By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, August 8: Over 100 Tibetan volunteers today observed a 12-hour hunger strike in front of Ma Jartsima Temple at Boudha, Kathmandu to express their support for the 14 Tibetan hunger strikers and Tibetan Mass Movement in New Delhi, India.
Tibetans in Nepal have expressed their support and solidarity with the ongoing Tibetan Mass Movement with series of activities, including candle light vigil by the RTYC on 27 July, over 500 participants leaving for New Delhi on 4th August to participate in the Movement, another candle light vigil by the Domey Welfare Association on 7th August, a day long hunger strike being observed today by volunteers and a third candlelight vigil this evening by the Dotö Welfare Association.
A signature campaign was also organised side by side in support of the hunger strikers and the Mass Movement going on in India.
This evening’s candlelight vigil was organised by the Doto Welfare Association of Kathmandu.
The vigil began with random distribution of candles and, over 500 Tibetans quickly joined the rally, which started circumambulating the Boudanath Stupa by praying. The participants later gathered in front of the Ma Jartsima Temple with the hunger strikers.
The crowd then chanted ‘tsemed yonten’ prayer of His Holiness the Dalai Lama following which someone from the crowd started singing ‘mimang langluk’ (Tibetan Uprising Song). In solidarity the whole crowd sang along together. The group then sang Tibetan National Anthem, which was followed by people shouting slogans like; “Bod Gyalo” (meaning- Victory to Tibet), “Free Tibet”, “Tibet belongs to Tibetans” and “long live His Holiness the Dalai Lama”
The crowd repeated the slogans continuously as marched around the the Stupa.
