Dharamshala: Three Tibetans who had self-immolated in 2012 protesting against Chinese rule and policies in Tibet have now been identified with their photographs.
Although details of the three self-immolators were received and recorded in the same year, their photographs became available only years later. All three died on site after their immolation protests.
The photographs are of:
1) Dorjee, 18-years-old from Cha Ruwa, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture who died immediately after his self-immolation protest on March 5, 2012;
2) Lobsang Sherab, 20-years-old from Cha town in Ngaba county, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, self-immolated on March 28, 2012 and died on the spot; and
3) Dhamchoe (Lobsang Damchoe), 17, formerly from Ngaba Kirti Monastery, Ngaba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, self-immolated and died on site on August 27, 2012.
Although the photographs were received over a year ago, it could not be confirmed or verified immediately due to constant and massive clampdown in the region. The year 2012 saw the highest number of Tibetans resorting to self-immolation protest, 85 in total of known self-immolations in Tibet. Till date, at least 153 Tibetans from all walks of life have self-immolated in Tibet protesting against China’s repressive policies, and while calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and freedom in Tibet.
-Filed by UN, EU & Human Rights Desk