The Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration is deeply saddened by the latest development in Tibet involving two monks setting themselves on fire this morning to protest the continuing occupation of Tibet by People’s Republic of China. Both monks are from Kirti monastery in northeastern Tibet. The Kashag conveys its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family members of both individuals.
The monks who set themselves on fire are Lobsang Kelsang and Lobsang Kunchok, ages 18 and 19. Eyewitnesses report that the bodies of both monks were taken away by the People’s Republic of China’s military. At this stage, we don’t know whether they are dead or survived the self-immolation.
One of the individuals involved in this latest incident, Lobsang Kelsang, is a relative of Phuntsok, another monk who also self-immolated last March. Kirti Monastery is once again under heavy Chinese military control.
These recent series of self-immolation in Tibet attest to the desperation of the Tibetan people arising from the grim current situation in which they live. The Central Tibetan Administration calls upon the Chinese authorities to immediately address the grievances of the Tibetan people and resolve the issue of Tibet peacefully.
The Kashag
Central Tibetan Administration
Dharamsala
26th September 2011