Tibet

SELF-IMMOLATION PROTESTS

Since March 2009, more than 150 people are known to have set themselves on fire inside Tibet to protest against the repressive Chinese occupation. Self-immolation protests peaked in 2012 when more than 80 took place. There have been far fewer since 2013 but they are still a feature of Tibetan resistance. The youngest was just 15 years old.

Yonten carried out his protest in Ngaba County

 26th November 2019:  Yonten, 24, set himself on fire in Meruma Township on the afternoon of Tuesday, 26 November. He died of his injuries on the same day.

Meruma is a nomadic township. Yonten was previously a monk in nearby Kirti Monastery but later disrobed and settled as a nomad. The township has been the scene of numerous self-immolation protests over the past decade, most recently in March 2018, when Tsekho Tugchak died after setting himself on fire. Prior to that, on 23 December 2017, Kunbey, a 30-year-old monk living in Meruma Township, set himself on fire outside Kirti Monastery. Kunbey died of his injuries the following day.

One of the self-immolation protesters (left). Security forces deployed along Hero street in response to protests in September 2015 (right).

14th December 2018 Gendun Gyatso and Choekyi Gyatso, who are both believed to be around the age of sixteen, set themselves on fire in protest against Chinese oppression in Tibet.

Both self-immolations took place on the road Tibetans call Hero Street in Ngaba County, eastern Tibet, on 9 December.

They have been taken to two different hospitals in Barkham County and Kakhog County. It has been reported that one of the teenagers has died.

Although many monks and nuns have set themselves alight, most self-immolation protesters have not been from religious institutions. They include teachers, students and herdsmen, as well as mothers and fathers.

8th November 2018: A young Tibetan has died after carrying out a self-immolation protest in eastern Tibet Dhopo, aged 23, set himself on fire in Ngaba, eastern Tibet, on Sunday 4 November.While he was burning, Dhopo shouted slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s long life and for his return to Tibet from exile. According to eyewitnesses, his words were: “May the Dalai Lama live long! May we soon behold his golden countenance!”

Dhopo was from the village of Jakorma in the Choejema area of Ngaba County. Of the more than 150 confirmed self-immolations that have taken place in Tibet since 2009, 41 have taken place in Ngaba.

7th March 2018: Tsekho died after setting himself alight in Ngaba County in eastern Tibet

A Tibetan man named Tsekho has died after carrying out a self-immolation protest in Meruma Township in Ngaba County, eastern Tibet.

A local source described Tsekho, who was in his forties, as a strong, optimistic character with great interest in the Tibetan cause.

He set himself ablaze around 5pm (China Standard Time) today in protest against Chinese rule over Tibet.

An image of his body, following the self-immolation, has been circulating on social media and can be seen at the bottom of this article. Warning: The image is extremely graphic and may upset some readers.

Tsekho’s protest occurred in the run up to the anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, one of the most significant dates of the year for Tibetans. This is the first reported self-immolation protest of 2018. The last case which occurred in December 2017 involved a man called Kunbey who also lived in Meruma Township. At the time a video of Kunbey setting himself alight near Kirti monastery circulated around social media. Security and armed police quickly arrived at the scene and took away the body.

While Tsekho’s death has been confirmed, currently the whereabouts of his body is unknown. He is survived by his elderly father, his wife and two daughters.

25th December 2017: Kunbey is one of at least six Tibetans to have set himself on fire in Tibet in 2017

A young, former monk carried out a self-immolation protest in eastern Tibet on the evening of Saturday 23 December. Kunbey, who was around 30 years old, had previously been a monk at Kirti monastery and set himself on fire near the main gate of Kirti Monastery around 6pm local time.

Kunbey was originally from Chah village in Ngaba County and enrolled at the nearby Kirti Monastery at a young age. He later left the monastery and around a year ago had moved to Meruma village (also in Ngaba County) with the intention of getting married. One of his brothers remains a monk at Kirti Monastery.

A short video, which has been circulating on social media, shows the burning body filmed from a distance, while a women’s voice in the background can be heard chanting: “Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso, khekyi thukjey sikgoe” (Your Holiness the Dalai Lama, kindly take care of him).

Security and armed police quickly arrived at the scene and took away the body. They even cleaned the site where the self-immolation had taken place in order to erase any trace of the protest.

Kunbey was taken to a hospital in Barkham, a neighbouring county, but he succumbed to his injuries early the next morning, Sunday 24 December. He was immediately cremated and the ashes were given to his family. However, his father, Gya Kyab, was detained as the authorities claimed that the family owed tens of thousands of yuan for Kunbey’s medical expenses.

All the shops and restaurants in Ngaba county have been closed during 24 and 25 December as a mark of solidarity with Kunbey and his family.

Kunbey is the sixth Tibetan recorded as having carried out a self-immolation protest in Tibet this year.

19 December 2017, Wangchuk Tsetan: According to the latest information available, the man has been named as Wangchuck Tseten. He had not been a monk but was a layperson. It is known that he died from his injuries.

A monk has carried out of self-immolation protest in Kardze County, eastern Tibet. The monk, whose name is unknown at present, set himself on fire on a busy street on Saturday 15 April.

Shortly after setting himself on fire, Chinese police and security forces arrived at the scene, extinguished the flames and took him away. The internet in the surrounding area has been heavily restricted and surveillance stepped up.

A video, taken secretly and acquired by Free Tibet, shows police extinguishing the fire on the body.

The current whereabouts of the monk, and whether or not he survived his protest, are not known at present. A local who witnessed the protest said:

“I was near by the scene. I saw the self-immolator was badly burned. He was unrecognisable.”

20th May 2017: Jamyang Losel is the fourth Tibetan to have carried out a self-immolation protest this year

A Tibetan monk has died following a self-immolation protest in eastern Tibet. Jamyang Losel set himself on fire yesterday, 19 May, on a street in Chentsa County in Malho.

Jamyang Losel carried out his protest early in the morning (local time), the same day that a big music concert was due to place in Chentsa County. Police and armed forces arrived at the scene immediately and took him away.

He was taken to a hospital in Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai Province, 127 kilometres away, where he died of his injuries. His body has not yet been returned to his family.

Jamyang Losel was in his twenties and was a practicing monk residing at Gyerteng Monastery in Chentsa County.

10th May 2017: 16-year-old Chakdor Kyab is one of the youngest Tibetans to have carried out a self-immolation protest

Free Tibet has confirmed that a 16-year-old Tibetan student set himself on fire last week in eastern Tibet.

Chakdor Kyab carried out his self-immolation protest on 2 May in the campus of Bora Monastery, which is located in Tibet’s Sangchu County. Witnesses say that he shouted slogans as the flames took hold, with one of the witnesses stating that Chakdor Kyab called for freedom in Tibet and for the return of the Dalai Lama.

After setting himself on fire, Chakdor Kyab began to walk in the direction of the local government office of Bora Township, which is located near to Bora Monastery. He fell down and moments later Chinese police and security personnel arrived at the scene to take him away.

Chakdor Kyab’s current whereabouts and situation are not known due to the tight restrictions on communication into and out of Tibet. Despite early reports of this self-immolation last week, most residents of Bora Township were unaware that any protest had taken place and some details of this story have only been confirmed today.

19th March 2017: Pema Gyaltsen, also known as Pegyal, set himself on fire at around 4pm local time near Tsokha monastery in Kardze, Kardze.

Following Pema Gyaltsen’s self-immolation, large numbers of Chinese police and security personnel arrived at Tsokha Monastery and took him away. The internet in Kardze has also been cut.

Pema Gyaltsen’s present whereabouts and condition, including whether or not he survived, are currently unknown.

9th Decemberr 2016: Photo evidence show the protester carrying out his protest on a busy street

The man has been confirmed as Tashi Rabten, known to his friends and family as Tarab. A former monk from Teushel village in Machu County, Kanlho, eastern Tibet.

A Tibetan has carried out a self-immolation protest at around 5pm (local time) today in Machu County, Kanlho, eastern Tibet.

He walked he shouted slogans calling for the freedom of Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. The man eventually collapses to the pavement where a crowd gathers around the body to say prayers for him. Security personnel later removed the body.

Sonam Tso, Age 53

March 23 2016: Sonam Tso  age of 50’s mother of five children from Dotsa village in Zoege County has reportedly self-immolated herself and died on March 23 in Ngaba Tibetan to protest Chinese rule in Tibet. Due to severe clampdown on communication with the outside world, the new of Sonam Tso’s protest arrived in the free world a bit late. Sonam Tso, had reportedly set herself on fire near Dzoege’s Sera Monastery, sources say, confirming that the restriction on communication has led to the news arriving late.

“A young monk heard her call out for the return of the Dalai Lama and for freedom for Tibet as she burned,” an RFA source said on condition of anonymity.

The source also added Tso’s husband and the monk tired to put out the fire. Tsultrim, Tso’s monk uncle brought her inside the monastery. She was later put into a vehicle to be taken to a hospital, but she died before leaving the monastery.

The local Police detained Tsultrim for eight days for discussing the incident with other people. He was also forced to delete the photos he had taken of Tso’s protest.

March 2, 2016: Kalsang Wangdu, a 18-year old monk from the Retsokha Aryaling monastery, reportedly self-immolated at around 4:00 p.m. on February 29, near his monastery in Nyakrong County of Kham Province, eastern Tibet (Ch: Nyagrong in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The self-immolation could not be immediately confirmed and China’s state-controlled media is silent on the latest self-immolation protest as they did in the past. Details such as his age also could not be confirmed. Wangdu called out for Tibet’s independence, while protesting against China’s occupation of Tibet,” the source said, adding that locals witnesses tried to save him by extinguishing the flames but he died on the way to a hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan province. “However, he died on the way before reaching Chengdu,” he said, adding, “His father’s name is Sotra, and his mother’s name is Ugyen Dolma.”

Aug 27, 2015: Tashi Kyi, a woman in her mid 50s, has died after setting herself on fire in northwest China’s Gansu province, apparently protesting against the demolition of her home and her village by the Chinese authorities. Nearby people tried to save her but she died and her body was taken away by the authorities, despite appeals to let the family perform the last rites. Police and government officials had raided a house, apparently hers, and then started demolishing it and other houses with bulldozers, they also arrested and beat the owner. People were unable to stop them despite physically hanging onto the demolition equipment. Officials said the houses were being demolished because they did not have valid permits. Kyi was a resident of Ngulra village, Sangkok town in Sangchu county in the Kanlho prefecture.

Jul 9, 2015: Sonam Topgyal, 26, a monk, became the 142nd person to self-immolate in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. He self-immolated on July 9 at around 4pm in Gesar Square in the Tibetan town of Kyegudo in Qinghai. Photographs showing him on the ground engulfed in flames immediately circulated on social media. The photos also show security personnel forming a cordon around the area and there are anecdotal reports of armed police. He was a monk from Nangchen County who studied at Dzongsar Monastery in Derge County. Further information about Sonam, his condition and whereabouts, has been difficult to obtain due to the shutdown of telephone and internet services in the region, although it is understood that he was taken to hospital. Sonam’s family home was surrounded by police and local people described “intense fear” in the area. A week after his protest it was confirmed that Sonam died a as result of his injuries. He left a statement in his will, dated July 1, addressed to the political heads of minority nationalities, in which he spoke about the Chinese government’s repressive policies and the plight of Tibetans in Tibet under Chinese rule. He vehemently urged his fellow Tibetans to be united to resolve the issue of Tibet, saying “The Chinese government…tries to demolish the very existence of minority communities. Political repression, cultural assimilation, economically marginalisation, social discrimination and environmental destruction in Tibet are the key issues in Tibet…we do not have freedom of speech and there is no one to express our problems”.

May 27, 2015: Sangye Tso, a 36-year old Tibetan woman from Amdo Choney county, Kanlho prefecture in Tibet has died after a self-immolation protest. According to initial reports, Sangye Tso set herself on fire at around 4am local time at the entrance of a Chinese government office where authorities of the Public Security Bureau and People’s Armed Police are stationed. After the protest, local authorities took the body away and interrogated Sangye Tso’s family members while restricting their movements. Sangye Tso is survived by her husband Tamdin Wangyal and their two children; Tsering Dhondup and Khatso.

May 20, 2015: Tenzin Gyatso, 35, from Khangsar township in Tawu County, eastern Tibet, has set himself ablaze, becoming the 140th Tibetan to self-immolate in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. Gyatso self-immolated outside the venue of a government officials’ meeting; he was protesting against weeks of harrassment and police intimidation in Tawu County where Tibetans have been planning to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Gyatso is married to Sonam Dolma, they have four children. The authorities informed his relatives that he had died and told them to come for his remains.

Apr 16, 2015: Ney Kyab, a 45-year oldTibetan man, burned himself to death in the courtyard of his home in Soruma village in Choejema town in Ngaba in protest against Beijing’s rule in Tibetan areas. Kyab had set out offerings on an altar nearby with photos of the Dalai Lama and the 10th Panchen Lama, and he had also sent a photo of himself holding a flower to a friend a few days before his protest. His body was taken away by police. Kyab, whose wife died last year, is survived by seven children. One of his brothers-in-law, Dargye, was one of two men who self-immolated in Lhasa in May 2012. Ngaba county was once part of the Tibetan province of Amdo, but is located today in the Chinese province of Sichuan. It is the epicenter of the Tibetan self-immolation protests which started there in 2009.

Apr 8, 2015: Yeshi Khando, aka Yeyang, 47, a Tibetan nun in her mid forties from the Kardze Ngangang Jhomo Nunnery in Tibet, has died after setting herself on fire in protest against the Chinese government. Yeshi Khando staged the protest in the Kardze County market, near to the County police station, at around nine in the morning. She called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, long life for His Holiness and freedom for Tibet. Police arrived immediately and took her away. Although, she was said to be burned severely, it was not known whether she succumbed to her injuries. The next day, Yeshi’s family was summoned by police to inform them that she had died but police refused to hand over the body to the family. Yeshi Khando was from the Tehor Draksur household in Drango County.

Mar 6, 2015: Norchuk, 47, a mother of three from Trotusk village in Ngaba burned herself to death in a protest against Chinese policies in her homeland. She was a constituent of Dephu monastery and had recently taken a vow to become a lifelong vegetarian at a mass gathering of nomads from different villages who committed themselves to virtuous behavior. Norchuk’s body was cremated immediately by local government officials. She is the 137th known case of self-immolation by Tibetans since 2008 and the fifth Tibetan woman to self-immolate in Ngaba County. Her death came amid heightened security in the area around the Lunar New Year and Tibetan Uprising day on March 10.

Dec 24. 2014: Kalsang Yeshe, 38, a well respected Tibetan monk, set himself on fire at 11.20 am local time outside the Tawu Nyitso monastery in Kardze in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture’s Tawu county. Tibetans nearby rushed to prevent him being taken away but police dispersed the crowd by firing warning shots and took Yeshe for medical treatment at Dartsedo hospital, but he died on the way. Later, Yeshe’s family tried to retrieve his body from authorities to bury him according to traditional Tibetan rites, but they were told that the monk had been cremated and his ashes discarded in a river in Dartsedo, although it has been since reported that the ashes have been returned the family. A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said “He self-immolated in protest against Chinese policies in Tibet and called for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.” Yeshe, a resident of Thewa village in Tawu county’s Kunor township, had studied at the Ganden Jangtse monastery in South India before returning to Tibet where he began a campaign against illiteracy among the elderly and taught Buddhism and the Tibetan language. At the time of his self-immolation, Yeshe was holding a Tibetan flag, and it was later discovered that he had placed a ceremonial scarf underneath the image of the Dalai Lama in his room with a caption reading “The six million Tibetans are waiting for you.”

Dec 22, 2014: Tsepay, 20, has died after setting herself on fire in Meruma, Ngaba region. According to Tibet Times, police reached at the site within minutes and took the body to an undisclosed location. A local source has said that a duty officer at a local police station denied knowledge of the incident before hanging up the phone. Tsepay lived with her parents, Chudo Rinchen and Chenpa in village number four in Meruma. Her family are nomads and she had six siblings. Her parents and one brother, Yime, were taken away for questioning shortly after her protest, but it is not known if they will be detained. A Tibetan monk living in India said Tsepay was known for her “good character and personal integrity”.

Dec 16, 2014: Sangyal Khar, 34,has died after carrying out a self-immolation protest in front of a police station in Amchok Town in the Gansu Province in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Chinese police arrived at the scene and forcibly removed him. Sangyal Khar was from Khyungri Thang Village and is survived by his two daughters, his parents are Ranglo, and Yudron. RFA has reported being told by a source speaking on condition of anonymity that Khar died “in protest against Chinese policies in Tibetan areas” and added, “We could not confirm that he died at the scene, but I heard that the Chinese took his body to Labrang [monastery], where it was cremated” . The situation remains tense with restrictions on local people’s movement and communication lines.

Sep 17, 2014: Lhamo Tashi, 22, set fire to himself outside a security office in Tsoe city at midnight. Tashi’s parents Chopa Tsering and Dhukar Tso, who live in Drukdo village, Amchok township, were informed of their son’s self-immolation by the security police who told them that he had died. They travelled to Tsoe to request their son’s body but were told that Tashi had been cremated already and were given some ash which they were told were Tashi’s. Lhamo Tashi, a student, is the 132nd Tibetan to self-immolate inside Tibet since 2009. It is not yet known whether he left behind a statement, or spoke at the scene of his immolation. Tashi took part in the 2008 protests and was detained at the time, then subsequently released. A relative has described him as “a student dedicated to preserving his Tibetan heritage”.

Sep 16, 2014: Kunchok, 42,burned himself in front of a police station in protest against Chinese rule. The incident took place in Gade county, Tsang Khor town in the Golog region of Tibet. Tibetans nearby managed to douse the flames and rushed Kunchok to a hospital in Xining, reports Radio Free Asia (RFA). Information about Kunchok’s self-immolation is surfacing only now due to communication clampdowns after his protest. “He is now in great pain. While he’s being treated [secretly], he often breaks down in tears over his failure to die in the self-immolation. He regrets not accomplishing what he planned to do” a source has told RFA. Kunchok’s chances of survival are said to be “slim”. Family members fear that Kunchok could be taken away by the authorities if he survives,and if he does not, they fear his body would not be returned to them.. Kunchok has a son and a daughter who are monk and nun in a local monastery.

Apr 15, 2014: Thinley Namgyal, 32, set himself on fire at around 12 noon (local time) in Tawu County in the Kardze region, in the traditional TIbetan province of Kham. Thinley died on the spot and his body was taken to Gangthel monastery for prayers and later handed over to his family. Thinley lived with his father Dulho and mother Pelha in Khangsar township, Tawu County. He self-immolated in protest against China’s occupation of Tibet. No further details are available at present. A candle light vigil took place in Dharamshala to to express solidarity with his protest and mourn his death.

Mar 29, 2014: (Updated) Dolma, 31, self-immolated near the Ba Choede Monastery in Bathang County, Kardze, in the traditional Tibetan province of Kham at around 3pm (local time). Speaking to the Tibet Times, Member of the Tibetan Parliament Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen said, “Local Tibetans saw the self-immolation while on their routine circumambulation, they doused the flames and took her to a nearby hospital.” Chinese government officials and police sealed the hospital and then stepped up security in and around the county, blocking all communication lines including micromessaging apps, and monitoring people’s movements. According to sources, Dolma’s condition is not known at present due to the heightened security and disrupted communication lines. Radio Free Asia reported that police have barred family and friends from visiting her at the local hospital. Following Dolma’s protest, Chinese police have arrested around half a dozen nuns from Ritoe Kagor Monastery near Ba Choede, who had been resident with Dolma. Their present location is unknown.

Mar 16, 2014: Jigme Tenzin, 29, a monk from Sonag monastery in Jhador township set himself on fire outside his monastery around 7.30 AM (local time). Fellow monks managed to carry his charred body inside the monastery and he died later the same day. Several monks from the Sonag monastery, which is in Tsekhog County, Malho Prefecture, were interrogated at the local police station. Most of them returned to the monastery later, except four monks who continue to be held. Jigme was not identified until several days later as the authorities in Tsekhog cut down all communication lines following the self-immolation, including all micro-messaging apps to ensure that the news and any pictures were not sent out. The initial report came via the Associated Press who quoted China’s official Xinhua news agency as reporting that the immolation had taken place and that police were rushing to the site but gave no further details. Jigme studied at the Rebkong Rongwo monastery for ten years before returning to his native of Tsekhog.

16 March 2014: (Updated) Lobsang Palden, a Tibetan monk, from Kirti Monastery set himself on fire in Ngaba County, Tibet at around 11:30 am (local time). Chinese police immediately arrived at the site and bundled him away in a vehicle. Lobsang Palden, also known as Khechok Palden, had reportedly left a text message in his phone in which he prayed for his parents, family members, teachers and relatives, according to Phayul. He also called for unity among Tibetans. “We should maintain cordial relations with others, particularly with Chinese because if we are united and have love for each other, no matter what our thoughts are, it will enable us to communicate with each other better,” Phayul reported. Local Tibetans shut down their shops and restaurants to express solidarity with the monk’s family members. With massive influx of armed security forces after the self-immolation protest, the situation in the region remains tense. Lobsang Palden is son of Namkho and Sherab of the “Ashertsang” in Ngaba Meruma village. Lobsang died on Friday 21 March.

Feb 13, 2014: Lobsang Dorje, 25, a layman from Upper Ngaba Gyabam Tukra village, set himself on fire at around 6:30pm (local time) near Kirti Monastery in Ngaba County, Tibet, and has since succumbed to his injuries. Chinese police, who were stationed nearby to keep a twenty-four hour watch on local Tibetans, extinguished the fire, and took him away him in a small vehicle. Lobsang Dorje raised his head and clasped his hands together in a pleading manner but police pushed him down and covered him with a black cloth, an eyewitness said. Lobsang Dorje was taken to a hospital in Barkham County where he died. His family, despite appeals to the authorities, were denied the right to perform last rites and his body was secretly cremated and his remains handed over to his family. Lobsang Dorje is a former monk from the Ngaba Kirti Monastery. He is the son of Tsepak (father) and Nahmey Kyi (mother). Sources also said that extra police forces have been deployed in the area which has constantly remained a target for crackdown by the Chinese authorities.

Feb 5, 2014: Phakmo Samdup, 27, set himself on fire in Dokarmo township, Tsekhog County, Malho in the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at around 9:30pm (local time). Chinese police arrived at the site and took him to hospital where he died a day later. The authorities later cremated his body without informing Phagmo’s family and then forced the family to throw his remains in Machu River, a Tibetan source said, adding that they even confiscated a golden ring belonging to the deceased. Chinese authorities deployed massive security forces immediately after the self-immolation protest. The situation in Tsekhog, and that of nearby areas including Rebkong County, remains tense. All communication lines were disconnected after the self-immolation. Phagmo Samdrup, a tantric practitioner, was father of two children. Prior to his self-immolation there were reports of heightened security and clampdowns in various Tibetan areas ahead of Losar, the upcoming Tibetan new year.

Dec 19, 2013: Tsultrim Gyaltso, a Tibetan monk from Amdo Achok village in Sangchu County, Kanlho Prefecture, Gansu Province set himself on fire at around 2:30pm (local time) in protest against Chinese rule. He died on the spot, said reports from Tibet. Local Tibetans took the body to his monastery where around 400 monks held a prayer session for the deceased. Tsultrim left behind a hand-written note in which he says that the reasons for his self-immolation protest are to call for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, release of the Panchen Lama and for the welfare of all Tibetans. Tsultrim Gyaltso, in his early 40’s, is described as a Tibetan who was passionate and concerned about the Tibetan culture and religion. He was the son of Lhamo Kyi. Tsultrim becomes the 125th Tibetan to self-immolate since 2009. The Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy has translated the last note left behind by Tsultrim Gyatso.

Dec 3, 2013: Kunchok Tseten, 30, has set himself ablaze in Tibet’s Meruma town in Ngaba County. Before collapsing, Tseten shouted slogans demanding the return of exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, and for the union of Tibetans inside Tibet and exiles, “Long live Gyalwa Tenzin Gyatso, let’s unite our brothers here and those in exile”. Chinese police on routine patrol immediately surrounded him and, after a few clashes with local Tibetan bystanders, took him away. Some bystanders, Tseten’s wife, and a few of his relatives were arrested. All businesses in the town were shut. His brother has reported that Tseten said this summer “I can’t tolerate the atrocities committed by the Chinese government on us Tibetans, and with all the self-immolation by Tibetan brothers and sisters thus far I would one day sacrifice myself by burning myself”. Tseten lived with his wife Namnang, 28, and two children, Chakdor Kyab, 4, and Paltsel Kyab, 3. UPDATE, 5 DECEMBER: The authorities claim that Tseten died shortly after his protest and that they cremated his body; they have handed over an urn reportedly containing his ashes.

Nov 11, 2013: Tsering Gyal, a 20 year old Tibetan monk from the Akyong Monastery, set himself ablaze at around 6 pm (local time) in Tibet’s Pema County in Qinghai Province, Golog prefecture. Local sources said that Tsering set himself on fire in protest against the Chinese government and its hardline policies. Chinese police on street patrol doused the fire and rushed Tsering to the local hospital where he was kept under strict police surveillance. Tsering Gyal succumbed to his burn injuries later at around 10 pm (local time) as he was being moved to a bigger hospital in Xiling city. According to sources, Tsering Gyal was accompanied by a relative and a monk from his monastery. In a note left by Tsering, he said, “Today, I burned myself for the re-union of Tibetans. My only hope is the unity among Tibetans and the preservation of the Tibetan language and tradition. If we do that, all the Tibetans will be re-united.” At midnight, Tsering’s body was taken to Akyong Monastery where over 200 monks from Akyong, Peyag and Gomang monatery performed the last rituals for the deceased. Local Tibetans visited Tsering Gyal’s home to show solidarity and pay their respects. A large number of armed forces have been deployed in Pema County and are monitoring people’s movement. Tsering Gyal, son of Sherphun and Rindon, was the youngest of eight children.

Sep 28, 2014: Shichung, 41, a farmer and tailor, has died after setting himself on fire at around 4.30 pm (local time) in Gomang Thawa township in Ngaba County. A Tibetan monk from South India told the Tibet Times that the authorities confiscated the body and drove with it towards Ngaba county. Shichung had returned home after attending the Man-sTon religious festival, he lit a butter lamp in front of a portrait of the Dalai Lama before setting himself on fire. He had reportedly told a friend “These Chinese will not let us live, I think I should burn myself in front of them.”

Aug 6, 2013: Karma Nyedon Gyatso, a Tibetan monk, died minutes after setting himself ablaze near Boudhanath stupa in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu at around 7:30 am local time. Karma Nyedon Gyatso, 38 years old, was from Damshung County, near Lhasa in Tibet. Karma had arrived at the Kathmandu Tibetan Reception Centre on January 30, 2012. An eye witness said the monk was sitting crosslegged when she saw his lap on fire and then he poured fluid over his head and went up in flames. He did not cry out or scream at all. Passersby doused the fire. Police removed the body which was wrapped in a red cloth. He was declared dead on arrival at Tribhuvan University Teaching hospital in Kathmandu. A source said that Karma had lit over hundred butter lamps before he burnt himself. This is the second self immolation by a Tibetan this year in Nepal which has clamped down on the cultural and political expression of its Tibetan community because of China’s influence.

Jul 20, 2013: Kunchok Sonam, 18, a monk from the Zoege Monastery in the Aba prefecture, in Sichuan province in eastern Tibet, set himself on fire at around 8:40 am (local time). He shouted slogans “crying for Tibetan freedom”, a local resident said. According to the Tibet Times, he carried out his protest soon after morning prayers at the monastery, and passed away at the site of his protest. Local Tibetans succeeded in rescuing his body from Chinese security personnel who arrived at the scene and tried to bundle the body away. Free Tibet has reported that restrictions on communication in the area “have been intensified”. Konchok Sonam is the son of Sonam Palden and Lentrug.

Jun 11 2013: Wangchen Dolma, 31, a Tibetan nun, set herself ablaze at around 5 pm near the Nyatso Monastery in the Tawu region of Kham, eastern Tibet, in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Wangchen Dolma was taken to a hospital in Dartsedo after Chinese security personnel arrested her at the protest site. Wangchen Dolma succumbed to injuries on June 14 at around 8 pm at the hospital in Dartsedo. The authorities secretly cremated the body at the hospital, denying the family to perform last rites and rituals for the deceased. It has also been reported that an unidentified Tibetan man, who tried to rescue Wangchen Dolma, was severely beaten and arrested by Chinese security personnel. His whereabouts is still unknown. Sources have indicated that all internet lines in the Tawu region have been shut down by regional Chinese authorities, limiting communications, and strict restrictions have been placed on the movement of local Tibetans and monks immediately after the incidents. Sources also said that family members of the deceased are under house arrest. Wangchen Dolma was the daughter of Tenzin and Youdon of Gyalbum Tsang (family) in Dragthok village in Minyag Drapa region of Tawu County, Tibet.

27th May 2013: Tenzin Sherab, 31 has set himself on fire in the Adril region of eastern Tibet protesting China’s occupation and hard-line policies in Tibet. He succumbed to his injuries at the site. A monk living in south India reported “Soon after the protest, Chinese security personnel from Chumar arrived at the site and confiscated Tenzin Sherab’s body, however, the next day his body was handed over to his family members”. Tenzin Sherab had told his friends “We can no longer bear to live under China’s constant torture and repression”. In the days preceding his self-immolation protest, Tenzin Sherab had spoken to his friends about the evil policies of the Chinese government and expressed his concern about Tibetan religion and culture reaching a point of annihilation. Tenzin Sherab is the son of Dhondup and Choemey and was the eldest among five siblings.

24th April 2013: Lobsang Dawa, 20 and Kunchok Woeser, 22, two young Tibetan monks of the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery in Zoege, eastern Tibet set themselves on fire protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Kirti Monastry has issued a release: Both of them passed away at the site of the protest. Local Chinese authorities issued orders for their cremation. Lobsang Dawa is a native of Zaru region of Zoege and the youngest of seven siblings, Kunchok Woeser is a native of Zoege and is survived by his parents Tsering Norbu and Samdup Dolma and his two brothers. “The two monks were enrolled at the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery at a young age and were known for their exemplary conduct and studies”.

16 April 2013: Jugtso, 20, set herself alight outside a monastery in Ngaba, eastern Tibet around 3pm local time. She died at the scene and her body was taken into the monastery where religious ceremonies were conducted. Local authorities have ordered her family to cremate the body tonight, in contravention of Tibetan tradition. Hundreds of members of the local community gathered near the family home in preparation for the cremation. Jugtso was married with a three-year-old child.

6 April 2013: An unidentified Tibetan womanset herself on fire in Kyegudo (Chinese: Qinghai) Province last week to protest against the demolition of her home. Sources said the protest occurred when a Chinese wrecking crew arrived to destroy her house. Her condition is said to be “not life-threatening”.

26 March 2013: Kunchok Tenzin, 28, set himself on fire in an apparent protest against China’s continuing occupation of Tibet. He was monk from Mogri Monastery in Luchu in Eastern Tibet and set himself ablaze at a road intersection near his monastery at 7pm. He died in his fiery protest. Local Tibetans took his body inside the monastery premises and cremated it on the same night to prevent the body from falling into Chinese hands.

25 March 2015: Lhamo Kyab, 43, set himself ablaze at Lushoe village in Tsoe region, Eastern Tibet, in an apparent protest against China’s continuing occupation of Tibet. The self-immolation took place around 10 pm at the forest where he worked. A local source reported: “Early morning, he doused himself in kerosene and jumped into a fire which he started with timber wood”. Following his self-immolation protest, a large number of armed security personnel arrived at the location and the situation in the region is described as tense “under strict surveillance”.

24 March 2013: Kal Kyi, 30, set herself ablaze near Jonang monastery in Zamthang in Eastern Tibet at 3:30 pm in an apparent protest against China’s continuing occupation of Tibet. She died from injuries. Kyi is survived by her husband, Gyepo, and their four children. Local Tibetans carried her charred body inside the monastery premises to prevent it from falling into the hands of Chinese security personnel.

16 March 2013: Lobsang Thokmey, 28, a monk at the Kirti Monastry in the Ngaba region of eastern Tibet set himself on fire to mark five years since 28 Tibetans were shot dead by Chinese security forces during a peaceful protest in 2008, triggering the continuing wave of self-immolations. According to the Dharamshala based Kirti Monastery, Lobsang Thokmey doused his body with kerosene in front of his monastic quarters in the west of the Kirti Monastery and started running towards the east. “Lobsang Thokmey was in flames as he began running with the Buddhist flag in his hands,” the Kirti Monastery said in a release. “Before he could reach the main gate, he fell on the ground.” Monks and people gathered at the scene of the protest carried Lobsang Thokmey to the local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Chinese security personnel took away his body. He is survived by his parents Rogtrug and Depo, a sister and three brothers.

13 March 2013: Kunchok Wangmo, in her 30s, set herself on fire protesting China’s rule at around midnight in the Dzoege region of Ngaba on the eve of Xi Jinping’s formal selection as the new President of China. Chinese authorities took possession of her body and carried out the cremation without informing her family members, later handing over the remains. Her husband Dolma Kyab, has been arrested after refusing to comply with orders to declare internal family feuds as the reason for her self-immolation. His present condition and whereabouts are unknown.

25 Feb. 2013: Tsezung Kyab, 27,torched himself in front of the main prayer hall of the Shitsang Monastery in Luchu region of eastern Tibet at around 1:30 pm (local time). He passed away at his protest site, the same place where his first cousin Pema Dorjee, 23, passed away in his self-immolation protest on December 8, 2012. In a photo sent to Phayul several people can be seen surrounding the deceased’s body despite strict government orders against public displays of solidarity with the self-immolators.

25 Feb. 2013: Sangdag, a monk of the Dhiphu Monastery set himself on fire in the Ngaba region of eastern Tibet at around 10am local time, in protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene, doused the flames and took him to hospital, and later bundled him away. His current condition and whereabouts are not available.

24 Feb. 2013: Phagmo Dhondup,in his 20s, set himself on fire in the ancient Jhakhyung Monastery in Palung region of Tshoshar, eastern Tibet at around 8pm local time. The monks at the Monastery rushed him to a nearby hospital and later held a prayer service for him. Local Chinese authorities immediately stepped up security and dispatched a large contingent of security personnel to the Monastery. Phagmo Dhondup is a native of Tsaphuk town of Palung region. He is survived by father Shawo and a sibling. He died on April 18 after undergoing treatment in hospital.

19 Feb. 2013: Sonam Dhargey, 18, and Rinchen, 17, set themselves on fire in the Kyangtsa region of Zoege, eastern Tibet protesting China’s continued occupation and repressive policies in Tibet. Both boys succumbed to their burns. According to a release from Kirti Monastry, the families were in possession of their bodies and hoping to carry out their final rites without any interference from the Chinese authorities. Sonam Dhargey’s parents are Tsering Dhondup and Takho, and Rinchen’s parents are Dhondup Tsering and late Aadon. Both Rinchen and Sonam Dhargye attended the local primary school in Kyangtsa. Rinchen worked at Qinghai, but at the time of self-immolation was on his Losar holiday, visiting his family in Kyangtsa.

17 Feb. 2013: Namlha Tsering,49, set himself on fire in the in Sangchu region of Labrang in eastern Tibet protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet. His current condition is not known although sources say chances of his survival are minimal. Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene of the protest, doused the flames and bundled him away. In a photo, a number of armed forces could also be seen parading on the street soon after the protest.

13 Feb. 2013: Drupchen Tsering (Druptse), 25, and a Tibetan monk, originally a native of Gyalchung village in Nupsur town of Serta, eastern Tibet set himself on fire near the holy stupa of Boudhanath in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. Druptse recently escaped from Tibet where he had been in prison. He is survived by his mother Tselha and father Sangnag Tenzin, who is a reincarnated lama. The Nepalese authorities did not release his body and have increased restrictions in Tibetan areas. They eventually cremated the body on March 25.

13 Feb. 2013: Lobsang Namgyal, 37,a Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery has become the 100th known Tibetan to self-immolate in Tibet since 2009. He set himself on fire on Feb 3 near the local police station in Zoege in the Ngaba region of eastern Tibet, protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet. Following the security clampdown, news only reached the exile community on Feb 13. He passed away at the scene of his protest. Lobsang Namgyal’s identity was confirmed after Chinese police found his identity card and a letter from inside a bag near the protest site. The contents of the letter are not yet known. Chinese security personnel bundled away his body from the site and carried out his cremation without informing his family members, only his ashes were handed over.

13 Feb. 2013: Drugpa Khar, 26, a Tibetan father of three set himself on fire in Amchok town in Sangchu region of Kanlho, in eastern Tibet on February 13, a day observed by Tibetans as the centenary celebrations of His Holiness the 13th Dalai Lama’s Proclamation of Tibetan Independence. He reportedly succumbed to his injuries. Drugpa Khar is survived by his parents Tamding Tsering and Tamding Tso. His youngest child is one year old and the eldest is aged six.

22 Jan. 2013: Kunchok Kyab, 23, set himself on fire in the Bora region of Labrang, eastern Tibet in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet. He self-immolated near the Bora Monastery at around 12 pm. He passed away in his fiery protest and the Chinese authorities whisked away his body to an undisclosed location. He is survived by his wife and an infant son.

19 Jan. 2013: Jigjey Kyab, 17, was found dead on 19 Jan, with his body doused with kerosene and lighters in his hand in the a busy street in the Shigtsang Pungkor region of Luchu, eastern Tibet. He apparently died before he could set himself on fire, having consumed poison prior to his self-immolation protest to ensure that he didn’t fall into the hands of the Chinese authorities alive. In a last note left by his bedside, which was later found by his family members, Jigjey Kyab has called on Tibetans to rise up. “I pray that my aspirations will be fulfilled. If you are your mother’s son – rise up. Sons of the Land of Snows – rise up. Singers of the Snow Land – rise up. May His Holiness the Dalai Lama live for thousands of aeons. My respect to the white snow lion (symbol of Tibet). My prayers for happiness in Tibet.”Jigjey Kyab’s letter He further made an emotion appeal to his parents in his handwritten note written in Tibetan, dated January 19, the day of his self-immolation attempt: “Father and mother, it is my hope that you will take care of yourselves. You are the most loving people in this world. I will repay your kindness in my next life.” Jigjey Kyab was cremated three days later on January 22, after perceived pressure and warnings from the Chinese authorities. He is survived by his father Dhugkar Kyab, mother Dekyi Tso and sister Choekyong Tso who remember him as “an obedient and well-mannered boy, who was patriotic and felt strongly for the Tibetan self-immolators.”

18 Jan. 2013: Tsering Phuntsok (Dupchok), 28, set himself on fire around 3:15 pm in an apparent protest against China’s repressive policies in Tibet. He set himself on fire in front of the local Chinese police station in Drachen village of Khyungchu, Ngaba region in north-eastern Tibet where he lived. He died on the spot and local Chinese security officials seized his body and took it to an undisclosed location. Dupchok is survived by his wife and two daughters, aged 5 and 3. Photos show the charred body of Tsering Phuntsok, still on fire, lying on the ground. A number of people could be seen surrounding the body.

12 Jan 2013: Tsering Tashi -(Tsebey), 22 set himself on fire in the Sangchu region of Kanlho in eastern Tibet. He was the first Tibetan to set himself on fire protesting against the Chinese government in 2013. According to eyewitnesses, he shouted “Gyalwang Tenzin Gyatso” as he marched on the street engulfed in flames before succumbing to his injuries. He died on the spot. Local Tibetans took his body to a safe location before Chinese security authorities arrived. His body was later carried away to his home village. Tsebey hails from Keynang village in Sangchu county, Amchok. He is survived by his father Dukar Kyab and mother Dolma Tsering. Local Chinese police and Public Security Bureau officials soon arrived in several vehicles and surrounded the entire area. His body was forcibly cremated on the night of Jan 13 near his home town in Amchok after repeated threats and mounting pressure from local Chinese authorities.

9 Dec. 2013: Wangchen Kyi, 17,set herself on fire in Dokarmo region of Tsekhog, Rebkong. She passed away at the site of her protest. Days before, she had reportedly told her schoolmates that she would self-immolate in the nomadic area so that her parents would be able to look after her dead body. Thousands gathered for her funeral. She is survived by her parents, Sonam Tsering and Sermo, and her two siblings. Following her self-immolation protest, local Tibetans were able to rescue her body from falling into the hands of Chinese authorities. According to a local source, around two thousand Tibetans gathered at the site of her protest and raised slogans calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s long life and reciting his long life prayers. The crowd was emotionally charged and many of them were crying.”

8 Dec. 2012: Kunchok Phelgye, a 24-year-old-monk, set himself on fire in front of the main assembly hall of the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery. He passed away and his body was taken into the monastery for prayers. Since his early childhood, he was a monk at the Sumdo Monastery and in 2010 joined Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery to continue his Buddhist studies. 93 Kunchok Phelgye 1Kunchok Phelgye has nine family members including parents, Kunchok Kyab and Dolma Tso. Kunchok Phelgye was enveloped in flames and his hands were joined in prayers as he raised slogans for the long life and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche, the exiled head of Kirti Monastery,” said sources in the region. “He also raised slogans calling for the return and reunification of Tibetans.”

8 Dec. 2012: Pema Dorjee, 23, set himself on fire in front of the main assembly hall of the Shitsang Monastery in Luchu region. A large number of Tibetans who were at the Monastery to offer prayers witnessed the self-immolation protest. He succumbed to his injuries at the protest site. He was a native of Chokhor village in Shitsang region. His village is located at around a distance of 30kms from the Shitsang Monastery. This day is the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Lunar calendar and is observed as Gaden Ngamchoe, the day of Je Tsongkhapa’s Parinirvana. Tibetans all over observe this day by offering lamps in monasteries, temples, stupas, and at homes to venerate the mortal departure of Lama Tsongkhapa, a great 14th century Tibetan Buddhist master. Pema Dorjee raised slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, independence of Tibet, unity of Tibetans and for the land of Tibet to be ruled by Tibetans,” Sonam said citing a contact in the region.

3 Dec. 2012: 92 Lobsang Gendun, a 29-year-oldTibetan monk, self-immolated in Golog Pema Dzong. He succumbed to his injuries at the site. According to a witness, Lobsang Gendun had his hands clasped in prayers as he raised slogans while engulfed in flames, and then walked a few steps towards a busy road intersection and then fell to the ground. After a brief scuffle with authorities, his body was taken to his monastery, Penag Kadak Troedreling Monastery in Seley Thang region of Golog Pema Dzong. He is survived by his parents, Golog Lokho and Sago Dewang, and his 11 siblings.

2 Dec. 2012: Sangda Kyab, set himself ablaze in Bora town of Sangchu, Labrang Tashikhyil region of eastern Tibet. When Chinese security personnel arrived on the scene he smashed his head against a wall. Police doused the flames, and took him away, burned and bleeding, but alive. He is being held in a Chinese hospital in Kanlho and no family has been allowed to see him. He and his wife Dugkar Kyi have a son who is nearly two years old. His parents are Tsebha and Bendhe Tso.

 30 Nov. 2012: Kunchok Kyab (29), set himself on fire in Shagdom region on Ngaba. Chinese security personnel put out the fire and took him to regional headquarters in Barkham. It is not yet known whether he is dead or alive. According to Kirti Monastery, a large crowd is gathering to demand his return. Kunchok Kyab has two children, a nine-year-old and a six-year-old. With his, the self-immolation toll rises to 90, since February of 2009.

29 Nov. 2012: Tsering Namgyal, 31 a father of two, from Zamtsa Lotso Dewa region of Luchu, set himself on fire near the local Chinese government office in Luchu earlier today for the cause of Tibet. He is survived by his father Tsering Thar, mother Kunsang Dolma and his elder brother Jampa and younger brother Sangay Dhondup. Monks and local Tibetans have gathered at his residence to offer prayers.

28 Nov. 2012: Wande Khar (21), set himself on fire in Tsoe region of Kanlho. He was seen shouting slogans and calling for the Dalai Lama’s return. He is survived by his father Tsering Thar, mother Kunsang Dolma and his elder brother Jampa and younger brother Sangay Dhondup. Monks and local Tibetans have gathered at his residence to offer prayers.

27 Nov. 2012: Sangye Tashi (18), set himself on fire in Sangkog town of Sangchu region in Labrang, at around 11pm. Sangye reportedly shouted slogans calling for return of the Dalai Lama and release of the Panchen Lama and all Tibetan political prisoners. He had studied at a primary school for four years but was forced to return home to help with family chores. He is survived by his parents and four siblings.

27 Nov. 2012: Kelsang Kyab (24), self-immolated in protest outside a government office building in Kyangtsa township in Ngaba, according to Tibetan monks living in exile who are in contact with Tibetans in the area. As Kelsang Kyab neared the government office building, he doused himself with petrol and shouted slogans, including, “May the Dalai Lama live for 100 aeons! May Kirti Rinpoche live for 100 aeons!” He set himself alight as he approached the front of the building and died at the scene. Following the protest, armed security forces were deployed and blocked off the town of Kyangtsa. The 24-year old Kelsang Kyab was the third of six children and grew-up a herdsman. Following his self-immolation, local Tibetans returned his body to his home near Kyangtsa township in Dzoege (Chinese: Ruanggui) county, Ngaba (Chinese: Aba) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province.

26 Nov. 2012: Gonpo Tsering (24), and father of three children below the age of six, set himself on fire in Luchu region of Kanlho. He succumbed to his injuries and local Tibetans carried his charred body inside the Monastery where monks and a large number of Tibetans from the surrounding regions assembled, against official orders, to offer prayers for the deceased and express their solidarity.

26 Nov. 2012: kunchok-tsering- (18), set himself on fire near a mining site in Labrang, eastern Tibet, the same place where Tsering Dhondup, 35, father of three, passed away in his fiery protest on November 20.. Monks of the Amchok Monastery and a large number of local Tibetans gathered at the deceased’s home to offer prayers. Kunchok Tsering is survived by his wife, Sangay Tso, and parents Phagkyab and Gonpo Tso, and an elder brother.

26 Nov. 2012: Wangyal (20s),a student of Sertha People’s Middle School, set himself on fire in Sertha region of eastern Tibet, in front of the golden-horse statue at the local ground in Serthar. Chinese armed forces arrived at the scene and doused the flames. His condition and whereabouts are unknown. Wangyal is around 20 years of age and an orphan. He has three brothers and one sister.

25 Nov. 2012:Sangye Dolma (17) a nun, passed away from her self-immolation protest in front of the Chinese government office in Dokarmo town of Tsekhog, Malho. Prayers were carried out at her nunnery which is located near Sangag Mindrol Dhargeyling Monastery. It is being reported that Sangay Dolma left a note before carrying out her fiery protest.

23 Nov. 2012: Tamdrin Dorjee (29), self-immolated on November 23. He was from Makor village in Dokarmo township, in the Tsekhog area of Rebkong (Chinese: Tongren), Malho (Chinese: Huangnan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province. According to a Tibetan exile source, “As the flames blazed higher, he could be seen putting his hands together in prayer, shouting long life to the Dalai Lama.” Following the self-immolation protest, thousands of local Tibetans gathered to offer prayers and attend the funeral which was carried out later in the night.

22 Nov. 2012: Tamding Kyab (23), set fire to himself at around 10 p.m. near the Luchu river. According to exile Tibetan sources, local people did not know about his self-immolation because it happened at night, and it was only in the morning that people found his body and took it back to his home. Local Tibetans and monks from Shitsang monastery gathered at his home to pray and offer their condolences. Kyab was formerly a monk at Shitsang monastery. He disrobed in 2007 to help his nomadic family.

22 Nov. 2012: Lubum Gyal (18), passed away after setting himself ablaze in Dowa town of Rebgong. Tibetans rescued his body from falling into the hands of Chinese authorities and then monks from the Dowa Monastery carried out the last rites. Lubum Gyal is survived by his father Tsego.

20 Nov. 2012: Tsering Dhondrup (35), set fire to himself around 9:00am at Amchok, Labrang. Tsering Dundrup was both a farmer and nomad and he is from Chungan village in Amchok Shang, Labrang, Ganlho prefecture, Gansu province. He is survived by his wife Tamdin Tso and his two young children. Monks of Amchok monastery performed his last rites

19 Nov. 2012: Wangchen Norbu (25), died after burning himself on November 19, 2012 around 8 pm in Kangtsa, an area adjacent to the hometown of the late Panchen Lama in Tsoshar region in Yazi county, Amdo. Sources in the region say that Norbu set himself ablaze near Kangtsa Gaden Choephelling Monastery and shouted slogans calling for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet, release of the Panchen Lama and freedom for Tibet.

17 Nov. 2012: Sangdhak Tsering (24), a father of three-year-old child, died after setting fire to himself in Rebgong. Local Tibetans say Sangdhak Tsering had repeatedly told his wife that it was not worth living without freedom in Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama being not allowed to return to Tibet, the continued imprisonment of the Panchen Lama, and the unending self-immolations by fellow Tibetans.

17 Nov. 2012: Chagmo Kyi (26), a mother of two children, set herself on fire at Dolma Square in front of Rongwo monastery in Rebgong. Local lay Tibetans and monks gathered to mark Chagmo Kyi’s death despite an intense military buildup in the area following peaceful protests and other self-immolations over the past week. According to Tibetan sources hundreds of Tibetans attended her cremation, at a site normally used for the cremation of monks and lamas. They were surrounded by troops. The toll rises to 75 with this self-immolation, and it’s number 12 since the beginning of November.

15 Nov 2012: Khabum Gyal (18), self-immolated near the town of Rebkong and passed away. Following the incident, local people and monks from nearby Gartse monastery took Khabum Gyal’s body to the monastery for prayers and cremation. The teenaged Khabum Gyal, from the nearby village of Chukya, was the second youngest of seven children.

15 Nov. 2012: Tenzin Dolma (23),set herself ablaze at around 12 pm (local time) [November 15] 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. She is survived by her parents, Bhulo and Tashi Dolma.

12 Nov. 2012: Ny1ngchag Bum (20), set himself on fire on the main street of Dowa town in Rebkong. He died later that day. Local Tibetans prevented the police from taking away his body and took it to Dowa monastery for prayer service. Nyangkar Tashi (24), self-immolated at Ghey-mar Thang in Dro Rongpo region of Rebkong. “Six million Tibetans want freedom for Tibet, independence for Tibet, freedom to learn Tibetan language, freedom to speak our mother tongue,” Tashi wrote in a last note. His self-immolation was witnessed by a large crowd of Tibetans and his body was then carried to his home.

10 Nov. 2012: Gonpo Tsering (19),set fire to himself in Lushoe village in Tsoe county (Gansu province). Local Tibetans tried to extinguish the flames, but Gonpo died two hours later. As a high school student, Gonpo received awards for best student and excellence in studies. Local Tibetans described him as very friendly and moral. Since June, he had been involved in artistic work educating people in his region.

8 Nov. 2012: Kalsang Jinpa, (18)a nomad, set himself on fire at Rongwo monastery while calling for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet. He died on the spot. A photo shows his body was completely burned. Over 6,000 Tibetans gathered for his funeral. As Jinpa set himself ablaze, he could be heard shouting for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet, according to a Tibetan source in exile. His body was taken by local Tibetans to an area where high lamas are cremated.

7 Nov. 2012 Tsegyu (27), father of two, set himself on fire in Tingser village of Bekar town in Driru (Ch: Biru) region of Nagchu. He was detained by local Chinese authorities and denied any medical treatment for his burn injuries. He died in police custody on 18 November. Tsegyu is survived by his two children, a six-year-old and an eight-month-old infant.

7 Nov. 2012: Tamding Tso (23),mother of a seven-year-old son, died after setting herself on fire in Rebgong. Her father, Tamdin Kyab, has since made an emotional appeal, requesting people to pray for her rebirth into an independent Tibet in her next life. “So, I think it is of no use to ponder over anything else than to respect her decision and sacrifice,” Kyab stated. “Therefore, I appeal to all of you to remain united and work together to fulfil her goals and aspirations.”

7 Nov. 2012: Samdrup (16),a monk of Ngoshul monastery, set fire to himself along with two other teenage monks from Ngoshul Monastery in Gomang township in Ngaba county in Amdo. It is believed that he was taken to Ngaba county hospital.

7 Nov. 2012: Dorjee (15), a monk of Ngoshul monastery set fire himself on fire with two other teenage monks in Gomang township in Ngaba county in Amdo. After shouting slogans calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans, he died on the spot.

7 Nov. 2012: Dorjee Kyab (16), a monk of Ngoshul monastery, set fire to himself with two other teenage monks in Gomang township in Ngaba county in Amdo. It is believed that he was taken to Ngaba county hospital. According to Tibetan monks in exile from Kirti monastery, the three monks set fire to themselves at around 3 pm November 7 calling out for the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet and for a free Tibet.

4 Nov. 2012: Dorjee Lhundup (24),a Thangka painter, set himself on fire in Rebgong. He died and his body was carried to Rongwo monastery. Later in the afternoon, thousands of local Tibetans gathered for his funeral at a crematorium near the monastery. Dorjee Lhundup is survived by his wife Yakmo Tso, and two children, son Kunsang Dorjee, 4, and daughter Tengzin Dolma, 2.

26 Oct. 2012: Thubwang Kyab (23),set fire to himself near the bus stand in Setri village in Sangkok township in Sangchu county, Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province, in the Tibetan region of Amdo. He raised slogans demanding the return of HH the Dalai Lama to Tibet, and the immediate release of the Panchen Lama and other Tibetan political prisoners. Kyab died on the spot, and despite an attempt by officials to intervene, local Tibetans covered up his corpse with khatags (white blessing scarves) and took him to his home. The Chinese government has deployed a large number of paramilitary forces and police in the region following the incident.

26 Oct 2012: Lhamo Tseten (24), self-immolated in front of the local military base and township administration in Amchok, which is in Sangchu (Chinese: Xiahe) county, Kanlho (Chinese: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu province (the Tibetan area of Amdo). He was married to a local Tibetan woman, Tsering, and they have a two year old daughter. He is the fourth Tibetan from Sangchu county to self-immolate in the past week, following the deaths of Lhamo Kyab near Bora monastery on October 20, Dhondup outside Labrang Tashikyil monastery on October 22, and Dorje Rinchen outside a military base in Labrang town on October 23rd.

25 Oct 2012: Tsepo (20) and Tenzin (25), both cousins, set fire to themselves outside a government building in Driru County, north of regional capital Lhasa on Thursday. They were seen raising slogans calling for the return of HH the Dalai Lama to Tibet, independence, and unity among the Tibetan people. Tsepo died on the way to the hospital and Tenzin was taken away by officials, his whereabouts unknown yet.

23 Oct 2012: Dorje Rinchen (58), set himself ablaze near the Chinese Army camp on October 23rd in Sangchu county. According to Tibetans in exile, Dorje Rinchen did not die immediately but has now passed away. The same sources said that local people did not allow his body to be taken away by troops. Instead his body was taken home to his village, Sayi, which is around two kilometers east of Labrang monastery. Monks from Labrang were initially not allowed to go to his home to pray. The same region where Richen immolated had seen recently two others, Lhamo Kyab and Dhondup set ablaze. With Rinchen’s the toll rises up to 58 since February of 2009.

22 Oct 2012: Dhondup, (61), of Hor Khagya, set himself ablaze on the main road near Labrang Monastery in Sangchu County. He became the oldest Tibetan from Tibet to end his life by self-immolation. He was seen running along the road in a ball of flames, calling for the Dalai Lama to come home. Later on, people were seen circumambulating the monastery forming a human cover around Dhondup’s charred body to stop it from getting into the hands of Chinese authorities, and finally his family managed to get hold of his remains.

20 Oct 2012: Lhamo Kyab (27), father of two young daughters, breathed his last by self-immolating himself near Bora monastery on October 20th, in Sangchu region of Amdo, Eastern Tibet. According to Tibetans in exile, Lhamo Kyab was seen running along the road in flames, and calling for the Dalai Lama to come home to Tibet. The same sources said that police tried to put out the flames, and a local man took off his shirt and tried to fling it over Lhamo Kyab but the blaze was too strong.bet.

13 Oct 2012: Tamdrin Dorje (52), set himself on fire in Tsoe, Kanlho region. He passed away at the site of his protest and his body was removed to his home following a prayer service conducted by monks at Tsoe Monastery. Tamdin Dorjee was the grandfather of the 7th Gunthang Rinpoche, who is one of the most revered religious leaders in the region.

6 Oct 2012: Sangye Gyatso (27), burned himself to death in Tsoe region of Kanlho, Amdo, at around 12 pm (local time. He carried out his protest near the Dokar Monastery. A father of two, Gyatso is believed to have passed away in his protest, in photos of the event his body is seen completely burned and charred. With his, the self-immolation toll rises to 54.

29 Sep 2012: Gudrup (43),a Tibetan writer and poet, self-immolated on Thursday in Driru town in Nagchu, Central Tibet. He had left a note on popular Chinese social-network QQ stating: “My brothers and sisters of the land of snows, although, looking back at our past, we have nothing but a sense of loss, anger, sadness, and tears, I pray that the coming new year of the Water Dragon brings you health, success, and the fulfillment of aspirations. We must distinguish and give prominence to our pride in ourselves as a people and even in the face of loss and suffering, must never lose our courage and spirit in our endeavor to uphold our unity.” Gudrup is a native of Driru in Kham eastern Tibet and was a writer who wrote extensively on Tibet’s history, with his the toll of self-immolation deaths rises to 53.

29 Sep 2012: Yungdung (27), a Tibetan youth from eastern Tibet, set himself on fire in Dzatoe, Yulshul. Dressed in a full traditional Tibetan outfit, Yungdung shouted slogans calling for Tibet’s independence and the return of both the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa’s return from exile, and prayers for long life for HH as he walked by the county’s shopping complex in raging flames, reported Radio Free Asia. Details cncerning his present condition and whereabouts are unknown, but witnesses described him as severly burned. This is the 52nd Tibetan to self immolate since 2009, and it came a day after more than 400 Tibetan exiles in 26 countries meeting in India called for an end to self-immolations to challenge Chinese ruling.

13 Sep 2012: Passang Lhamo (62), from Kyegudo in Qinghai, set fire to herself in Beijing, according to Tibetan sources. Passang Lhamo travelled to Beijing to appeal to the central government after local authorities refused to allow her to retain her home. An image from the area depicts her home in the process of destruction, according to Tibetan sources from the area. News of Passang Lhamo’s self-immolation only emerged recently due to security restrictions. Yushu was devastated by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in 2010, killing 2,698 and leaving 100,000 homeless, according to official sources. The town of Kyegu was leveled by the quake, and the subsequent rebuilding process has been fraught with opaque government planning and scant local consultation. The 62-year old was taken to hospital and treated for her burns following her protest, no more is known about her current condition or whereabouts.

27 Aug 2012: Lobsang Kalsang (18) and Damchoek (17), monk and former monk respectively, died by setting themselves on fire outside Kirti monastery in Ngaba, north-eastern Tibet, on August 27th. The deaths pushed to 51 the number of confirmed self-immolations since 2009. The teenagers died on Monday evening after being taken to a hospital by Chinese authorities. Damchoek has been identified as the brother of Tenzin Choedon, a teenage nun who died after setting herself on fire earlier this year. Free Tibet and the RFA reported one of Lobsang Kalsang’s roomates at the monastery was detained the same Monday.

14 Aug 2012: Lungtok (20) and Tashi (21), a monk and nomad, and former classmates, set themselves on fire Monday August 14th infront of Kirti Monastery, in the Tibetan region of western China, Ngaba, in Sichuan. According to the exile base of Kirti Monastery in Dharamsala, after setting ablaze, they both began walking on the main road in Ngaba (Martyr’s Street). Eyewitnesses have said that Lungtok was alive when he was forcibly removed from the scene, Tashi on the other hand, was marching Martyr’s Street raising slogans when a number of Chinese security personnel surrounded him and started beating him, he was bundled in a vehicle and taken away. They both passed away in Barkham’s Hospital.

10 Aug 2012: Choepa (24), a Tibetan nomad, set himself on fire at 10:15 am (local time) on the 10th of August at Meruma, in the north-eastern area of Amdo, in Tibet. Choeapa was shouting slogans of protest against the Chinese government at the moment of the ablaze. Within a few minutes, local security forces arrived at the scene, doused the still fierce flames, and took him away. According to witnesses, it was not clear at that point whether he was still alive. It has since been confirmed that Chopa passed away just after 3pm on August 10, shortly before reaching Barkham prefecture hospital. The authorities cremated his body there, and returned just a part of the ashes to his family members.

7 Aug 2012: Dolkar Tso (27), set fire to herself early this afternoon near a white stupa (reliquary building) at Tsoe Gaden Choeling monastery in Tsoe City. According to Tibetan sources in exile from her home area, she called out for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet, and shouted that there was no freedom in Tibet. The incident was witnessed by other Tibetans circumambulating the monastery, and as they attempted to save her she told them to let her die. When the monastery monks arrived, they took Dolkar Tso there, and her family members arrived and insisted to take her home, but she died on the way, sources say. Tso is the 46th tibetan to self-immolate since February of 2009.

6 Aug 2012: Lobsang Tsultrim (21), set himself on fire on the 7th of August in the north-eastern tibetan region of Amdo. A monk of Kirti Monastery, Tsultrim set ablaze and began running down a street near the Monastery, named now “Martyr Street”. He was knocked down on the ground and the fire was extinguished by Chinese special armed forces stationed there. Tibetan told the Kirti monks in Dharamsala that Lobsang Tsultrim was still alive when police took him away. He is believed to have been taken to the local government hospital, and then removed elsewhere. He was a classmate of Phuntsog, who self-immolated on March 16, 2011. Lobsang Tsultrim is said to have suffered a great deal and may have been detained following the crackdown in Ngaba from March 16, 2008, when at least ten Tibetans were killed by Chinese troops after peaceful protest. He is the 45th Tibetan to self-immolate since 2009, the 27th Tibetan from Ngaba to set ablaze since, and the eighth Kirti monk to do so.

17 July 2012: Lobsang Lozin (18), a Gyalrong Tsodun Kirti Monastery monk, set himself ablaze infront of the monastery, shouting slogans and marched towards town office around 12:00 on July 17th. Local Tibetans blocked a bridge to prevent police from moving in, according to the exiled government based in Dharamsala, India. The various reports on Lozin’s death differed on where he died, but the Kirti monastery has been a center of dissent against China for years, and two of its monks died of self-immolation the past 30th of March. With this incident, 44 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet in protest against the Chinese government since 2009.

7 July 2012: Tsewang Dorjee (22), a Tibetan nomad from Damshung, central Tibet, near Lhasa, set himself on fire on July 7th. The self-immolation took place on Saturday, and was the 43rd since February of 2009. Tsewang Dorjee raised slogans and called for the long life of His Holiness, but barely three minutes into his protest, Chinese security forces arrived at the scene, doused the flames and took him to a hospital. In a press release, the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile noted that the entire Damshung region is currently under lockdown and people who witnessed the self-immolation have since been arrested.

Nam Tso, nomad region and holy lake, Tibet 2003

27 June 2012: Dickyi Choezom (40), a mother of two, set herself on fire on June 27, at around 2pm (local time) in Keygu town near the Dhondupling Monastery. Chinese security personnel at the scene of the protest doused the flames and took her away, reportedly to a hospital in Siling, but no further information is available.

20 June 2012:Ngawang Norphel (22) and Tenzin Khedup (24),walked to the center of a busy street in Dzatoe, Qinghai Province, on June 20thcarrying the banned Tibetan national flag. Calling out for freedom in Tibet, waving the flags and shouting for the return of the Dalai Lama, the two men set themselves ablaze, running and continuing the chants for a few more seconds before falling to the ground as flames consumed them. Tenzin Khedup died on the spot, while Ngawang Norphel is believed to have passed away on July 30th. Since 2009, 41 Tibetans have self-immolated inprotest of restric­tive Chinese policies. Most have oc­curred in traditionally Tibetan areas of Qinghai and Sichuan prov­inces, with 28 taking place in 2012 alone. All have shouted slogans calling for freedom in Tibet, reform of Chinese so­cial policy in the region, an end to religious repression, and the return of the Dalai Lama. 31 out of the 41 have died as a result of their injuries.

15 June 2012: Tamding Thar, a herdsman from Amdo thought to be in his 50s, set himself on fire on June 15th, outside a People’s Armed Police base in Chentsa, Qinghai Province. Tamdin Thar had been moved with his family to the area several years earlier under a controversial government program housing nomadic families in permanent settlements. Armed police were seen extinguishing the flames as Tamdin Thar lay on the ground, still moving slightly, and he was then taken away in a vehicle by security forces. According to Tibetan sources in exile in touch with Tibetans in the area, he died within hours, and local people gathered in the town calling for the return of his body, despite an increasing number of armed police being deployed.

30 May 2012: Rikyo (36),was from a nomadic family. On the 30th of May, she set herself on fire near to Jonang Dzamthang Gonchen Monastery. The flames around her body were so intense that police on the scene were beaten back by the fire and attempts to extinguish it failed. Following her self-immolation, her body was taken to the Jonang Dzamthang Monastery and kept there, according to Tibetans in exile who are from the area. Chinese government officials came to the monastery and sought to impose an immediate cremation. Rikyo was cremated the same day, and a large number of Tibetans converged at a special cremation prayer service near the monastery.

27 May 2012: Dargye and Dorjee Tseten set themselves on fire in the center of Lhasa on 27 May, according to the Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Dargye, is in stable condition while the other, Dorjee Tseten, is reported to have died from his injuries. The self-immolations are the first to occur inside the tightly controlled Tibetan capital and are among the few to be officially acknowledged by the Chinese authorities. The self-immolations occurred in the afternoon as Tibetans continued to celebrate the Saga Dawa, which marks the anniversary of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.

19 April 2012: Sonam, Status; deceased Two Tibetan self-immolated on 19th April 2012 both in their twenties and their names are Choepak Kyab and Sonam. They set himself on fire near to a local government office in Barma township near Jonang Dzamthang Gonchen Monastery in the Tibetan are of Dzamthang (Chinese: Rangtang) country, Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Although paramilitary troops were deployed immediately, local people managed to prevent them from taking away the bodies of the two Tibetans, who had died following the self immolation, according to the exile Tibetans, who were in contact with Tibetans in the area, the bodies were taken to the monastery in order to carry out prayers, and many other Tibetans are gathering there. It is expected that a cremation and funeral service will be held soon.

19 April 2012: Choepak Kyab, Status; deceased. Two Tibetan self-immolated on 19th April 2012 both in their twenties and their names are Choepak Kyab and Sonam. They set himself on fire near to a local government office in Barma township near Jonang Dzamthang Gonchen Monastery in the Tibetan are of Dzamthang (Chinese: Rangtang) country, Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Although paramilitary troops were deployed immediately, local people managed to prevent them from taking away the bodies of the two Tibetans, who had died following the self immolation, according to the exile Tibetans, who were in contact with Tibetans in the area, the bodies were taken to the monastery in order to carry out prayers, and many other Tibetans are gathering there. It is expected that a cremation and funeral service will be held soon.

6 April 2012: Tulku Athup alias Thupten Nyendak Rinpoche, 47, and his niece, Atse, 25, self-immolated at the former’s residence in Dzogchen monastery in Kham in eastern Tibet. It has now been confirmed that it was a self-immolation and not an accidental fire. Fearing closure of the monastery, officials at the time told the Chinese police that they had died due to accidental fire with butter lamps. The police withdrew from the monastery but have since imposed severe restrictions across the region and cracked down on local Tibetans leaving many of them severely injured.

30 March 2012: Tenpa Darjey, status; Deceased He was 22 years old monk from Tsondun monastery in Ngaba, set fire to himself, along with fellow monk Chimey Palden outside the prefectural government office in Barkham, Ngaba. The area is now under lockdown by armed troops. Tenpa Darjey studied philosophy at kirti monastery in Ngaba county, Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, from 2003-2009. He then returned to Tsodun where he was regarded as one of the best students in the logic and debating class. He was the youngest of four brothers and sisters.

30 March 2012: Chimey Palden,Status; Deceased He was 21 years old monk from Tsondun monastery in Ngaba, set fire to himself along with fellow monk Tenpa Darjey outside the prefectural government office in Barkham, Ngaba. The area is now under lockdown by armed troops. Chimey Palden went to kirti monastery in Ngaba as a philosophy student in 2009, but stayed only a few months. In 2010, on a visit to Lhasa, he was searched by public security personnel, who found a photo of the Dalia Lama, a picture of the Tibetan national flag and a Tibetan song on his mobile phone. He was detained for more than a month.

16 March 2012: Lobsang Tsultrim, Status; Deceased He set himself on fire near Ngaba county town in ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonoous Prefecture, sinchuan province (the Tibetan Area of Amdo). He set himself on fire and proceeded to march along the main road in the upper part of Ngaba county town, shouting slogans of protest against the Chinese government. As he walked on from the site of his self-immolation, armed police came running to intercept him, at which he turned and ran back in the other direction, continuing to shout. He was then knocked to the ground by a police officer, and the police extinguished the flames and threw him into the back of a pickup vehicle. He was held down by police officers, but was seen to raise his arms. He joint Kirti monaster at the age of eight, and studied at the ‘buddhist youth academy’ of monastery school. Once that institution was closed down in 2003, he entered the monastery’s Tantric college. He was eldest of four brothers and sisters.

14 March 2012: Jamyang Palden, Status; Deceased He was in his thirties from Rongpo monastery in Rebkong (Chinese: Tongren) Amdo set himself on fire in Dolma square, near Rongpo monastery, which is the main monastery in Rebkong. Monks and local people took him to hospital, but it seems that he has since been moved back to the monastery. Despite the buildup of troops local people gathered at the scene of his self-immolation, quietly praying for him.

10 March 2012: Rinchen, Status; Deceased She was 32 years old, mother of three Children. She self-immolated near a military camp in the Vicinity of Kirti monastery in Ngaba (Chniese: Aba) town in Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan (the Tibetan area of Amdo). According to Tibetan monks from kirti who are now in exile, she shouted,”Return His hoiness to Tibet” and “We need freedom.” She died soon afterwards. Rinchen was the eldest of eight siblings in her family, from Jiashang town-ship in Ngaba.

10 March 2012: Gepey, Status; Deceased He was 18 years old; he set himself on fire near a Chinese military camp location 1.5 kilometers from kirti monastery in Ngaba (Chinese Aba) Tibet and Qiang Autonomous Preecture, Sichuan. According to VOA, “Chinese authorities took Gepey’s body and forced cremation of his body the same night, according to UK-based advocacy group free Tibet. Lobsang Yeshi, spokesperson of Kirti monastery in India told VOA Tibetan that Gepey is survived by his mother and two brothers, who are also monks at the Kirti monastery in Ngaba.”

5 March 2012: Dorjee, Status; Deceased He was 18 years old, he set himself on fire around 6:30 p.m. local time and walked towards the local government office in Cha (Chinese: Jia) township, Ngaba (Chinese: Aba) county, Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province. Dorjee shoued slogans against the Chinese government’s policies on Tibet, It is believed that he died at the scene and that authorities took away his body.

3 March 2012: Tsering Kyi, Status; Deceased She was 20 years old, a student at the Tibetan middle school in machu set herself on fire in the vegerable market of machu town (Chinese: Magu) in Kanlho (Chinese: Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture), Gansu. Authorities have blockaded the school. And have imposed a tight military lockdown in the area following the incident, with people’s cell phones being investigated in an attempt to prevent dissemination of any images or footage that may have been taken of the self-immolation.

19 Feb 2012: Nangdrol, Status; Deceased He was 18 years old from Choeje village, Barma township, Dzamthang, the Tibetan area of Amdo self-immolated in Dzamthang (Chinese: Rangtang) county, Ngaba (Chinese:Aba) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. His body was taken back to the monastery where traditional Buddhist rituals were carried out for him. Nangdrol cared passionately about Tibetan culture and language and had urged fellow Tibetans to be united, and to preserve their cultural and religious identity.

17 Feb 2012: Damchoe Sangpo, Status; Deceased He was 38 years old a monk, self-immolated in Themchen (Chinese: Tianjun) county in Tsonub (Chinese: Haixi). Mongolian and Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Qinghai province, Damchoe Sangpo was a member of Bongthak monastery’s democratic management committee, the government-established body that runs the monastery, according to Tibetan exile sources. Voice of America (VOA) Tibetan service, reported that he died after setting himself ablaze after monks were banned from marking a religious ceremony, while other sources reported that he had objected to a rigorous “patriotic education” campaign at his monastery.