DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration organised a special prayer service to condole and express solidarity with all those Tibetans who have self-immolated for the cause of Tibet.

Thousands of Tibetans including the entire officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, attended the prayer service at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple. They offered to four Tibetans – Tsepo, 20, Tenzin, 25, Lhamo Tseten, 24, and Thubwang Kyab, 23 – who set themselves on fire in separate incidents last week.  

Addressing the prayer service, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay said the international community and the media have expressed strong concern over and recognised the grave situation in Tibet.

“This was corroborated by the US ambassador’s recent visit to Tibet and his subsequent urgent appeal to the Chinese leadership to end its repressive policies that have led to increasing self-immolations by Tibetans,” the Sikyong said.

He said the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has expressed deep concern over the critical situation in Tibet and urged the Chinese leadership to promptly address the longstanding grievances of the Tibetan people.

“This is one of the evidences of the recognition of the international community, including the UN and US, of the serious problem in Tibet despite attempts made by the Chinese government to undermine the reality,” he said.

He said the Kashag made renewed efforts to highlight the tragic situation to the international community through global media organisations such as Time, Newsweek, Le Monde, and Washington Post.

He said the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community in exile expressed their prayers and deep condolences to all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet and their family members.