CTA Honors Tibetan Protestor Yungdrung on 14th Anniversary
The Central Tibetan Administration honors Yungdrung on the 14th anniversary of his 2012 self-immolation protest in Tibet.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has paid tribute to Yungdrung, a 27-year-old Tibetan who died during a self-immolation protest in 2012. This remembrance marks the 14th anniversary of his tragic death in the Tibetan region of Kham.
The 2012 Protest in Zatoe County
Born in Karma Township, Chamdo, Yungdrung was reportedly operating a small business in Zatoe County before his death. According to records shared by the CTA's Tibet Advocacy Section, the incident occurred on September 29, 2012, at approximately 7 pm on a main road in Zatoe County town, located within the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Witnesses observed Yungdrung setting himself on fire to voice his political grievances. As he was engulfed in flames, he reportedly called for the freedom of Tibet and demanded the return of the Dalai Lama and the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa to the region.
Attempts to Save Him and Subsequent Aftermath
Eyewitnesses tried to rescue Yungdrung by throwing buckets of water on him to extinguish the flames. Security forces arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area, and transported him to a local hospital. However, authorities later notified his family that he passed away while being transferred to a hospital outside the Tibetan region.
The CTA has raised several concerns regarding the aftermath of the incident, including:
- Refusal to return the body: The CTA alleges that Chinese authorities did not return Yungdrung's remains to his family.
- Increased surveillance: Following the protest, heavy security measures and strict travel restrictions were reportedly imposed across the area.
A Growing Pattern of Protest
The CTA continues to maintain detailed records of Tibetan self-immolators to ensure their individual stories and the circumstances of their protests are not forgotten. Since 2009, Tibetan self-immolation protests have intensified as a form of opposition to Chinese policies and a plea for greater freedom.
According to data released by the Central Tibetan Administration, more than 150 Tibetans have engaged in self-immolation since 2009, with many succumbing to their injuries. These recurring acts of protest have consistently drawn international scrutiny toward human rights concerns in Tibet.