YT begins Gangtok fast in support of Anna

GANGTOK, 21 Aug: Yong Tshering Lepcha began his hunger-strike here to extend support to one being undertaken by Anna Hazare in New Delhi on Saturday. Allowed space at the fish pond near Paljor Stadium, Mr. Lepcha intends to observe his fast without even water for the first three days and then begin taking only water. He plans to stay on hunger strike for as long as Anna observes it.
To begin with, Mr. Lepcha has received permission for three days, the final clearance coming at around 11 a.m. on Saturday and by 3 p.m., Mr. Lepcha had erected his tent and begun his fast.
“I was ready to go on hunger-strike even without taking water, and was already on fast since morning even though I occupied the venue only in the afternoon,” Mr Lepcha informed.
“Since I had already declared that I will not even take water, that is how it will be for the first three days. My family and well-wishers have however been pressurizing me to take at least water, so, if my hunger strike continues beyond three days, I will consider their advise on taking at least water,” he said.
Mr Lepcha mentioned that his villagers [he hails from Nimtar in East Sikkim], farmers and well-wishers have appreciated his initiative to register support Anna Hazare’s movement and have assured to support him. The positive response he has received has boosted his resolve and made him proud, he said.
“Being a progressive farmer, I want to appeal to all people in the state to support Anna Hazare in whatever capacity they can,” he said, while also welcoming expressions of support for his initiative as well.