By Tenzin Sangmo
New Delhi, August 6 – Six fresh faces sat on the second indefinite fast without food and water as part of TYC’s direct action campaign against China. These new men have embarked on another arduous journey of pushing the boundary of human endurance.
Sonam Samdup, 30 and Thupten Dorjee, 29 are from Sera Je Jhadrel, Phuntsok Tenzin, 35 from Sera Je Samlo, Lobsang Jorden, 26 hails from Dharamsala, Ngawang Nyendak, 24 and Sonam Gyaltsen, 28 comprises of the second batch of hunger strikers, a campaign which the TYC vows will continue until China heeds to their demands.
Asha Reddy, staunch Tibet supporter has volunteered to join the indefinite fast without food and water for three days. She hopes to continue longer if her body permits. Speaking to the media she said, “This is one of the saddest things happening in the world today. This is not just my country but my world too. For the first time, I am getting a small chance to experience even a fraction of their suffering.”
Lobsang Jorden originally from Kham who escaped into India in 2003 said, “The Chinese government’s claim that it has brought much development to Tibet is not true. I came to India in December 2003, it has not been long for me in exile. I know for a fact that it is not true. They are lying to the world.”
The six men who were taken by the Indian authorities last night are now under medical care at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. They have been charged under IPC Section 309/34 of attempted suicide in a group. If released from the hospital they will be booked by the Indian police and can face a lawsuit.
Among the eighty six supporters who were arrested last night are Ngawang Nyendak and Sonam Gyaltsen who will join the ongoing hunger strike when released from judicial custody.
TYC President Tsewang Rinzin said, “It is upon those in exile now to do something for our nation. We owe it to those inside Tibet who regardless of the dangers raise their voice against the brutal Chinese regime.”
TYC will launch the Tibetan People’s Mass Movement tomorrow which is aimed at protesting against the illegal ocupation of Tibet and oppression of the Tibetan people.
