In Memory: Choephel

On October 7, 2011, two young former monks from Ngaba Kirti Monastery—Choephel, 19, and Khaying, 18—set themselves ablaze in Tibet’s Amdo province, demanding an end to China’s occupation and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Both succumbed to their injury’s days later.

Prior to his self-immolation, Choephel had reportedly told colleagues that the “current atmosphere of repression was unbearable,” reflecting the severe difficulties facing the Ngaba region of Tibet.