Wave of self-immolations continues |
8 February 2012
Teenage former monk self-immolates
Rigzin Dorjee, a 19-year-old former Kirit monk disrobed in 2010, set himself on fire today at 6pm local time, according to local secondary sources. Described as a 'quiet young man who loved birds', his whereabouts and well-being are unknown.
**Update: Rigzin Dorjee died from his injuries on 21 February.**
An eyewitness has reported that two monks were detained at the site.
Tensions in Ngaba have been increasing over the last few days with reports that security personnel were outnumbering local people by three to one.
Chinese military presence
Another eye-witness reported that military units were patrolling the streets armed with “guns, wooden sticks, batons and metal sticks with nails”.
Up to 50 military vehicles were reported to be parked in front of Kirti monastery. Another source from a nearby village reported that local people had been warned that if they left their homes tonight they would be detained.
“Brave Tibetans are dying”
Another local called on “the United Nations and anyone else who can help, to please help solve our problems.
“Brave Tibetans are dying [self-immolating], others are detained and arrested, and others, like me, who are not brave enough to do something are scared and are suffering under Chinese Government repression.”
This latest self-immolation has taken place while Tibetan solidarity vigils are being held all over the world (above).
Image: Dharamsala vigil 8/2/12
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