the sick hunger strikers. However, both the hunger strikers refused to take the prescribed medicine. The dedication of the hunger strikers is deep and strong, though both were looking fragile, especially the monk suffering from diarrhoea. 

Words of encouragement and solidarity for the hunger strikers and the movement are being received by the executives of the TYC through phone calls. TYC executives are handling the inquiries and pressures of the local police officers and security officials tactfully. 

The coverage of the first day was to be seen in most of the English and Hindi newspapers of Delhi, including the Times of India and Hindustan Times.

Having to sleep under a tent which provides little protection from the rain and the heat, the mood of the hunger strikers is good, and they look fresh and serious.  Most of the hunger strikers were reading books or talking in groups in various issues. 

TYC calls for international support and solidarity for the hunger strike movement.  TYC requests all Tibetan organizations, Tibet Support Groups, individual supporters and well-wishers to write appeal letters to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in their respective region, or organize campaign activities in support of the demands of the

TYC GS and Information Secretary under police escort heading to Indian PM

The two hunger strikers who were sick on the second day are now feeling better. Ven Gelek Gyatso Yougang, the monk suffering from diarrhoea, looks frail, but the frequency of his diarrhea is becoming low and showing signs of improvement.  Mr. Tsewang Dhargyal is having some relief from his headache.   

The hunger strikers use their time to listen to the speeches and teachings of the Dalai Lama played on audio cds, and read books about Buddhism as well as general topics. 

Dawa Gyalpo, a former hunger striker, is in the second batch of the current hunger strikers. He is also assisting the hunger strikers as a volunteer. He recounted his past experiences: "Normally day second and third will be tough for the hunger strikers due to the sudden halt in eating.  But, on the fourth and the following few days they will somehow get used to their empty stomach, and it is a bit bearable.  However, the more difficult days are ahead after about a week, as ones' stomach starts to become very painful."

A matter of concern is the health of one of the participants, (the name cannot be disclosed), whose feet are remaining cold. "I am concerned about this development at this stage -- normally one's feet become cold only after twenty or more days. Getting cold feet is an acute sign of weakness, the participant could be internally weak," says Dawa Gyalpo.

Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee Chunang, the General Secretary, and Mr. Dhondup Dorjee, Information Secretary, of the Tibetan Youth Congress, went to the India Prime Minister's Office under police escort, where they submitted an appeal letter to the Prime Minister of India. The letter requested the Prime Minister to pressure China to respond to the demands of the fourteen hunger strikers. After leaving the PMO office, they approached the Indian Olympic Committee at their office and handed them a petition letter meant to be given to Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympics Committee (IOC).  

Individual Tibetans living in Delhi are visiting the site, giving support and encouragement for the hunger strikers by offering scarves and donations.  These visits are helpful in uplifting the morale of the hunger strikers.

Ongoing Hunger Strike being noticed by pedestrians

This morning at 11 a.m., at the hunger strike venue, the Tibetan Youth Congress called a press conference exclusively for Tibetan media to brief them about the progress of the hunger strike movement. TYC also stated its official stand on the joint Olympic Campaign activity organized by four Tibetan NGOs.

The General Secretary of the TYC, Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee Chunang, briefed the press about the report of the three days' hunger strike and TYC's visit to the Prime Minister Office and the Indian Olympic Committee to submit  petitions. He told the Tibetan press that the “although the health condition of the participants are showing signs of declining, the determination of the hunger strikers are ever stronger".  He further stated that the regional chapters of Tibetan Youth Congress in India, Nepal, Bhutanand abroad have already started campaign activities in support of “The People's Movement” in which the hunger strike is a part, like sending appeal letters, signature campaigns, and collecting donations. 

Confusion has arisen over two separate Olympic Campaign activities:  one on 4th August 2007, and TYC's previously-planned action on 8th August 2007. On request from the regional TYCs to clarify the situation to the Tibetan community,TYC made the following announcement. “In principle, TYC is in full support of all the campaigns against the China Olympics. However TYC has strong reservations against the manner and the timing of the 4th August campaign being organized jointly by four Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).”

TYC made it clear that it is not a part of the 4th August 2007 action. In fact TYC has given in writing to the three Tibetan organizations (Tibetan Women's Association, National Democratic Party of Tibet and Gu-Chu-Sum Movement) that the 4th August 2007 Olympic Campaign activities announced by the four organizations would interfere with the momentum of the hunger strike movement prevailing around that time in Delhi, hence they are urged to find alternate ways and times to their scheduled campaign program.  The campaign activities of the four organizations for the 4th August include dance, performance, and other different methods of campaign. TYC feels that these kind of activities would go against the serious public mood at that time, because the hunger strikers will have reached a critical stage. Beside, it will also affect the number of people participating in the mass people's protest.

The morning of the sixth day of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led Indefinite Hunger Strike started with splashes of rain, and the weather remained pleasant throughout the day. It seems that the Rain God was so moved by the determination of the hunger strikers in the face of the Delhi heat, that he decided to bring the cooling rain.

As the days progress the health of the hunger strikers is showing the toll of their ordeal. Some of the hunger strikers have trouble walking by themselves to bathroom. Their weight has fallen by quite a number of kilograms from their initial measurement. Alarmingly, the number of hunger strikers getting cold feet have increased. Today three more were detected with cold feet by the assisting volunteers.

Help is being showered upon the hunger strikers in various forms. Ms. Lobsang and Ms. Dawa Tsamchoe, working in the French Embassy, come to collect the clothes of the hunger strikers for laundry every day.

Tibetan staff members from the Sarvodhya Office came to visit the hunger strikers to expressed support and solidarity. Likewise, three representatives from the Tibetan Market Association, Ladakh Buddhist Vihar, visited the hunger strikers for solidarity and support. A few prominent Indian visitors came to express their support, including a prominent lawyer in the Supreme Court of India.

The week marks the beginning of the most critical days for the hunger strikers who are taking part in the Indefinite Hunger Strike in Delhi led by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC).

A week has passed without having even a tiny morsel of food, just surviving on limited water, in the morning and the evening. The oldest hunger striker can no longer walk on his own. He has to be supported to get to toilet or for other personal needs.

A Tibetan nurse, Yeshi Choedon, working at Max Balaji Hospital in Delhi, voluntarily comes to Jantar Mantar to read the vital signs of the hunger strikers. Today, she found that most of their pulse readings were low.

When asked about their health, the strikers emphasized that in order for the movement to succeed, they appeal to each and every Tibetan to unite in support of this movement, to show a unified front to the world, so that their efforts will not be in vain.

Blessing pills (chin-lab) and blessing cords (tsem-du), along with prayers, were received from His Holiness the Karmapa.  The hunger strikers received the pills and cords with reverence.

Ven Bhaktro, a well known Tibetan former political prisoner, visited the hunger strikers. "While appreciating the efforts of the TYC executives in organizing the People's Movement, which includes the hunger strike, I would like to appeal to all the Tibetan people living in any part of the world to support this movement." he said.

Mr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya, on behalf of the Tibetan community in Japan, also visited the hungers to express solidarity and support.

The People's Movement is increasingly gaining momentum among Tibetans everywhere. Hundreds of supportive phone calls and emails are being received every day at the TYC offices in Delhi and Dharamshala.

At the annual North American TYC meeting, the agenda of the People's Movement was a priority for discussion. While normally the TYC president or a Centrex executive attends the North American meeting, none could attend this year, as they were all in Delhi taking part in the Movement.

The Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mandar, Delhi, is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led Mass People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates and photos at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org

The Tibetan Youth Congress-led Indefinite Hunger Strike of fourteen Tibetans at Jantar Mantar in Delhi enters the eighth day. The hunger strikers have become noticeably weak. Two participants have become very pale. The female hunger strikers have developed sunken eyes and have been having dizziness. The health condition of the oldest hunger striker is very weak now. 

The President of the TYC, Mr. Kelsang Phuntsok, is on a drive to mobilize the Tibetan people for the mass people's protest on 8 August 2007 to be held in Delhi.  After addressing the Dharamsala public, tomorrow he will make an address at Dekyiling  Tibetan Settlement, Mussorie, and then at Rajpur. He briefed the hunger strikers this morning.

Among prominent people who visited the hunger strikers, Kalon Tempa Tsering, Minister of Information and International Relations (DIIR), cum Representative, Delhi Bureau Office, of  the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), visited the hunger strikers to express his appreciation for the non-violent method of the movement.

In the wake of an appeal by the hunger strikers to Tibetans living everywhere to participate in the upcoming 8th August 2007 action, Mr. Samten Lhundup, President, RTYC Dharamsala, came with the message from Dharamsala to assure the hunger strikers that there is an overwhelming response from the Tibetan public in Dharamsala (the exile Tibetan headquarters) to the People's Movement, and that hundreds are committed to participate in the Mass People's Protest on 8th August 2007.

Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee Chunang, the General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress briefed the media about the health conditions of the hunger strikers and about the progress of the movement among Tibetans in India, Nepal, Bhutan and abroad. He told the media that as the days of the hunger strike progress, the movement is becoming increasingly popular and gaining momentum among Tibetans. 
 
Young Tibetans are also visiting the hunger strikers in the last few days to empathize with the hunger strikers. Several groups of young people studying in various colleges or working in different fields in Delhi showed up to assure the hunger strikers that they are with them in the struggle.  Mr. Sonam Tsering, Tibetan movie actor, who featured in the recent famous Tibetan movie, Richard Gere Is My Hero, came to express his support to the hunger strikers. 

There was a heavy downpour of rain accompanied by a strong wind in the afternoon. The wind nearly blew away the tents. Most of the beds and blankets again got drenched.  

The executives of the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Delhi Samyeling have been actively assisting the TYC Centrex executives from the day one. They have been working with the Centrex Executives shoulder-to-shoulder by keeping aside their chores. Several volunteers are also joining to help the People's Movement. 

The Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates and photos at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org

The Hunger Strikers complete the ninth day at Jantar Mantar today (16 July 2007), at the Tibetan Youth Congress led indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi, India.  The fourteen determined Tibetan hunger strikers, though losing their health by not taking any food for the last nine days, are highly committed and in high spirits, trusting that their legitimate demands will be fulfilled.

As their health becomes weak, the number of conversations among the hunger strikers has dropped. Talking consumes energy, which they lack. However, "when people come to visit to the hunger strikers, their energy gets replenished and shows in delight on their faces. They obviously feel happy when people come to see them," said Mrs. Tsering Lhamo, who is among the second batch of hunger strikers assisting the current strikers.

Tibetan visitors are pouring in from all nooks and corners of India to express their gratitude and solidarity for the courageous act of the Indefinite Hunger Strike. Among these are a representative of the Nainital Tibetan Community, a representative of RTYC Shillong, a group of monks from Drepung Gomang and Drepung Loseling, and individuals from Bylakuppee and Mainpat, as well as Tenzin Gyalpo (Michael), a Tibetan pop singer. The leaders of the Tibetan Residential Welfare Association (Gyathue Lekhung), and the Regional Tibetan Freedom Movement, Samyelling, Delhi, long supporters of TYC, also visited the hunger strikers in their official capacity to formally demonstrate their support of this movement.

Mr. Vijay Kranti, a prominent journalist and a long-time friend of Tibet, visited the hunger strikers to express his solidarity and support.  He has visited Tibet a few times in the past. TYC executives greeted him with great honor and requested him to address the hunger strikers.

"Today, it is an encouraging fact that the number of Tibet supporters when counted is more than the number of Tibetan population. However, it is crucial that Tibetans lead this struggle themselves. Without the responsibility and initiative of the Tibetans themselves, Tibet supporters cannot do anything. Hence, it is very important that Tibetans lead and take the initiative in their own struggle. Tibet supporters will follow you,"  he said. 

Mr. Kranti recounted his observations during his visits to Tibet: "The patriotism of Tibetans in Tibet is strong and deep.  As they challenge the brutal Chinese regime from within Tibet, they have high hopes and expectations from their Tibetan brethren living outside Tibet in the free world to carry on the struggle from outside. Therefore, I congratulate the hunger strikers for putting forth the efforts to meet their hopes."

Today, on behalf of the hunger strikers, the TYC President submitted the second memorandum to the President of the People's Republic of China through the Chinese Embassy in India, asking to meet the demands of the hunger strikers. The letter says that the demands put forth by the fourteen hunger strikers correspond to statements of the PRC itself.  The only thing they are asking is for evidence to support these statements. The letter also strongly points out that "If the Tibetans on indefinite fast should die without these demands being realized, then the onus will be on the People's Republic of China (PRC).  If China fails to respond to the demands of the hunger strikers before 7 August, a massive public gathering will demand that the Chinese government allow all Tibetans in exile to go into Tibet and witness its current state.  Until there is a satisfactory response from the PRC, the movement will continue. The PRC will be responsible for any outcome of the movement."

The Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates and photos at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org

Fourteen Tibetans have not eaten since 8th July 2007, and will not until the Chinese Government meets their demands.  Today is the tenth day of the Indefinite Hunger Strike led by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC).

Mr. Dhondup Dorjee, Information Secretary, (TYC Centrex) went to  submit memorandums to some of the Asian foreign embassies in India, including Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, Pakistan, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Kingdom of Thailand, Mauritius, and Kuwait. The other foreign embassies will also receive memorandums in the coming days.  

Dr. Anand Kumar, the General Secretary of the Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS), visited the hunger strikers to express his solidarity and best wishes.
 
Opposing the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Dr Kumar strongly commented, "The participating nations in the Beijing Olympic Games must know that for over fifty years the colonial regime of China have been playing the killing games with blood inside Tibet." 

Expressing his appreciation to the hunger strikers, he said, "I salute your spirit that for the last ten days you are staying on fast for the five-point demands, and braving the scorching heat of Delhi."

A large number of Indians too are preparing to join the mass people's protests on 8 August 2007 in Delhi, "I want to assure you that a large number of your Indian friends too will join you on the mass people's protest". Dr Kumar assured the hunger strikers.

Indian government employees, scholars, and activists are paying visits to the hunger strikers to express their concern, wishes and solidarity. Some also visit while passing by the site. Ms. Chauhan, a senior Indian government employee, expressed the feelings aroused by the strikers' action by saying, "May the spark in you (all the activists) burns away all the injustice and inequality against humanity. Keep the spark alive against all the storms. May you succeed."

Passang, a student from Namgyal High School in Nepal, visited the hunger strikers. He wrote the following comments in the visitors' book: "I am very much touched by the initiation of TYC in organizing this indefinite hunger strike where fourteen Tibetan martyrs are participating.  So I on behalf of whole six million people Tibetan people and whole human rights supporting people, would support it wholeheartedly.  May our Tibetan issue get solved. Free Tibet!"

The Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates, photos, and messages to the hunger strikers can be viewed  at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org

Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, (M.P), Lok Sabha	Mr. Kiran Rejiju, M.P., Lok Sabha

Today, two members of the Indian parliament, Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, (M.P), Lok Sabha, and Mr. Kiran Rejiju, M.P., Lok Sabha, visited the hunger strikers to express their solidarity and support.  The parliamentarians presented scarves to all the fourteen patriots sitting on the hunger strike to honor their courage and sacrifice. 

Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, extending his solidarity to the Tibetans sitting on indefinite fast, pointed out that "Tibetans have the democratic right to live in it's own way. As China is emerging as a world leader, it should behave as a responsible world leader, by giving Tibetans their legitimate rights. Every people has a right to live on it's own way and Tibetans do have the same right. China must give Tibetans their legitimate rights." Finally he appreciated TYC for the "well organized program to draw attention of Chinese government". 

Mr. Kiran Rejiju, MP Lok Sabha, while addressing the hunger strikers stated that "I am deeply concerned with the overall situation inside Tibet which has led TYC to call this indefinite strike for the purpose of fulfilling the five-point demands.  I have come here as Indian Parliament Member and as an active supporter of Tibet.  It is very heartening to see how much you (hunger strikers) are committed to this cause.  Through this platform, I would like to urge the international community, members of parliament around the world, leaders of the governments, to understand the whole issue and to convince, pursue and if necessary pressurize the Chinese Government to understand the human values and to understand the importance of the freedom of the Tibetan people and need for this world to have the unique Tibetan culture to be protected and promoted.  Today, Tibet is in trouble. Tibetan culture is under threat and the freedom of Tibet is being suppressed. And I am sure this determination of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) supported by the well wishers will bring a definite result someday and compel the Chinese authority to understand this.  And I have often said this before, as a responsible member of the parliament in this great Indian democracy, I don't want any confrontation or bad relation with the Chinese government.  We must have a good relationship. But this relationship must be based on faith and trust and on equal footing. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is asking for autonomy, a genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people.  A genuine and true autonomy must be given to the Tibetan people. I appeal to the world community and the Chinese authorities to see the legitimate rights and most reasonable demand of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.  As a democratic person, we will continue to pursue our whole movement and our whole objective for a true free Tibet even if it is within the administrative control of the People's Republic of China (PRC).  In true sense Tibetan people deserve their historical right to be govern by themselves. Tibetan people must be given a free hand in running their own affairs.  I also appeal my own Indian government to support the cause of the Tibetan people and the demands of the hunger strikers.  In his final personal note he commented that, "my life will be incomplete if the rights of the Tibetan people continue to be suppressed."

Members of Tibetan-parliament-in-exile, Mr. Penpa Tsering and Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, accompanied the Indian Parliamentarians to express their solidarity and wishes to the hunger strikers.

Mr.

Lhakpa Tsering, Welfare Officer, Samyelling Tibetan Settlement visited the hunger strikers to express his concern and solidarity.  "I extend my deepest solidarity and support to the TYC-led Indefinite Hunger Strike and I wish and pray that aims and goals of the movement will bear fruit.  I also pray for the well being of the hunger strikers." he said.
On behalf of Tibetans living in Dehradun area, Tibetan Welfare Office, Dehradun, has  sent a letter of solidarity through Mr. Lhadup Tsering.

The staff members of the Federation of the Tibetan Cooperatives in India Limited visited the hunger strikers and issued a common statement which says, "We empathize with the hunger strikers from the core of our heart and we have sincere prayers for the success  of the movement." 

Dr. Mahesh Yadav, Blood Campaigner for Tibet and Albert Dominique, France Tibet Association, visited the hunger strikers to show support and empathy.

TYC is receiving several calls and e-mails expressing their supports from Vienna (Austria), Minnesota and New York & New Jersey in U.S., Belgium, Italy, Germany, and Australia.

Mr. Javed Paza, G. Sect, Janata Dal (United)	Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Member, NCM, Govt. of India
At Center: Mr. Tsering Samphel, Member, NCST, Govt. of India

Mr. Javed Paza, General Secretary, Janata Dal, (United), National Political Party, along with Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Member, National Commission for Minorities, Govt. of India, and an active supporter of Tibet cause, and Mr. Tsering Samphel, Member, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, Govt. of India, visited the hunger strikers to express their solidarity and support. They were accompanied by Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Member of Parliament, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile. 

Mr. Javed Paza, General Secretary, Janata Dal, (United), addressed the hunger strikers with the following words, "Dear friends, today it is a proud moment for me that while our Tibetan friends have been struggling for several years, my party has always, at the regional and the central level, helped put forth efforts in resolving the issue.  From my party, now also, we assure you that whenever there is a need for us to help, we will try to raise the issue and we will struggle with you  shoulder-to-shoulder to work for the restoration of Tibetan Independence. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia has a vision of a free and Independent Tibet, and we firmly stand by this. Our party has always supported the cause of Tibet and still stands for their cause. We will work at all levels to realize the vision our leader saw for you, of a free and Independent Tibet.  I hope and pray that the health of the hunger strikers continue to remain intact.  Jai Bharat!  Jai Tibet!"

Meanwhile, Janta Dal (U) also sent a letter to the Chinese government to listen to the demands of the hunger strikers. 

Lama Chosphel Zotpa, a senior Indian Government official and a long-time friend of Tibet, said, "On behalf of the all the people living in the Himalayan region of Indian territory, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, I would like to express our deep support and solidarity for the cause of the hunger strikers, in their stand for proof of whereabouts of Panchen Lama, Trulku Tenzin Delek's trial, and the human rights situation inside Tibet.  We will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with you till the resolution of the Tibet issue."

Mr. Tsering Samphel, said, "I will be with you (Tibetans). I express my solidarity with the hunger strikers of Tibet for their genuine demands. You have an issue of human rights violations to which the world should give attention."

Members of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Mr Choekyong Wangchuk, (former General Secretary of T.Y.C (Centrex), Mr. Monlam Tharchin, and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen visited the hunger strikers to express their deep appreciation, solidarity and support .  They also expressed gratitude to the fourteen Tibetans on indefinite fast for their courage and sacrifice with kind words. They lauded TYC executives for organizing such a movement.

Mr. Jamyang Choephel and Kusho Thinlay, both former Central Executives of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), have been visiting the site to support the movement and to express solidarity to the hunger strikers. 

Mr. Surinder Kumar, General Secretary, Gandhi Peace Foundation and Convener, Core Group, Eastern Region, Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS), visited the hunger strikers,  accompanied by Mr. Tsering Dorjee, Coordinator, India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO). Mr. Surinder Kumar said, "I feel honored in meeting the volunteers of TYC on their fast.”

Mr. Bhupendra Kansil, Chief Coordinator, "Himalaya Parivaar", an NGO looking after the welfare of people living in the Himalayan region and the ecology of Himalaya, visited the hunger strikers to show solidarity. Mr. Bhupendra said "It (Tibet) is not the cause of a few people, it is the cause of the whole world. Himalaya Parivaar is deeply concerned about the plight of the Tibetans in Tibet and the fragility of Tibet itself.  It is a great tragedy to the whole of humanity and to the environment of the world that Tibetans inside Tibet are given inhumane and degraded treatments and the fragile ecology is devastated through rapid modernization.  I call to the international community to deny China to host the 2008 Olympics.  Unless China  respects the human rights of the Tibetan people, it has no moral right to host the Olympics."

Mr. Jambay Wangdi, President, Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society (ITFS), All Himalayan Region,  said, "I am very lucky to be here and I wish TYC and the fourteen Tibetans a grand success in your mission.  The world is behind you. I belong to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. China has been claiming Tawang for the last couple of years as a part of China. We people in Tawang believe that a free Tibet is a guarantee for genuine and lasting peace in Tawang, or Arunachal or for that matter in India as well as Asia. We from the Himalayan region of India have always been with you.  We have great reverence for our Dharam Guru, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his teachings. I am optimistic that soon the atrocities in Tibet will end and our mission will be accomplished in the near future. We need to work very hard for that.  I call on all Tibetans to participate in the Mass People's Protest led by TYC on 8 August 2007, and strengthen your hands for this movement to make it a success.  As an Indian citizen, I strongly urge the Indian Government to raise the demands of the TYC-led movement with China.”

Mr. Himanshu Goswami, President, Assam State and Observer (AAGAI), Govt. of India, commented, "Tibet should be made free from China.  The hunger strike publicises the atrocities being visited on the Tibetan people, I wish the strikers good luck in achieving their goal and hope they can carry on the agitation more vigorously internationally."

Dr. Mahesh Yadav, Blood Campaigner for Free Tibet, visited the hunger strikers and wrote on the spot appeal letters with his blood to the Chinese Government, Prime Minister of India and International Olympic Committee, supporting the demands of the hunger strikers. Asking Tibetans to rise up for the 8th August action, "It is not the time to feel dukhi (sorrow).  Abhi Jaagney ka Samai Aagaya (It is time to stand up). I appeal to my Tibetan friends to show up in huge numbers on 8 August in Delhi.  Abhi Nahin to Kabhi Nahin (If it is not this time, then it is never).”

The Indefinite Hunger Strike is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led Mass People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates and photos at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org

The fourteen hunger strikers are on their thirteenth day of the fast, with only couple of glasses of water to sustain their body. Their health condition is deteriorating day by day, but their determination is never deterred.

Today, a total of 118 memorandums were submitted to different foreign embassies in India asking for support of the demands of the hunger strikers, and requesting them to raise the issue with the Chinese Government through their respective governments. 

Former Member of Tibetan-Parliament-in-exile, Ven Gomang Tempa, visited the hunger  strikers along with a group from Drepung Gomang Dratsang. Venerable Chisur Tempa la while admiring the courage and the determination of the hunger strikers commented that "I am very happy to learn that Tibetans (from Cholka-Sum) from various places are planning to come in large numbers to participate in the Mass People's Protest on 8 August 2007, and that the preparation here is taking place at full swing. I admire and respect TYC for organizing various campaigns for the cause of Tibet."   

Mr. U.K. Maung, a Burmese refugee in India, who is campaigning for democracy in Burma, while paying a visit to the hunger strikers, pointed out that, "According to the great founders of world communism, such as Lenin, Marx and Stalin, every nation should be provided with full independence.  The highest gathering of the world, the Soviet Union, was able to exist and organize many member states because of voluntary union with full rights of secession. The original soviet constitution fully recognized this provision. Top leadership of Communist China should always remember this very point. Tibet should be freed by China themselves.”

Mary Ann Thomas, an American citizen, who visited the hunger strikers to express her solidarity and appreciation, said that "the people of the United States have not forgotten Tibet - keep fighting and we will do the same."

Among individual Tibetans who visited the Indefinite Hunger Strike, Mr. Ratuk Ngawang, former Dapon of Special Frontier Force (SFF) 22 Establishment, came to express his empathy.  And Tibetans from Ravangla, Bylakuppe, Mainpat, Mundgod, Dehradun, Bandara, Gangtok, Salugara, RTYC Baroda, and Japan came to the hunger strikers to express their solidarity and support. Executives of the regional chapter of Tibetan Women's Association, the Delhi Pitampura Tibetan Shopping Complex Association, and the Delhi Ex-Servicemen Association visited the hunger strikers in their official capacities to express admiration and solidarity.       

The Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates, photos, and messages to the hunger strikers can be viewed  at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org

Mr. Karma Chophel, speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile alongwith parliamentarians Ven Geshe Thupten Phelgay, Mr. Dawa Tsering, and Mr. Kalsang Gyaltsen

Mr. N.K. Trikha

Mr. Karma Chophel, speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile alongwith parliamentarians Ven Geshe Thupten Phelgay, Mr. Dawa Tsering, and Mr. Kalsang Gyaltsen, paid official visit to the hunger strikers today.  On behalf of the Tibetan Parliament, Mr. Chophel expressed deep admiration, solidarity and respect to the hunger strikers.

Mr. Karma Chophel addressed the hunger strikers in following words,  "Since the day one of the hunger strike, we have been hearing about the progress of the hunger strike and the health conditions of the fourteen Tibetans through radio and other  means of information. We have thoroughly remained concerned about your health conditions. Even as we were hearing that  the health conditions of the hunger strikers have been almost normal, we have been highly concerned for the fact that the strike was entering the fourteenth day. Hence, at the Standing Committee Meeting, we reached a decision that we should pay a official visit to you (hunger strikers) comprising of four Member of Parliament.  Although we may come from different constituents, we don't have any sectarian or provincial discrimination, and in fact we are representative of the six million Tibetans, as advised by the Dalai Lama. But in order to show respect and solidarity to the hunger strikers representing three Cholkas and the religious community, we have instituted the delegation to represent the three Cholkas and religious community. I represent Utsang province while being the Speaker, Mr. Kalsang Gyaltsen represents Dotoe, Mr. Gyarong Dawa Tsering represents Domey, and Ven. Geshe Thupten Phelgay the religious representative.  On behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, we are here to express our deep admiration, solidarity, and to honor the hunger strikers for putting your precious life at stake for the cause of Tibet."

He further assured that, "within the boundary of the Tibetan charter and policies formulated, we are ready to extend possible assistance if any needed. We are earnestly looking forward to hear from you."

Mrs. Dolkar Lhamo Kirti, Member of Parliament-in-exile, also visited the hunger strikers to express her deep admirah rtion and solidarity to the self-less service of the hunger strikers. She emotionally expressed her deep gratitude to the sacrifice of the hunger strikers.

Mr. N.K. Trikha, the National Convener, Core Group for Tibetan Cause, who is a and a Journalist, visited the hunger strikers to express his support. 

He said that "Tibet issue is one of the greatest tragedies of human history, particularly if this happens when most of the world is free from all kinds of colonial oppression. That the Tibetans should find themselves forced to resort to indefinite hunger strike to draw the world's attention to this tragedy is still more poignant. The world community must shed its attitude of unconcern and in the process becoming accomplice to the Chinese barbarity. I hope that this self-inflicted ordeal of the Tibetans hunger strikers will shake the conscience of all well-meaning peoples and communities of the world more particularly the Indian establishment to effectively pressure on the rulers of the PRC to free Tibet from its yoke."

Commenting on the demands of the hunger strikers, he said, I think these are not demands, these are so simple. I think if you are only asking for evidence and if the claim of the Chinese is that we are not doing what you are alleging, then they should come up and prove it and that's all. They are not asking any rights, is only to prove yourself, what you are doing and saying is correct.  This is not much of a demand that cannot be met. Infact, it is not demand at all. All these demands listed are such that any government come forward on it's own to prove with evidence that it is not so. Human rights are being violated everybody knows, people who go there have seen it, there are numerous reports about it. Let the Chinese prove it. But they have been shying away from it. There is no freedom of religion and let the Chinese prove there is. Chinese are building railways in the name of Western Development Plan, but they must prove that the  native Tibetans are not being marginalized in the process. That the natural resources are not exploited and the environment is not being destroyed. Let the Chinese prove, prove it to the international community.  The demands are just nothing but some answers to some questions from the Chinese government. For all these obvious demands, if as many as fourteen Tibetans have to go to hunger strike and that too on indefinite. This is a shame, a crime shame on humanity. I think the humanity should come forward to exert pressure on the Chinese Government to respond.

Looking into the likely scenario in future if China doesn't respond, he says, "The Tibetan movement is non-violent in the spirit of Ahimsa, in the spirit, Satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi. And if the Chinese want that the problem should be resolve in a peaceful way, in an amicable way, the Chinese should welcome now.  Otherwise, the history has seen the strategy changing and the situation getting into worst.  I hope the hunger strike by so many people, by so many people will not go in vain. I hope the government of India, and the governments of other countries of the world will move fast to bring pressure on People's Republic of China (PRC).

Encouraging Tibetans not to loose hope and to geared up their movement, he says "You have to raise the consciousness of the world, that is way it is. People still have some compassion, some sympathy, some feeling for the fellow human being. And if you remain firm in your determination, to win ultimately what you are aiming at, you will have it and the world will also have to and the world opinion will ultimately work.  And this we have seen happening in elsewhere in the world, and particularly when everybody has lost all hopes and found that the Berlin wall is down one overnight. And that the oppressive soviet system collapses and one country turns into 15 different nations whole independently. This is not a something that requires a great majic to happen. This has happen in the world and this will happen in the case of Tibet as well. I am quite sure about it."

Today marks the fourteenth day of the fourteen hunger strikers.  The Indefinite Hunger Strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is part of the Tibetan Youth Congress-led People's Movement, pressing demands for accountability from China regarding the Tibet situation. Current updates, photos, and messages to the hunger strikers can be viewed  at http://www.tibetanyouthcongress.org