ATPD Urges NY Strike to be Called off
Dharamsala, 30 April: The Standing Committee of the 13th Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies has requested the three hunger strikers to call off their strike. “The nation needs your dedication and selfless determination in future too. We therefore request you to call off the strike”, said a letter in Tibetan sent to the three hunger strikers on Wednesday.
As the hunger strike by the three Tibetans in New York draws close to a month, apprehension looms large among the Tibetans all over the world. Parallel hunger strikes, rallies and candle light vigils are being carried out across the Tibetan communities.
The developments in New York have won the attention and support of almost the entire Tibetan community.
Meanwhile, the standing committee has appealed to the UN General Secretary Kofi Annan to respond to the calls of the hunger strikers.
” Sir, the Tibetan Parliament continues to be committed to the Middle Path approach of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which aims at finding a solution of genuine autonomy for Tibet through negotiations with China. However, till a time of self-rule (genuine autonomy) for the three traditional provinces of Tibet is achieved, we are compelled to voice our concerns and grievances, “said Ms. Gyari Dolma, the Vice-Chairperson of the Tibetan parliament in a letter addressed to Mr. Annan.
“The Standing Committee is gravely concerned for the well being of the hunger strikers. We request your timely intervention”, Ms. Gyari wrote.