“When young, I fought the Chinese with sword and fist. Now, I am old and a bhikshu, I continue to fight them albeit through Peace Marches”. Said Rev. Jampa Wangchuk, a septuagenarian from Drekung Monastery, participating in his forth-consecutive ‘Path Yatra’. Like Rev. Jampa, over a dozen former Freedom fighters are a part of the March notwithstanding their age and affiliation.
The March is also participated by several former political prisoners viz. nun Ngawang Yangchen, Phuntsok Tendon, Tenzin Wangmo and Ven. Ngawang Dorjee etc. Ven. Ngawang Dorjee had received serious injury in Wednesday’s Lathi Charge. The March also have active Indian support in the form of Sonam Dolma, a Ladhaki nun from Dolmaling Nunnery, Tashi Dorjee, a local from Salugara is also a consistant supporter of Tibetan cause participating in every TYC Campaign. The participation and contribution of Tenzin Gurung to the Freedom March is also commendable.
On the forth day, the Freedom March covered a distance of over 25 km passing through Sanat, Paragpur and Kalohar village. A night hold camp was put up at Johar in the evening. At each village the Path Yatris were treated to a moral boosting appreciation from the local as the Yatris distribute pamphlets and chant prayers.
