Amdo Golok Lama Soehpa Self-Immolates and Dies

On 8 January 2012, at around 6AM (Tibet Time), Tong Kyop Monastery’s Lama Soehpa set himself on fire at a street in Dhalang County. Before his self-immolation, he shouted slogans such as Freedom in Tibet, Long Live H.H the Dalai Lama and Return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Sadly, he was severely burnt and thus died. In short time, the People’s Armed Police and Public Security Bureau police reached at the scene. They tried to take the body away but could not do so because of the strong protest of the local Tibetans.

Lama Soehpa, (aged around 40), was born in Gongthoe Village, Gadhey County, Golok Prefecture. He was a respected Lama of Tong Kyop Monastery in Golok County. Earlier he had planned to come to India for the Kalachakra and had applied for passport. However, the local authorities did not comply with the request.

Lama Soehpa was greatly respected by the public in his region. He had done many humanitarian works and social services for the benefits of the local people.