Dharamshala: Between 400 to 500 members of the exile community of Dharamshala took to the streets on October 6th, markedly observing the third immolation in a week from within Tibet. Sangye Gyatso, 27 from Amdo, died after self-immolating against Chinese rule, during the early afternoon of October 6th. His protest was near Drongar Monastery in Amdo, Eastern Tibet. Sangye reportedly died at the scene.
For the third time in a week in the community of Dharamshala, home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for over 60 years, shops closed, and unprecedented numbers of took to the streets with a candlelight vigil to mark the most recent loss within The Land of Snows. Members of the vigil painted their bodies with slogans;
highlighting the staggering numbers of self-immolations in Tibet, which has now surpassed 50.
Community members lit candles, prayed, and held a moment of silence for the most recent loss of life in Tibet. The numbers attending the vigil over the week have doubled, and consist of growing numbers from those of the Indian, international and Tibetan community.
In a press release from the event - which concluded at the Main Temple - Thupten Jigme of the Tibetan Youth Congress Stated:
"We are deeply frustrated at the UN's apathy to our suffering. 54 Tibetans have set themselves on fire and the Western World continues to trade with China. How many more must die? Where is the United Nations now? We demand answers"
Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have created a blackout on all telephone and internet connections in the region around the monastery; a method commonly used to prevent information on protests spreading.
In the same manner as previous self-immolations, Sangye Gyatso reportedly called for a return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet, as well as for freedom to his homeland. The death of the 27 year old was mourned poignantly in exile, amid a worsening crisis in Tibet.
