Two More Tibetan Monks Set Themselves Afire

Beijing, Oct 8: The self-immolation spree by Tibetan monks took a dangerous turn with two more monks setting themselves afire in Aba county of China's Sichuan province. At least five monks have set themselves on fire making self-immolation a political tool to shame and fight Chinese authorities.

The official Xinhua news agency confirmed the incident saying the two former monks, 18-year-old Thongan and 20-year-old Tenzin, set themselves on fire. It quoted Aba county spokesman as saying the monks were rescued and were being treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

However, the London based Free Tibet group said it has confirmed reports that one of the monks had died. It said "many more are ready to die" while quoting pamphlets being circulated in the area. The purpose is "to draw global attention to one of the world's greatest and longest-standing human rights crises, no matter what the cost to themselves," it said.

From: http://ping.fm/Zf2tI