Court says SA govt ‘unreasonable delayed’ visa to the Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nomalizo Leah Tutu at a public felicitation ceremony in Dharamshala, north India on February 10, 2012.  November 30: A court in South Africa on Thursday ruled that government officials "unreasonably delayed" a decision whether to grant Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama a visa last year, largely out of fears of angering the Chinese government. The Supreme Court of Appeal's decision heavily criticised former Protease Home Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma for her role in the issue, which caused much public outrage and embarrassment to her government. The Dalai Lama was invited to attend fellow Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday celebrations in October 2011, but had to call off his trip at the eleventh hour after repeated visa delays. Although the South African government denied that it had buckled under pressure from its major trading partner, China, to block the trip, the court ruling raised embarrassing questions about political influence over the country’s immigration service’s decisions. "What is justified by the evidence is an inference that the matter was deliberately delayed so as to avoid a decision," reads the ruling by Judge R W Nugent. "It hardly needs saying that the minister is not entitled to deliberately procrastinate. Procrastination by itself establishes unreasonable delay." Archbishop Tutu's office hailed the court’s ruling as a "credit to South Africa's judicial system" and said he looked forward to inviting the Dalai Lama to South Africa for his 90th birthday. The South African government’s visa tarrying last year had sparked an outrage with citizens and leaders blasting their government for buckling under China’s pressure. Archbishop Tutu had criticised his government for kowtowing to Chinese pressure calling it “worse than the apartheid government.” In August 2011, South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs had admitted that “the Dalai Lama's visa issue is not only administrative but political and diplomatic in nature.” Ronnie Manoepa, spokesman of the Ministry, while confirming receiving the Dalai Lama's visa application on August 2, about two months ahead of the planned visit, had said his office needed to “take advice from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation,” signalling outside pressure on the visa issue. In December 2011, the Ministry admitted that it feared of a backlash from China if they allowed the Dalai Lama to visit and suggested in court papers that the Tibetan spiritual leader won't be granted a visa to visit South Africa in the near future. While replying to affidavits filed by two South African politicians, home affairs director general Mkhuseli Apleni said the department had to consider South Africa's relations with China and the “impact the Dalai Lama's visa application would have had on trade and foreign relations." The Dalai Lama had earlier expressed strong desire to meet Nelson Mandela, the country’s first black and democratically elected president, whom he first met in 1996 in South Africa.

Concern over Tibetan filmmaker’s well being following murder charges

Tibetan filmmaker Golog Jigme Gyatso in an undated photo. 

November 30: In a strange turn of events which have raised serious concerns over the well being of Golog Jigme Gyatso, a Tibetan filmmaker, Chinese authorities in eastern Tibet have framed murder charges against the missing Tibetan monk.

Jigme was earlier believed to have been detained after he went missing under mysterious circumstances in September. He had assisted imprisoned filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen in secretly shooting his documentary film “Leaving Fear Behind”.

Speaking to Phayul, Ajam Amchok, a Tibetan living in south India said Chinese officials in Kanlho have made an announcement offering 2,00,000 Chinese Yuan (US$ 32,116) for information on Jigme.

The same announcement alleges Jigme of murder.

“Such allegations by the Chinese authorities have created strong suspicion among local Tibetans that Jigme could have died in prison after suffering severe torture at the hands of Chinese prison guards,” Ajam said citing sources in the region. “People believe that Chinese authorities are trying to shift blame by framing charges against the Tibetan monk filmmaker.”

It was widely believed that Jigme was rearrested after he went missing while returning back from the Chinese city of Lanzhou to Tsoe in Amdo, Tibet on September 20.

Jigme was first arrested in March 2008 from Labrang Tashi Khyil and was detained for seven months during which he was brutally tortured and beaten. He was rearrested in March 2009, during which he was kept in custody for about 40 days. Since then, he has been rearrested many times.

Jigme had assisted Dhondup Wangchen in secretly shooting his documentary film “Leaving Fear Behind” that shed light on the lives of Tibetans in China in the run-up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The film, featuring a series of interviews with Tibetans talking about how China had destroyed the Tibetan culture, violated religious freedom and their undying reverence for the exiled leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama, was smuggled out of Tibet and later released worldwide.

This month, Dhondup Wangchen was awarded the 2012 International Press Freedom Award by the Committee to Protect Journalists in recognition of his “courageous reporting” and “risking their lives and liberty to reveal abuses of power and human rights violations.”

He is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for making the film and has been reported in poor health.

Tibetan self-immolator succumbs to injuries in Chinese police station

November 28: Details have finally emerged on a Tibetan self-immolator, who set himself on fire in Driru, Tibet on the eve of the Chinese Communist Party’s 18th National Congress on November 7.

Tsegyu (Tsegyal), a 27 year of old father of two, later succumbed to his injuries in Chinese police custody on the night of November 18 after being denied any medical attention.

Sonam, an exile Tibetan living in Switzerland, told Phayul that Tsegyu set himself ablaze at around 7pm (local time) on November 7, in Tingser village of Bekar town in Driru (Ch: Biru) region of Nagchu, in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

He was later detained by local Chinese authorities and was denied any medical treatment for his burn injuries while in detention.

Confirming the reports, Dharamshala based rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in a release today said Tsegyu received no medical treatment while in detention at a local police station in Nagchu.

“For less than two weeks, from November 7 to 18, Tsegyal received no treatment for his burns while being held at the local police station in Nagchu town,” TCHRD said citing sources. “Tsegyal died in the evening of November 18 in police custody.”

Tsegyu is survived by his two children, a six-year-old and an eight-month-old infant.

On November 7, five self-immolations were reported from different parts of Tibet, making it the deadliest day since the ongoing wave of self-immolations began in 2009.

Tamding Tso, a 23-year-old mother of one, passed away in her self-immolation protest in Rebkong region of Amdo, eastern Tibet, while three monks of the Ngoshul Monastery in Ngaba, identified as Dorjee, 15, Samdup, 16, and Dorjee Kyab, 16, set themselves on fire in front of a local Chinese police station.

Dorjee, 15, passed away in his fiery protest, while the condition and whereabouts of the two other monks remain unknown after they were taken away by Chinese security personnel.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 87 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 25 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha today and in Rebkong earlier this month.

In what could be a first of its kind coordinated campaign inside Tibet, a group of around 60 Tibetans, spread across several cities in Tibet, sat on a hunger strike in solidarity with the ongoing wave of self-immolations from November 26 to 28.

The campaign was observed in various cities across the tradition boundaries of Tibet, including in capital Lhasa, Drango, Jomda, Zachukha, Tridu, Sertha, Siling, Rebkong, and Kardze.

The participants in the solidarity campaign included teachers, government officials, writers, monks, and businessmen.

17-year-old self-immolator’s last note calls for the Dalai Lama’s return and Tibet’s independence

Tibetan self-immolator Sangay Dolma in an undated photo with the words 'Tibet independent nation' written on it. November 28: Tibetan nun, Sangay Dolma, who passed away in her self-immolation protest on November 25, has left a note professing her belief in the swift return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s independence. Sangay Dolma also left a photograph of herself with the words, “Tibet independent nation” inscribed on it. The 17-year-old nun set herself on fire in front of a Chinese government office in Tsekhog, near Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) in Malho region of eastern Tibet at around 7 pm (local time). On a folded piece of paper, containing her last will and picture, Sangay Dolma has written: “Beloved children of the snowlion, Sons and daughters of the Land of Snows, Warriors of the snow mountain, Don’t forget your are Tibetans.” Her last will, written in the form of a poem of six stanzas, is titled “He has returned.” The first stanza reads: “Look up, fellow Tibetans, look at the blue twilight above, Like a heavenly tent of white mountain, My lama has returned.” Tibetan nun Sangay Dolma, 17, who passed away in her self-immolation protest on Sunday, November 25, 2012. In the fourth stanza, Sangay Dolma sends a strong political message of the revival of an independent nation of Tibet. “Look up, Tibetans, look at the snow mountains. The snowland’s era has begun. And Tibet is free and independent.” In the two closing stanzas, the 17-year-old nun pays further tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, who has been missing since 1995, after he was recognised as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama at the age of six. “His Holiness the Dalai Lama, when he lived far away, he travelled around the world, praying for the end of suffering of the red faced Tibetans, and released us from darkness, At a time when Panchen Lama is in prison, He looks out from his prison cell, prays for “the dawn of peace and happiness in my land of snow." Sangay Dolma was a nun at the Gonshul Nunnery near the Sangag Mindrol Dhargeyling Monastery. Following her self-immolation protest, a large number of local Tibetans gathered to carry out the last rites and pay their final respects. Since 2009, 87 Tibetans have set themselves on fire protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. Chinese government authorities have retaliated with further restrictions and threats. Recently, a five-point notice was issued in eastern Tibet, giving stern orders to local officials to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives. The notice further announced the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place. Government authorities in the region are also collecting signed statements from each household conforming that they will not self-immolate. Refusal to sign such statements attracts immediate detention.

Breaking: Young Tibetan burns self to death, Mass prayer service for self-immolators in eastern Tibet

November 29: In more alarming reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire calling for the Dalai Lama’s return in Tsoe region of eastern Tibet on Wednesday, November 28. Sources have identified the Tibetan man as Wangdhen Khar, 21 years of age. “Martyr Wande Khar set himself on fire on Wednesday, November 28 at around 7 pm (local time) in Tsoe region of Kanlho, eastern Tibet,” Zoegey Kangtsa Jampa, an exiled Tibetan told Phayul citing sources in the region. “He later succumbed to his injuries,” According to eyewitnesses, Wande Khar raised slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, the release of Panchen Lama, freedom for Tibet, and the protection of Tibet’s environment. He is survived by his father Tsering Thar, mother Kunsang Dolma and his elder brother Jampa and younger brother Sangay Dhondup. Following his self-immolation protest, monks and local Tibetans reportedly gathered at his residence to offer prayers. “Monks from nearby monastery are currently gathered at his residence in Yarki Sokdhi village some 20kms away from the Tsoe, to offer prayers and pay their last respects,” the same source said while adding that heavy restrictions in the region has affected the flow of information out of the region. Also yesterday, around 500 Tibetans in Tsolho, eastern Tibet, publicly displayed a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and carried out a mass prayer service for the Tibetan spiritual leader’s long life and for all the Tibetans who have self-immolated. According to exile sources, a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was placed on a throne at the Atsok Monastery in Tsolho, following which local Tibetans offered khataks (white Tibetan scarf). Defying strict government orders, the gathering then offered long life prayers for the Dalai Lama and for the Tibetan self-immolators who have set themselves on fire protesting China’s continued occupation and demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 88 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. November alone has reported 26 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha and in Rebkong.

Breaking: Tibetan man burns self to death, Toll climbs to 89

Tibetan self-immolator Tsering Tashi, 31, who passed away in his fiery protest on November 29, 2012 seen here in an undated photo. November 29: In fresh reports coming out of Tibet, a Tibetan man set himself on fire today in Luchu region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Sources have identified the Tibetan as Tsering Tashi, 31, a father of two, from Zamtsa Lotso Dewa region of Luchu. “Tsering Tashi set himself on fire near the local Chinese government office in Luchu earlier today for the cause of Tibet,” Sonam, a Tibetan monk living in south India told Phayul, citing sources in the region. “Tsering Tashi passed in his fiery protest.” Further details on the self-immolation protest are not available at the time of filing this report. The burning body of Tibetan self-immolator Tsering Tashi Tsering Tashi is survived by his wife Choekyong Tso, their two children, Dorjee Kyi, 7, and Kalsang Dolma, 3, and his parents. This is the third self-immolation protest in Luchu region in the last ten days. On November 26, Gonpo Tsering, 24, father of three children, all below the age of six, passed away in his fiery protest while raising slogans for Tibet’s freedom, human rights in Tibet, and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. Earlier on November 22, Tamding Kyab, 23, a nomad and former monk, passed away in his self-immolation protest in the same region. Following the self-immolations, Luchu has been placed under heightened restrictions with the deployment of a large number of Chinese security personnel and armed forces. 89 Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile since the wave of fiery protests began in 2009. The recent alarming escalation in the self-immolation protests has now witnessed 27 Tibetans set themselves on fire in the month of November alone. Speaking to CNN, US Ambassador to China, Gary Locke in an interview broadcast on November 27, said the United States is “very concerned about the situation, the heightened tensions in the Tibetan areas, the deplorable self-immolations and of course just the Chinese policies of the Chinese government at all levels.” “Preserving the ethnic, religious, linguistic identity of the Tibetan people is a top priority for the U.S. government just as we are very concerned about all human rights issues and we believe that human rights has to be a fundamental part of U.S. foreign policy and we, very much urge the Chinese government publicly and privately to adhere to the universal principles, universal declaration of human rights, which are also part of the Chinese constitution,” Locke said. In September, Locke had visited two Tibetan monasteries in the Zungchu region of Ngaba in eastern Tibet as part of a broader business trip to the region.

Tibetan student attempts self-immolation in Delhi, Detained by police

Tibetans in New Delhi take part in a protest rally in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators. Demonstrators appealed for immediate international intervention in the ongoing crisis in Tibet. November 28, 2012. November 28: A Tibetan college student was arrested today for attempting to set himself on fire at a protest rally in the Indian capital New Delhi. Tsultrim Dorjee, a Delhi University student, tried to self-immolate just before the mass protest rally began from Rajghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Nearby Tibetans saw him dousing petrol over his body and quickly intervened and prevented him from setting himself on fire. He was then detained by police and released after the protest rally ended. Over 400 Tibetans took part in the protest rally organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest pro-independence group in exile, to show “solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators and to appeal for immediate international intervention.” Protesters carried their march to Jantar Mantar, carrying Tibetan National Flags and ‘Free Tibet’ banners and shouting slogans for the “Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and Independence for Tibet”. Addressing the gathering, TYC Finance Secretary Konchok Yangphel said the Communist Chinese regime in Tibet is “responsible for all the self-immolations inside Tibet.” “China will never be the world power they so crave for until they return Tibet to Tibetans,” he said. “It is the responsibility of Tibetans in exile to be the voice of voiceless Tibetans inside Tibet and pressure the Chinese government and appeal world leaders for immediate intervention.” Last month, Dorjee, a former executive member of the Delhi regional chapter of TYC, had carried out a prostration campaign along with a friend in New Delhi. Wearing nothing but shorts and their bodies painted with colours of the Tibetan national flag, Dorjee and Tenzin Tsewang dragged coffins, symbolic of the Tibetans who have “died under Chinese colonial rule,” while doing full body prostrations from the Delhi University campus to the Tibetan colony of New Aruna Nagar. Following the campaign, Dorjee told Phayul that the prostration campaign was to express “solidarity with Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives protesting against China’s occupation of Tibet.” “Through this campaign, we also want to send a message to the Tibetan youth to not only take part but also lead activities and campaigns,” Dorjee had said. In March this year, a young Tibetan man, Jamphel Yeshi set himself on fire in New Delhi at a protest rally organised by TYC, demanding international intervention in the ongoing crisis in Tibet and protesting the visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao. Suffering 98 per cent burn, Jamphel Yeshi passed away two days later. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 87 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. November alone has reported 25 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha and in Rebkong.

Breaking: Teenaged Tibetan sets self on fire, Sixth self-immolation in last three days

Tibetan self-immolator Sangay Tashi in an undated photo. November 28: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, a teenaged Tibetan set himself on fire in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet on Tuesday, November 27 in Sangchu region of eastern Tibet. Sources have identified the young Tibetan man as Sangay Tashi from Sangkhog Ngyulre region of Sangchu in Labrang, eastern Tibet. “Sangay Tashi, 18, set himself on fire at around 12 midnight Tuesday, November 27 in Sangkhog town,” an exiled Tibetan monk Sonam told Phayul citing contacts in the region. “He passed away at the site of his protest.” According to other sources, Sangay Tashi shouted slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the release of all Tibetan political prisoners, including the 11th Panchen Lama, while engulfed in flames. Local Tibetans then carried his charred body to a nearby house. Sangay Tashi arrived in Sangkhog town earlier that day with his friends. Before setting himself on fire, he reportedly called one of his relatives and told him that he had decided to set himself on fire for the cause of Tibet. Before his relative could carry on the conversation, Sangay Tashi hung up the phone and switched it off. By the time Sangay Tashi’s family members arrived in Sangkhog, he had already carried out his self-immolation protest. Sangay Tashi is survived by his parents and four siblings. He had studied at a primary school in Sangkhog town for four years but was forced to return home to help in family chores. Sangay Tashi carried out his fiery protest at the main street of Sangkog town, the same place where Thubwang Kyab, 23, passed away in his self-immolation protest on October 26. Six self-immolations in the last three days have pushed the number of Tibetan self-immolators to 87 inside Tibet, since the wave of fiery protests began in 2009. The recent alarming escalation in the protests has now witnessed 25 Tibetans set themselves on fire in the month of November alone, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. Speaking to a reporter in south India, the Dalai Lama last week said that the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet brings tears to his eyes. “As Deng Xiaoping said, ‘Seek truth from facts’ and act accordingly. What’s happening is very sad; it brings tears to my eyes,” the Dalai Lama said. “People are not doing this because they are drunk or have family problems, but because they live in constant fear.”

Tibetan medical school remains under lockdown, Three students arrested

A screen grab of the students' protest in Chabcha, eastern Tibet on November 26, 2012. The Sorig Lobling medical school in Chabcha (Ch: Gonghe), eastern Tibet, continues to remain under military lockdown following yesterday’s mass students’ protest against the Chinese government. Also, three of its students, Wangchen Tsering of Ba County, Mama and an identified student, have been arrested. In reports received by Phayul, Chinese armed forces continue to cordon off the school, keeping the students captive within the school premises. Parents and relatives, on the second consecutive day, have been barred from meeting the students. Five students, who were severely injured in police beatings, are said to be in critical condition and have been shifted to a bigger hospital in Tsongon. Around 20 students are still admitted in hospitals in Chabcha. Chinese security personnel have not allowed them visits from their family members. Yesterday, over a thousand students from the Sorig Lobling medical school carried out a massive protest, raising slogans for equality of nationalities, freedom of language, respect for truth, and re-establishment of governance. In a short video clip that has reached exile, students can be seen running on the streets, raising slogans. Chinese armed forces used violent force to break up the demonstration, injuring many young protesters in the process. The protest occurred after local Chinese authorities distributed a ten-point political questionnaire to the students and gave “patriotic education” sessions that contained disparaging remarks against His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala based rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy said the students were required to answer “trap questions” in the questionnaire titled ‘Ten ways of looking at the present situation in Tsolho Prefecture.’ “Relevant government officials, after distributing the questionnaires, spoke on interpreting the document’s content stressing the need to protect and maintain stability in Tsolho region,” TCHRD said. “The speech by the relevant authorities also included allegations and abusive remarks against His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the so-called “Dalai splittist clique,” holding them responsible for the continued unrest in the region.” The questionnaire contained questions such as, ‘Who is agitating for separatism and causing unrest?’ ‘What is the reason behind self-immolation protests?’ ‘What harm is caused by illegal public protests?’ ‘Does bilingual education mean the deterioration of minority language?’ In 2010, more than 2000 students in Chabcha had protested against the Chinese government's plan to remove Tibetan textbooks from schools. This month, more than 5000 students in Rebkong carried out a massive protest demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama.

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, Tibetan man set self on fire

Burning body of Kalsang Kyab, 24, who set himself on fire in front of a Chinese government office in Kangtsa region of Ngaba, eastern Tibet on November 27, 2012. The alarming escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet shows no signs of abating as yet another Tibetan set himself on fire today in Ngaba region of eastern Tibet. Kalsang Kyab, 24, set himself ablaze in front of a Chinese government office in Kangtsa town, raising slogans for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche, the exiled head of Kirti Monastery. He passed away at the site of his protest. The Dharamshala based Kirit Monastery in a late night release said Kalsang Kyab carried out his protest at around 6:30 pm (local time). “Kalsang Kyab doused his body with kerosene as he walked towards the local government office building, raising slogans,” Kirit Monastery said citing sources in the region. “Upon reaching the office building, he then set himself ablaze and continued to raise slogans.” Shortly afterwards, local Tibetans carried his charred body to his native village, Dowa Mege. At the time of filing this report, monks from two nearby monasteries are reportedly leading a prayer service for the deceased. Kalsang Kyab left his nomadic pastures yesterday and arrived at his native village. Early this morning he came to Kangtsa town, some 3kms away, to carry out his self-immolation protest. “Soon after the protest, Chinese security personnel arrived in large numbers in Kangtsa town and have thrown a tight security cordon in the region,” Kirti Monastery said. Monks and local Tibetans offering prayers for Kalsang Kyab, who passed away in his self-immolation protest in Kangtsa region of Ngaba, eastern Tibet on November 27, 2012. Kalsang Kyab is survived by his parents and six siblings. Described as gentle natured and a man of few words, he never attended school. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 86 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. November alone has reported 24 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha and in Rebkong. The exile Tibetan administration, earlier this month appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council to convene a Special Session on Tibet in view of the “desperate and unprecedented spate of self-immolations by Tibetans due to China’s repressive policies and the continued intransigence of the Chinese leadership to the relentless efforts of UNHRC.” The appeal came a day after the UN rights chief Navi Pillay urged China to “promptly address the longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest, including self-immolations, in Tibetan areas.”

Tibetans across multiple cities in Tibet sit on solidarity hunger strike

A group of Tibetans, spread across several cities in Tibet and China, is reportedly sitting on a hunger strike in solidarity with the ongoing wave of self-immolations against China’s rule.

More than 60 Tibetans from different walks of life began their solidarity hunger strike in their evening of November 26 in their respective places. According to Kanyag Tsering, an exiled monk who has been closely monitoring the situation inside Tibet, the Tibetans will end their hunger strike in the morning of November 28.

The campaign is being observed in various cities across the tradition boundaries of Tibet.

“The simultaneous hunger strike is being carried out in Tibet’s capital Lhasa, Drango, Jomda, Zachukha, Tridu, Sertha, Siling, Rebkong, Kardze and Trindu in China,” Tsering told Phayul. “They have also been offering prayers for the self-immolators.”

According to the same source, the Tibetans taking part in this campaign come from different walks of like and are “highly educated.”

“The participants in the solidarity campaign include government officials, writers, monks, and businessmen.”

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 86 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 24 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha and in Rebkong.

The Chinese government has retaliated to these protests with further restrictions and threats.

Chinese authorities in the eastern Tibet recently issued a five-point notice giving stern orders to local officials to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives. The notice further announced the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place.

Government authorities in the region are also collecting signed statements from each household conforming that they will not self-immolate. Refusal to sign such statements attracts immediate detention.

The Dharamshala based exile Tibetan administration has said that the escalation in self-immolations clearly reflects the gravity of Tibet’s current situation.

“Despite our repeated appeals not to take drastic actions, self-immolations continue in Tibet,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people said in a release this month. “Therefore, 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.”

Breaking: Father of three burns self to death, Third self-immolation in a day takes toll to 85

Tibetan self-immolator Gonpo Tsering in an undated photo.

 In more alarming reports coming out of Tibet, a Tibetan man - the third in a single day - set himself on fire in Luchu region of Kanlho, eastern Tibet protesting China’s rule over of Tibet.

A group of exile Tibetans from Luchu identified the Tibetan self-immolator as Gonpo Tsering, 24 years of age and father of three children, all below the age of six.

“Martyr Gonpo Tsering set himself on fire in front of the main prayer hall of the Ala Deu-go Monastery in Ala region of Luchu at around 6 pm (local time) today,” the group told Phayul citing sources in the region. “While engulfed in flames, he raised slogans calling for Tibet’s freedom, human rights in Tibet, and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.”

Gonpo Tsering succumbed to his injuries at the site of his protest.

Local Tibetans carried his charred body inside the Monastery where monks and a large number of Tibetans from the surrounding regions assembled, against official orders, to offer prayers for the deceased and express their solidarity.

According to reports, Chinese security personnel and armed forces were immediately deployed in the region. Restrictions have been heightened as Chinese authorities are currently said to be investigating the protest.

Tibetan self-immolator Gonpo Tsering's surviving family members. His parents, wife and three children, all below the age of six.

Gonpo Tsering is survived by his wife, their three children, and his parents.

This is the second self-immolation protest in Luchu region. On November 22, Tamding Kyab, 23, a nomad and former monk, passed away in his self-immolation protest. He was cremated in the morning of November 25.

Gonpo Tsering is the third Tibetan to self-immolate today. Earlier, a young Tibetan, Wangyal set himself on fire in the middle of Sertha town raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Wangyal’s condition and whereabouts are not yet known after Chinese security forces took possession of his charred body.

In Amchok region of Labrang, Kunchok Tsering, 18, passed away after he set himself ablaze near a mining site in the region.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 85 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 23 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha today and in Rebkong earlier this month.

Chinese officials have reacted to the self-immolation protests with further restrictions and threats. According to the Dharamshala based rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Chinese government officials in eastern Tibet have obtained signed statements from village officials and leaders to prevent any self-immolation under their jurisdiction.

“From now onwards, each household will be made to sign a statement not to do any self-immolation. Those who refuse to sign such statements will attract immediate detention,” TCHRD said in a release today.

Breaking: 18-year-old sets self on fire, Third self-immolation in two days

Tibetan self-immolator Kunchok Tsering in an undated photo. November 26: In unrelenting reports of self-immolations coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet. Kunchok Tsering, 18, passed away in his self-immolation protest today in Amchok region of Labrang, eastern Tibet. He carried out his protest near a mining site in the region, the same place where Tsering Dhondup, 35, father of three, passed away in his fiery protest on November 20. According to reports, monks of the Amchok Monastery and a large number of local Tibetans are currently gathered at the deceased’s home to offer prayers. Kunchok Tsering is survived by his wife, Sangay Tso, 19 and parents Phagkyab, 40 and Gonpo Tso, 37, and an elder brother. Earlier today, a young Tibetan Wangyal set himself on fire in the middle of Sertha town raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. According to eyewitnesses, Wangyal’s hands were clasped in prayers as he ran raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for the Tibetan people. Wangyal’s condition and whereabouts are not yet known after Chinese security forces took possession of his charred body. Also today, over a thousand school students in Chabcha, eastern Tibet carried out a massive protest after local Chinese officials distributed papers denouncing Tibetan self-immolators and disrespecting Tibetan language. Chinese security personnel used violent force to break up the peaceful demonstrations, causing severe injuries to many students. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 84 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. November alone has reported 22 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans. Yesterday, Sangay Dolma, a nun, passed away in her self-immolation protest in front of the Chinese government office in Dokarmo town of Tsekhog, Malho, eastern Tibet. Chinese authorities in the region have reacted by announcing a series of strict measures targeting the ongoing wave of self-immolations with further restrictions, punishments, and threats. Chinese government authorities in Malho region issued a five-point notice on November 14 giving stern orders to local officials “to punish self-immolators and their families; even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.” The notice further announced the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place. The exile Tibetan administration has maintained that the reasons for the self-immolations are self-evident: political repression, economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, and cultural assimilation. . “The blame and solution for the present tragedy in Tibet lies entirely with Beijing,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, said earlier this month. “We firmly believe that an end to repression will effectively end the cycle self-immolation.”

Breaking: Tibetan nun passes away in fiery protest, Toll jumps to 83

DHARAMSHALA, November 26: In the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests inside Tibet, a Tibetan nun set herself on fire in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet on Sunday, November 25.

Sources tell Phayul that Sangay Dolma, a nun, passed away in her self-immolation protest in front of the Chinese government office in Dokarmo town of Tsekhog, Malho, eastern Tibet. The exact time of her self-immolation protest could not be ascertained immediately.

Sangay Dolma’s nunnery is located near Sangag Mindrol Dhargeyling Monastery.

According to various sources, a large number of local Tibetans gathered to carry out the last rites of Sangay Dolma.

At the filing of this report, prayers are being carried out at the deceased’s nunnery. It is also being reported that Sangay Dolma has left a note before carrying out her fiery protest.

The situation in the entire region has been tense over the past weeks with the ongoing spate of self-immolations. Local Chinese officials have cut off internet in the region and interrogated Tibetans who have communicated with outsiders using their phones.

Local Chinese government officials have been speaking to Tibetans, ordering them not to self-immolate and disallowing them from expressing their solidarity and offering condolences to the families of the self-immolators.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 83 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 21 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in Chabcha and Rebkong regions of eastern Tibet.

Just in: China cracks down on Tibetan student protest, Many severely injured

A Tibetan student injured by Chinese forces for taking part in a peaceful protest in Chabcha, eastern Tibet on November 26, 2012.  November 26: In reports coming in, over a thousand Tibetan students in Chabcha region of Tsolho eastern Tibet have been carrying out major protests against the Chinese government since early this morning. Confirmed reports and images that have reached Phayul show students carrying severe injuries being carried to hospitals after Chinese armed forces cracked down on the peaceful protesters. The students are from the Chabcha Sorig Lobling School. “Over one thousand school students began a protest march early today in Tsolho region against the policies of the Chinese government,” Mogru Tenpa, a Tibetan parliamentarian told Phayul. “The students raised many slogans, including calls for freedom and equality of nationalities.” Around two hours later, Chinese armed forces began a severe crackdown on the students, most of whom are in their early to middle teens. “Chinese force started to severely beat the students without provocation, injuring many,” Tenpa said. “According to sources in the region, four students have been severely injured and many more have been hospitalised.” Other sources tell Phayul that the number of injured could be much higher. The Chabcha Sorig Lobling School is currently under complete lock down and Chinese security forces have sealed the area. “Parents and local Tibetans outside the school have been barred from getting in touch with the students inside the school by Chinese security forces,” the same source said. “Communication lines in the region have also been affected following the protest.” There are also reports that Chinese security forces fired live rounds during the protest, although it is not clear whether the shots were fired at the students or in the air to disperse the protesters. Other sources tell Phayul that the protests this morning were triggered when local Chinese officials distributed a paper denouncing Tibetan self-immolators and disrespecting Tibetan language. Earlier this month, thousands of Tibetan school students in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet carried out a major street protest in front of the local Chinese government offices. 5000 to 6000 students demonstrated in the streets of Rongwo town raising slogans for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return and rights of the Tibetan people. The deteriorating situation inside Tibet has witnessed 82 self-immolations since 2009 in Tibet and major protests by thousands of Tibetans. Chinese security forces have retaliated with violent force, opening random fire and beating peaceful protesters.

Breaking: Tibetan student sets self on fire, Calls for Dalai Lama’s return

November 26: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, a Tibetan student set himself on fire today in Sertha region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s rule. The young Tibetan man has been identified as Wangyal, a student of Sertha People’s Middle School. Speaking to Phayul, Sertha Tsultrim Wozer, a Tibetan living in south India said Wangyal set himself on fire in the middle of Sertha town earlier today and raised slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. “Martyr Wangyal set himself ablaze on one of the main roads leading to the town centre at around 11:20 am (local time),” Wozer said. “Eyewitnesses say his hands were clasped in prayers as he ran raising slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom for the Tibetan people.” Wangyal ran to the golden horse statue in the middle of Sertha town and fell on the ground. “Chinese armed forces immediately arrived at the scene of the protest and took Wangyal away after dousing the flames,” the same source added. Wangyal’s condition and whereabouts are not yet known although eyewitnesses say his entire body was engulfed in flames and he could have suffered major injuries. Wangyal is around 20 years of age and an orphan. He has three brothers and one sister. The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 82 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile. November alone has reported 20 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet. The Dharamshala based exile Tibetan administration has said that it will observe a Global Solidarity Day on the occasion of the Human Rights Day on December 10 following the continuing wave of self-immolations. The Central Tibetan Administration noted that the escalation in self-immolations “clearly reflect the gravity of Tibet’s current situation,” while urging Tibetans and supporters to “light a candle or lamp, observe a minute’s silence, and a say a prayer for all those who have died for the cause of Tibet, and locally organise vigils and rallies.” “Despite our repeated appeals not to take drastic actions, self-immolations continue in Tibet,” Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people said. “Therefore, 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.”

The Dalai Lama: Self-immolations bring tears to my eyes

His Holiness the Dalai Lama being interviewed by PP James from Doodarshan in Varkala, Kerala, on November 24, 2012. November 26: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet brings tears to his eyes. The 77-year-old Tibetan leader was speaking to a reporter from the Indian national television channel Doordarshan in south India on Saturday. “As Deng Xiaoping said, ‘Seek truth from facts’ and act accordingly. What’s happening is very sad; it brings tears to my eyes,” the Dalai Lama said. “People are not doing this because they are drunk or have family problems, but because they live in constant fear.“ 81 Tibetans; monks and nuns, young mothers and students, artists and writers, farmers and nomads, have set themselves on fire since 2009 protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. In the interview, the Tibetan leader noted that he sees the self-immolations as a symptom of problems that Tibetans did not create and reiterated his appeal that the Chinese authorities investigate the real causes of the fiery protests. Meanwhile, a senior Chinese leader in the troubled region of eastern Tibet has called for a further intensification of the crackdown on Tibetan protesters in a speech in Ngaba. "Our struggle with the Dalai (Lama) splittist clique is long-term, arduous and complicated. In fighting separatism and upholding stability we can never relax our work in the slightest," AFP quoted Sichuan Communist Party head Wang Dongming as saying. "We must strengthen and be innovative in accordance with law in our management of the monasteries and unite the people in the common task to fight separatism and maintain stability." The month of November is witnessing an alarming escalation in the fiery protests with 19 self-immolations already, making this the deadliest month since the protests began. Thousands of Tibetans, including school students, have carried out mass protests and rallies against China’s rule. Earlier this month, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged China to “promptly address the longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest, including self-immolations, in Tibetan areas.” Pillay said she was disturbed by "continuing allegations of violence against Tibetans seeking to exercise their fundamental human rights," and urged China to allow independent and impartial monitors to visit and assess the actual conditions on the ground, and to lift restrictions on media access to the region, as a confidence-building measure.

The Dalai Lama addresses 80th Sivagiri Annual Pilgrimage

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaking at the inauguration of the 80th Sivagiri Annual Pilgrimage in Varkala, Kerala, India, on November 24, 2012.

November 25: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday addressed the inaugural ceremony of the 80th Sivagiri Annual Pilgrimage in the south Indian town of Varkala.

“It’s a great honour for me to participate in this 80th annual pilgrimage, recalling Sree Narayana Guru, who led such a meaningful life,” the Dalai Lama said. “Historically, in the 7th and 8th centuries, the great philosopher and logician Shantarakshita brought Buddhism to Tibet and we became chelas of India. As such I feel it a great honour to come here and participate in this meeting.”

Following the decades old tradition, pilgrims, for the next 10 days, will follow austerity or self-purification observing the Buddha’s principles of the five purities of body, food, mind, word and deed.

Eminent personalities present at the inauguration included Bhrama Shree Prakashananda Swamikal, G. Karthikeyan, Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, and His Grace Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom, Marthoma Valiya Metropolitan.

Reminding the audience that violence and war had claimed 200 million lives in the previous century, the Tibetan spiritual leader in his speech made a fervent call to make the 21st century strife-free and peaceful.

“Peace will not fall from the skies or emanate from the earth. No resolution of the United Nations or science and technology by itself can bring peace,” the Nobel peace laureate said. “Peace must come from inner peace in the hearts of individuals. A healthy mind creates a healthy man.”

“Once we develop empathy, compassion and concern for others, openness, trust, transparency and respect for others arise spontaneously. Once we develop concern for others, mistrust and suspicion vanish on their own accord.”

The Dalai Lama released the logo of an exhibition to be held in connection with the annual pilgrimage and also paid his respects at the samadhi of Sree Narayana Guru, at Sarada Mutt and at Vaidik Mutt, where Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi had visited.

The Tibetan spiritual leader was also invited to plant a tree in the grounds to commemorate his visit.

“As a chela of India, I am very happy to see you uphold these great traditions of ahimsa and inter-religious harmony and respect. To come here and sit among these various religious leaders makes me very happy,” the Dalai Lama said. “But as your Guru has taught, it is not enough to recite Sanskrit verses; we must reach out to the poor who need help and bring them education and health.”

Tibetan school students appeal for global intervention in Tibet crisis

Students of the Tibetan Children's Village School, Upper Dharamshala carrying out a peace march in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators on November 24, 2012.

With the continuing escalation in protests against Chinese rule in Tibet, school students in the exile seat of Dharamshala carried out a peace march followed by a prayer session in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators, Saturday.

Senior students of the Upper Tibetan Children’s Village School carried out a peace march from the school basketball court to the Martyr’s Pillar near Tsug-la Khang, the main temple.

The school’s student council, which took the initiative to organise the march and prayer service, said the entire students, through the campaign, express solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and send a clear message to the United Nations and the international community that they need to take “urgent and effective actions to end the crisis inside Tibet.”

To accentuate their appeal, the marching students wore cross marks on their eyes, ears, mouth and hands.

Thupten Dorjee, the school captain told Phayul that the cross marks symbolise the urgent need on the part of the UN and the international community to “monitor the unfolding crisis inside Tibet, listen to the six million Tibetans, speak up for the demands of the Tibetan self-immolators, and take effective action and send a special delegation to asses Tibet’s situation.”

“Although, we are in the middle of our preparations for our final exams, but despite that the students felt it necessary to organise the campaign to express our concern and solidarity with the tragic happenings inside Tibet,” Dorjee said. “We do clearly understand that our first responsibility as of now is to study hard for the cause of Tibet.”

Students of the Tibetan Children's Village School, Upper Dharamshala carrying out a peace march in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators on November 24, 2012.

The students then took out a candle light vigil back to the school. A short video depicting the ongoing wave of self-immolations inside Tibet was screened to the students following which a prayer service was held in the evening.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 81 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 19 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet.

Exiled Tibetans express helplessness over rising self-immolations

Exiled Tibetans have expressed their helplessness over the alarming rise in cases of self-immolations and anticipate no positive impact of the new China leadership, as previous governments have fallen back on their promises and adopted repressive policies in Tibet. 

Recent reports from Tibet say that a Tibetan man died after setting himself on fire in Luchu in north-eastern Tibet on Thursday night, taking the total self-immolation count to 80, including 18 in this month. 

On November 15, China’s ruling Communist Party unveiled an older, conservative new leadership line-up that appears unlikely to take the drastic action needed to tackle pressing issues like social unrest, environmental degradation and corruption.

New party chief Xi Jinping, premier-in-waiting Li Keqiang and vice-premier in charge of economic affairs Wang Qishan, all expectedly named to the elite decision-making Politburo Standing Committee, are considered cautious reformers. The other four members have the reputation of being conservative.

Except for Xi and his deputy Li Keqiang, all the others in the standing committee – the innermost circle of power in China’s authoritarian government – are 64 or over and will have to retire within five years.

The Tibetan government in-exile in Dharamshala has already appealed to international organizations to urge China to change give up their repressive policies.

Director of Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), Tsering Tsomo, said: “It shows that they are desperate for particularly the people of Tibet. So, because of the repressive policies, because of the strict control over the day-to-day life of particularly the monasteries. They cannot practice their daily rituals, routine, as they like. Each and everything is being strictly controlled by the Chinese people.”

The new leadership will have to quickly get down to business to address several pressing issues – and the Tibetan unrest might not be the top of the agenda – but Tibetan exiles warned that if the situation is left to simmer then it could become a major headache for the new leaders.

The United Nations’ most senior human rights official had called on China to address frustrations that have led to Tibetans’ desperate protests, including more than 70 self-immolations since March 2011.

China has refused, and continues to blocks foreign journalists from the region. It has set up roadblocks to some Tibetan areas where there has been unrest.

Tensions over Tibet are at their highest in years after a spate of protests over Chinese rule and self-immolations by Tibetan activists, which have prompted a Chinese security crackdown.

Some 78 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March 2011 in protest against Chinese rule over Tibetan region. At least 64 have died, according to Tibetan rights groups.

The surge in self-immolations in China in protest over its rule in Tibet has heightened tension in recent months. Indian-based rights groups said there had been a massive security clampdown in Tibet and Tibetan areas of China, and in some instances protesters were beaten even as they were ablaze.

Meanwhile, Tibetan activist and renowned poet, Tenzin Tsundue, while speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, said: “It actually shows how China is insecure in Tibet and how they are losing control, while Tibetans have been suffering under the Chinese occupation, but we are becoming much more united and overall, there is unity and a very powerful non-violent resistance movement is going on under the leadership of His Holiness Dalai Lama.”

China rejects criticism that it is eroding Tibetan culture and faith, saying its rule has ended serfdom and brought development to a backward region.

China has ruled Tibet since 1950, when Communist troops marched in and announced its “peaceful liberation”

Tsundue said that the cases of self-immolation pointed towards a serious crisis in Tibet and that the Chinese government was losing its authority and control in Tibet. 

“It is not three, not even ten, here we are talking about 78 cases of self-immolation and a series of such phenomena nowhere in the world had ever happened, in the entire history of the world. 78 cases of self immolation says that issue of Tibet will not only live on, but there is a serious crisis happening in Tibet and this also shows the Chinese government is losing its authority, its control in Tibet and they are now desperate to do anything possible,” he said. 

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising, has accused China of “cultural genocide”.

Beijing considers him a separatist and does not trust his insistence that he only wants greater autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.

Beijing denounces the self-immolations as acts by terrorists and criminals.

The Dalai Lama denies he is a separatist and says he only wants meaningful autonomy for his Himalayan region. He made no direct comment on the self-immolations or to United Nations report that urged China to address deep-rooted frustrations that have led to such desperate forms of protest by Tibetans.

China should allow UN officials' visit to Tibet

Dharamsala: The newly-appointed Chinese leaders should accept the requests for official visits to Tibet by the UN nominees and implement recommendations made by its agencies, Tibetan political leader Lobsang Sangay said here on Saturday.

The strong and unprecedented statement of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and visit by US Ambassador to China Gary Locke to Tibet clearly show that the situation there needed to be urgently addressed, said the political successor to the Dalai Lama.

He was addressing a prayer meeting organised by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) to express solidarity with those who "sacrificed" their lives for the cause of Tibet.

Meanwhile, one more person died after setting himself on fire in Luchu in Kanlho in north Tibet on Thursday night, taking the number of self-immolations to 80 since March 2009, including 18 in this month alone, claimed the CTA.

Sangay said despite repeated CTA appeals not to take drastic actions, self-immolations continue in Tibet.

"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.

The 43-year-old Sangay, who took over as political successor to the Dalai Lama, appealed to Tibetans and supporters around the world to participate in the global solidarity day on December 10.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan exile administration is based in this northern Indian hill town.

Man Dies in Latest Self-immolation Protest, Toll Rises to 81

Dharamshala: - A latest source coming out of Tibet has stated that one more Tibetan has died after setting himself on fire in Tsekhog township, Rebkong county (Chese: Zeku, Qinghai Province) in Malho of Amdho region in north-eastern Tibet.

"Tadrin Dorjee, 29, set fire to himself at the entrance of Dokarmo town office in Tsekhog around 6:30 pm (local time) on Friday, 23 November. He then chanted prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with folded hands. 

Dorjee reportedly died on the spot. He is survived by his parents, and four sisters and brothers.
According to sources from inside the region, "thousands of local Tibetans offered prayers and attended his funeral that night."

The Chinese authorities have cut off all communication, including Internet and phone lines following the incident in the region, the sources stated.

The sources also stated that armed Chinese forces and police in paramilitary vehicles stepped up patrols in the area and surrounding areas, after two separate self-immolation protests Friday alone by two Tibetans in protest against Chinese rule over Tibet.

The latest incident has pushed the total self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet to 81, including 5 in last 6 days and 19 within this month alone, according to the exile Tibetan administration.

The self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, earlier this month strongly urged the Chinese government to "promptly address the longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest, including self-immolations, in Tibetan areas, and said she was disturbed by "continuing allegations of violence against Tibetans seeking to exercise their fundamental human rights."

The Central Tibetan Administration on Friday strongly stressed its deep concern over the tragic escalation in self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, as news of the Tibetan self-immolations have been spreading rapidly in the world in recent months.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the political leader of Tibetans (Tibetan: Sikyong), the democratically-elected leader of the Tibetan people and political successor to His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet, appealed to Tibetans and supporters around to world to form a coalition with as many human rights groups to organise and participate in the Global Solidarity Day on 10 December.

"We also request them to dispatch delegations to visit different media organisations in order to create awareness about the ongoing tragedy in Tibet. Equally important is to reach out to as many members of Parliament, Congress and government officials, Dr Sangay said.

“Despite our repeated appeals not to take drastic actions, self-immolations continue in Tibet. Therefore, 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 further said.

Exiled Tibetans begin with 120 kilometres march to protest Chinese atrocities inside Tibet

Hundreds of exiled Tibetans began a 120-kilometer-long march from Sikkim to West Bengal, as a mark of protest against incidents of self-immolations caused by Chinese atrocities.

The march is organised by the Tibetan Youth Club of Gangtok.

The president of the Tibetan Youth Club of Gangtok, Chung Chung Bhutia, said: “We are organising this march from Gangtok to Siliguri as a mark of protest against Chinese atrocities on our compatriots in Tibet. Though, China says that they have human rights but Tibetans are not given their rights, which is invoking them to resort to self-immolation. Till now, the number of self-immolations has increased to 79.”

The rally is supposed to end in Siliguri in West Bengal on November 27.

Bhutia said that hundred thousand rupees would be spent on the march and the amount had been donated by Tibetans across Sikkim.

Recently, Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, had pressed China to investigate the dozens of self-immolations by Tibetans.

The United Nations’ most senior human rights official had called on China to address frustrations that have led to Tibetans’ desperate protests, including some 60 self-immolations since March 2011.

China has refused, and continues to blocks foreign journalists from the region. It has set up road blocks to some Tibetan areas where there has been unrest.

Tensions over Tibet are at their highest in years after a spate of protests over Chinese rule and self-immolations by Tibetan activists, which have prompted a Chinese security crackdown.

Some 78 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March 2011 in protest against Chinese rule over Tibetan region. At least 64 have died, according to Tibetan rights groups.

The surge in self-immolations in China in protest over its rule in Tibet has heightened tension in recent months. Indian-based rights groups said there had been a massive security clampdown in Tibet and Tibetan areas of China, and in some instances protesters were beaten even as they were ablaze.

China rejects criticism that it is eroding Tibetan culture and faith, saying its rule has ended serfdom and brought development to a backward region. 

China has ruled Tibet since 1950, when Communist troops marched in and announced its “peaceful liberation”

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising, has accused China of “cultural genocide”. 

Beijing considers him a separatist and does not trust his insistence that he only wants greater autonomy for his Himalayan homeland.

Beijing denounces the self-immolations as acts by terrorists and criminals.

The Dalai Lama denies he is a separatist and says he only wants meaningful autonomy for his Himalayan region. He made no direct comment on the self-immolations or to United Nations report that urged China to address deep-rooted frustrations that have led to such desperate forms of protest by Tibetans.

Breaking: Another Tibetan self-immolates, Seven deaths in seven days

 In more alarming reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire in an apparent protest against Chinese rule on Friday, November 23 in Tsekhog (Ch: Zeku) region of eastern Tibet.

Tamding Dorjee, 29, set himself ablaze near the entrance of the local Chinese administrative office of Dokarmo town in Tsekhog region of Malho at around 6:30 pm (local time).

According to exile sources, Tamding Dorjee raised slogans for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with folded hands while engulfed in flames. He passed away at the site of his protest.

Following the self-immolation protest, thousands of local Tibetans gathered to offer prayers and attend the funeral which was carried out later in the night.

Latest reports indicate that local Chinese authorities have cut off Internet and phone lines in an attempt to contain the spread of the news.

With Tamding Dorjee’ self-immolation protest, 81 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in Tibet since 2009 demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

The alarming escalation in the fiery protests has already witnessed 19 Tibetans burn themselves in the month of November alone with seven self-immolations in the last seven days.

The protests continue even as Chinese authorities announced heightened restrictions and the implementation of a five-point notification giving stern orders to punish self-immolators, their families, their villages and even those who had offered condolences and prayers to the bereaved family members and relatives.”

Prayer service in Dharamshala

Yesterday, thousands of Tibetans and supporters including the Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners, Speaker Penpa Tsering, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalons, members of parliament, and school students attended a prayer service held in honour of Tibetan self-immolators at Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala.

Special prayers were offered for Wangchen Norbu, 18; Tsering Dhundup, 35; and Lubum Gyal, 18 who set themselves on fire in protest against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Wangchen Norbu, 25, set himself ablaze on Monday near the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. He passed away at the site of his protest.

He raised slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile, release of the Panchen Lama and freedom for Tibet.

On Tuesday, Tsering Dhondup, 35, set himself ablaze on a ground near the entrance of a mining site in Amchok region of Labrang Sangchu. He succumbed to his injuries at the site of his protest.

Tsering Dhondup is survived by his wife Tamding Tso, their three children, and his parents.

Lubum Gyal, 18, set himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebkong, eastern Tibet on Thursday in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Speaking at the prayer service, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said the prayer services were significant as it sends a message of solidarity from exile Tibetans to Tibetans inside Tibet.

“We hold the prayer services in honour of self-immolators’ family, Tibetans in prison and for those Tibetans who have lost their lives for Tibet,” Sikyong Sangay said.

The Dalai Lama recently told reporters that China’s repressive policies and the unbearable situation in Tibet are forcing Tibetans to set themselves of fire in Tibet.

"The unbearable situation in Tibet is the cause for these unfortunate events. I am very sad about the turn of events. These are symptoms of fear, hard line suppressive policy practiced by China in Tibet. The time has come for China to think more realistically," reporters quoted the Tibetan spiritual leader as saying,