The tragic series of self-immolations by Tibetans protesting repressive Chinese rule has continued in 2013. Prayers are now being offered for these Tibetans as reported upon today, Jan. 23, 2013, by Phayul.com, Dharamshala offers prayers for Tibetan self-immolators. Today, the Dharamshala based Central Tibetan Administration organized a special prayer service for Tibetan self-immolators Drubchog and Kunchok Kyab at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple.
This special prayer service was led by H.E the 11th Kirti Rinpoche and was attended by hundreds of Tibetans and supporters including the Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioners, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Kalons, and Tibetan Parliamentarians. Sikyong Dr Sangay, the elected head of the Tibetan people, spoke at the prayer session and paid tribute to Drubchog and Kunchok Kyab.
Drubchog torched his own body in protest against China’s rule on January 18 in the Khyungchu region of eastern Tibet. He quickly passed away at the site of his protest. Prior to setting himself on fire it is said Drubchog said,‘Gyalwang Tenzin Gyatso,’ (His Holiness the Dalai Lama) with his hands joined together in prayer. The father of Drubchog, Kyogpo, has told a group of visitors who had come to offer their condolences that he doesn’t have “an iota of regret” because his son “died for the justice and freedom” of the Tibetan people. Drubchog's wife and two children have survived him.
Kunchok Kyab self-immolated near the Bora Monastery in Labrang region of eastern Tibet. He also passed away in his fiery protest. Thereafter, a large number of Chinese armed forces and special security personnel were deployed in the region. Kunchok Kyab has been survived by his wife and their infant son. And so in spite of repeated appeals by the exile Tibetan administration to refrain from such drastic acts of protest, Tibetan self-immolations have sadly continued.
