DHARAMSHALA: In a press release issued today, the Tibetan Pariliament-in-Exile called for more international pressure on China after three more instances of self-immolation in Tibet this new year.
‘The drastic actions taken by the protesters reflect the failed policies of the Chinese government in Tibet. We urge the United Nations and the world community to exert more pressure on China to reform its failed policies especially with regard to human rights in Tibet’, the press release said.
‘Tsultrim and Tennyi, both in their early 20s, self-immolated on 6 January in Ngaba, eastern Tibet calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet’.
Tsultrim died on the spot while Tennyi died the following morning from injuries sustained from the self-immolation.
‘Another Tibetan, Sonam Wangyal/Sopa Rinpoche,(42), a venerated spiritual figure from Golok Darlag county in eastern Tibet, died after he set himself on fire on 8 January. He was also calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the restoration of freedom for Tibet’, the press release noted.
Norbu Damdul, who set himself on fire in Ngaba on 15 October 2011 also passed away on 5 January. His last remains,after being cremated had been handed over to his family by the Chinese police, the press statement further said.
A total of 15 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest against the Chinese government in Tibet since March 2011. Out of which 11 have died and the rest were severely injured or their whereabouts are yet to be ascertained.