By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, July 26: Tibetans exiles and supporters today gathered in huge numbers at Lhagyal Ri where a prayer service was held for the Tibetan teen who died on July 22 following his self immolation on July 14.
Officials from the Tibetan government in exile and members of Tibetan parliament in exile, among others, attended the service.
Speaking highly of the deceased self-immolator for his dedication towards Tibetan issue and preservation of Tibetan culture and language, Tibetan Youth Congress Vice President Tamding Hrichoe urged the Chinese government to heed the calls of Tibetan self-immolators. “I would also urge the United Nations and remind them that they are the global organization formed to address any abuse of human rights and freedom,” he said.
Tibetan parliament Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel said all Tibetans have a collective responsibility to fulfill the late teenager’s wishes of preserving the Tibetan language, and culture which is the main source of strength in our struggle.
Choeying’s father Ngawang Khedup said that his only regret was not able to speak to him before his fiery act in the campus of Central University of Tibetan Studies in Sarnath on July 14. “He had video-called me around 10 times the day before his self-immolation. I was unable to attend his calls. If I had been able to take his call, he might have said something. However, I now wonder what that might have been,” he said.
Following the service, the body was taken in full procession to the McLeod Ganj crematorium.
Amongst the hundreds gathered at the cremation ground was Lhodak Tsephel, who has been handling the funeral pyre for Tibetans in Dharamshala since 1974. Tsephel said unlike other funerals, he felt very emotional to be handling someone who has given up his life for the country. “It is really unfortunate to lose someone this young who is said to be good in studies. So my only advise for the younger generation is that we should fight for the Tibetan cause through non violence, without causing harm to self.”
Choeying passed away on July 22 around 4:50 p.m. (IST) at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi after succumbing to his burn injuries.
