Self-immolations
Beginning with a young monk at Kirti Monastery in 2009, more than 150 Tibetans inside China set themselves on fire, most calling for freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama.
- Self-Immolation Fact Sheet — International Campaign for Tibet
- Tibet on Fire: Self-Immolations Against Chinese Rule — Tsering Woeser, Verso (2016)
In February 2009 a young monk named Tapey set himself on fire in Ngaba (Aba), in the Amdo region of Sichuan, after authorities cancelled a prayer festival. From March 2011 a wave followed, peaking in 2012, many of them near Kirti Monastery in Ngaba. Monks, nuns, nomads, students and parents took part; most died.
- Tibet on Fire: Self-Immolations Against Chinese Rule — Tsering Woeser, Verso (2016)
- Self-Immolation Fact Sheet — International Campaign for Tibet
The International Campaign for Tibet has counted more than 150 self-immolations inside Tibet and China since 2009, with others among exiles, and warns that the true number may be higher. Many protesters shouted for the Dalai Lama’s return and for freedom for Tibet.
- Self-Immolation Fact Sheet — International Campaign for Tibet
Acts of desperate, non-violent protest by people who harmed no one but themselves, in a place where every other form of protest is crushed. The Dalai Lama has said he does not encourage them, while describing them as a sign of desperation.
- Tibet on Fire: Self-Immolations Against Chinese Rule — Tsering Woeser, Verso (2016)
- Self-Immolation Fact Sheet — International Campaign for Tibet
The self-immolations were instigated by the "Dalai clique" and overseas separatists, who manipulated vulnerable young people; officials responded by punishing relatives and others accused of incitement.
- Self-Immolation Fact Sheet — International Campaign for Tibet
- Tibet on Fire: Self-Immolations Against Chinese Rule — Tsering Woeser, Verso (2016)
Why it matters today
Almost every Tibetan knows names and faces from this wave. The self-immolations are mourned as sacrifices for the nation, debated within the community, and remembered in prayers and songs, while Beijing blames the exiles for inciting them.