The TYC led ‘All India Relay Hunger Strike’ continued amidst fresh snowfall on the majestic Dhauladhar range, sweeping down the hills the icicles of chill in the form of water, sopping the make shift tent and those sitting inside on hunger strike. And the chill itself was warmly befriended by the hunger strikers with the snow in their eyes, knowing that it was a gift from the himalayas, our home. Speaking to the 60 odd group of monks and nuns on hunger strike, Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok, President of the TYC snubbed the prevalent cold and damp conditions by evoking the severe and unimaginable circumstance under which innumerable political prisoners inside Tibet are surviving. His thought provoking remarks along with the serving of hot water were well received as the monks and nuns from the nearby monasteries along with an increasing number of foreigners settled down to chants and prayers for the success of the mission.
December 2, 2004 was the 8th day of the two months relay hunger strike. The dawn was the same, the same sun, yet there was urgency in the air. Phones rang amidst hushed tones and lowered eyes asking each other of any news on Tulku Tenzin Delek. As TYC made its stand clear on the expiry of the two-year death suspension on Tulku Tenzin Delek through a press statement, regional chapters all over the world intensified their activities.
Under the supervision of the TYC Centrex, the regional chapter of Dharamsala, on the 2nd of December organised a massive demonstration from the Theckchen Choeling at Mcleod Ganj to the HP Government Mini Secretariat. The flagging off ceremony began with observance of a minute’s silence for the martyrs of Tibet followed by the proud rendition of the Tibetan National Anthem. Speaking at the rally, Mr. Kalsang Phuntsok, President of TYC urged the international community to prepare themselves for any eventualities regarding the case of Tulku Tenzin Delek, considering China’s dreadful human rights record. “Tibet has nothing much left to lose now, we have lost our land and our homes. Considering the fact that China today is spending millions of dollars on a daily basis just to project a humane and civilised image to the world, any pain, any humiliation, any embarrassment inflicted upon them will be an unimaginable loss to China. China has everything to lose now.” Representing the regional chapter of Dharamsala, Mr. Dhondup Lhadar, Cultural Secretary, RTYC spoke on the gravity of the situation and urged the people to prepare for the worst.
With the Tibetan National flag raised high at the backdrop of banners calling for the immediate release of Tulku Tenzin Delek, the march proceeded down hill to the main market place of Dharamsala. Gathered near the mini-secretariat, extensive slogan raising of ‘Free Tibet’ and ‘Release Tulku Tenzin Delek’ continued till the vocal cords ran dry and gave away. The chief guest of the function, former Kalon Tripar and a co-founder of the TYC, Mr. Sonam Topgyal generalised the concerns and outcry of the world for Tulku Tenzin Delek, implicating that whole of Tibet was reeling under the atrocities of China. “No matter how many delegates of the Tibetan Government may visit China, the ground fact is that the situation inside Tibet is deteriorating with each passing day. At such a testing juncture, every Tibetan should whole heartedly support and take part in the activities organised by the TYC”, Sonam Topgyal la remarked. Mr. Lobsang Yeshi, Vice-president of TYC took the dais and gave a heart rendering speech in Hindi and English for the benefit of the larger crowd, thanking the people of India for their support yet at the same time reminding them that the struggle for the freedom of Tibet had equally important implications to India as well.
Following this, a two member delegation of the TYC visited the Deputy Commissioner and submitted the memorandum to the Honourable Prime Minister of India, urging his esteemed office to put pressure on China for the immediate and unconditional release of Tulku Tenzin Delek.
Later in the evening a candle light vigil was taken out from the main market place of Mcleod Ganj to Tsug-la khang, which saw several hundred people carry the flame of freedom struggle and pray for the well being of Tulku Tenzin Delek. In his address to the gathered crowd the President of the TYC, through verified reasoning, envisaged a certain victory for the Tibetan struggle. He gave assurance that TYC as a discipline had strong faith in its potential to inflict major embarrassment and defeat upon the Chinese regime.
