New Delhi, July 30: A member of the Indian Parliament today promised the 14 Tibetans on indefinite hunger strike to raise their cause in the Indian Parliament and appealed to them to end the hunger strike.
Mr M.A. Kharabila Swain, Member of the Indian Parliament, and Convener of All India Parliamentary Forum for Tibet today paid a visit of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and, assured the Tibetan hunger strikers that he would continue to raise the issue of Tibet and ask the Government of India to take a stand on it.
“We will raise and raise and put up your cause in the parliament vigorously and will ask the Government of India to take a stand,” Mr Kharabila said. “We will force the Govt. of India to start a dialogue with the hunger strikers and raise the issue with the Chinese counterpart,” he assured.
He however appealed to them to end the indefinite hunger strike taking into consideration the number of days they have been through.
“I would like to congratulate and deeply admire your courage. But, I would like to appeal you to end the fast, not because I want you to discontinue your struggle. I think it should be withdrawn as it is now over 23 days” he said.
When asked about the likely response of the Chinese Government to the demands of the hunger strikers, he said “I do not think that the Government of China will be sympathetic enough to listen to fulfill the demands of the freedom fighters of Tibet.”
Visiting the hunger strikers’ site in the latter part of the day, Su Shri Radha Bhatt, Chairperson, Gandhi Peace Foundation, expressed her deep admiration of the courage of the hunger strikers and he support to their cause.
“I request Indian Government and also the Chinese Government that they should help their fasting friends to stop their fast by accepting their simple and reasonable demands,” she said.
Meanwhile, all the hunger strikers lay down on their bed all through the day as they find it extremely difficult to stroll around or, even to chat among themselves.
As they chose to remain silent throughout the 23rd day, it appears, henceforth, only their action would speak louder for them.
Earlier on the 22nd day, Mr Bhagwati Singh, Member of the Indian Parliament also visited the site and appealed them to cease the hunger strike. He however expressed his support saying, “I would like to extend my support for the cause that you have taken up and for the larger cause of Tibetan freedom”.
He said, “Hunger strike is one of the strongest methods or tools in a non-violent struggle”. He, however, said “I feel that the time is not right to use this method of non violence. In order to make the movement more effective, the hunger strike needs the support and help of the international community”.
“Hence, I would like to appeal to the hunger strikers to stop the hunger strike for the time being and prepare for the next campaign,” he told the hunger strikers.
The indefinite hunger strike led by Tibetan Youth Congress began on July 8 2007, and is part of the major Tibetan Mass Movement that will begin 8th of next month.
