Twitter
Advertisement

Ahead of China Prez’s visit, Tibetan sets himself ablaze

Witnesses said 27-year-old Jamphel Yeshi poured petrol over himself away from the eyes of the security personnel and other Tibetans when they were taking out a march from Ramlila ground to Jantar Mantar.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Two days before heads of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations land in New Delhi for a summit, a Tibetan youth set himself on fire in protest against the participation of China’s President Hu Jintao.

Witnesses said 27-year-old Jamphel Yeshi poured petrol over himself away from the eyes of the security personnel and other Tibetans when they were taking out a march from Ramlila ground to Jantar Mantar.

Yeshi’s attempt is the second such act in Delhi. Last year, another Tibetan tried to set himself ablaze in public but escaped with minor injuries.

Eye witnesses said the security forces were late to react. Some policemen tried to douse the fire with their caps and used water bottles to douse the fire. At Ram Manohar Lohia hospital where he was taken, doctors said he had suffered 90 per cent burns and his survival is unlikely beyond a few days.

Yeshi had apparently come prepared for self immolation. Palden Dakpa, another Tibetan youth, said Yeshi was carrying a bag with him when he left the Tibetan camp. “We asked him why he needed a bag for a protest. He said, he might be imprisoned and so he needed to be prepared for jail stay. We had no idea what he had in mind,” Dakpa said.

Monday’s self immolation comes as a reminder to New Delhi as to what they should expect during Jintao’s visit. Another such attempt during the summit could prove to be a major diplomatic embarrassment to India.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement