Tibetan monks have lead the way in protests against the Chinese government. Photo credit: Gary Wong, http://www.flickr.com/photos/koolgary/581635757/
Tibetan, Tenzin Phuntsog, a former monk, set himself on fire to protest against Chinese repression in Tibet on Thursday. Since March 11, 11 other Tibetan monks and nuns have set fire to themselves; six have died. This most recent instance of self-immolation, the first to occur in Tibet, represents the most serious challenge so far to Chinese control.
The story appeared on social networks in Tibet and was reported by the Central Tibetan Authority (CTA) on Saturday. Chinese authorities have denied foreign journalists access to Tibet and so reports are difficult to verify. Tenzin Phutsog is reported as having survived but his whereabouts are unknown.
The self-immolation of Tibetan monks draws shocked attention to the Chinese repression of the “Tibet Autonomous Region”. In addition to challenging Chinese repression, these acts of protest call for the Dalai Lama to be allowed to return to the country. Though these acts of martyrdom capture international attention, Tibetan religious leaders have questioned the effectiveness of protest through self-harm.
No alternative. Dontik, a Tibetan youth interviewed by The Independent, explained the self-immolations were a result of the increasing sense of helplessness and frustration at being denied alternatives means of protest among young people in the country. The aim, Dontik explained, is to “show the world what is going on in Tibet” in the hope that Tibetans will attract “international support”. He warned that if the Chinese continue their crackdown “more will burn themselves.”
In the Asia Times, Dhundup Gyalpo, explained the Buddhist rationale for self-immolation, drawing a distinction between self-destruction and self-sacrifice.
Division in Tibet. The self-immolations have divided Tibetans. A senior monk interviewed by the Washington Post said the death of young monks might be “valuable” in so far as they “might force the government to change its policy.” However Karmapa Lama, one of the highest figures in Tibetan Buddhism, urged Tibetans “to preserve their lives” and to find “other, constructive ways” to help “the cause of Tibet”. He has appealed to Chinese leaders to listen to “Tibetans’ legitimate demands” and enter a “meaningful dialogue”. The Dalai Lama, meanwhile, expressed sympathy for the plight of Tibetans, accusing the China of committing “cultural genocide“, but has equivocated on self-immolation, calling simply for autonomy for Tibet.
On-going repression. China has ruled Tibet since the invasion of 1950. China has repeatedly detained monks, shut down monasteries and forced Tibetans to undergo “patriotic re-education”, in response to acts of protest the authorities deem as terrorist; Chinese authorities have also imposed restrictions on the freedom of expression and movement of Tibetans. The effect of greater security controls by the Chinese has been to exacerbate the instability in the country.
The Chinese response. The Chinese government condemns self-immolation as “immoral” acts of terrorism and blame the Dalai Lama, claiming he supports these acts of separatism. China maintains that its control of the region has lifted Tibetans out of poverty and has provided more schools, roads and electricity. The Washington Post also reported that Chinese authorities have made some concessions, including financial support for the improvement of monasteries and language concessions in schools.
