Two Tibetans have set themselves on fire in 72 hours
Protests in Tibet have been escalating in recent weeks and continue to do so with events this morning confirming the second self-immolation protest in less than 72 hours and the total number since March 2011 fast approaching 60.
Dhondup, in his mid 50s, set himself on fire at around 0930 am (local time) in the grounds of the ancient Labrang Monastery in Eastern Tibet. The monastery is steeped in history and is well-known for its resistance to Chinese rule, but this is the first self-immolation to take place there.
On Saturday, 27-year-old father of two Lhamo Kyab (pictured) was running towards the Bhora monastery near Sangchu County, Eastern Tibet when he set himself on fire after calling for the Dalai Lama to be allowed to return to Tibet.
Both men died from their protests.
In January 2012, four monks were seized by Chinese security forces from the city of Tridu. They have not been seen or heard from since.
They are:
They travelled to Tridu, following protests which had just taken place in Drango, when Chinese authorities opened fire on protesters, killing two and injuring dozens more.
Internet cafe
Although the monks were not involved in protesting, it is believed the authorities suspected they were trying to send information about what had happened. Some of the monks are said to have been rounded up by security forces in an internet cafe.
It’s been more than nine months since anyone heard from the Drango Four, even though no charges have been brought against them and no information given regarding their whereabouts or wellbeing.
We need as many people as possible to take action. They are just a few of the hundreds of Tibetans who have been disappeared by Chinese forces. Campaign for their release now.
Take action for the Drango Four. Missing since January.
Around eight months ago, four Tibetans were disappeared by Chinese security forces. We know that some were taken at an internet café, other than that, their current whereabouts and well-being is unknown.
The monks (from order of left to right) are: Thinley, who is a business manager at Drango monastery; Tahsi (or Dhala) Thupgyal, an accountant at Drango monastery; Geshi Tsewang Namgyal, who is a teacher and academic form Drango manastery and Tulku Lobsang Tenzin, a lama from Gochen monastery.
Jamyang Palden (pictured) set himself on fire in Rebkong on 14 March. He died on Saturday evening as a result of the injuries sustained during his protest. He had been protesting against the ongoing brutal occupation of Tibet by Chinese forces. Jamyang’s self-immolation sparked further protests, documented on video here.
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This is Lobsang Lobzin who set himself on fire and died in Tibet. The wave of Tibetan protests shows no signs of abating. Free Tibet!
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