By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, June 7: The bustling Tibetan colony in the Indian capital, Samyeling (Majnu-ka-tilla) this morning saw a horrific fight in broad day light between two Tibetan men, both sustaining stab wounds resulting in the death of one and other being hospitalized.
The deceased Sonam Tsering (native of Kham Tehor) from Bylakuppe settlement in South India, where he runs a shop and Tashi Dhondup (native of Kham Dergye) who is a vendor residing in Samyeling were seen wielding knives at each other in CCTV footage and amateur cellphone video, which are now being circulated in micro messaging sites. The incident took place around 10AM this morning with many by-standers around. Bystanders are seen trying to stop the two with restaurant welcome table and signboard as shields.
Speaking to Phayul, the Samyeling TSO (Tibetan Settlement Officer) Lekyi Dorjee said that the case was now being handled by Crime Branch of Delhi Police who have deployed personnel in the area for statements and eye witness accounts. He told Phayul, “The deceased Sonam Tsering arrived from Dharamshala this morning, he and Tashi Dhondup had a history of discord. They had been involved in a fight earlier few months ago. Their argument and eventual stabbing each other resulted in Sonam’s death. He was stabbed five or six times, one or two of which have hit the heart.”
“Tashi is currently being treated at the Trauma Centre government Hospital near Rajghat (Delhi). He was stabbed a few times but is expected to survive as his vital organs were unharmed by the stab wounds. He is already under police custody,” the TSO added.
The reason for such an outburst from both the men is much speculated but the TSO told Phayul that their earlier history may have been an alibi, although he is unsure.
This is the second incident of death in less than two years due to stabbing among Tibetans in the colony that has transformed from mere transit point for Tibetan travellers and businessmen into a mini city of its own known among the Indian youth for cheap Chinese and Tibetan cuisines and affordable fashion accessories. In Feb, 2015, two other Tibetan stabbed each other leading to the death of both.
