DHARAMSHALA: A 28 year old Tibetan man set himself on fire around 3:15 pm local time today (18 January) at Khyungchu, Ngaba in an apparent protest against China’s repressive policies in Tibet. He died on the spot.

The self-immolator is identified as Dupchok, a resident of Drachen village in Khyungchu, Ngaba in north-eastern Tibet. Local Chinese security officials seized his body and took it to an undisclosed location. Dupchok is survived by his wife and two daughters, aged 5 and 3.

Since 2009, a total of 98 Tibetans have set themselves on fire calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.  The Central Tibetan Administration reiterates its appeal to Tibetans not to resort to drastic actions such as self-immolations.