15th self-immolation in November

Phayul[Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:09]

Wangchen Norbu in an undated photo. In continuing escalation in self-immolation protests in Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire in the Kangtsa region of eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Wangchen Norbu, 25, set himself ablaze at around 8pm (local time) Monday near the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. He passed away at the site of his protest. According to sources in exile, Wangchen Norbu raised slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile, release of the Panchen Lama and freedom for Tibet. His charred body was later carried inside the Monastery premises where a large number of monks and local people gathered to offer their prayers and last respects. Wangchen Norbu's charred body, draped in khatak (Tibetan scarves). The large crowd raised slogan calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and recited prayers for his long life late into the night. Wangchen Norbu was laid to rest at around 10:30 pm (local time). The situation in a region is being described as “tense” with a large number of Chinese armed forces deployed in the region. Wangchen Norbu is the son of late Tenzin and Khando Tso. On November 8, a mass prayer service in honour of Tibetan self-immolators was offered at the Kangtsa Gaden Choephel Ling Monastery. Monks and local Tibetans offered thousands of butter lamps and also said prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  With Wangchen Norbu's fiery protest, this month alone has witnessed 15 self-immolations. A total of 77 Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire since 2009 calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.