Self immolation attempt by Tibetan protestor

Gangtok, Mar 26 (UNI) Emotions ran high on the third day of the protest along the West Bengal-Sikkim border as one Tibetan protestor tried to self immolate today but was thwarted in his attempt by volunteers.

The protestor, who hails from Shillong, was taken to the Teesta Primary health centre where he has been taking rest under the 'watchful eyes' so that he does not repeat the act.

'' Some of our members spotted him when he was trying to set himself ablaze, but we managed to foil this attempt at the right time,'' said Zimba Pencho, the president of the Tibetan youth club, from Rangpo.

The Tibetans, who reached Rangpo on Monday after four days of marching, continued their fast for the third day today. Their entry is still being denied by the Sikkim administration and the police, they alleged.

The protestors are camped just across the river next to the bridge, connecting Sikkim and West Bengal, on the NH 31 A where they are on an indefinite fast seeking permission to enter Sikkim so that they can enter the Tibet Autonomous region via Nathula.

Meanwhile, a senior representative from the Tibetan government in exile at Dharamshala reached Rangpo this evening bringing with him the message from the Dalai Lama and also to meet the protestors.

It has been learnt that the representatives from Dharamshala would be led by Sherab Tharchin, a member of the parliament of the Tibetan government in exile. The visit comes in the wake of the members of the community from the region leading the march to Nathula and who have been denied entry to the state.

Meanwhile, about 400 protestors continued their protest. Fifty members who are on an indefinite fast will continue to do so.

Sikkim police said the situation was under control and their entry was still being denied at the border.

However, the embargo for tourists to Nathu La border will be lifted tomorrow. This famous tourist point had been put off limits for the tourists by the state government since March 21 in the backdrop of the Tibetan marchers.

UNI BG KK RP RS1933