World Tibet Network News Saturday, May 2, 1998

Forwarded by: Tashi Tsering

Dear Editor

In order to condemn the action of Delhi police, people of Mussoorie sat for a 24 hour hunger strike here in the main town (Gandhi Chowk) of Mussoorie on 29.4.98. The local Sub Divisional Magistrate gave permission for a maximum of only 30 people to take part in the hunger strike. The Tibetan people of Mussoorie strongly condemn the forceful haulding off of the six participants of the hunger strike unto death at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi by the government of India. The honour of sitting in the 24 hour fast is availed mainly by the executive members of the RTYC. Prayers were performed on the beginning and in at the end of the hunger strike. Mr. Sammy, President of Young Indian Campaign for Tibet gave a very powerful and miving speech addressed to the local Indians during the closing function.The senior students of Tibetan Homes School and Central School for Tibetans as well as the local Tibetans gathered in large number to perform the prayers at the spot of the fast. A minute's silence was maintained ans a 1000

butter lamps were lit for Mr. Thupten Ngodup, who immolated himself on 27.4.98 as the last three fasters of the hunger strike unto death were being hauled off by the police.

Prayers will be performed with offering of hundred butter lamps every seventh day after Thupten Ngodup's death till the 49th day at Shedrup Chopheling Temple here in Happy Valley. These customary rites will be organized by RTYC for the great Tibetan martyr, with sincere prayers so that his conciousness principle faces less suffering in the in-between ('bhardo') and for a better form of life in his next incarnation.

Kindly provide a decent coverage of the same for solidarity among fellow Tibetans and foreign supporters.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Tashi Tsering

President

Regional Tibetan Youth Congress,

Mussoorie. (U.P.)