Press Release
DHARAMSHALA: Two Tibetan teenagers died after setting themselves on fire in Ngaba in north-eastern Tibet in protest against the annihilation of Tibetan identity by the Chinese government.
Lobsang Kalsang, 18, a monk of Kirti monastery, and Dhamchoe, 17, set themselves on fire near the eastern entrance of Kirti monastery on Monday morning. Eyewitnesses said the two Tibetans shouted slogans while walking few steps with their bodies engulfed in flame, and then collapsed. The police extinguished the flame and bundled them off to a nearby hospital in Ngaba, from where they were taken to Bharkham. They succumbed to their injuries in Bharkham.
The total number of self-immolations has now reached 51, of which 38 incidents occurred in the recent eight months alone. Arrest
Following the incident, Lobsang Kalsang’s room-mate, Lobsang Palden, was taken into police custody.
US urges China to address legitimate grievances of Tibetans
The US government has reiterated its appeal to the Chinese government to address the legitimate grievances of Tibetans through dialogue. “Whenever we see these tragic incidents, we again call on China to meet the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people within China to protect their human rights, to protect their way of life, and to work on these issues through dialogue,” State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said during a daily press briefing on Monday.
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Mr Lobsang Choedak, Press Officer
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