Self-immolation, again, now in Lhasa

[Ensapa]

Seems that China is actively ratting out monks with links to CTA in monasteries. Phayul puts "unknown reasons", but many are aware of the reasons behind the arrests of these monks. I dont think China will do random arrests on people because it is not conducive to their goal of having a united China, which is what they want from the start and they will do anything at all to preserve that. It most probably is that they found out that the said monks were CTA agents. That's just my theory, tho, knowing China and CTA.

Zilkar Monastery tense following arrest of five monks
Phayul[Tuesday, September 04, 2012 18:28]
By Phuntsok Yangchen



DHARAMSHALA, September 4: In growing cases of arbitrary detention of Tibetans by Chinese authorities, five more monks in eastern Tibet have been detained on unknown charges.

In reports received by Phayul, five monks of the Nyitso Zilkar Monastery in Tridu region of eastern Tibet were detained on September 1 from the monastery in a surprise raid by a large number of Chinese security personnel.

Lobsang Sangyal, a monk in south India, with contacts in the region identified the arrested monks as Sonam Sherab, 45, Lobsang Jinpa, 30, Tsultrim Kalsang, 25, Ngawang Monlam, 30, and Sonam Yignyen, 44.

“Monastery officials were informed by the local Chinese authorities that they will be visiting the Zilkar Monastery regarding certain government houses built after the earthquake that hit in the region in 2009,” Sangyal told Phayul. “But instead they arrived with a large number of armed security personnel and raided the monastery.”

Sangyal said power supply to the Monastery was cut off and electronic items of the monks were confiscated.

“The quarters of the five arrested monks were raided and their computers and CD’s were confiscated,” the same source said. “When other monks of the Monastery pleaded for the release of those arrested, they were severely beaten as well.”

The conditions and whereabouts of the arrested monks remain unknown.

Sangyal added that the Zilkar Monastery is currently under strict surveillance.

Earlier this year in February, three Zilkar monks Sonam Gyewa, Lobsang Samten, and Lobsang Nyima were arrested on suspected charges of their roles in a massive protest that rocked the region.


Thousands of Tibetans in Tridu area had led a peaceful protest, carrying banners demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and respect for Tibetan lives, coinciding with the global solidarity vigil on February 8, called by the elected leader of the Tibetan people, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.

Around 400 monks from the Zilkar monastery had led the protest march to Dza Toe town, which later swelled to over a thousand.

The monks unfurled banners, written in blue and red ink, symbolic of the two protector deities of Tibet, calling for the Dalai Lama’s return, release of Tibetan political prisoners including the XIth Panchen Lama and respect for Tibetan lives.

Again in June, more than 800 Chinese security personnel were deployed in and around the Zilkar Monastery and Zatoe town to block local Tibetans from paying their last respects to Tenzin Khedup, who set himself ablaze with Ngawang Norphel, on June 20 calling for Tibet’s independence and long-life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

However, monks from the Zilkar Monastery went against the official decree and attended the cremation in their hundreds.

[icy]

DHARAMSHALA: A special report on Tibetan self-immolation by a US Congressional Committee said that the “trend of self-immolations in Tibet occurred and worsened with an increasing Chinese government repression”.

In its special report titled ‘Tibetan Self-Immolation—Rising Frequency, Wider Spread, Greater Diversity’ released on 22 August, the Congressional Executive Commission on China said: “The frequency, geographic spread, and diversity of Tibetans who reportedly have committed self-immolation as they called for Tibetan freedom and the Dalai Lama’s return has increased since its December 2011 report.” The report covers the period up to 10 August 2012.

“The wave of self-immolations is concurrent with increasing Chinese Communist Party and government use of legal measures to repress and control core elements of Tibetan culture, and with the failure of the China-Dalai Lama dialogue process to achieve any sign of progress. The Party and government have also not indicated any willingness to consider Tibetan grievances in a more constructive manner and to hold themselves accountable for Tibetan rejection of Chinese policies. The Party and government have handled the crisis as a threat to state security and social stability instead of a policy failure,” the report said.

The December report covered 13 self-immolations (8 reported fatal) that occurred from February 2009 to December 2011. All 13 of those self-immolations involved current or former monks or nuns; 12 took place in Sichuan province. Since then, as of August 10, 2012, an additional 33 Tibetans reportedly have committed similar self-immolation protests (29 reported fatal). Of these 33 self-immolations, 13 took place outside Sichuan province and 14 were persons who did not have a monastic background (i.e., laypersons), the Commission said.

The CECC created by the US Congress in October 2000 with the legislative mandate to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China, and to submit an annual report to the President and the Congress. The Commission consists of nine Senators, nine Members of the House of Representatives, and five senior Administration officials appointed by the President.

[Ensapa]

How about a football match to remember those who have died while immolating themselves? Let's kick footballs and score goals in memory of those who killed themselves for Tibet's freedom (under CTA's direction) because they are worth it. How much more do the Tibetans want to provoke China? It's already reached the point of no return for quite sometime now, anyway. It's just a bit more before it tips over for them.

FC Rangzen Minnesota wins first Martyrs Memorial Cup
Phayul[Tuesday, September 04, 2012 20:44]

An unforgettable event that started off with exhilaration and excitement ended with more energy and stronger bond between all those involved throughout the three-day ‘Martyrs Memorial Cup’ football tournament from Sept 1-3.

The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Minnesota organised the first ever ‘Martyrs Memorial Cup North America Tibetan Soccer Tournament’ to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation’s freedom and bring together Tibetan communities from different parts of North America through sports.

The opening ceremony of the Tournament paid tribute to the brave Tibetan martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of Tibet. Chief Guest Dorjee Gyalpo who was part of an indefinite hunger strike at New York earlier this year gave the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Tibetan Pop artist Phurbu T. Namgyal also performed during the event.

The tournament consisted of six teams; Chicago (Nomads), California (Lungta FC), Madison (Yaks) and three from Minnesota – MN United, Tsam FC and FC Rangzen.

Following the first day of pool matches, the second day of the Tournament saw thrilling matches with a semifinal showdown between FC Rangzen (MN) and Madison Yaks, carrying on with their one all draw in the previous game. FC Rangzen eventually triumphed over Madison with a 2-0 scorecard. The second semifinal between MN United and Chicago Nomads went down to the wire to a penalty shootout with Chicago squeezing a 5-4 win.


RTYC-MN also put together TSEN-ZOM (A celebration of Tibetan Spirit) event at Tibetan Community Center that included talent shows, open mic, and a fashion show. A wonderful drama was also performed in memory of Tibetan martyrs.

Before the finals of the Tournament between Chicago and Minnesota, a Fathers Friendly soccer game was played. The match saw spectacular goals, many a tumble, and exhausted players as the kids cheered for their fathers.

Facing off in the finals, FC Rangzen scored first with a speedy run from the corner. Chicago tried hard but failed to find the back of the net. FC Rangzen went on to score two more goals to emerge champions of the first Martyrs Memorial Cup.

All teams displayed wonderful teamwork throughout the tournament.

As the tournament ended and people drove home, the message of the tournament was stronger than when it had started - to stand united with Tibetans inside Tibet for freedom and justice for Tibet.

Based on a report submitted by Tenzin Choendhen Waleag

[Ensapa]

What happens when a self immolator survives? They still end up in a dire state...financial difficulties? sigh. At the end of the day they still dont contribute much to Tibet's independence aside from generating a bit more traffic for phayul....

can someone explain why is it that only Gelug monks are self immolating but not other monks?

Recuperating Tibetan self-immolator faces jail threat, Financial difficulties
Phayul[Monday, September 17, 2012 16:32]


Dawa Tsering in an undated photo. (Photo/TCHRD)
DHARAMSHALA, September 17: A Tibetan self-immolator, who is reportedly making good recovery from his burn injuries, faces an uncertain future coupled with jail threats and a slim chance of re-entering his monastery.

Dawa Tsering, a monk at the Kardze Monastery in eastern Tibet, set himself on fire within the walls of his Monastery on October 25, 2011 during a religious ceremony. While engulfed in flames, he shouted slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and the re-unification of the Tibetan people.

The Dharamshala based rights group Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in a release today said Dawa Tsering’s health condition is “quite well” and “longs to return back to his monastery” citing an unnamed source with contacts in the region.

"But his future remains unknown and uncertain because he might not be allowed to return back to his monastery. Instead, he would be jailed at any time," TCHRD said.

In a latest picture released by the group, the severity of Dawa Tsering’s burn injuries is clearly visible.


Dawa Tsering in an undated photo before his self-immolation protest.
Soon after his self-immolation protest, Dawa Tsering had refused medical attention and pleaded not to be taken away by the Chinese security personnel.

His family has been taking care of him at their home in Kardze.

“But the family is facing financial problems as they struggle to meet Dawa’s medical expenses,” TCHRD said.

Kardze has witnessed repeated protests since the mass uprisings of 2008. Tsewang Norbu, a 29-year old monk from Nyitso monastery in Kardze passed away on the spot after setting himself ablaze protesting China’s continued occupation of Tibet and demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile on August 15, 2011.

A few months later in November, Palden Choetso, a 35-year old Tibetan nun from the Ganden Jangchup Choeling nunnery in the same region, passed away immediately after setting her body on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet.

In April this year, more than 2000 Tibetans carried out a mass protest in Kardze, demanding the release of around 250 Tibetans who were arrested after Chinese authorities ordered the closure of a locally founded Tibetan organisation called the ‘Dayul Unity Association.’

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, which is currently holding its fourth session in Dharamshala, dedicated the entire proceedings of the first day to deliberate on the critical situation inside Tibet.

[Ensapa]

Sadly no matter how anyone wants to see it protests against the Chinese government wont really work. Neither does self immolations. It's just a one trick pony and the person gets arrested. What would work better are Tibetans actually making their way into the Chinese administration and slowly change them from there. Sadly that aint happening. protests and self immolations will just lead to more arrests.

A Monk Sentenced in Eastern Tibet, Another Presumed Dead
The Tibet Post International , 17 September 2012
Dharamshala, India -- Shonu, a monk as well as a staff member of Drakgo Monastery, Drakgo county, eastern Tibet whose whereabouts remained unknown since his arrest in February 2012, is in Mianyang Prison (Sichuan Province), according to Dharamshala based Tibetan Human Rights group.

According to Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCRD), Shonu, 42, was sentenced in June 2012 to 18 months in prison for charges unknown at the moment.

In February 2012, security officers detained Shonu and four other staff members of Drakgo Monastery at an Internet café in Tridu (Chinese: Chengdu) city, capital of Sichuan Province. The whereabouts of the four monk officials: Tulku Lobsang Tenzin, a reincarnated lama; Geshe Tsewang Namgyal , a teacher and a staff; Thinlay, manager; and Tashi Topgyal aka Dralha, accountant, remain unknown to this day.


 Shonu was born in 1969 in Garwa village in Drakgo County. In 1987, he joined Drepung Loseling Monastery in south India to study Buddhism. He returned and began working at Drakgo Monastery. He was arrested soon after the 23 January 2012 protests in Drango (Chinese: Luhuo/Chaggo).
The case of another ‘missing' monk, Tsering Gyaltsen of Drakgo Monastery, has taken a curious turn. In May 2012, less than four months after his arrest and subsequent ‘disappearance', Tsering Gyatsen's family and relatives held necessary rites and rituals to observe his ‘death' after sustained efforts to know about his whereabouts failed, the same source told TCHRD. Although he is presumed dead by his family members, they have yet to receive his 'body'.

On 9 February 2012, Tsering Gyaltsen, 40, was severely beaten and detained by Public Security Bureau personnel. He was born in Norpa village in Drakgo County. At a young age, he became a monk at Drakgo Monastery.

An unspecified number of Tibetans had been detained or ‘disappeared' soon after the 23 and 24 January 2012 protests in Drakgo, Sertha (Chinese: Seda) and Ngaba County. The protests themselves were violently suppressed by security forces who fired upon unarmed Tibetan protesters in Drakgo, injuring over 36 and killing six known Tibetans.

On 22 March 2012, Xinhua, the Chinese government-owned news agency reported the sentencing of seven Tibetans to 10 to 13 years imprisonment for their participation in the protest in Drakgo. On 26 April 2012, the Intermediate People's Court in Kardze (Chinese:Ganzi) Prefecture sentenced 16 Tibetans, including both monks and laymen, for their alleged involvement in the 23 January 2012 protest in Drakgo.

[Amitabha]

They ought to read, understand and contemplate this awesomic sutra..

The Sutra about the Deep Kindness of Parents and the Difficulty of Repaying It
http://oaks.nvg.org/filial-piety.html

Buddha commented further, "Most women also give birth to and raise children, quite as an inborn duty. Each child relies on its mother's milk for life and nourishment. Each child drinks a lot of its mother's milk. It may deplete the mother unless she gets good nourishment."

When Ananda heard these words, he felt a pain inside and said to the Blessed One, "How can one repay one's mother's kindness and virtue?"

Buddha answered, "By the ninth month the foetus is ready to assimilate the different nutrients of the foods - child's food. There is more into it too. And during the tenth month the foetus is ready to be born.

Now, to explain more clearly, there are ten types of kindness bestowed by the mother on the child:
 

[Ensapa]

Here's a nice, long, opinion piece article on self immolations which I find quite interesting. From this piece, it is very clear that not everyone supports the whole self immolations thing and people are fully aware that it is but a political move. I wonder, if Dorje Shugden practitioners immolate themselves and demand that the ban be lifted, would CTA pay attention?

Tibet's Self Murder: Tragedy or Transformation?

By John Halpern and Maria Sliwa

The charred, bodily remains of many self-immolators have been unceremoniously disposed of by local Chinese police, according to reports. Scores of Tibetans have reportedly committed self-immolation in protest against what they say are increasing atrocities committed by China.

What was in the minds of these Tibetans that caused them to set themselves on fire? Were these the final acts of frustration, despair and defiance, as Tibetans say? Or, were they treasonous acts of political perpetrators, as China's officials claim?

If these self-immolations are intended as the ultimate rejection of Chinese control, a cry for independence and a declaration of human rights, what does this imply to the outside world? And what can this mean to us?

At least 41 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since Feb. 27, 2009, and 31 have died, according to the International Campaign for Tibet, an advocacy group in Washington. If these acts were born of extreme desperation, having exhausted all other means of prayer, petition or protest, what else can our response be other than immense sadness and pity?

Passing the Baton

In a previous article, published in The Huffington Post, John Halpern examined the motivations in the hearts and minds of the resolute Hunger Strikers at the United Nations and the impact the self-immolation phenomenon is having toward a desired "Buddhist Spring in Tibet." The strike ended after promises were made by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva (OHCHR).

Halpern's article also traced the edges where religion becomes politics and where a nation's policies transfer to the greater domain of international humanitarian initiatives, intervention and action.

At the core of these world developments and of this story, is the blossoming of a "culture of activism," a rarely addressed but vital subject. This non-governmental force, independently initiated by communities, internationally and functioning within legal boundaries (or not) challenges the frontiers of freedoms of expression, assembly, demonstration, civil liberty and civil rights.

Most importantly, the legacies of the Tibetan self-immolators leave behind some mysterious and delicate questions about religion and its relation to activism:
What, if at all, is the religious component of suicide, given the circumstances?

Is the act one of blasphemy?

When one's religious freedom is terminated and the last of one's acts is suicide, if the mind of the victim is of an altruistic, compassionate nature (albeit desperate and defiant), can self-immolation be considered a spiritual act?

The Tibetan suicides, whether motivated religiously, spiritually, politically or some hybrid of the three, occur after 60 years of Chinese occupation. They also occur at a time in history when instant activism and international communication are possible wherever a cell phone is in range.
Yet despite modern technology, history reveals that war, invasions and crusades often result in the vanquishing of an entire culture, regardless of the contributions and gifts that culture had made for a greater, human civilization. For Tibetans, the suicides of their nuns, monks and fellow compatriots are not in vain. They are a rallying cry, literally and symbolically, for independence, freedom and cultural survival. In contrast, if Mao Tse Tung's Cultural Revolution implicitly intended to extinguish Tibet's religion, and the source of its identity and culture, then the self-immolations could mean that Tibet, as we know it, is dying.

Encouraging self-immolation for political purposes would be seen as nihilistic, from a Tibetan Buddhist standpoint. But to honor the sacrifices and politicize them is a passing of the baton, spiritually and morally, through invoking their memory and lives: and pragmatically, by casting the self-immolations into the activist and humanitarian arena.

At this point in time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose credo, "My religion is kindness," achieved billboard status following his acceptance speech for the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, refuses comment. He no longer considers himself a spokesperson for Tibet, since his March 16, 2011 resignation from political office.

U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin applauded his decision. "At a time when despots cling to power, as their people yearn for democracy, the Dalai Lama's willful ceding of power is a tribute to his vision to fulfill the aspirations of the Tibetan people and should inspire others around the world," Baldwin said.

As a result, Tibetans are now speaking for themselves. While the Dalai Lama has passed them the baton, is there a correlation between his self-absolving his post and the self-immolations? The connection is tangible. After six decades of Chinese occupation, criticism, speculation and rejection of the Tibetan Government in Exile's policies, within the Tibetan community, has been erupting in many forms. Nevertheless, as Tibetans deliberate and debate these topics within their community, worldwide activism for the Tibetan cause has mobilized millions, Tibetan and non-Tibetan.

"We are raising our voices in support of the fundamental rights of Tibetan people at this critical time. The Chinese Government must immediately and unconditionally release all Tibetan political prisoners," said Laima Andrikiene, a long-serving member of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights. "The persecution of Tibetans for their legitimate demands of freedom of religion and their fundamental rights is not only in contradiction with the principles of humanity, but is a clear infringement of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

Activism and Transformation

It doesn't hurt this movement to have had the Dalai Lama, a favored personality of Hollywood celebrities and a pop-culture icon, champion its cause for 60 years until his strategic resignation in March 2011.

Further, it is a little known fact that the entire Tibetan Diaspora, outside China's borders, numbers only 200,000. Let's think about that. Only 200,000 have managed to mount a formidable, international campaign for their culture's survival against the Chinese leading superpower.

From Feb. 21 to March 22 of this year, four Tibetans (three lay people and one lama) sat in vigil outside the United Nations and were fasting until death against the atrocities. Six thousand of the 8,000 local Tibetan New York region residents joined there for a rally on March 10 to mark the 1959 Lhasa Uprising in Tibet. Numerous "political theater" type demonstrations occurred in India, across the United States, Canada and elsewhere, transforming tactics right out of the Greenpeace, Occupy Wall Street activists' handbooks into a new Post China Oppressed Tibetan lexicon of dramatic protest. Letters and calls flooded news rooms and the U.N. Office for Human Rights at both New York and Geneva branches. Celebrity and activist Richard Gere paid the strikers a visit. Media slowly raised its head and reported. The hunger strikers officially ended their strike following Kofi Annan's public statements and the direct intervention of the OHCHR, with an official visit to the strikers by two representatives bearing a personal letter from Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay. A bottle of orange juice and the promise to investigate the atrocities in Tibet was offered to the strikers at that time. All these activities seemed to occur in a concerted, focused way. Never before had the Tibetan cause achieved such depth at the United Nations. Was history in the making?

When asked about the progress made with China since Pillay's letter, Christine Chung, program officer for the OHCHR sent the following response in an e-mail on June 6:
Special Procedures are mechanisms established by the Human Rights Council to investigate human rights issues. The mandates of the special procedures are established and defined by the resolution creating them. Mandate-holders of the special procedures serve in their personal capacity. The independent status of the mandate-holders is crucial in order to be able to fulfill their functions in all impartiality. They make requests for invitations to visit countries, and it is up to the countries to issue these invitations. The High Commissioner remains very concerned about developments in Tibetan areas of China.

Intervention in Switzerland
An intervention for Tibet occurred during the annual U.N. Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on July 3rd, before Special Rapporteur Mutuma Ruteere. To initiate a formal investigation inside a country like China, Darfur, Sudan, Bosnia, etc., where reputed human rights violations, atrocities, genocide and torture are reported, official steps called "mechanisms" must be taken both outside, by petitioning the U.N. and officially inside the U.N. Every protest or demonstration, every petitioning phone call, news report, personal letter or other declaration of a violation is recorded and is instrumental to mobilize action by the High Commissioner for an investigation. Finally, it is up to the country in question to allow access by a rapporteur like Mr. Ruteere. The country in question, in this case, is China. According to their letter and our follow up inquiry, the OHCHR has requested China's cooperation. What will China do?

Happy Birthday Dalai Lama

It has been 51 years since the Dalai Lama left Tibet's border, along with 2,000 of his followers. He has never been back. This month he is celebrating his 77th birthday. Whether retired or not, as the Dalai Lama becomes older and his generation begins to die, the plight of his people and their culture weighs heavily in the balance.

Admitting that (pre-1959) Tibet's policies and conditions towards its people were "feudalistic" and "change was needed," the Dalai Lama sights some benefits Tibetan Buddhism and culture have brought to the outside world. "So, the negative, unfortunate events bring benefit to these people. Now, actually not as a religion, but as a philosophy, it seems nowadays some scientists, especially in the field of the brain or human psychology, scientists working in the field of human emotions. It seems in that field, Tibetan Buddhism has some potential to help them. And we also can learn the results of their research, experiments and explanations," says the Dalai Lama in the film "Talking With the Dalai Lama."

But as he enters his 78th year, China is building a series of massive dams, diverting three major rivers from Tibet that feed India, Bangladesh and billions in other South Asian lands, to supply water and hydropower to China's major cities. In addition to the devastation to the high Himalayan plateau and its already rapidly melting glaciers, the consequences to Tibetan nomadic life and its wildlife are deadly.

Will 21st century activists and their technology succeed to supplant human rights and environmental violations in China?

When Politics Become Meditation

Mixing politics with religion, as Tibetan Buddhism instructs, is considered an obstacle to a path of liberation and detachment from worldly matters. However, an advanced Tibetan meditation called Tonglen (exchange) points out that others' suffering (our relatives in former lives) is none other than our own suffering. The target of this meditation is the relationship all living creatures have and the compassionate exchange of others' pain with our cherished joy. How does Tonglen figure in the case of Tibet's self-immolators?

What is the tipping point where empathy transfers to politics and activism, and meditation becomes action?

Would Buddhists consider it sacrilegious to take actions that obstruct human rights violations and ecological destruction in Tibet?

Whether we feel that self-immolation is a bad or a good idea; whether we believe it to be a spiritual or profane thing, the conditions and policies where it is flourishing in China are inhumane and intrepid.

The future of Tibet, its people and culture, are on the chopping block.

John Halpern is a New York based documentary filmmaker and artist. His films "Refuge" and "Talking With The Dalai Lama" explore the cultural journeys of East and West and the evolution of Buddhism in popular, western culture.

Maria Sliwa is an adjunct professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, New York University and at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She is founder of Freedom Now News, a human rights news service.

[Ensapa]

I think this is getting old, but yet another person has self immolated. This is starting to get sad and it does not move me anymore now simply because too many of them has happened and it does not result in anything so far. No results at all. So why continue something that has no results? It only brings more chaos to the area where the self immolation happens..does not help with anything at all long term...

Breaking: Tibetan man dies in self-immolation protest, Leaves message of pride and unity
Phayul[Thursday, October 04, 2012 17:18]


Tibetan writer Gudrup in an undated photo.
DHARAMSHALA, October 4: In reports coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan man has set himself of fire today in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet, taking Tibet’s self-immolation toll to 53.

Sources from inside Tibet, using a popular phone interface programme, have said that Gudrub, 43, torched himself in Nagchu town in central Tibet at around 10 am (local time). He is believed to have passed away at the site of his protest.

Dharamshala based Tibetan language new portal, Tibet Express, in a report cited eyewitnesses as saying that Gudrup raised slogans for Tibet’s freedom and the return of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama before setting himself on fire.

“Eyewitnesses have said that Gudrup shouted, “Wherever we go, we have no freedom,” “Freedom for Tibet,” “Let His Holiness the Dalai Lama return to Tibet,” before setting himself on fire,” the report said.

At the time of reporting, Gudrup’s body has not been handed over to his family members.

Before carrying out his self-immolation protest, Gudrup left a last message addressed to all Tibetans calling for unity and pride in one's race on qq.com, China’s largest online network.

“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,” Gudrup writes.

“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 endeavour to uphold our unity.”

Gudrup is a native of Driru in Kham eastern Tibet and was a writer who read extensively on Tibet’s history.

[Ensapa]

Here's another sad news: a father of two sets himself on fire. Does he not care about his young family? His wife and his children that will grow up without a father...why would someone like that consider self immolation? This is getting rather disturbing...

Breaking: Tibet continues to burn, Second self-immolation in three days
Phayul[Saturday, October 06, 2012 13:51]


Sangay Gyatso's charred body lies on the ground after his self-immolation protest against China's occupation of Tibet on October 6, 2012.
DHARAMSHALA, October 6: In confirmed reports and photos coming out of Tibet, another Tibetan set himself on fire today in an apparent protest against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Exile sources say that a Tibetan man, Sangay Gyatso, 27, set himself on fire in Tsoe region of Kanlho, Amdo eastern Tibet at around 12 pm (local time).

He carried out his protest near the Dokar Monastery.

Sangay Gyatso, a father of two, is believed to have passed away in his self-immolation protest. In the photos of his fiery protest that have reached exile, Sangay Gyatso’s body is seen completely charred.

Since 2009, a known number of 54 Tibetans have now set themselves on fire demanding freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile.

Sangay Gyatso’s protest comes only two days after a Tibetan writer, Gudrup passed away in his self-immolation protest on October 4 in Nagchu.

The recently concluded meeting of exile Tibetans to discuss the ongoing crisis in Tibet had sent a strong message of unity and solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet and a call for greater activism in exile.

The special meeting, while expressing concern over the loss of Tibetan lives, declared that the Chinese government will be held solely responsible in the event of the situation inside Tibet escalating further.

In light of the critical situation inside Tibet, the meeting had also recommended the revival of the ‘Tibetan Solidarity Committee’ to head the global Tibet activities and also pushed for the creation of a ‘voluntary emergency fund’ to finance the campaigns.

[Ensapa]

As we can see here, it is pretty obvious that the CTA is actively supporting and encouraging the self immolations. Notice how never once did the CTA appeal for the self immolations to stop, but only have words of pity with underlying currents of encouragement, that this is the 'right thing' to do.

Dharamshala pays homage to Tibetan self-immolators
Phayul[Sunday, October 07, 2012 23:15]
By Phuntsok Yangchen


Tibetans and supporters in Dharamshala hold a prayer service for Tibetan self-immolators at the Tsug-la Khang on October 5, 2012. (Phayul photo/Norbu Wangyal)
DHARAMSHALA, October 7: Tibetans and supporters in the Tibetan exile headquarters of Dharamshala held special prayers and led a candle light protest Friday in solidarity with Tibetan self-immolators.

The Central Tibetan Administration held a prayer service at the Tsug-la Khang in honour of Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives in protest against China’s occupation in Tibet. Hundreds of Tibetans, including the Chief Justice Commissioners, Kalons and Members of Parliament paid tribute to Jamyang Palden, Yungdrung, and Gudrup, three Tibetans who recently passed away after setting themselves on fire demanding freedom and the Dalai Lama’s return.

Jamyang Palden, a monk at the Rongwo Monastery in Rebkong, eastern Tibet, succumbed to his injuries at his monastery quarters on September 29, after an ordeal that lasted for more than six months.

On March 14, Jamyang Palden had set himself on fire in protest against the Chinese government on a ground in front of his monastery.

Yungdrung, 27, set himself ablaze in Zatoe town of Yushul, eastern Tibet on September 29, while calling for independence of Tibet, the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Gyalwang Karmapa from exile. He also addressed Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay (the elected leader of Tibetan people) as the “king of Tibet.”

Yungdung reportedly passed away while being taken by Chinese security personnel to a nearby place.

On October 4, a Tibetan writer, Gudrup, 43, set himself on fire in Nagchu town in central Tibet and later succumbed to his injuries.

Before carrying out his self-immolation protest, Gudrup left a last message addressed to all Tibetans calling for unity and pride in one's race.

“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,” Gudrup writes.

“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 endeavour to uphold our unity.”

Later in the evening, hundreds of Tibetans and foreigners marched in McLeod Ganj, carrying candles in one hand and with the other, holding a long stretch of khatak (Tibetan scarf) fastened together, as a mark of respect and solidarity with the Tibetan self-immolators.

Organisers said that a similar vigil was carried out in Ngaba, eastern Tibet after the demise of 20-year-old monk Losbang Puntsok who self-immolated on March 16, 2011.

Speaking at the a candle light protest organised by the regional chapters of the Tibetan youth and women’s groups and SFT, India, Tenzin Kalden, a monk who is from Gudrup’s village relayed the last moments before his fiery protest.

“Gudrup went inside a public toilet in the market of Nagchu town, poured kerosene on himself and set himself on fire,” Kalden said citing sources inside Tibet. “He then started walking towards a Chinese government office located nearby but was resisted.”

Gudrup was born in Kham Driru and had one sister and four brothers. He lost his parent at the very young age.

Gudrup had stayed in India for over a year and upon his return to Tibet in 2006, was arrested and later released in 2008.

Gudrup always had a keen interest in Tibetan history and kept a blog. Two of his short writings have emerged, one written in March 2012.

[Ensapa]

And this is the result of more self immolations. All these self immolations are resulting in China being more and more upset with the CTA and refuse to engage in more talks with them.  And they wonder why China does not like them and has not engaged in talks with them despite them being 'ready'...because China dislikes hypocrisy...saying that you wanna engage in talks while creating disharmony and discord isnt very sincere if you ask me..

Situation tense in Tsoe after self-immolation
Phayul[Tuesday, October 09, 2012 15:54]
DHARAMSHALA, October 9: The situation in Tsoe region of Kanlho, eastern Tibet is being described as tense following the self-immolation protest of Sangay Gyatso on October 6.

Exile sources with contacts in the region have told Phayul that the entire region is under strict surveillance with severe restrictions on the movement of local Tibetans.

Sangay Gyatso, 27, father of two, set himself on fire near the Dokar Monastery, shouting slogans for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet. He passed away at the site of his protest following which monks and local Tibetans carried his charred body inside the Monastery premises.

Choe Gyatso, a Tibetan monk in south India with close contacts in the region, told Phayul that Chinese armed forces have been deployed in large numbers around the Monastery and restrictions have been placed on the movement of Tibetans.

“The Chinese security officials also attempted to arrest the Dokar Monastery monks responsible for taking care of Sangay Gyatso’s body and taking pictures of his charred body,” Choe said. “The deceased’s family members have also been questioned by the Chinese officials.”

Sangay Gyatso’s body is believed to be in the possession of his family and special prayers have been performed at the Monastery.

According to the same source, Tibetans from nearby villages have also gathered to offer their prayers and final respects.

Sangay Gyatso is survived by his wife Dorjee Kyi and two children - a son, Dorjee Dhundup, 7 and a daughter, Tenzin Tso, 5.

During the massive uprisings of 2008 that engulfed the entire Tibetan plateau, around 70 Tibetans were arrested from the Tsoe region for carrying out peaceful.

Since then, Chinese officials have kept a close watch over the region, enforcing monks and local Tibetans to undergo “patriotic re-education” classes.

The Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration in a release today said it was “extremely concerned” over the increasing self-immolations by Tibetans in Tibet and “strongly urged” the Chinese government to address the underlying causes which are pushing Tibetans to set themselves on fire.

Since 2009, 54 Tibetans have set themselves on fire demanding thereturn of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and freedom in Tibet.

“It is high time for the international community, especially the United Nations, to take tangible actions to press the Chinese leadership to find a lasting solution to the crisis in Tibet. We also reiterate our appeal to Tibetans inside Tibet not to resort to drastic actions,” said Kalon Dicki Chhoyang, Department of Information and International Relations, CTA said.

[Ensapa]

Yup another prayer. Why publicize these prayer sessions when you're supposed to have discouraged self immolations? Isnt doing prayer sessions like this encouraging more and more self immolations?

CTA holds prayer service in honour of Sangay Gyatso
Phayul[Thursday, October 11, 2012 23:53]


Tibetans and supporters holding a prayer service for Tibetan self-immolators at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala, north India on October 10, 2012. (Phayul photo/Norbu Wangyal)
DHARAMSHALA, October 11: Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters, including the Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners, Kalons, Parliamentarians and school students attended a prayer service held at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple in Dharamshala, Wednesday.

The special prayer service was held in honour of Sangay Gyatso, 27, who self-immolated in Tsoe region of Kanlho, eastern Tibet on October 6, protesting against China’s continued occupation of Tibet.

Sangay Gyatso, a father of two, set himself on fire near the Dokar Monastery and passed away at the site of his protest, following which monks and local Tibetans carried his charred body inside the Monastery premises.

According to eyewitnesses, he raised slogans demanding the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from exile and freedom of religion and language in Tibet.

Kalon Tsering Dhondup of the Department of Finance, in his brief remarks, paid homage to Sangay Gyatso and recalled the slogans he raised during his fiery protest.

“When Tibetans in Tibet are sacrificing their lives calling for the freedom of language and religion, it is our duty for those of us living in freedom in exile to protect and promote our language and religion,” Kalon Dhondup said.

Earlier reports had said that Tibetans from nearby towns and villages had gathered in large numbers at the Dokar Monastery to offer prayers and their last respects to Sangay Gyatso.

The situation in Tsoe region has been described as tense with the deployment of a large number of Chinese armed forces around the Monastery. The entire Tsoe region is under strict surveillance with severe restrictions on the movement of local Tibetans.

The Chinese security officials had earlier attempted to arrest the Dokar Monastery monks responsible for taking pictures of Sangay Gyatso’s charred body and also questioned the deceased’s family members.

Sangay Gyatso is survived by his wife Dorjee Kyi and two children - a son, Dorjee Dhundup, 7 and a daughter, Tenzin Tso, 5.

Since 2009, 54 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in Tibet demanding freedom and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

[icy]

October 23, 2012, one more man self-immolated in Tibet asking freedom. Dorje Rabten (or Dorje Rinchen), a lay man from Tsayei Village Near Labrang Monastery put himself on fire in front of military camp of the Region at 4:30 PM local time. A huge number of Chinese troops were deployed around the area after the incident. Phone lines and Internet connectivity has been cut off,
according to different reliable sources on wechat and facebook.

[icy]

80, Martyr Tenzin Dolma, 23 Self Immolation for Tibet on November 15th 2012 Amdho Rebgong, Tibet

[icy]

Today, November 23, 2012, Tamdring Kyab, 22, set himself on fire at Kanlho Kul, Luchu Dzong in Amdo.