NEPAL: A Tibetan in exile in Nepal sets himself on fire protesting against Beijing's control of his Himalayan homeland

Record ID: 860329

  • Title: NEPAL: A Tibetan in exile in Nepal sets himself on fire protesting against Beijing's control of his Himalayan homeland
  • Date: 13th February 2013
  • Summary: KATHMANDU, NEPAL (FEBRUARY 13, 2013) (REUTERS) BOUDHNAH TEMPLE
  • Embargoed: 28th February 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nepal
  • City:
  • Country: Nepal
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA3YN8LNA4538HF00AF0DPSM6XG
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  • Story Text: A Tibetan youth set himself alight at the Boudhnah temple in Kathmandu on Wednesday (February 13), as an apparent protest against Chinese rule of his Himalayan homeland.
    The man, dressed as a monk, poured petrol over his body before setting himself alight whilst chanting pro-Tibetan independence slogans, local media reported.
    A Tibetan activist in Kathmandu said the self-immolation was an act against Chinese oppression of Tibetans.

    "China has suppressed Tibet very much. From all angles. From religious aspects to heritage. And it is because of these suppressions coming from all sides, that the immolator seeks some self respect. For the sake of human rights he self immolates."
    Hospital officials said the youth, who is around 20-years-old, had burnt over 95 percent of his body and was in critical condition, local media reported.
    The Tibetan community in Kathmandu said they plan to hold a candle light vigil later on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with the Tibetan movement.
    Around 100 Tibetans are believed to have set themselves on fire since 2009. Most are reported to have died.
    Nepal is home to 20,000 Tibetans who have been living there since fleeing with the Dalai Lama in 1959.
    Tibetans in Nepal have been organizing protests against China, showing solidarity with those who have self-immolated in recent months.
    Human rights groups working for the Tibetan cause say Nepal was under pressure from China to crackdown on the activities of Tibetan exiles.
    Kathmandu considers Tibet as part of China, impoverished Nepal's key trade partner and a major aid donor to its economic development.
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