CTA organises prayer service for Tibetan self-immolators

DHARAMSHALA: The Department of Religion and Culture of the Central Tibetan Administration today organised a prayer service for the Tibetan self-immolators including Tsephe Kyi and Ven. Kelsang Yeshi, who died after setting themselves on fire on 22 and 23 December respectively.

Hundreds of local Tibetans, staff and senior officials of the Tibetan administration including members of the Kashag, members of the Tibetan Parliament and Tibetan Justice Commissioners, attended the prayer service. The prayer service was presided over by Ven. Ngawang Tashi, former spiritual teacher of Namgyal monastery.

Addressing the gathering, Officiating Sikyong, Kalon Pema Chhinjor, expressed his deep sadness and solidarity with the suffering of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. He said: ” Not one, not two, not even one hundred, but at least 135 Tibetans have set themselves on fire protesting the Chinese government’s repressive policies in Tibet. The Tibetan self-immolators have set themselves on fire not for their personal benefits or to fulfill their individual aspirations. They sacrificed their lives for the greater cause of Tibet and we should respect them.”

” The Chinese government continues to propagate that they have created a harmonious socialist paradise in Tibet. However, the reality is far from it. The Tibetan people are continually discriminated against and subjected to all kinds of repressive measures. Therefore, out of desperation, Tibetans resort to self-immolation. However, not even one out of the 135 Tibetan self-immolators have hurt or tried to hurt anyone else in their self-immolations. This is a testament of their commitment towards non-violence,” he said.

Despite the Central Tibetan Administration’s repeated appeals, 135 Tibetans have set themselves ablaze in Tibet since 2009. Most of the self-immolators have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. Several of the self-immolators have also left testimonials expressing apprehension towards restrictions imposed on Tibetan language and culture by Chinese authorities in Tibet.
 http://tibet.net/2014/12/26/cta-organises-prayer-service-for-tibetan-self-immolators-2/
26/12/14
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• ***self-immolations