Another Tibetan man burns to death calling for freedom

A Tibetan man died of self-immolation protest in Sangkhog Township in Labrang (Chinese: Xiahe) County of Kanlho (Chinese: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province.

Tsepak Kyap, 21, set himself on fire at around 7 pm (local time) on 26 October in the street of Sangkhog town calling for the ‘Tibet’s freedom,’ ‘return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’ and ‘immediate release of all political prisoners including the 11th Panchen Lama,’ sources told TCHRD.

Tsepak Kyap, also called Tseba by his friends and family members, had got married to Dorjee Dolma, 18, less than a year ago. After his marriage, he left his native Rumang Village and began living with his wife’s family in Serthi Village, also in Sangkhog Township.

Tsepak has an older brother, Tashi Dhondup, and mother, Lumo Jam.

The day he staged the self-immolation protest, sources say Tsepak Kyap left his home riding his motorcycle. When he reached the main street of Sangkhog town, he got off his motorcycle and set himself on fire.

Following the protest, local Tibetans took Tsepak’s body to his home in Serthi Village. At the time of reporting, local Tibetans are said to be keeping a watch over Tsepak’s body fearing that local authorities might forcefully take possession of the deceased’s body. Sources also report increased security build-up in Sangkhog with armed police moving into the area.