DHARAMSHALA, October 7: Reports coming out of Tibet confirm that two more Tibetans set themselves on fire today in an apparent anti-China protest. One is feared dead while the other is being described in serious condition.
This is the third incident in a week following the self immolation of Kesang Wangchuk on Monday, when Tibetans have been forced to commit the ultimate sacrifice of setting their bodies on fire as a last resort of peaceful action against the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet. Last week, two monks, Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Konchok had set themselves ablaze.
The exile base of Kirti Monastery in Dharamshala, in a release today describe the two as Choephel aged 19 and Khayang (Lhungyang) aged 18, both former monks of Ngaba Kirti Monastery in eastern Tibet.
“At around 11.30 am Tibet time, Choephel and Khayang set themselves ablaze in the central town of Ngaba district. With hands joined in prayers, both of them raised anti-China slogans,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses have told sources in exile that Choephel and Khayang were engulfed in flames as they called for Tibetans to unite and rise up against the Chinese regime and raised slogans for Tibet’s freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.
“Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and started beating the two indiscriminately while dousing the fire,” the report said.
“Even while they were being taken to the hospital, Khayang was seen throwing his fist in the air, raising slogans,” the report added.
It is feared that Choephel succumbed to his injuries half an hour later.
This is the sixth incidence in the year and the third in October alone when Tibetans have self immolated as a last desperate measure to draw international attention and support on the deteriorating situation inside Tibet. Earlier, leaflets had surface in Ngaba town and Kirti Monastery warning that “if the present situation continued, many more people were prepared to give their lives in protest.”
Source: Phayul.com
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