Burning Tibet ; another teen self immolation's, toll reaches 79

In no respite to the spate of self-immolations inside Tibet, another Tibetan teenager passed away in his fiery protest Thursday, November 22.

In confirmed reports received by Phayul, Lubum Gyal, 18, set himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebkong, eastern Tibet at around 4:20 pm (local time) in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency also reported on the incident, confirming that the self-immolator (Libong Tsering) succumbed to his injuries.

“Lubum Gyal set himself on fire in protest against the Chinese government in Dowa town,” Sonam, an exile Tibetan with close contacts in the region had  told Phayul. “Soon, a large number of Tibetans gathered and rescued his body from falling into the hands of Chinese authorities.”

“Monks from the Dowa Monastery later carried out the last rites of Lubum Gyal at a nearby crematorium,” Sonam added.

According to the same source, the recent deployment of large numbers of Chinese armed forces and the severe restrictions placed on local Tibetans triggered Lubum Gyal’s fiery protest.

“Following the recent escalation in self-immolations and protests in Dowa and the adjoining regions, Chinese security personnel armed with automatic guns have forced strict restrictions on the movement of Tibetans,” Sonam cited sources as saying. “Moreover, higher ranked Chinese government and Communist Party officials have been paying frequent trips to Dowa to investigate the reasons behind the protests and to assure that no more protests take place in the region.”

The Chinese officials were reportedly implementing the five-point notification issued by the Malho Prefectural office and Malho People’s government 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, issued in Tibetan and Chinese languages, announces the cancellation of government aid to families of self-immolators as well as development projects in villages where similar protests have taken place.

Lubum Gyal is survived by his father Tsego.

The Rebkong region of Malho has now witnessed ten self-immolation protests in this month alone. Also, thousands of Tibetans, including school children, carried out massive protests calling for freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama earlier this month.

79 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire in Tibet since 2009.

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, 15th self-immolation in November

Wangchen Norbu's charred body,
draped in khatak (Tibetan scarves).

DHARAMSHALA, November 20: In continuing escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire in the Kangtsa region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Wangchen Norbu, 25, set himself ablaze at around 8pm (local time) Monday near the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. He passed away at the site of his protest.

According to sources in exile, Wangchen Norbu raised slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile, release of the Panchen Lama and freedom for Tibet.

His charred body was later carried inside the Monastery premises where a large number of monks and local people gathered to offer their prayers and last respects.

The large crowd raised slogan calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and recited prayers for his long life late into the night. Wangchen Norbu was laid to rest at around 10:30 pm (local time).

The situation in a region is being described as “tense” with a large number of Chinese armed forces deployed in the region.

Wangchen Norbu in an undated photo.

Wangchen Norbu is the son of late Tenzin and Khando Tso.

On November 8, a mass prayer service in honour of Tibetan self-immolators was offered at the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. Monks and local Tibetans offered thousands of butter lamps and also said prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

 

 

With Wangchen Norbu's fiery protest, this month alone has witnessed 15 self-immolations.

A total of 77 Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire since 2009 calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Chinese nationals at TSG root for democracy

DHARAMSHALA: About 20 Chinese nationals who attended the crucial meet of Tibetan Support Groups (TSGs) held under the banner of International Tibet Network at Dicky Tsering Hall in McLeodganj, expressed that the "democratic setup of the Tibetans-in-exile was better than the communist regime in China". They also rued that once again no representation had been given to minority communities in the new leadership of China.
"Reports on the 18{+t}{+h} Chinese Communist Party Congress suggest that the new Chinese leadership will stick to old policies. A democratic setup will be better for China than communist regime," said Yang Jinali, president of Initiative for China Movement, which is working for advancing peaceful transition of democracy in China.
"The composition of 25-member political bureau and the seven-member standing committee shows that there is little representation for minority communities like Muslims and Tibetans in the new leadership," said a Chinese, requesting anonymity. The three-day meet, which concluded on Sunday, was organized to design strategic campaigns to take up the Tibetan issue with the new Chinese leadership. When contacted, the media officer of Central Tibetan Administration, Lobsang Choedak, maintained that there were 200 participants from 43 countries, including China. "The meeting was called to discuss the current situation in Tibet as mounting self-immolations have gripped the exiled Tibetan community in grief. About 8 Tibetans have died in last 17 days while the total toll has reached 71," said Choedak.
Meanwhile, international Tibet support groups have pledged to mobilize the international community to press the Chinese government to find a lasting and mutually-agreeable solution to the problem. TSG members expressed solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet for their unwavering determination and commitment to non-violence in resisting China's policies to undermine Tibet's culture, language and religion. They said the responsibility for this crisis lies with China's past leaders and their failed policies over the last 60 years.

Chinese nationals at TSG root for democracy

 DHARAMSHALA: About 20 Chinese nationals who attended the crucial meet of Tibetan Support Groups (TSGs) held under the banner of International Tibet Network at Dicky Tsering Hall in McLeodganj, expressed that the "democratic setup of the Tibetans-in-exile was better than the communist regime in China". They also rued that once again no representation had been given to minority communities in the new leadership of China.

"Reports on the 18{+t}{+h} Chinese Communist Party Congress suggest that the new Chinese leadership will stick to old policies. A democratic setup will be better for China than communist regime," said Yang Jinali, president of Initiative for China Movement, which is working for advancing peaceful transition of democracy in China.

"The composition of 25-member political bureau and the seven-member standing committee shows that there is little representation for minority communities like Muslims and Tibetans in the new leadership," said a Chinese, requesting anonymity. The three-day meet, which concluded on Sunday, was organized to design strategic campaigns to take up the Tibetan issue with the new Chinese leadership. When contacted, the media officer of Central Tibetan Administration, Lobsang Choedak, maintained that there were 200 participants from 43 countries, including China. "The meeting was called to discuss the current situation in Tibet as mounting self-immolations have gripped the exiled Tibetan community in grief. About 8 Tibetans have died in last 17 days while the total toll has reached 71," said Choedak.

Meanwhile, international Tibet support groups have pledged to mobilize the international community to press the Chinese government to find a lasting and mutually-agreeable solution to the problem. TSG members expressed solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet for their unwavering determination and commitment to non-violence in resisting China's policies to undermine Tibet's culture, language and religion. They said the responsibility for this crisis lies with China's past leaders and their failed policies over the last 60 years.

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, Man sets self on fire

DHARAMSHALA, November 18: In more alarming reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan passed away in his self-immolation protest yesterday evening in an apparent protest against China’s rule.

Sangdag Tsering, 24, set himself on fire in front of a local Chinese government office in Dokar Mo town in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet at around 7 pm (local time). Tsering, father of a three-year-old son, passed away at the site of his protest.

His self-immolation came just hours after a Tibetan woman, Chagmo Kyi passed away after setting herself on fire outside a Chinese office in Rongwo town.

Sources tell Phayul that earlier in the day, Chinese authorities summoned a large meeting of local Tibetans and gave out clear orders, barring them from visiting families of self-immolators to pay their respect and condolences.

Further orders warned that monasteries, which didn’t follow the decree, would be shut down.

“Martyr Sangdag Tsering set himself on fire later in the evening at the very place where the meeting was called,” Dorjee Wangchuk, an exile Tibetan said citing sources in the region.

Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene and tried to douse the flames but Sangdag Tsering succumbed to his injuries.

“Monks from two nearby monasteries and thousands of local Tibetans gathered at the protest site and carried his body to the Gonshul Sangag Mindrol Dhargeyling for his cremation,” Wangchuk said.

The same source added that Sangdag Tsering had off late repeatedly expressed his frustration over the lack of freedom in Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s absence, and the continuing wave of self-immolations in Tibet.

About a week back, he had written a short poem espousing loyalty to Tibet and emailed it to a friend.

The last two lines of the poem written in Tibetan reads: “The brave men of the snow mountains, Don’t forget your loyalty to Tibet.”

Sangdag Tsering is survived by his parents, his wife Phagmo Tso, 24, and their son.

The alarming escalation in self-immolation protests has already witnessed 14 Tibetans set themselves on fire in this month alone, with nine of them occurring in the Rebkong region. A total of 76 Tibetans inside Tibet have now self-immolated since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Speaking to a special gathering of Tibet supporters in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama yesterday said that the situation in Tibet is “serious.”

“Whether Chinese government agrees or not, there are problems and these problems are neither good for Tibetans or for the people of China. So, therefore we have to find a solution based on mutual understanding and mutual respect,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

He further cautioned: “The use force will never get satisfactory results.”

‘Please take action,’ the Dalai Lama urges Tibet supporters

Participants at the Second Special Tibet Support Groups Meeting in Dharamshala huddle around His Holiness the Dalai Lama for a photo. November 17, 2012. DHARAMSHALA, November 18: Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to members of Tibet Support Groups from all over the world who are gathered in Dharamshala to discuss the ongoing critical situation inside Tibet, Saturday. Addressing the delegates as “brothers and sisters,” the Dalai Lama urged them to “please take action.” “Please take action wherever you come from,” the Tibetan leader said. “Now already in many countries there are parliamentary support groups and Tibet support groups. So, I think you should be closely in touch and mobilise more voice.” Clarifying that he is now speaking as a citizen of Tibet, after retiring from his political duties last year, the Dalai Lama said Tibetans are carrying a difficult struggle. “(The Tibetan struggle) is entirely based on non violence and compassion. We are actually passing through a difficult period” His Holiness said. “The main reason why I came here is (to show) my respect to you all. I always consider our supporters are not pro-Tibetans but rather pro-justice and pro-nonviolence.” “Your support for Tibet’s cause gives encouragement and moral support. A struggle which is strictly based on non violence, like ours, should succeed.” Speaking on the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet, the Dalai Lama said the fiery sacrifices are in principle non violent. “I consider these Tibetans burning - certainly these people have courage and determination to sacrifice their own life, so they can easily harm other people - but I think these people although they practiced a little bit of violence but I think in principle they still practice non violence.” He added that the younger generation of Tibetans in Tibet these days have stronger determination as compared to earlier generations. The Nobel peace laureate cautioned that the situation in China is serious. “Now, things are serious. Whether Chinese government agrees or not, there are problems and these problems are neither good for Tibetans or for the people of China. So, therefore we have to find a solution based on mutual understanding and mutual respect between Han brothers sisters and Tibetan brothers and sisters,” the Dalai Lama said. “The use force will never get satisfactory results.” “The Chinese government is very powerful militarily but just relying on using force will not solve the problems. It creates more problems, more resentment.” Around two hundred members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries are attending the Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting aimed at “exploring ways to press the Chinese government to end its repressive policies” in Tibet.

US urges China to improve human rights in Tibet

Following the recent incidents of self-immolations by Tibetan youths in protest of Chinese rule, the United States has urged China to address the issue of human rights violations in Tibet, and has asked authorities to keep a check on self-immolations by Tibetans.

“We want to see the human rights situation there and throughout China improve,” the State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, told reporters on Friday.

“We have been clear for decades about our commitment to human rights in Tibet, that we want to see China address the underlying problems there, the threats to the distinctive culture and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people, and our grave concern about the fact that people would feel so desperate as to resort to self-immolation,” she said.

Nuland said the US has been regularly raising its concern about the Tibetan self-immolations with Chinese authorities.

“We encourage China to work with authorities in Tibet to address the grievances of the people and to protect the cultural diversity of their country,” she said when asked about the death of two Tibetans in self-immolation in protest against human rights violations by the Chinese.

German PM Voice Deep Concern Over Crisis in Tibet

Berlin, 9 November 2012: - The Tibet-Group of the German Bundestag is deeply concerned and shocked after the recent wave of self-immolations in Tibet.

"We urge the Chinese government to end the repressions in Tibet and to seek dialogue with the Tibetans.", said chairwoman Sabine Weiss (Christian Democratic Union).

"The self-immolations are result of Beijing's failed Tibet-policies. The new Chinese leadership must acknowledge this and change course in Tibet", added co-chairs Sabine Bätzing-Lichtenthäler (Social Democratic Party), Harald Leibrecht (Free Democratic Party) and Manuel Sarrazin (Alliance 90 / The Greens).

Since February 2009, 69 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet as protest against the Chinese policies in Tibet. According to reports, five Tibetans self-immolated on November 7 alone.

The „Tibet-Discussion-Panel" was founded in May 1995 after a hearing on Tibet in the foreign affairs committee of the German Bundestag.

Its aim is to create a better awareness for the issue of Tibet among parliamentarians and to find ways and means how Germany can contribute to an improvement in Tibet.

The German Federal Government has released recently its periodic report on the Federal German Government's human rights policy, covering the period from March 2010 to February 2012.

The report lacks specific country reports, but rather refers to certain issues the German government has paid particular attention to with regard to human rights.

On Tibet, the report contains following statements:

"Particular worrisome is the human rights situation in Tibet and Xinjiang. Freedom of assembly and freedom of religion are suppressed more heavily in these regions than in others.

The Central Government continues to relentlessly persecute any (even alleged) endeavor for autonomy or independence.

The self-immolations of young Tibetan monks and nuns at the monastery of Kirti - a place confronted with extraordinary repressive measures – were particularly desperate expressions of protest against these politics of repression."

It is time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet: Lobsang Sangay

Dharamshala, Sat Nov 17 2012

It is time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, said Tibetan Prime Minister-in-Exile Lobsang Sangay at a convention. 

“It is time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet,” Sangay said while inaugurating the three-day Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting here. 

“This special meeting will send a clear message that Tibetan supporters will make sure that the Tibet issue remains alive till freedom is restored and Dalai Lama's return to Tibet,” he said. 

Around 200 members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries are attending the meeting from November 16-18.

Breaking: Tibetan mother of two burns self to death

DHARAMSHALA, November 17: In confirmed reports coming out of Tibet, a Tibetan mother of two passed away in her self-immolation protest today in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Chagmo Kyi, a native of Rebkong Meypa Khagya village in eastern Tibet, self-immolated at the Dolma Square in front of Rongwo Monastery in Rebkong at around 4 pm (local time). She is believed to have been around 27 years of age and has two children.

According to the Dharamshala based rights group, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Chagmo Kyi passed away at the site of her protest. Her body was later taken to the Rongwo Monastery where thousands of Tibetans reportedly gathered to offer prayers.“At around 7 pm (local time), Kyi’s body was moved to a cremation site on a nearby hill behind Rongwo Monastery,” TCHRD said. “At the cremation site, a large number of Tibetans were loudly reciting Mani mantras and special prayers associated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Monks were carrying out preparations to cremate the body.”

Various sources have told Phayul that a large number of Chinese armed forces have been deployed in the region, further increasing tensions. Severe restrictions on the movement of local Tibetans in Rebkong region, which alone has seen eight self-immolation protests in November, have been placed. Last week, thousands of Tibetans, including school students, took out massive demonstrations and protest rallies demanding rights of the Tibetan people and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

The alarming escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet, which began in 2009, has now witnessed 75 Tibetans set themselves on fire demanding freedom for Tibet.

In his inaugural address this week at the ongoing special meeting of Tibetan supporters in Dharamshala, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people blamed China’s “continued occupation of Tibet, its failed policies, including economic marginalisation, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation, and denial of religious freedom” as causes of the self-immolation protests.

He also dismissed accusations being made by the Chinese government of blaming Tibetans in exile for instigating the protests as “absolutely baseless.”

From Dharamshala to Bern, Tibet activists intensify campaign

Tibetan protesters gather for a function at the Tsug-la Khang in Dharamshala after carrying out a long protest march on November 16, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: With the alarming escalation in the ongoing wave of self-immolation protests inside Tibet, Tibetans and supporters in various parts of the world have intensified their campaigns, bringing the Tibet crisis to the doors of Chinese embassies and UN offices.

In the Tibetan exile headquarters of Dharamshala, a large number of Tibetans today carried out a long protest march, from the Norbulingka Institute to the Tsug-la Khang in solidarity with “Tibetan martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom and peace.”

The march organisers in a release said that despite China’s repressive measures in Tibet, resistance against its rule is “stronger and more diverse than ever.”

The marchers asserted that China’s new leadership under the helm of Xi Jinping will face a “storm of protests” around the world if it fails to resolve the ongoing crisis inside Tibet.

“We strongly call on the newly selected leaders of the Chinese Communist Party to acknowledge its policy failures in Tibet and seek resolution to the crisis in Tibet by starting unconditional negotiation with Tibetan representatives,” one of the march organisers said.

Tibet activists in Bern, Switzerland protesting outside the Chinese Embassy on November 15, 2012.

In Bern, the capital of Switzerland, Tibet activists occupied the entrance of the Chinese embassy in a major protest yesterday, calling for an immediate and drastic change in China’s Tibet policy.

Around 20 Tibetans and supporters blocked the gate of the Chinese embassy and demanded an official statement from the Chinese ambassador to Swiss, Wu Ken.

Organisers of the protest said Tibetans will never give up the fight until the demands of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return and freedom for Tibet are met.

"I wonder how many self-immolations it will take until the Chinese leadership realises that their policies have failed,” Tenzin Kelden, president of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe and protest organiser said. “The change of power calls for a radical reorientation and a thorough reflection of the previous course."

The Tibet activists were later forcibly removed by the police as the Chinese ambassador declined from talking to them.

Tibetans in Geneva carrying out a 'kneel down' campaign in front of the United Nations office.

On November 14, four Tibetans began a three-day ‘kneel down’ protest in front of the UN building in Geneva, urging the global body to revive discussions and implement its earlier resolutions on Tibet passed in the years 1959, 1961, and 1965.

In a petition addressed to Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Tibetans called upon the right chief to send a fact finding delegation to Tibet and put pressure on China to open Tibet to foreign media. They also urged the Pillay to create a conducive environment for dialogues to take place between the Chinese government and Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people.

The four Tibetans expressed their hopes that the UN will pay heed to their requests and not go on to ignore the crisis inside Tibet, which they said increases the possibility of a repetition of Tibet’s self-immolation protests in front of the UN office.

Sikyong presides over Second Special International...

The opening ceremony of the
Second Special Meeting
of Tibet Support Groups
in session at the
TCV School hall
in Dharamshala
on November 16, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, today presided over the Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting in Dharamshala.

Around two hundred members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries are attending the meeting aimed at “exploring ways to press the Chinese government to end its repressive policies” in Tibet.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sikyong Dr Sangay said the meeting “gives hope” to Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Tibetans in Tibet are doing all they can and more by giving up their lives with the hope and belief that exile Tibetans and friends will stand up with them,” Sikyong said. “Even if they get tortured, even if they die, their lives will not go in vain because their friends outside will stand up for them.”

The de facto Tibetan Prime Minister dismissed accusations made by the Chinese government of labelling Tibetan self-immolators as terrorists and blaming Tibetans in exile for instigating the protests. He called them “absolutely baseless”.

“Of the 74 self-immolators, not even one of them harmed a single Chinese person or a Chinese restaurant or a Chinese hotel or a Chinese house. How can this be a terrorist act?” Sikyong argued. “Yes, Tibetans are harming themselves but even at that painful phase when one is burning, they are not running towards Chinese people. They are dying a painful death for themselves.”

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay
addressing the opening ceremony
of the Second Special Meeting of
Tibet Support Groups at
the TCV School hall in Dharamshala
on November 16, 2012.

He went on to blame China’s “continued occupation of Tibet, its failed policies in Tibet, including the economic marginalisation of Tibetans, environmental destruction, cultural assimilation, and denial of religious freedom” for causing the self-immolation protests.

Buoyed by the sweeping calls for democracy and freedom in many countries, Sikyong Dr Sangay said: “It is the time for Tibet, it is the time for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet.”

The three-day meeting is being convened by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India and facilitated by the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration.

Sarias, a participant from Brazil told Phayul that the Tibetan cause is “important for the entire human kind.”

“We came all the way from Brazil to support Tibetans. The Tibetan cause is not just about Tibetans, it is about humanity. So, we are here to discuss human rights and non-violent actions,” she said.

Tod Stein, Director of Government Relations at the Washington based International Campaign for Tibet said the meeting needs to “express solidarity and understanding with the Tibetans who are taking these dramatic acts in Tibet.”

“Hopefully the central message out of this will be that the Tibetan supporters and Tibetans who live around the world are committed to act on their behalf to try to change the situation.”

Delegates at the meeting are scheduled to have an audience with Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama tomorrow.

Breaking: Tibetan woman self-immolates, Two fiery deaths in a day

DHARAMSHALA, November 15: Adding to the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests inside Tibet, a second Tibetan set herself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Tangzin Dolma, 23, set herself ablaze at around 12 pm (local time) today in Tsemo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet.

Exile sources are saying that Tibetans from around the region started gathering in Tsemo upon hearing news of the self-immolation protest.

As of now a grand funeral for Tangzin Dolma has been planned for later tonight and the large gathering of Tibetans are awaiting the arrival of monks from the Rongwo Monastery.

She is survived by her parents, Bhulo and Tashi Dolma.

Further details on the self-immolation protest are awaited at the time of filing this report.

This is the second self-immolation that took place in Tibet today. Kharbum Gyal, a teenaged Tibetan set himself on fire in the same region earlier today and passed away in his protest.

As many as 12 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the month of November alone, taking the toll since the fiery wave began in 2009 to 74.

Self-immolators have demanded freedom for Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Today’s twin self-immolation protests comes on the day when China unveiled its new Politburo Standing Committee members, the group of politicians who rule the country.

Tibetans and supporters in exile have asserted that the seven men, led by Xi Jinping, are facing “an immediate crisis,” with the alarming escalation in the wave of self-immolations and growing protests by Tibetans, including last week’s massive protests in Rebkong, against Beijing’s rule.

Vocal demands have been made for China's 5th generation leaders to acknowledge policy failures and seek resolution to the crisis in Tibet.

British Buddhist monk self-immolates at French mon...

DHARAMSHALA, November 16: A British national Tibetan Buddhist monk has self-immolated within his monastery premises in France Thursday afternoon.

Speaking to Phayul, an official of the Nalanda Monastery, Labastide-Saint-Georges in Tarn district of southern France, identified the monk as Tonden, 38.

“One of our monks, Tonden, passed away after he self-immolated within the monastery premises yesterday afternoon,” the official said. “Tonden is a British national and has been living in the monastery as a monk for the last five years.”

Reason for his self-immolation is not yet known.

“He has not left any messages or notes,” the official said. “Police are right now investigating the causes of his suicide.”

Investigating officers have told local reporters that there were no witnesses of the self-immolation. Police are trying to ascertain whether this is “an act of self-harm."

Self-immolations, as an expression of peaceful protest, has seen an alarming escalation in China occupied Tibet. Beginning with the self-immolation protest by a Tibetan monk Tabey in 2009 in eastern Tibet, 74 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

In the month of November alone, 12 Tibetans, including a 15-year-old monk and a young mother of a seven year old boy, have set themselves on fire protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Nalanda Monastery was established in 1981 with an aim of offering a “protective and conducive environment for monks to train in philosophy, monastic discipline and retreats.”

Students light candles for Tibetan self-immolators on Children’s Day

Students and staff members of TCV School, Gopalpur offering prayers and lighting butter lamps for Tibetan self-immolators on Children's Day, November 14, 2012.

DHARAMSHALA, Tibetan school students shunted usual revelry and celebrations on November 14, marked as Children’s Day in India, and instead held a candle light vigil in solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

Students of the Tibetan Children’s Village School, Gopalpur, on their own initiative, paid tribute to the Tibetan self-immolators and offered prayers and lit over 10,000 candles and butter lamps.

“We organised this campaign to express our empathy and sense of solidarity for our brothers and sisters back in Tibet, who are being forced to set themselves on fire amidst the tragic political condition under the draconian policies of the People’s Republic of China,” the school’s Student’s Council said in a release.

“Today, the number of self immolators in Tibet has crossed seventy. The candle-light vigil is not only an act of protest to the Chinese policy but a peaceful appeal to the international community for a sincere and timely response towards resolving Tibet issue soon.”

Hundreds of school students and staff members took part in the candle light vigil.

Children's Day in India is celebrated on November 14, the birthday of the country's first Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly known as Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru).

Phuntsok Tashi, principal of the school said that although the administration considers observing Children’s Day an important part of the curriculum, but unlike earlier years, only a low-key function was held this year.

“The candle light vigil was initiated by the Student’s Council and was supported by the staff of the school, who made donations for the students’ campaign,” Tashi told Phayul.

The deepening crisis inside Tibet has witnessed large scale anti-China protests and a series of self-immolations that has now seen 74 Tibetans set themselves on fire, since 2009, demanding freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama from exile.

November alone has reported 12 self-immolations and protests by thousands of Tibetans, including by school students in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet.

TCV Gopalpur was founded in the year 1997 and is located near Dharamshala, the exile Tibetan headquarters. The school has over 900 students, many of whom are from Tibet.

Breaking: Young Tibetan burns self to death

DHARAMSHALA, November 15: In confirmed reports, another Tibetan set himself on fire today in the Rebkong region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet.

Khabum Gyal, 18, self-immolated near Rongwo town at around 11 am (local time). He passed away in his fiery protest.

“Monks from the Rebkong Tsagya Monastery and a large number of local Tibetans are carrying out the last rites of martyr Khabum Gyal right now,”
Khabum Gyal is survived by his parents, Tamding Gyal and Dolkar Tso and six siblings.

“Details on the self-immolation protest are scanty and no photos have yet come out,” Sonam added.

This is sixth self-immolation in Rebkong region in the month of November alone. Earlier reports had indicated that Chinese authorities have deployed a large number of addition security forces in the Rebkong region and cut off power supply and communication channels.

73 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

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.”

I will do everything to change Tibet's situation, says Japan’s former PM

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama presents a khatak (Tibetan scarf) to Shinzo Abe, Japan's former PM and leader of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on November 13, 2012. 

DHARAMSHALA, November 14: In one of the strongest statements yet on the spate of self-immolation in Tibet by a political leader, senior Japanese leader Shinzo Abe promised to “do everything to change the situation in Tibet.”

Abe, former prime minister of Japan and currently head of the main opposition party was speaking to reporters Tuesday after meeting with Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Tokyo.

“I swear I will do everything in my power to change the situation in Tibet where human rights are being suppressed,” Abe has been quoted as saying by reporters.

“Tibet seeks freedom and democracy and we agree on those values.”

China has responded by filing a diplomatic protest with Tokyo saying, “Japanese rightwing forces have openly supported Dalai’s separatist activities … We express severe criticism to this.”

The Dalai Lama, who is on a 12-day visit to Japan, earlier told reporters that the Chinese government should carry out a thorough probe into the real causes of self-immolations by Tibetans.

“The self-immolations are very sad, but the Chinese government is not investigating the real causes of the self-immolations. They are taking the easy way out by simply blaming us for all the problems in Tibet,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while responding to questions from the media.

“The Tibetan issue is related to the history of the last 2,000 years especially the last 60 years. Generations have changed in Tibet but the resentment towards the Chinese government is still continuing, therefore the Chinese government should study the real causes of the resentments through a holistic and realistic way.”

The ongoing wave of self-immolations in Tibet that began in 2009 has seen an alarming escalation with as many as 20 known cases in the months of October and November alone.

On November 9, Canadian Member of Parliament Peggy Nash released a statement of solidarity with the Tibetan self-immolations saying that the Tibetan people’s voices must be heard.

“Canada has a moral responsibility to take immediate action to end the suffering in Tibet. Now more than ever, the Government of Canada must reach out to the Chinese government and urge a peaceful and quick resolution to the current situation,” Nash said. “It would be unconscionable to do nothing.”

Till date, 72 Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire in protest against China’s occupation, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Earlier this month, the Central Tibetan administration made an open appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Council to convene a Special Session on Tibet in light of the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet.

The CTA appealed to the 47-member states of the UNHRC 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.”

Six million Tibetans want freedom and independence: A self-immolator’s last message

Tibetan self-immolator Nyingkar Tashi in an undated photo.

DHARAMSHALA, November 14: A Tibetan self-immolator, who passed away in his fiery protest, called for “freedom and independence for Tibet,” in a last message he wrote before setting himself on fire.

In his last testament, Nyingkar Tashi, 24, went on to call for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, while clearly stating that his self-immolation was in protest against the Chinese government.

“Six million Tibetans want freedom for Tibet, independence for Tibet, freedom to learn Tibetan language, freedom to speak our mother tongue,” Tashi’s last note written in Tibetan states. “(Tibetans) demand the release of Panchen Lama and that His Holiness the Dalai Lama must be allowed to come to Tibet.”

“I set myself on fire in protest against the Chinese government.”

He also urged family members, especially his father Tashi Namgyal, not be “saddened and concerned.”

“My hope is for all six million Tibetans to learn Tibetan language, to speak in Tibetan, to wear Tibetan, and to be united.”

On November 12, Nyingkar Tashi set himself on fire at Ghey-mar Thang in Dro Rongpo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet, raising slogans for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

His self-immolation was witnessed by a large crowd of Tibetans who were visiting the area to offer prayers and condolences to the family members of Tibetan self-immolators Tamding Tso and Kalsang Jinpa.

“The large gathering was able to rescue Nyingkar Tashi’s body from falling into the hands of the Chinese security forces,” Dorjee Wangchuk, an exiled Tibetan with close contacts in the region told Phayul. “They later carried his body to his home.”

Tamding Tso, a young mother of a seven-year-old son, set herself on fire on November 7 in Dro Rongpo, while Kalsang Jinpa self-immolated at the Dolma Square in front of the Rongwo Monastery, a day later. Massive anti-government protests erupted in the region, after the self-immolations, with thousands of school students and locals marching on the streets, raising slogans for freedom and the Dalai Lama’s return.

According to Wangchuk, a large number of Chinese government and communist party officials travelled to Dowa town following the protests, to speak to local Tibetans and community leaders.

“On November 11, the Chinese government officials, speaking to the public blamed outside forces for instigating the self-immolations and noted that such acts went against the country’s policies,” Wangchuk said. “Again on November 12 local community leaders were summoned, which was around the same time when Nyingkar Tashi self-immolated.”

Hours after his fiery protest, another Tibetan, Nyingchag Bum, passed away in his self-immolation protest in the same region.

According to the exile Tibetan administration, a large number of military convoys were dispatched towards Dowa town soon after Monday’s twin protests.

Various sources have told Phayul that Chinese authorities have cut off electricity in Dowa, disabling the use of internet, in a ploy to prevent further spread of information on the protests and the current situation there.

No international calls could be made to the region, sparking fears of severe military repression and threat to the safety and security of local Tibetans.

Ten Tibetans have set themselves on fire in November alone, taking the self-immolation toll to 72 since the fiery protests began in 2009.

Tibet Support Groups to meet in Dharamshala, Tibet crisis main agenda

DHARAMSHALA, November 13: Tibetans and Tibet supporters from all over the world will gather this week in the Tibetan exile headquarters of Dharamshala to “explore ways to press the Chinese government to end its repressive policies” in Tibet.

Around two hundred members of Tibetan Support Groups from 43 countries will attend the Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting from November 16 to 18.

The meeting is being convened by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India and facilitated by the Department of Information and International Relations of the Central Tibetan Administration.

In a release today, the CTA said the meeting will “explore ways to strengthen support of the international community to press the Chinese government to end its repressive policies that are pushing an increasing number of Tibetans to burn themselves to death in protest.”

The three-day meeting comes at a time when Tibet is witnessing an alarming escalation in self-immolation protests which began in 2009. As many as 20 known Tibetans set themselves on fire in the past two months alone, demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Dr N K Trikha, National Convenor, Core Group for Tibetan Cause-India, noted that the meeting has become “imperative in view of the urgent and critical situation inside Tibet and the need for all Tibet Support Groups to coordinate advocacy efforts.”

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, will preside over the opening session of the meeting, while Dahlip Mehta, former foreign secretary of India will attend the concluding session.

In September this year, over 400 Tibetans had gathered in Dharamshala to hold extensive discussions and brainstorming on campaign ideas and plans for activities by exile Tibetans in light of the critical situation inside Tibet.

After four days of deliberations, the Second Special General Meeting of the Tibetan People unanimously adopted 31 recommendations, meant to serve as an action plan for future activities.

The meeting had recommended the revival of the ‘Tibetan Solidarity Committee’ to head global Tibet activities and pushed for the creation of a ‘voluntary emergency fund’ to finance the campaigns.

In order to intensify Tibet’s international outreach, the delegates had also suggested the opening of representative offices of the CTA in countries where Tibetan representation is wanting and unanimously approved a recommendation to take Chinese leaders to international courts for their crimes against the Tibetan people on well-researched findings.

The first Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting was held in November 2008 following the pan-Tibet 2008 uprisings.

Pray for my daughter to be reborn in independent Tibet: Self-immolator’s father

DHARAMSHALA, November 13: Father of Tibetan self-immolator, Tamding Tso, who passed away in her fiery protest last week, has made an emotional appeal, requesting people to pray for his daughter to be reborn in an independent Tibet in her next life.

“I request you all to pray that may my daughter be reborn in an independent Tibet and hear and see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in her next life,” Tamding Kyab said in a conversation with a group of local Tibetans who had come to offer their last respects.

Earlier reports had indicated that a large number of Tibetans had visited Tamding Tso’s home to pay their condolences and show their solidarity.

Kyab said his daughter was “always concerned about Tibet’s situation” and clearly stated that her self-immolation protest was for the “cause of Tibet and not for any family reasons.”

“What triggered her self-immolation,” according to Kyab, was when both father and daughter went to the nearby Dowa town a month ago and “saw Chinese government posters reiterating the ban on pictures of the Dalai Lama and calling on Tibetans to publicly protest separatist forces and their activities.”

Kyab said his daughter was “visibly angered” and very saddened to see those posters, and recollected telling him: “Father, this is the sad destiny of Tibetan people. We can’t even keep and pray before the picture of our spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

A copy of the notice obtained by the Central Tibetan Administration reads, “the government imposes complete ban on keeping photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” and pledges to “maintain unity of the motherland and fight against the Dalai group’s separatist activities.”

Tamding Tso, 23, mother of a seven-year-old son, later set herself on fire near the Ghe Mar thang in Dowa town at around 5.30 pm (local time) on November 7 shouting, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama must come to Tibet.”

Before leaving her home that day, Kyab said Tamding Tso cleaned the house, offered prayers in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait and took petrol from their motorbike.

“When I came to know about my daughter’s self-immolation protest, it felt as if my heart was pulled out of my chest,” Kyab said. “She was my favourite and most beloved daughter. I never raised even a finger on her since she was born.”

However, the aggrieved father said his daughter’s decision was for the larger Tibetan cause and for the wish to see the return of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama on their thrones.

“So, I think it is of no use to ponder over anything else than to respect her decision and sacrifice,” Kyab added. “Therefore, I appeal to all of you to remain united and work together to fulfil her goals and aspirations.”

Following Tamding Tso’ self-immolation protest, eight more Tibetans have set themselves on fire inside Tibet, taking the toll to 72, since the wave of fiery protests began in 2009.