The Hunger Strike Movement continues its pace with their demands while the United Nations still remains incapable to provide concrete commitment to the three committed hunger strikers. On the 23rd day of the strike, the Emergency Medical Crew of the New York Police Department approached the strikers. The three strikers responded that they were in a stable condition and refused medical treatment and hospitalization.
About 300 Tibetan supporters thronged the hunger strike site to show their support and commonality to the movement. The supporter recited prayers for the whole day.
The hunger strike movement is getting support from all over the world as regional Youth Congress chapter as well as other support groups and individuals, within their own capacity, has been organizing rallies, token hunger strikes and demonstrations.
Along with local Tibetans, people of Menchuka and Monpa residing in Arunachal Pradesh (Itanagar) have expressed their strong sense of support for this ongoing strike by making financial contribution for the success of the hunger strike movement.
On April 25, in support of the hunger strike movement, Dag Hammarskjold Plaza was crowded by over thousands of Tibetans from Boston, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Virginia including local Tibetans. With initiatives from the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress New York and New Jersey, the day was observed as the XVth birth anniversary of XIth Panchen Lama. The function began with the offering of Tibetan traditional scarves to the portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Xith Panchen Lama by Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok, TYC President followed by the three determined hunger strikers. Many eminent speakers including Ms. Dolma Choephel addressed the gathering, while representing the hunger strikers she appealed every Tibetans to assume their responsibilities towards the resurrection of Tibet. Besides rainy and windy atmosphere the movement kept its flow with the support and encouragement from the supporters and organizations. Tibetans from all over the United States visited the hunger s trikers and participated in the celebration of XVth birth anniversary of Xith Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. They observed a relay hunger strike and participated in a protest demonstration carried outside the United Nations headquarters. The protesters waved Tibetan flags and cardboards with inscription ‘Release Panchen Lama-Now!’ ‘Release Tenzin Delek Now!’ ‘China Out of Tibet-Now!’ etc. In support of the hunger strikers, the supporters continued reciting prayers for the whole day.
Today marks the 24th day of the hunger strike movement.
