DHARAMSHALA, December 27: An official prayer service was held here today for Tsuiltrim Gyatso, the latest Tibetan who died of self immolation on Dec. 19. Coinciding with Gaden Ngachoe, the day of Je Tsongkhapa’s Parinirvana, the prayer service at Tsuglakhang was attended among others by the Tibetan prime minister Lobsang Sangay, Kirti Rinpoche, Tibetan ministers, parliamentarians, staff of Tibetan government in exile and students.
Addressing the gathering, the Tibetan PM Lobsang Sangay said, “I have repeatedly said that it is not just a number, they were our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet’s cause. Therefore, we should never forget their sacrifices and must strive to fulfill their aspirations.”
Sangay also appealed Tibetans to pray for Tsultrim, his family members, other self-immolators and those Tibetans who continue to suffer under Chinese occupation.
Tsuiltrim Gyatso, 43-year-old Tibetan monk of Amchok monastery set himself on fire at around 2.30pm (local time) in Amchok town, Sangchu County.
Tsuiltrim had left behind a handwritten note in Tibetan calling for unity amongst Tibetans, return of the exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama and the release of the jailed Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima.
He is survived by his mother Lhamo Kyi his father Tamdin Tashi died several years back.
Since 2009, as many as 125 Tibetans living under China’s rule have set themselves on fire to protest against Chinese hard-line policies.
