Despite Ms. Dolma Choephel, one of the determined hunger strikers was hospitalized after she lost consciousness at the end of the 29th day of the indefinite hunger strike, the other two hunger strikers are however have begun their 30th day of the indefinite hunger strike at a new location, close to the main entrance of the United Nations headquarters.
On April 30, 2004, Mr. Lodi Gyari, Special envoy of H.H. the Dalai Lama personally visited the hunger strikers and conveyed his admiration on the courage and determination of the individual hunger strikers and urged them to call off of the hunger strike. He further presented a message sent by Ms. Paula J. Dobriansky, Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues of US Department of State. In her letter to the hunger strikers, “Today is the 29th day of your hunger strike. The personal courage and commitment you demonstrated throughout this ordeal is inspiring. Now, before you suffer and perhaps irreversible health problems, I strongly encourage you to assess and recognize your achievements and to discontinue the strike. There is still much work to be done for Tibet and your strength will be needed for some time more to help shoulder the load.” She further added “ You have my personal assurance that we will continue to work in international fora, including the United Nations, with whomever will stand with us to promote human rights and other Tibetan issues.”
In support of the hunger strike movement, Mr. Tom Lantos and Mr. Frank R. Wolf, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus (CHRC), wrote an appeal letter to UN Secretary-General stated “As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus (CHRC), we write to kindly ask you to meet with the Tibetan Youth Congress hunger strikers or to issue a statement on their behalves. As you are aware, the hunger strike began outside of the United Nations with five specific demands on April 2, 2004. The hunger strike is sponsored by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), a worldwide non-governmental organization of Tibetans-in-exile that has 20,000 members seeking to enhance the development of a truly democratic society in Tibet.”
In an appeal letter from the Cabinet (Kashag) of the Tibetan Government in Exile (TGIE) stated, “ We would like to express our deep admiration for your courage, patriotism and your single-mindedness. However, we feel that these are the very qualities that the Tibetan people need to carry forward our non-violent struggle and to sustain it. These are the qualities that need to be channeled in a positive way so that the three of you can become role model for the new generation of Tibetans who have the same aspirations to live in dignity in our own country. ” It further said “ Just as we respect your enormous commitment to the cause of the Tibetan people, we urge you to respect our appeal by ending your indefinite hunger strike.”
On May 1st, over hundreds of Tibetan including 16 Tibetans from Amherst, Massachusetts joined the hunger strikers and thrown themselves for a day long fasting. They spend their day with reciting prayers for the health of the hunger strikers and for the fulfillment of the demands put forward by the determined hunger strikers. Supporters keep on pouring from every nook and corner to show their support and convey their wishes for the fulfillment of the demands.
After the medical investigation, Ms. Dolma Choephel was reported in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital in New York and she is being taking cared by Dr. Allen Keller, a long time supporter of Tibet along with Mrs. Dechen Tsomo, TYC Finance Secretary of Central Executive Committee.
Today marks the 30th day of the indefinite hunger strike.
