Two Tibetan Monks Set Fire to Themselves

 

Two young monks, Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Konchok, from Kirti monastery in Aba county, Sichuan, called for religious freedom and shouted "Long live the Dalai Lama" before setting fire to themselves yesterday (Monday).

The State news agency, Xinhua said two monks had been rescued by police and had suffered slight burns and were in a stable condition, before adding ominously: "The suicide attempt is under further investigation."

Lobsang Kalsang's 21-year-old brother Rigzin Phuntsog, also from Kirti, died after self-immolating in March.

Their uncle and another of their brothers were among six lamas recently sentenced for "intentional homicide" and other crimes in connection with his death. Phuntsog's uncle, Drongdru, was jailed for 11 years for "intentional homicide", with the court finding that he had hidden his injured nephew, preventing medical treatment.