Return of Dalai Lama to Tibet: Another monk immolates self

Dharamsala, Oct 24: "Reports coming from Tibet say a monk of Karze monastery in Karze in eastern Tibet has set himself on fire this morning," said Tibetan Government spokesperson in Dharamsala on Tuesday, Oct 24.

He said that Dawa Tsering, a young Tibetan monk, self-immolated at 9:30 am during a ritual dance event in Karze.

He was chanting slogans calling for the return of Dalai Lama to Tibet and for freedom and equality in Tibet while in flames.

Chinese security personnel, who have been stationed in the monastery since the 2008 pan-Tibet uprisings, arrived at the scene and doused the flames.

He was taken to a hospital, but his condition and whereabouts remain unknown. According to sources, Dawa Tsering refused medical attention and is currently being described in critical condition with severe burn injuries.

As of now the situation in and around the monastery is being described as tense with monks protecting Dawa Tsering inside the monastery and armed Chinese security guards surrounding the monks and the monastery.

This is the tenth instance since March this year when Tibetans inside Tibet have set themselves on fire demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from exile and protesting Beijing"s repressive policies in Tibet.