DHARAMSHALA: Bhenchen Kyi, a 17 year old Tibetan school girl set herself on fire yesterday 9 December at Tsekhog, Rebkong in north-eastern Tibet around 8 pm (local time). She died on the spot.
While engulfed in flames, she was reciting prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an eyewitness said. Her body was carried to a safe place before the Chinese police arrived.
Following her immolation, around two thousand Tibetans gathered at the site and shouted slogans for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life.
Bhenchen Kyi was cremated later that night around 12:15 am (local time) in the presence of her family members. More than three thousand Tibetans attended the funeral.
A total of 95 Tibetans set themsleves on fire in Tibet since 2009. (See factsheet) They have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.