Another Tibetan Dies After Setting Self On Fire In Anti-China Protest

[News_Editor]

Another Tibetan dies after setting self on fire in anti-China protest < br />

2012-11-26 05:10:59 GMT+7 (ICT)

DHARAMSHALA, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- A Tibetan man was killed on late Friday when he set himself on fire in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet, the Tibetan government-in-exile said on Sunday, raising the number of people who have set themselves on fire in similar protests since March 2011 to more than 80.

The incident happened at around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday when Tadin Dorjee, 29, set himself on fire at the entrance to the Dokarmo town office in Tsekhog township, which is located in western China's Qinghai province. He was said to have chanted slogans in support of the Dalai Lama.

"He died on the spot," the Central Tibetan Administration said in a statement in which it reiterated its "deep concern" over the "alarming escalation" in self-immolations of Tibetans inside Tibet in recent weeks. "Thousands of local Tibetans offered prayers and attended his funeral that night."

Chinese authorities reportedly cut off Internet access and phone lines following the incident.

The self-immolation came less than 24 hours after former monk Tadin Kyab, 23, set himself on fire in Luqu County in China's Gansu province. That incident came just several hours after 18-year-old Lubum Tsering set himself on fire in the monastery town of Tongren. Both protesters died at the scene.

Central Tibetan Administration leader Lobsang Sangay, whose position is similar to that of a prime minister, on Saturday called on the international community to support Tibetans. "I appeal to the international community and governments to stand for justice by answering the universal aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet: the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans," he said.

Since March 2011, a total of now 81 Tibetans have set themselves on fire as part of protests taking place in Tibet, leading to the arrests of hundreds of Tibetans by Chinese security forces. As a result of the unrest, Chinese authorities have stepped up security in the region, but the self-immolations have continued.

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 of his injuries.

In October 2011, Sangay also 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 at the time. "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.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-11-26

[maidu]

I wish men and women so inclinced would at least try to escape from Tibet. Get to India or Nepal or somewhere. How sad. The Tibet issue, which Chinese leaders massively stiffle, will really blow up someday. I think it will happen when shit hits the fan in other places where China is throwing its weight around: with Japan, with Taiwan, with Vietnam, with the Philippines or even with India. Indeed, China has territorial hassles with more of its neighbors than it's friendly with. Tibet for Tibetans. It's inevitable. I hope it happens soon, before any more self-immoliations.

[JemJem]

I wish men and women so inclinced would at least try to escape from Tibet. Get to India or Nepal or somewhere. How sad. The Tibet issue, which Chinese leaders massively stiffle, will really blow up someday. I think it will happen when shit hits the fan in other places where China is throwing its weight around: with Japan, with Taiwan, with Vietnam, with the Philippines or even with India. Indeed, China has territorial hassles with more of its neighbors than it's friendly with. Tibet for Tibetans. It's inevitable. I hope it happens soon, before any more self-immoliations.

I am not optimistic. Unless there is pressure from other big countries (which is unlikely to happen), China will continue with its present policy/strategy in Tibet.

[maidu]

I agree, it's hard to be optimistic. However, when looked at thru the prism of 20th century Chinese history as precedence, it's plausible that Tibet can become independent again. China puts all its power in its Beijing politboro. It's like a giant china vase with 5 inch sides. It's strong, but once it's shattered, it breaks in to 1,000 pieces.

China has had grave divisions in its recent and its long-ago past, and that pattern will continue. I think the spark for Tibetan independence will be when the inevitable conflict breaks out between China and one of the many countries it has territorial disputes with: Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, or India. Similarly, the spark could well get started from within China, which could happen when the downtrodden rural people finally decide to revolt against the uncaring fat cats in the city. I admit it's wishful thinking on my part, but I sincerely believe that China will fracture, and that will enable Tibet to break free.