| TYC[Sunday, November 21, 2004 11:18] |
The fourth phase of the relay hunger strike for the immediate and unconditional release of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, organized by Tibetan Youth Congress started in Delhi on 20th of November 2004. It is worthy to mention here that the first three hunger strikes each of 5 days were organized in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore from 5th to 9th, 10th to 14th and 15th to 19th respectively. Around 200 participants from RTYC Deckyiling, RTYC Shimla, RTYC Delhi and the residents of Samyeling Tibetan Settlement, Delhi are taking part in this 5 day long hunger strike. The Hunger Strike will be supplemented with Pamphleteering, Photo Exhibition, Post Card Campaigning, Petitions and Candle Light Vigils.
The inaugural function started at around 10 a.m. with one minute mourn to pay tribute and homage to all the Tibetan Martyrs who have sacrificed their life for the very cause of freedom. The president of Tibetan Youth Congress, Mr. Kelsang Phuntsok Godrukpa delivered the introductory speech. He outlined the TYC’s past and present activities for the release of Tulku Tenzin Delek and reiterated to continue its campaign until Tulku is released unconditionally. The Guest Speakers for the day were Mr. Vijay Shankar, General Secretary of Himalaya Parivar and Mr. Kuldeep Agnihotri, Convener of Bharat Tibbat Sahayog Manch. Both spoke about the deteriorating situation in Tibet and called Chinese policy of executing the religious leader as a method to destroy the rich Tibetan culture, traditions, and religion, and reiterated to render their full support to our freedom struggle. The inaugural ceremony ended with the singing of Tibetan and Indian national anthems and prayer meetings.
In the afternoon, at around 2:00 pm the Burmese supporters visited the venue to express their solidarity. Mr. Kyawthan, vice president of the Non Violence Action in Burma and Mr K.M. Soe Minn, Radio reporter of Democratic Voice of Burma reiterated to provide their full support to our cause and assured to organize joint activities with the Tibetan Youth Congress. Besides they also had a good news to share, as around 4000 prisoners in Burma were released, which included two of the top leaders and prominent political prisoners in Burmese struggle for Democracy viz. Win Tin, a former National League for Democracy and Min Ko Naing. Both of them were sentenced to life imprisonment by the military regime. The news gave ample of encouragement and acted as a boost for our already existing optimism for the immediate and unconditional release of Tulku Tenzin Delek.
At around 3:00 pm renowned journalist and the editor of Tibbet Desh magazine Mr. Vijay Kranti visited the venue to show his solidarity to the hunger strikers. He also addressed and told them that framing Tulku Tenzin Delek for insighting separatism and giving him the death sentence shows the inhuman and real image of the Chinese authorities. He further added that gaining complete independence can only solve the Tibetan crisis and he applauded the contribution of Tibetan Youth Congress in their struggle for “Rangzen”. Besides he also shared his experiences during his recent tour to Tibet and expressed his first hand account of the deteriorating situation in Tibet as Tibetans have to live like a stranger in their own country.
The Candle Light Vigil, which commenced from Jantar Mantar till Parliament Street marked the end of the first day of five days token Hunger Strike. |
