Monk self-immolates on Tibetan uprising anniversary

A Tibetan monk has self-immolated in protest today, on the 2008 Uprising Anniversary, at around 10.30 a.m (Tibet Time) at Rongbo Gonchen Monastery in Rebkong (Ch: Tongren) County, Malho (Ch: Huangnan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province.

Jamyang, around 34-yr-old, lighted himself on the Rongpo Gonchen Monastery’s prayer hall ground called Dolma Ground, sources told TCHRD.

There were not many Tibetans at the scene. The few prostrating nearby extinguished the fire on Jamyang with a help of carpet used for prostration. The local officials of the Religious Affairs and People’s Armed Police reached the spot and took burnt Jamyang to the local hospital, sources said.

Immediately after the self-immolation, Tibetans in the locality gathered at the Dolma Ground, and recited prayers in solidarity to the Tibetan self-immolater.

However, the Chinese Security Officials forcefully dispersed the Tibetan gathering at around 3.30 in the afternoon (Tibet Time), our sources said.

After appealing to the local authorities to hand over Jamyang to the Tibetans, it is said that Jamyang was taken back to his monastery from the hospital.

Following the self-immolation, heavy security officials have been deployed at the monastery manning the movements of the Tibetans.

It is feared that the chances of Jamyang’s survival is minimal.
Jamyang Palden was born in Gyabo-Dhong-nye village in Rebkong.