DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration yesterday organised a prayer service to condole the recent death of 22-year-old Ngawang Norphel, and other Tibetans who self-immolated against the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet.

Ngawang Norphel, 22, a native of Zurtso Truldul village, Menphuk township, Nyanang district, succumbed to severe burn injuries at a hospital in Siling on 30 July. Tenzin Khedup, 24, who also self-immolated with Ngawang Norphel on 20 July, died on the spot.

In a graphic video footage recently obtained by the Central Tibetan Administration, based in India, seriously burned Ngawang Norphel articulates the reasons for their self-immolation: the survival of Tibetan culture, language, and identity. “[This is] for the sake of Tibet. We are in the land of snow. If we don’t have our freedom, cultural traditions and language, it would be extremely embarrassing for us. We must therefore learn them. Every nationality needs freedom, language and tradition,” he said. The video footage can be viewed by clicking here.

Yesterday’s prayer service at the Tsuglagkhang was attended by entire officials of the Central Tibetan Administration. “We express deep condolence and solidarity with all those Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives of the just cause of Tibet,” the department of religion and culture said in a statement.