Clashes erupt after Tibetan self-immolates in southwestern China

[News_Editor]

Clashes erupt after Tibetan self-immolates in southwestern China

2012-01-16 02:39:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

BEIJING (BNO NEWS) -- A Tibetan Buddhist monk set himself on fire in southwestern China on Saturday, a rights group reported on Sunday, triggering clashes between security forces and locals.

Free Tibet, a group campaigning for an end to the 'Chinese occupation' of Tibet, said clashes erupted after another Tibetan self-immolated in Ngaba Town, located in Sichuan province, in an apparent protest against Chinese rule. It is believed to have been the 16th self-immolation since March last year.

The clashes between Chinese security forces and local Tibetans, including monks at Kirti monastery, were allegedly triggered when an attempt was made to remove the body of the monk. At least one woman was shot, Free Tibet claimed, adding that there were unconfirmed reports of other shootings.

An eyewitness described the situation as terrifying and said people had been beaten by security forces, the group reported. There were reports that many people had been detained, according to the eyewitness.

"We understand that this situation is ongoing and that people in Ngaba are terrified," said Stephanie Brigden, Director of Free Tibet. "There have been large numbers of Chinese security forces, including the paramilitary People's Armed Police, deployed there since the first self-immolation last year. Locals are frightened about how the situation will be resolved and there are rising concerns for further injuries or fatalities."

Since March last year, sixteen Tibetans have self-immolated, most of them in Ngaba Town, nearly 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Chamdo. Four of the self-immolations were reported within the last week.

The first incident happened on March 16, 2011, when 21-year-old Phuntsog from Kirti Monastery set himself on fire. It happened on the third anniversary of protests in Ngaba during which at least 13 people were shot dead by Chinese security forces. Phuntsog later died.

At least 11 of those who set themselves on fire were killed, and the conditions of the others remain unknown. Chinese media, which is strictly controlled by the government, has not reported on the controversial incidents.

In October, Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay expressed his concern about the incidents. "The incidents are a clear indication of the genuine grievances of the Tibetans and their sense of deep resentment and despair over the prevailing conditions in Tibet," he said. "It is therefore of the utmost urgency that every possible effort be made to address the underlying root causes of Tibetan grievances and resentment."

The Dalai Lama has resided in the Indian city of Dharamsala, which is now the seat of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, since 1960 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule of Tibet. Dharamsala is also referred to as 'Little Lhasa', referring to the capital of Tibet.

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