DHARAMSHALA: Expressing its deep sadness over the death of a Tibetan monk in eastern by self immolation, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said such tragic incidents are a result of the Tibetan people’s strong discontentment with the repressive policies of the Chinese government and suppression of their aspirations and rights.

Tsewang Norbu, 29, of Nyatso Monastery in Tawu in Kardze, burned himself to death on 15 August to draw the international community’s attention to the worsening crisis in Tibet. After setting him on fire, he raised slogans demanding freedom for Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his people.

A statement issued by the Standing Committee of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile said: “Such tragic incidents which happen frequently in Tibet are a clear indication of the Tibetan people’s deep-seated resentment against the Chinese government’s wrong policy on Tibet. Instead of looking into the Tibetan people’s aspiration for freedom and human rights, the policy of suppressing them, stands in complete  violation of the international covenants on basic human rights.”

“We pray that may the soul of the deceased who sacrificed his life for Tibet’s cause attain noble rebirth. Our condolences and solidarity are with the bereaved family members,” the message noted.

“We strongly urge the Chinese government to put an immediate end to its consistent policy of cracking down on Tibetans. By looking into the genuine aspirations of the Tibetan people, the Chinese government should provide them rights enshrined in the constitution and stop its policy of destroying equality and harmony among the ethic nationalities,” it said.

“We also demand the authorities to lift the restrictions on travel in and out of Tawu county, and nuisance and harassment caused to both the monastery and the general public,” it said.

“Similarly, the Chinese government should immediately seek ways to resolve the critical situations prevailing in Ngaba in northeastern Tibet and Kardze in eastern Tibet.”