Kunchok Phelgye
Two young men are dead after separate self-immolation protests in eastern Tibet on Saturday, Phayul.com reports.
Kunchok Phelgye, 24, a monk at Sumdo Monastery in Dzoege, set himself on fire at the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery late Saturday afternoon.
Sources said he shouted for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche, exiled head of Kirti Monastery, as flames engulfed his body. He died at the scene, leaving behind nine family members, including his parents.
Also on Saturday afternoon, Pema Dorjee, 23, self-immolated near the Shitsang Monastery in Luchu. While setting himself alight, he shouted for the Dalai Lama’s return and Tibetan independence. He died at the scene of his protest.
Ninety-five Tibetans have immolated in protest of Chinese occupation since 2009, with the number of immolations dramatically increasing since October. Click here for all of Buddhadharma News‘ coverage of the protests.
(Photo: phayul.com)
