DHARAMSHALA: Fresh reports coming out of Tibet say one of the two Tibetan monks from Tsodun Kirti monastery in Gyalrong in northeastern Tibet who immolated themselves has died, while the other is in extremely critical condition.
- Chimey Palden has succumbed to his burn injuries/file photo
Tenpa Dargey, 22 and Chimey Palden, 21, were taken away by the police to a hospital after the two set themselves alight in protest against the Chinese government’s repressive policies outside a government office in Bharkam town, located 82 km from Tsodun monastery, on 30 March.
Their condition remained unknown until 9 pm that night when hundreds of local Tibetans gathered outside the hospital demanding that the two monks, whether dead or alive, be handed over to them. Instead of listening to their appeals, the security forces indiscriminately arrested and beat the Tibetans. As a result, many Tibetans were injured.
The Tibetans knew about the death of Chimey Palden at around midnight when they were allowed to go inside the hospital in small groups. Palden’s body was cremated, and at 5 am next day, some of his ashes were handed over to Tsodun monastery. Customary rituals are being performed at the monastery.
Tenpa Dargey is still alive in Ngaba prefecture hospital, but is not expected to survive.
Following the self-immolation incidents on 30 March, large number of special armed police have occupied the Tsodun region, enforcing blockade of a bridge to prevent people from going to the monastery. A dangerous confrontation between the police and the local Tibetans was temporarily averted, but tensions remain high and the situation could become worse if the authorities enforce a blockade of Tsodun monastery and arrest its monks.
Since 2009, 34 Tibetans have set themselves on fire calling for freedom and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to his homeland. 24 of these self-immolators have died. (Fact Sheet)
The Central Tibetan Administration has repeatedly appealed to the Chinese government to address the genuine grievances of Tibetans through dialogue, and the end its repressive policies which is pushing Tibetans to take drastic actions.
