In reports coming out of Tibet, two more Tibetans set their bodies on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. The two lay Tibetans are being identified as Choephag Kyab and Sonam from the Zamthang region of Ngaba, eastern Tibet. Exile sources say that the two set themselves of fire at around 1 pm (local time). No further details are available on the condition of the two Tibetan youths, both in their early 20s. The continuing wave of self-immolations in Tibet has witnessed 35 Tibetans set their bodies on fire demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and freedom in Tibet. Speaking to reporters earlier this week in Hawaii, the Dalai Lama had called for an investigation into the “real causes” of the self-immolations in Tibet. “Now the time comes for the Chinese authority to investigate what are the real causes,” the Tibetan spiritual leader told reporters. On February 19, Nangdrol, 18 had set himself on fire in Zamthang, raising slogans calling for the ‘long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and ‘freedom for Tibet.’ He passed away at the site of his protest. Reacting to the recently released video clip showing Chinese security personnel pushing down and kicking a Tibetan self-immolator while still on fire, Tenzin Chokyi, the general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress told Phayul that the “absolute barbarism” displayed by the Chinese authorities will “only fuel more resentment and opposition” against the regime. “Seeing their sacrifice only reinforces our determination to work for a free Tibet more resolutely and strongly,” Chokyi said.

Font: Phayul[Thursday, April 19, 2012 13:52]