For Immediate Release:
Contact: Tenzing Jigme +91-9882910291
Victory: TYC Indefinite Hunger Strike Called Off
Delhi Oct 11: On the 32nd day of the Indefinite Hunger Strike, Tibetan Youth Congress has called off the campaign after receiving assurance from the United Nations that they will address the demands of TYC. In a letter to TYC Hunger Strikers, UN Assistant Secretary General of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner Ivan Simonovic requested the hunger strike to cease and assured TYC that the voices of the Tibetan people will be heard. He also stated that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon expressed concern at the health of the hunger strikers. The letter was delivered to TYC by Yuri Afanasiev the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in India. TYC President Tenzing Jigme said, “this is a huge victory for the Tibetan people.” He added that, “the power of non-violence methods of resistance and the fact that when we come together and fight for our country as one – we win, is evident from this victory.”
TYC launched the Indefinite Hunger Strike on Sept 10 and three TYC executives Vice President Tamdin Hrichoe, Finance Secretary Tenzin Wangchuk, Information and International Relations Secretary Tsewang Dolma took part in this campaign. On Sept 30, the police citing deteriorating health condition took Tsewang Dolma to the hospital.
The campaign has witnessed huge support and solidarity from Tibetans all over the world as well as Indian leaders and members of community. Visits to the hunger strikers from various Indian Members of Parliament, former Ministers, social activists, student organizations and supporters of Tibet were seen.
Tibetan Political Leader Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, Home Minister Kalon Gyari Dolma and Information Minister Dickyi Choyang also visited the hunger strikers and paid their respects and solidarity. Tibetan Parliament in Exile’s Deputy Speaker and Executive Member Monlam Tharchin as well as Members of Parliament Dawa Phunkyi, Dhadon Sharling, Yangchen Dolkar, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Kusho Thubten Wangchen, Karma Yeshi, Norbu Tsering, Wangpo Tethong, Tsering Youdon, Lobsang Yeshi, Gyari Bhutuk, Chokyong Wangchuk, Youdon Aukatsang and Mogru Tempa visited the hunger strikers. Chitue Karma Choephel couldn’t visit due to personal health reasons but sent in his solidarity.
With three aims and five demands the campaign been successful in accomplishing its goals and has inspired a whole new 
generation of young Tibetans invoking a sense of renewed nationalism and patriotism in the Tibetan freedom movement. “Support from students, youth and members of the community has been great”, said Tamdin Hrichoe. “That kind of support and unity is very important in our struggle and must continue in order for us to win our country back,” added Hrichoe.
A Solidarity Unplugged Concert with Indian Rock Band Parikrama and Poetry for Peace events were also organized at the hunger strike site. This was something new and never done before. “The idea is that we have to use all our resources, ideas and be strategic, therefore such events help us in achieving our overall goals,” said Jigme.
TYC hunger strike participants will now be taken to the hospital for evaluation and necessary medication to recover.