Dharamshala — The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) observed the anniversary of Tibetan monk Sonam Dhargyal’s self-immolation, reiterating concerns about religious freedom and cultural rights in Tibet.
In a post on X, the Tibetan government-in-exile honored those who have protested through self-immolation against Chinese policies. The CTA recalled that on March 17, 2012, Sonam Dhargyal, a 44-year-old father of three from Rebgong County in Malho (Amdo), set himself on fire in the Rebgong area and died the same day. Thousands of Tibetans later gathered in Rebgong to mourn. The CTA identified him as a farmer and the son of Shamo Dhargyal and Chagmo Gyal.
The statement noted that Sonam Dhargyal’s action followed another self-immolation in Rebgong just days earlier: on March 14, 2012, Jamyang Palden, a monk in his thirties, self-immolated near Rongpo Monastery. Authorities at the time imposed heavy security in the region, and the CTA said participants in prayer vigils or protests faced heightened risk of detention and reprisals.
The commemoration underscored continued calls by Tibetans inside and outside Tibet for greater religious freedom and protection of cultural identity. Since 2009, self-immolation has been used by monks, nuns and laypeople to protest restrictions on religious practice, language and cultural rights; many protesters have also demanded the return of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in Dharamshala since 1959. (ANI)
