Dharamshala: - The Kalon Tripa of Central Tibetan Administration, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche visited the hunger strikers Sunday morning (15th May) at Jantar Mantar, Indian capital New Delhi. The Kalon Tripa stressed that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is particularly concerned about their health. He handed the organizing committee a letter from Kashag in which it stated the same and also mentioned that the campaign has already generated ample attention, solidarity and support.
It therefore requests the strike to be called off. Prof Samdhong Rinpoche was accompanied by the Kalon and Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to New Delhi, Mr. Tempa Tsering la for whom this is the second official visit to the hunger strikers, according to the indefinite fast organiser.
In the afternoon, Kirti Rinpoche visited the hunger strikers for the second time. He expressed earnest concern about the physical state of the three and emphasized that Tibet needs healthy people to lead and keep the movement alive. He asserted that the stringent policies implemented against the religious institutions in Tibet have been rigorously intensified. That there is much work to be done and that being healthy is pertinent so therefore he requested that the strike be discontinued.
In the evening, Regional TYC Samyeling and Rohini organized an Indian solidarity evening for the three hunger strikers as part of the Global Solidarity Relay Hunger Strike with the TYC Executives. Tenzin Tsundue assisted in spreading the words about the event to Indian friends. Approximately 100 people came to the site and beautiful speeches were made, verses were read and songs were sung. The evening closed with a candle light vigil.
In the meantime, the health conditions of the hunger strikers are showing clear signs of deterioration. Dhondup Lhadar has lost to date 16 kgs, Tenzin Norsang 11 kgs and Konchok Yangphel 13 kgs. Their blood pressure has consistently been below normal for the last few weeks.
The indefinite fast organised by the largest Tibet's NGO, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) began on 25 April after the Chinese security forces blockaded Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, which left 2 Tibetans dead and over 300 monks arrested.
