By Tenzin Choephel
Phayul Correspondent
Kathmandu, April 13 – Over 60 Tibetan volunteers in Nepal led by several government officials including Domey MP Mrs. Dolma Tsomo started a 24 hour relay fasting in support of the Tibetans in Tibet at Swayambhu Hill on 13th April. It is organized by the Nepal Tibetan Solidarity Forum.
MP Ven Yungdrung while addressing the gathering said, “We have embarked on the most peaceful means of demonstration, we pay homage to all those who have died in Tibet and are showing our solidarity to our fellow Tibetans”. The Forum also appeals to the International Community to immediately send fact finding delegation to Tibet.
The key demands of the fasting group are to allow freedom of Press, to stop the killings, immediate release of all political prisoners, to provide medical assistance and freedom of movement in Tibet. Nima Dolkar and her group of 11 Tibetan volunteers protesting regularly since the 10th of March and who were arrested 13 times already, was also present today.
She said, “Since it is election time in Nepal, we decided to support this campaign, I hope we will be able to put more pressure on China and achieve something substantial though our struggles and sacrifices this time around”.
Over a dozen foreign journalists assembled at the venue to cover the event, some of the big names included AP, AFP, NHK, Swiss TV, EP; and international media comprising of CNN, BBC and Aljazeera who were there to cover the Nepalese Parliamentary elections focused on the Tibetan cause as well.
His Eminence Chuksang Rinpoche, also a participant addressed the gathering to explain the benefits of fasting on religious grounds. Of late, important Tibetans figures in Nepal have started to actively participate and lead protests. Norbu Gyaltsen said, “We would like to see Tibetans holding public offices direct and take active participation so that it morally boosts other Tibetans to partake in all our campaigns and we get better result for our cause”.
