2022 | Tashi Phuntsok, also known as Taphun, 81, died after setting himself on fire on March 27, near Kirti Monastery in Ngaba, in Amdo in northeastern Tibet, protesting against Chinese rule. He self-immolated in front of the police station near Kirti Monastery where many protests against China have taken place.
Taphun was removed from the scene by police and died later. Where he was taken by police is still unknown, as are the circumstances that led to his death. There is no news to date that his body been returned to his family, who continue to face surveillance from the authorities. Taphun was a resident of Meruma nomadic village.
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has reported that Taphun was always vocal about China’s oppressive policies in Tibet and their inhuman treatment of Tibetans. On his 80th birthday last year, he said “It is certain that the sun of happiness will shine over Tibet due to the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetan millennials should not lose heart!”
Ngaba county in Amdo province in Tibet has seen a number of self-immolation protests against Chinese rule in Tibet and the area has become one of the most highly restricted regions in Tibet and subject to the highest level of surveillance. Chinese officials have imposed complete censorship of communication resulting in difficulties and time lags in getting news and information about this and previous self-immolations and other protests to the outside world.
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