Tibetan woman self-immolates, Two deaths in a day

Phayul[Thursday, November 15, 2012 20:09]

DHARAMSHALA, November 15: Adding to the alarming escalation in self-immolation protests inside Tibet, a second Tibetan set herself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s occupation of Tibet. Tangzin Dolma, 23, set herself ablaze at around 12 pm (local time) today in Tsemo region of Rebkong, eastern Tibet. Exile sources are saying that Tibetans from around the region started gathering in Tsemo upon hearing news of the self-immolation protest. As of now a grand funeral for Tangzin Dolma has been planned for later tonight and the large gathering of Tibetans are awaiting the arrival of monks from the Rongwo Monastery.  She is survived by her parents, Bhulo and Tashi Dolma. Further details on the self-immolation protest are awaited at the time of filing this report. This is the second self-immolation that took place in Tibet today. Kharbum Gyal, a teenaged Tibetan set himself on fire in the same region earlier today and passed away in his protest. As many as 12 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in the month of November alone, taking the toll since the fiery wave began in 2009 to 74. Self-immolators have demanded freedom for Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile. Today’s twin self-immolation protests comes on the day when China unveiled its new Politburo Standing Committee members, the group of politicians who rule the country. Tibetans and supporters in exile have asserted that the seven men, led by Xi Jinping, are facing “an immediate crisis,” with the alarming escalation in the wave of self-immolations and growing protests by Tibetans, including last week’s massive protests in Rebkong, against Beijing’s rule. Vocal demands have been made for China's 5th generation leaders to acknowledge policy failures and seek resolution to the crisis in Tibet.