Dharamsala (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Two Tibetans set themselves on fire in Ngaba, Sichuan Province, demanding an end to Chinese occupation in Tibet and the return of the Dalai Lama. According to sources in the Tibetan government in exile, the incident occurred yesterday around one o'clock (local time). There is no reliable information on their conditions. The two were 20 years old and have been identified as Choephag Kyab and Sonam.
In a statement a few days ago, the Dalai Lama has called on Chinese authorities to inquire into the "real causes" of the self immolations in Tibet. The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists has repeatedly invited his people to avoid extreme measures, but added that he could not condemn those who were discouraged to such an extent.
Recently, a video showed Chinese police officers bloodily beating a Tibetan who had just set himself on fire, while his body was engulfed in flames. In an interview with Phayul, Tenzin Chokyi, general secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress, said that the "absolute savagery" shown by the authorities in Beijing "only feeds more resentment and protest" against the regime.
"Witnessing their sacrifice - adds Chokyi - strengthens our resolve to fight for a Free Tibet."
Yesterday's episode brings the number of Tibetans who have set themselves on fire to criticize the dictatorship in Beijing and demand the return of the Dalai Lama in Tibet to a stark 35.
