“Freedom in Tibet.” “We want Human Rights.” “We want Religious Freedom.” “Return of the Dalai Lama in Tibet.” With folded hands in supplicatory gestures, these slogans were raised in recent protests against the Chinese government. A few also demanded independence.
Unfortunately, a series of self-immolation incidents that have occurred in Tibet this year. On 16 March, monk Phuntsog (age 21) of Kirti Monastery set himself on fire in Ngaba. On 15 August, monk Tsewang Norbu (age 29) from Tawu Nyatso Monastery set himself ablaze. On 26 September, monks Lobsang Kelsang (age 18) and Lobsang Kunchok (age 19) self-immolated. On 3 October, Kelsang Wangchuk (age 17) of Kirti Monastery set himself alight. On 7 October, Khaying (age 18) and Choepel (age 19), two former monks of Kirti Monastery, immolated themselves in protest against the Chinese government. On 15 October, Norbu Damdul (estimated age 19), a former monk of Kirti monastery, also set himself on fire. Most recently, on 17 October, nun Tenzin Wangmo (estimated age 20) self-immolated in protest against the Chinese government. Of these, the following five succumbed to their injuries: Phuntsog (on 16 March), Tsewang Norbu (on 15 August), Khaying (on 8 October), Choepel (on 11 October) and Tenzin Wangmo (on 17 October). The others are hospitalized and are in critical condition. On 27 February 2009, Tapey, also belonging to Kirti monastery, became the first Tibetan monk to self-immolate. He was shot in the leg during the protest and Chinese police took him to a hospital. Since then, no one has heard of his whereabouts or medical condition.