Again self-immolation in Tibet 26 March 2012

2012. március 26./Új-Delhi/TYC/TibetPress

New Delhi 26 March 2012:  A Tibetan youth set himself on fire today at around 12:30 pm in an apparent protest against the continued Chinese occupation of Tibet in front of hundreds of Tibetans who had converged from all over India at Jantar Mantar today to protest the imminent arrival of Hu Jintao.

March 26 is a historic date. Exactly a century ago on this day, two senior officials of the Tibetan government formally issued a declaration of war to the Imperial Chinese and after a year of fierce fighting Tibet regained its status as an independent nation.

The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) can now confirm that the young Tibetan is Jamphel Yeshi, a 27 year-old Tibetan living in Delhi.

He is currently in the ICU at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Doctors say he has suffered 98 per cent burn and is in a very critical condition.

Jamphel Yeshi set himself on fire moments after the function started.  The Indian police and Tibetans attempted to douse the flames and immediately rushed Jamphel Yeshi to the hospital.

Described as “extremely pious and patriotic” by friends reatives, Jamphel has been a consistent volunteer for the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress in Majnukatilla in offering his services.  According to his friends and neighbours, he is a dedicated activist who can be relied upon to be there for all activities and campaigns.  Jamphel Yeshi, a native of Tawu district, Kham, eastern Tibet, escaped into exile in early 2005.  Jamphel Yeshi went to the Tibetan Transit School in Dharamshala for three and a half years after which he has been living in Delhi for the past couple of years having completed a two-year computer course.  

TYC pays homage for Jamphel Yeshi’s heroic sacrifice and expresses sincere condolences to his family and friends. Attempts are being made to contact his mother and relatives inside Tibet.  While his condition remains critical, TYC urges everyone to pray for Jamphel Yeshi.