The five-day hunger strike in Delhi entered into the third day with prayer session in the morning for the long life and safety of Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche. The hunger strikers demand the unconditional and immediate release of Tulku Tenzin Delek whose suspended death sentence expires on 2nd December 2004.
The entire day, the participants of hunger strike exchanged their thoughts and opinions regarding the present situation of Tibet and the ongoing freedom struggle. They all felt the need to exaggerate our movement through more effective activities. The discussion session proved informative, thought provoking and inspirational for all the participants.
In the evening, Mr. Thupten Chewwang , the Minister of Parliament , Lok Sabha (United Progressive Alliance) graced the day with his presence. He was welcomed with a traditional scarf by Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, General Secretary, TYC. Mr. Thupten Chewwang in his address to the hunger strikers said, “the death sentence given to Tulku Tenzin Delek is unjust and unlawful and he should be unconditionally released. He further stated that India made a big blunder by allowing china to occupy Tibet in 1949, for which she later paid the price by loosing huge part of its territory. He reiterated to lend his full support to our cause and will raise the Tibetan issue in parliament.” It is worth mentioning here that Mr. Thupten Chewwang is a member of the Indian parliamentarian forum for Tibet, a forum consisting of Indian ministers of both the houses of the parliament who support the Tibetan cause and had for the several times raised the Tibetan issue in the parliament.
Thousands of Indian visitors were briefed on the unjust sentence on Tulku and the repression that prevail in Tibet. Over 8,000 Leaflets on Tulku were distributed to the inquisitive bystanders. Most of the Indians showed their solidarity and assured to lend their support to our cause. Besides Several media personnel who visited the venue were also briefed about the demands of our activity and the deteriorating situation in Tibet .
Later in the evening, Mr. Thupten Chewwang also participated in the candle light vigil from Jantar Mantar to Parliament Street. On reaching near parliament street participants gathered and a brief invocation prayer marked the conclusion of the successful third day of the five-day hunger strike in Delhi.
