His slogans: “Long Life and Return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche”
Name: Kunchok Phelgye
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Profession: Monk
Date of Self-immolation: 8 December 2012 5:20 pm (local time)
Location: Outside the main prayer hall of Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet
Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased
Kunchok Phelgye, a 24-year-old monk from Sumdo Monastery in Dzoege region of Eastern Tibet, passed away following his self-immolation protest. Kunchok carried out his action in front of the main assembly hall of the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery at around 5:20 pm (local time). Enveloped in flames, and with his hands joined in prayer, he raised slogans for the long life and return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Kirti Rinpoche, the exiled head of Ngaba’s Kirti Monastery. He also raised slogans calling for the “return and reunification of Tibetans.” Monks of the monastery surrounded Kunchok Phelgye’s burning body and began to recite prayers, “Losang Gyalwa Kungi Nyingje Ter…” (a prayer usually recited in Kirti Rinpoche’s honour). Monks later carried Kunchok Phelgye’s body to his quarters in the monastery where hundreds of monks and local Tibetans continued to visit to offer their last respects and prayers. Local Chinese personnel placed Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery and the surrounding villages under a security blockade. Kunchok Phelgye had nine family members. His parents are Kunchok Kyab and Dolma Tso. Originally from Sumdo Monastery, Kunchok Phelgye joined Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery in 2010.