Update: 23 January 2012

Former monk who self-immolated is named

The Tibetan who set himself on fire in Ngaba last weekend has been identified as Lobsang Jamyang (right), who was aged in his early twenties.

He was a former monk of Adu Gon Gama monastery. He died after becoming the 16th Tibetan to self-immolate since March last year.

Brutal Chinese response

Chinese authorities were quickly on the scene to forcibly remove him. A crowd of local people subsequently gathered to protest and call for the return of his body.

Chinese authorities responded with brutal force. At least one woman was shot, tear gas was fired at the crowd and there are reports that people were beaten with sticks which had nails.

We have been told that a girl was blinded in one eye after being beaten by the Chinese forces.

Internet blackout

There is still no internet access in Ngaba and Chinese forces are maintaining a sizeable presence on the streets.

There are reportedly fewer Tibetan people in the town, especially Tibetans from different counties.

**Update: 23 January 2012**

Chinese security forces fired tear gas at Tibetan protesters in Meruma Township, Ngaba County today.

Tibetans had gathered to protest on the occasion of Chinese New Year, having decided that they would not celebrate because of the current repression in Tibet.

Additional security forces have been deployed in the area and roads connecting Ngaba to the surrounding counties have been closed by the authorities.

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