Monk dies of self-immolation on protest anniversary
A Tibetan monk from the besieged Kirti Monastery died of self-immolation protest on 16 March in Ngaba County in Ngaba (Ch: Aba) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
16 March 2013 was the fifth anniversary of the 2008 protest in Ngaba in which many local people were killed by security forces, and the date has been marked by Ngaba people in various ways every year since. Notably, Lobsang Phuntsok committed self immolation on this day in 2011, and Losang Tsultrim in 2012.
According to reliable sources, Lobsang Thokmey, 28, set himself on fire at about 2.40 pm on 16 March and died soon after in a hospital. Citing contacts in the area, sources said Lobsang Thokmey covered himself in petrol outside the door of his room on the west side of the monastery compound, and once aflame, ran towards the western gate of the compound holding a Khata scarf. Before reaching the gate, he fell to the ground. By that time, many monks and laypeople reached the spot, and he was taken to the county hospital, but passed away soon after.
It is not known what he shouted during his protest. On arrival at the hospital, a large force of police and soldiers came there and forcibly took possession of his remains, which they then took to the prefectural headquarters at Barkham.
Lobsang Thokmey belongs to the Roktruktsang household in Division 2 of the Chukle Gongma pastoral area in Trinkon Village of Ngaba county. He joined Kirti monastery at a young age, and was studying in the Prajnaparamita class. He was known as a diligent and well-behaved student. He is survived by his parents and four brothers and sisters.
