Kirti Rinpoche presiding over the prayer service. Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalon Pema Chinjor and Kalon Ngodup Drongchung praying at the prayer service.

DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration organised a special prayer service to mourn the tragic self-immolations in Tibet under the continued repressive policies of the Chinese government.

Speaking at the prayer service, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay said, “We are holding this prayer service to pay homage to those who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet and console their family members”.

“As the self-immolations continue unabated inside Tibet, we Tibetans in exile are ever more concerned about the policies of the Chinese government in Tibet,” he said.

Kalon Tripa also spoke about the support extended by many world leaders and Nobel Laureates for the cause of Tibet, and urged Tibetans to continue to highlight the grim situation prevailing inside Tibet.

All the Kalons and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration as well as the heads of the various governmental and non-governmental organisations attended the prayer service.  The prayer service was presided over by His Eminence Kirti Rinpoche, the head lama of the Kirti Monastery.

Since 2009, thirty-eight Tibetans have set themselves on fire calling for more freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Out of which 29 has died and the remaining 9 were either seriously injured or their whereabouts are still unknown. (See Factsheet)

The latest incident of self-immolation occurred on Wednesday 30 May, when Rikyo, a mother of three children set herself on fire in Zamthang, northeastern Tibet.

Earlier on Sunday, 27 May, two Tibetans Dorjee Tseten, 19, and Dargye, 25, set themselves on fire in front of the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet’s capital Lhasa.

Tibetan nuns during the prayer service at the Tsukla khang, the main Tibetan temple at Mcleod Ganj.

Members of the Tibetan community praying for the tragic self-immolations in Tibet.