Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Calls For More International Pressure on China/ENG

2012. január 11./ITN/TibetPress

DHARAMSHALA: In a press release issued today, the Tibetan
Pariliament-in-Exile called for more international pressure on
China after three more instances of self-immolation in Tibet this
new year.

'The drastic actions taken by the protesters reflect the failed
policies of the Chinese government in Tibet. We urge the United
Nations and the world community to exert more pressure on China to
reform its failed policies especially with regard to human rights
in Tibet', the press release said.

'Tsultrim and Tennyi, both in their early 20s, self-immolated on 6
January in Ngaba, eastern Tibet calling for the return of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet'.

Tsultrim died on the spot while Tennyi died the following morning
from injuries sustained from the self-immolation.

'Another Tibetan, Sonam Wangyal/Sopa Rinpoche,(42), a venerated
spiritual figure from Golok Darlag county in eastern Tibet, died
after he set himself on fire on 8 January. He was also calling for
the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the restoration of
freedom for Tibet', the press release noted.

Norbu Damdul, who set himself on fire in Ngaba on 15 October 2011
also passed away on 5 January. His last remains,after being
cremated had been handed over to his family by the Chinese police,
the press statement further said.

A total of 15 Tibetans have set themselves on fire in protest
against the Chinese government in Tibet since March 2011. Out of
which 11 have died and the rest were severely injured or their
whereabouts are yet to be ascertained.