Date: 22nd August, 2008

One of the darkest chapters in human history is the “Rape of Nanjing”, whereby imperial Japan on the eve of the 2nd World War wrecked havoc on the Chinese. The “gory” side of man’s nature was revealed when the victorious group went on a killing spree, mutilating the dead as well as raping innocents and destroying property. The assault both physical as well as emotional received by the Chinese have left deep scars on their psyches which refuses to fade. This is a major reason for a perpetual souring of Sino Japanese relations. However, what the Japanese did to China in Nanjing, the same thing is repeated over and over again in Tibet under the Communist Chinese who since 1949 have illegally occupied the snowy land. The snow is crimson due to the blood of the Tibetans shed by the Communists. Just like the Chinese were humiliated, and felt the pain on numerous occasions, the Tibetans are undergoing the same. Pain and Hope are the two common threads which binds humanity. Isn’t it really strange when a race which has experienced so much of suffering unleashes the same on another race? This is the ambiguity of the human nature and a true travesty of Justice.

The violation of human rights which are taking place in Tibet on a daily basis is a clear reminder to everyone that humanity is on the verge of collapse. Ideas of compassion and altruism are not in sync with the present times; as a matter of fact they are becoming redundant. However, still a race has not given hope, the last thing which remained in “Pandora’s box”. They have been on a path to seek justice from a world where notions of justice are lopsided. The road on which this group, known as the Tibetans walk is one of compassion and strongly of non violence. This is the most remarkable thing as Tibetans have emerged victorious in the race known as humanity. From a warrior class to one which emphasizes on “ahimsa” they have come a long way. It is this challenging path which the Tibetans have taken which will truly win them the dream of a Free Tibet. This is the aspiration of every Tibetan and also for its fulfillment patriots have sacrificed. Today is the 7th day of the TYC led indefinite fast (no food, no water) and the 6 brave Tibetans who are participating are drops in the large ocean known as “Semshook”. It is for the love of truth and justice that they are willing to die.

A former hunger striker Mrs. Palmo Kalsang Youdon who had sat for 32days in the 1st Tibetan People’s Mass Movement last year which had initiated the movement came and paid her respects to the present batch of indefinite hunger strikers. The 110 Tibetans who had been arrested on the 8th of August while protesting in front of the Chinese Embassy were presented in the Special Executive Magistrate Court in Delhi; the case was dismissed on the grounds that they cannot participate in any illegal protests in the coming 6 months.

A week of no food, no water has taken its toll on the 6, their bodies have become weak, and severe dehydration has set in them. Nausea, body aches as well as their blood pressure have fluctuated abnormally. One of them is suffering from a serious case of gastritis which is evident from his moans. The pulse rate of another has gone way below normal, making it critical. However, their spirits are strong and their enthusiasm not waning. The oldest Mr.Dhondup, says that the Tibetans should continue the struggle on a much larger scale even after the Olympics end, which is not only a statement from him but also the aspirations of all the 6 as well as of the Tibetans protesting throughout the world.

The Olympics are about to come to an end, however unconfirmed reports relay the news that there is still massive repression in Tibet, especially from Eastern Tibet where on the 17th of August, there was a firing from the Chinese on a crowd which had gathered peacefully to demand their rights, similar to the “Jalianwala Bagh” massacre in colonial India. Even though nations are basking in the glories of the medals they have won and the rest of the world interested in who is leading the medal tally, somewhere in Tibet, people are getting shot. WHERE IS THE JUSTICE???