Tibetan mother of three dies after self-immolation

Three days after the twin self-immolation in Lhasam a Tibetan woman died after setting herself on fire in Dzamthang (Chinese: Rangtang) County, Ngaba (Chinese: Aba) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

On 30 May 2012, Rikyo, a mother of three, set herself on fire at around 3 pm (local time) near Jonang Monastery in Dzamthang.

Rikyo, 33, was cremated on the same day at around 11 pm (local time) near Jonang Monastery. Sources said the cremation was attended by thousands of Tibetans including monks who held prayers until early next morning.

Rikyo is survived by her husband Namgthong, three children and her parents, Chuklo and Rinlha.

Since the beginning of this year, 25 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibet within a span of five months, out of which 21 died.

Since February 2012, in Dzamthang County, four Tibetans have burnt themselves to death in protest against the Chinese government.

Rikyo became the sixth Tibetan woman to self-immolate in protest.