Day 10 report of Indefinite Hunger Strike by Tibetan Youth Congress

by Tsewang Rigzin on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 12:17am
Today marks the 49th day since the 20 year-old monk Phuntsok of Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County committed a selfless non-violent act of self immolation for the cause of Tibet on 16 March 2011. Regional Tibetan Youth Congress chapters all over are observing this day by offering prayers and conducting candle light vigils to remind people of the selfless act. The situation in Kirti Monastery continues to remain grim and critical.

In Jantar Mantar, at the site of TYC Indefinite hunger strike the temperature hits 41 degrees celcius. It is hot and muggy. The physical condition of the three hunger strikers shows a clear sign of deterioration. It has been ten days sign they last ate anything solid. Living only on water in this heat is daunting yet they remain resolute and determined in their endeavour
In the meantime, the President Tsewang Rigzin and the General Secretary Tenzin Chokey visited the US Embassy to meet with Sameer Sheth, Chief of Global Issues unit. The meeting lasted almost an hour and a half. Although Mr Sheth appeared to be well informed and had read extensively on the situation in Kirti as well as the general state of affairs of the Tibetan people, he was keen to know more. He asserted that the Tibet issue is a priority of the Embassy of the United States in India and that it maintains a close vigil on any changes or developments in Tibet as well as the Tibetan situation in exile. We handed him a letter to be forwarded to the Honorable Ambassador, Timothy Roemer which clearly outlined TYC’s concern over the state of Ngaba Kirti Monastery and the blatant disregard of any national, international or human rights principles by the government of China. We expressed being aware about the US government’s past and ongoing intervention into countries and situations that warrant attention and reiterated that Tibet and Ngaba Kirti in particular need that attention at this point of time. For that reason, we appealed that the US government help meet our demands and appeal.
TYC is scheduled to meet with the Deputy Head of the Mission and Political Officer of the Delegation of the European Union tomorrow afternoon.
Dakpa Rinpoche, Lhadon Tethong, General Secretary of RTYC Kalimpong are among the visitors at the site of the Indefinite Hunger Strike today.
In the evening the General Secretary joined the candlelight vigil organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Samyeling to observe the 49th day of Phuntsok’s death.

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