His slogans: “Independence for Tibet” and “Long life for His Holiness the Dalai Lama”

Name: Nyingkar Tashi

Age: 24

Sex: Male

Profession: Nomad

Date of Self-immolation: 12 November 2012 at 3:30 pm (local time)

Location: Near a school in Drongpo in Rebkong, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

As Nyingkar Tashi set himself on fire at Dowa township in Rebkong he was shouting slogans calling for the long life of the Dalai Lama and independence for Tibet. He died at the site of his protest. A source reported that “Local Tibetans took his body to his home, and the situation is very tense.” Before carrying out his self-immolation protest, Nyingkar Tashi left this last message: “We the million Tibetans led by His Holiness Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama; want independence for Tibet. Freedom to learn our language, freedom to speak our language. Free the imprisoned Panchen Lama. His Holiness the Dalai Lama must return home. I am setting myself on fire to protest against the Chinese government. My father Tashi Namgyal and other family members, there is no need to worry and feel sad. Instead engage in spiritual activities and accumulate merits. My request is that every Tibetan must learn and speak Tibetan, dress Tibetan and must remain united and rise up. Signed Nyingkar Tashi, 12 November 2012
(Translated from Tibetan by Bhuchung D. Sonam)

Nyingkar Tashi’s self-immolation coincided with a public meeting called by Chinese officials to look into the spate of self-immolations in the area. Nyingkar Tashi is survived by his wife Drugmo Tso (23), and father Tashi Namgyal (47), the source said.

His slogans were calling for freedom for Tibetans, protection of the Tibetan language, and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet

Name: Gonpo Tsering

Age: 19

Sex: Male

Profession: Farmer

Date of Self-immolation: 10 November 2012, 6 pm (local time)

Location: Ala Deu Go Monastery, Kanlho

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

This 19-year-old youth, died after self-immolating in front of Ala Deu Go monastery in Tsoe on 10 November. According to Tibetan sources in exile, monks who had gathered at the scene tried unsuccessfully to extinguish the flames. They then took his charred body inside the monastery where a large number of Tibetans from the surrounding areas gathered to offer prayers and condolences despite staunch official orders. Gonpo Tsering, called for freedom for Tibetans, the protection of the Tibetan language, and for the Dalai Lama to be brought back to Tibet. Gonpo Tsering’s death was immediately confirmed by Beijing’s State media. According to reports, Chinese security personnel and armed forces were immediately deployed in the region and heightened restrictions as Chinese authorities were said to be ‘investigating” the protest. Gonpo is survived by three children and wife Namgyal Dolma.

His slogans were calling for freedom for Tibetans, protection of the Tibetan language, and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet

Name: Gonpo Tsering

Age: 19

Sex: Male

Profession: Farmer

Date of Self-immolation: 10 November 2012, 6 pm (local time)

Location: Ala Deu Go Monastery, Kanlho

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

This 19-year-old youth, died after self-immolating in front of Ala Deu Go monastery in Tsoe on 10 November. According to Tibetan sources in exile, monks who had gathered at the scene tried unsuccessfully to extinguish the flames. They then took his charred body inside the monastery where a large number of Tibetans from the surrounding areas gathered to offer prayers and condolences despite staunch official orders. Gonpo Tsering, called for freedom for Tibetans, the protection of the Tibetan language, and for the Dalai Lama to be brought back to Tibet. Gonpo Tsering’s death was immediately confirmed by Beijing’s State media. According to reports, Chinese security personnel and armed forces were immediately deployed in the region and heightened restrictions as Chinese authorities were said to be ‘investigating” the protest. Gonpo is survived by three children and wife Namgyal Dolma.

His slogan: “Return His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet”

Name: Kalsang Jinpa

Age: 18

Sex: Male

Profession: Nomad

Date of Self-immolation: 8 November 2012

Location: Dolma Square ground near Rongwo Monastery, Rebkong, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

In an apparent protest against China’s rule, Kalsang Jinpa an 18-year-old set himself on fire at the Dolma Square on the day the key CCP’s 18th National People’s Congress was being held in Beijing. Kalsang, a former monk of Rongwo Monastery raised a white banner shouting slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s return and the rights of the Tibetan people before he set himself ablaze. As his body was consumed by flames Kalsang could still be heard shouting demands for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Kalsang passed away in his fiery protest. His body was reportedly taken by local Tibetans to an area where usually only high lamas are cremated. According to exile sources, following the cremation Tibetans began to gather at the square in Rebkong where Jinpa had died, and some shouted slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s long life and His return to Tibet.

His slogan: “Return His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet”

Name: Kalsang Jinpa

Age: 18

Sex: Male

Profession: Nomad

Date of Self-immolation: 8 November 2012

Location: Dolma Square ground near Rongwo Monastery, Rebkong, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

In an apparent protest against China’s rule, Kalsang Jinpa an 18-year-old set himself on fire at the Dolma Square on the day the key CCP’s 18th National People’s Congress was being held in Beijing. Kalsang, a former monk of Rongwo Monastery raised a white banner shouting slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s return and the rights of the Tibetan people before he set himself ablaze. As his body was consumed by flames Kalsang could still be heard shouting demands for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet. Kalsang passed away in his fiery protest. His body was reportedly taken by local Tibetans to an area where usually only high lamas are cremated. According to exile sources, following the cremation Tibetans began to gather at the square in Rebkong where Jinpa had died, and some shouted slogans calling for the Dalai Lama’s long life and His return to Tibet.

Triple Self Immolation

Name: Dorji Kyab

Age: 16

Sex: Male

Profession: Monks at Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba County

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Ngaba, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Hospitalized

Name: Dorji

Age: 15

Sex: Male

Profession: Monks at Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba County

Dorji

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Ngaba, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

Name: Samdrup

Age: 16

Sex: Male

Profession: Monks at Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba County

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Ngaba, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Unknown

Monks Dorji Kyab, Samdrup and Dorji became the youngest Tibetans to selfimmolate when they set themselves on fire outside a police station in Ngaba, at around 3 pm (local time) on 7 November, the day before the CCP’s 18th National Congress. As the three teenagers set themselves on fire, they were shouting for freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. Sources have reported that heavy security and severe restrictions have been imposed around Gomang and Ngoshul Monasteries. While Dorji was seen to have died at the scene of the protest, the other two monks were reportedly admitted to a hospital in Ngaba. No further information is available to date. Ngoshul Monastery, located approximately 12 kms from Ngaba County town, has about 130 monks.

Their slogans: Freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama

Triple Self Immolation

Name: Dorji Kyab

Age: 16

Sex: Male

Profession: Monks at Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba County

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Ngaba, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Hospitalized

Name: Dorji

Age: 15

Sex: Male

Profession: Monks at Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba County

Dorji

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Ngaba, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

Name: Samdrup

Age: 16

Sex: Male

Profession: Monks at Ngoshul Monastery, Ngaba County

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Ngaba, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Unknown

Monks Dorji Kyab, Samdrup and Dorji became the youngest Tibetans to selfimmolate when they set themselves on fire outside a police station in Ngaba, at around 3 pm (local time) on 7 November, the day before the CCP’s 18th National Congress. As the three teenagers set themselves on fire, they were shouting for freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. Sources have reported that heavy security and severe restrictions have been imposed around Gomang and Ngoshul Monasteries. While Dorji was seen to have died at the scene of the protest, the other two monks were reportedly admitted to a hospital in Ngaba. No further information is available to date. Ngoshul Monastery, located approximately 12 kms from Ngaba County town, has about 130 monks.

Their slogans: Freedom in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama

Name: Tamding Tso

Age: 23

Sex: Female

Profession: Housewife

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012 at around 5:30 pm (local time)

Location: Rebkong, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

Tamding Tso, the mother of a six-year-old son, Nyingjam Tseringset herself on fire near the Ghemar Thang market area of Rebkong city in the Tibetan area of Amdo. According to eyewitnesses, Tamding Tso shouted “His Holiness the Dalai Lama Must Come to Tibet” before setting herself on fire and passing away. Following the self-immolation protest, monks of Dowa Monastery carried her charred body to her home. Thousands of Tibetans reportedly gathered in the region, raising slogans for the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and offering prayers. Tamdin’s last words were addressed to her father: “Father, being a Tibetan is so difficult. We can’t even say our prayers to Dalai Lama’s portrait. We have no freedom at all…” The following is the transcript of a conversation with Tamding Tso’s father following her immolation: “She has always seemed concerned about the situation in Tibet and the reason for her self- immolation is for the Tibetan Cause and not for any personal and family problem. What triggered her self-immolation seems to be what happened about one month ago, when she went to Rebkong Dowa town with me and saw the posters which were distributed by the new local leader, Jiangshu Cheng, banning His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s picture and telling people to publicly protest separatists and their activities. “She was visibly angry and felt very sad to see those posters. She told me, ‘Father, this is such a sad destiny for the Tibetan people when we can’t even keep and pray before the picture of our spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.’ On that day, after we returned home, she mentioned this repeatedly and since then she stopped eating meat and kept fast to this till the last day. As a concerned father, I was worried for her health and told her to eat meat. But she refused. A few days before she told me that she wanted to go to Rebkong city, but I told her we have much work at home during this winter. “On the 7th of November, she was with her younger brother at home; after the younger brother left to tend the cattle she cleaned the house and made prayers in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait. It seems she made her last prayer on that day before making the decision to self-immolate. Finally, she took the petrol from our motorbike and used it to set herself on fire. “She was the only daughter and the favourite in our family. She was my most beloved daughter and I have never raised a finger to her since she was born. When such a sad thing happened, suddenly it felt like my heart was being taken out of my chest. But I believe she made this decision for the Tibetan Cause and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama to their thrones. So, therefore, I think it is useless to think about anything else than to respect her decision and sacrifice. Therefore, I plead to you all to work tiredlessly to fulfill her goals and aspirations. “I also request you all to pray that my daughter may be reborn in independent Tibet and hear and see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in her next life. Thank you all.”

Name: Tamding Tso

Age: 23

Sex: Female

Profession: Housewife

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012 at around 5:30 pm (local time)

Location: Rebkong, Amdo, Northeastern Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased

Tamding Tso, the mother of a six-year-old son, Nyingjam Tseringset herself on fire near the Ghemar Thang market area of Rebkong city in the Tibetan area of Amdo. According to eyewitnesses, Tamding Tso shouted “His Holiness the Dalai Lama Must Come to Tibet” before setting herself on fire and passing away. Following the self-immolation protest, monks of Dowa Monastery carried her charred body to her home. Thousands of Tibetans reportedly gathered in the region, raising slogans for the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and offering prayers. Tamdin’s last words were addressed to her father: “Father, being a Tibetan is so difficult. We can’t even say our prayers to Dalai Lama’s portrait. We have no freedom at all…” The following is the transcript of a conversation with Tamding Tso’s father following her immolation: “She has always seemed concerned about the situation in Tibet and the reason for her self- immolation is for the Tibetan Cause and not for any personal and family problem. What triggered her self-immolation seems to be what happened about one month ago, when she went to Rebkong Dowa town with me and saw the posters which were distributed by the new local leader, Jiangshu Cheng, banning His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s picture and telling people to publicly protest separatists and their activities. “She was visibly angry and felt very sad to see those posters. She told me, ‘Father, this is such a sad destiny for the Tibetan people when we can’t even keep and pray before the picture of our spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.’ On that day, after we returned home, she mentioned this repeatedly and since then she stopped eating meat and kept fast to this till the last day. As a concerned father, I was worried for her health and told her to eat meat. But she refused. A few days before she told me that she wanted to go to Rebkong city, but I told her we have much work at home during this winter. “On the 7th of November, she was with her younger brother at home; after the younger brother left to tend the cattle she cleaned the house and made prayers in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait. It seems she made her last prayer on that day before making the decision to self-immolate. Finally, she took the petrol from our motorbike and used it to set herself on fire. “She was the only daughter and the favourite in our family. She was my most beloved daughter and I have never raised a finger to her since she was born. When such a sad thing happened, suddenly it felt like my heart was being taken out of my chest. But I believe she made this decision for the Tibetan Cause and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama to their thrones. So, therefore, I think it is useless to think about anything else than to respect her decision and sacrifice. Therefore, I plead to you all to work tiredlessly to fulfill her goals and aspirations. “I also request you all to pray that my daughter may be reborn in independent Tibet and hear and see His Holiness the Dalai Lama in her next life. Thank you all.”

Name: Tsegyal

Age: 27

Sex: Male

Profession: Farmer

Date of Self-immolation: 7 November 2012

Location: Bankar Village, Driru County, Kham, Tibet

Current whereabouts/wellbeing: Deceased 18 November

His slogans: Not reported

A father of two, Tsegyal and a mother and three teenagers self-immolated on the eve of the pivotal Chinese Communist Party’s 18th National Congress in Beijing on 7 November 2012 at Bankar village in Driru County, Kham, Eastern Tibet. At the time of his action, save for information that a self-immolation had occurred in Driru County, there was no information about the identity or any further details. According to recent reports, Tsegyal was immediately taken into police custody subsequent to his action and succumbed to his injuries after prolonged neglect and ill-treatment in custody. Sources reported that since his detention, he reportedly received no treatment for his burns and finally died in the evening of 18 November in police custody. Tsegyal is survived by his two children — a six-year-old and an eight-month-old infant.