Tibetan Information Office (TIO) is based in Canberra.

One more Tibetan dies after setting self on fire, total self-immolations rises to 81

November 24, 2012 10:39 am

DHARAMSHALA: The Central Tibetan Administration today reiterated its deep concern over the alarming escalation in self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet, as fresh reports coming out of Tibet say one more Tibetan has died after setting himself on fire in Tsekhog (Ch: Zeku) in Malho in north-eastern Tibet.

Tadin Dorjee, 29, set fire to himself at the entrance of Dokarmo town office in Tsekhog around 6:30 pm (local time) on Friday. He then chanted prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with folded hands. He died on the spot.

Thousands of local Tibetans offered prayers and attended his funeral that night.

The Chinese authorities have cut off Internet and phone lines following the incident.

The latest incident has pushed the total self-immolations by Tibetans inside Tibet to 81, including 5 in last 6 days and 19 within this month alone.

The self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, earlier this month strongly urged the Chinese government to “promptly address the longstanding grievances that have led to an alarming escalation in desperate forms of protest, including self-immolations, in Tibetan areas, and said she was disturbed by “continuing allegations of violence against Tibetans seeking to exercise their fundamental human rights.”