The TYC-led Indefinite Hunger Strike continues, entering its seventeenth day, amidst requests to end from Kalon Tripa (Tibetan Govt-in-Exile Prime Minister), Indian leaders, Tibet supporters, and concerned individuals.
Mr. Kelsang Phuntsok, President, Tibetan Youth Congress, briefed the media regarding TYC’s response to the appeals from Kalon Tripa, Indian leaders and others. He said, “The hunger strikers participated with a vow that this time they will leave no option for the People’s Republic of China (PRC) but to respond to their demands. The hunger strikers as well as the organizers (Tibetan Youth Congress) are grateful to the kind visits of Kalon Tripa and Indian leaders to the site, and asking the strikers to end the fast out of love and affection and also according to the policies of the Kashag (Tibetan Cabinet). However, as the determination of the hunger strikers is firm and deep, the indefinite hunger strike will move forward.”
Lobsang, the oldest of the hunger strikers, when asked about his response to the appeals, said, “H.E. Samdhong Rinpoche out of concern of course would advise us to end the fast. We [hunger strikers] too had a feeling that he would ask us to do so. But, I have decided to participate in this movement on my own. I have always believed and practiced that when I start anything I must finish it completely. I have always liked it that way. TYC and everyone is working for the common cause of Tibet, and the efforts are not meant for any one or two individuals. I too have decided to put my effort through this way for the common cause of all of us and there is nothing that holds me back. I just cannot stop this fast without having a result. I am praying all the time that we achieve a result.”
Ms. Kalsang Youdon, the female hunger striker from Mundgod Tibetan Settlement explains her position regarding the request to end the fast: “In my opinion Kalon Tripa and Mr. George Fernandes, owing to their political responsibility, in most likelihood would not ask us to stay till death but would ask us to end the fast, which they did. From our side, we have chosen to stay at this place to sacrifice our lives for the sake of six million Tibetans. Unless our demands are met, I have decided not to move from here till death.”
Another hunger striker, Ven. Gelek Gyatso Yougang said, “I don’t have any opinion regarding Kalon Tripa’s request to end our fast. As a leader of the Tibetan people, he had to make this request. From my side, I am determined to reveal the truth, to bring about a concrete outcome. I have joined this hunger strike firmly deciding to sacrifice by signing it. There is no scope for interruption as a result of appeals, and I am focused and steadfast on my goal. The hardship on our body and mind is not beyond endurance.”
Mr. Passang Dorjee, the youngest hunger striker, thinks, “As Kalon Tripa of the Tibetan people he is worried about our life. I think it is his duty to ask us to stop, whereas it is my duty to sit in the hunger strike. Tibetan Government-in-exile might have found it important to stop us. But I strongly feel that what I must do for my nation and people is more important. I am still going on, and I am determined to go on and on.”
TYC President Kelsang Phuntsok further explains the continuation: “Tibetans around the world have developed an unprecedented concern and fervor in this movement. Especially Tibetans living in settlements and monasteries across India have attained such an incredible feeling and enthusiasm for this movement, that it is hard to predict how it might build up in the coming 20 days. Looking from this angle — from the viewpoint of the overwhelming public response — to halt the hunger strike, just based on the appeals made, would be to go against the purpose of the hunger strike. It would also mean a lack of commitment on the part of the hunger strikers as well as the organizers.”
He continued, “This is a great opportunity to take the Tibetan struggle to a new height at this critical juncture of the life and death issue of Tibet and the Tibetan people. Hence, I would like to appeal all Tibetans to increase their solidarity and support of this movement in order to take the Tibetan movement to a new height. We would like to give assurance from the organizers that our commitment is absolutely strong, and the hunger strikers have an unwavering determination to carry on.”
Report prepared by TYC.
