News and Views on Tibet

Self-immolator teen monk released after three years in prison

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By Tenzin Monlam

DHARAMSHALA, March 29: A Tibetan monk belonging to Ngoshul Monastery, who survived after self-immolation attempt on Nov. 7, 2012 was released on March 7, after serving three years and three months in a Chinese prison.

Samdup’s body bears burn injuries from the self-immolation and due to his confinement in a remote cell with minimum sunlight has caused slight blindness, according to a report by Voice of Tibet radio service.

Samdup, then 16-years-old along with Dorjee (15) and Dorjee Kyab (16) from the same monastery, carried out a triple self-immolation protest against Chinese government in Ngoshul Village in Gomang Township of Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

The three teen monks set themselves ablaze in front of the local Public Security Bureau office at around 3 pm (local time) on Nov.7, 2012 and called for freedom in Tibet and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

Unfortunately, Dorjee, the youngest of them all, succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Samdup and Dorjee Kyab were reportedly taken to Ngaba County hospital for treatment and their whereabouts were unknown since.

After the news of the Dorjee’s death spread, local Tibetans and monks went to Ngoshul village to pay their respects but were stopped by Chinese officials. The monastery was kept under severe restrictions after the incident.

145 Tibetans, both in Tibet and in exile, have resorted to self-immolation as a form of protest against Beijing’s rule in Tibet.

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