'China out of Tibet': Why did Tibetan man self-immolate outside UN headquarter? All eyes on China's ‘Ethnic Unity Law’
A 42-year-old Tibetan man, Logba Rangzen, set himself on fire outside the United Nations Headquarters while making a desperate plea for his country. He reportedly
A 42-year-old Tibetan man, Logba Rangzen, set himself on fire outside the United Nations Headquarters while making a desperate plea for his country. He reportedly left behind a Tibetan flag and a simple message written on a piece of paper: "CHINA OUT OF TIBET." Police said on Thursday that he died from severe burns near the United Nations headquarters. He breathed his last at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. A New York City Police Department spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying that police responding to an emergency call made around 6:30 pm ET (2230 GMT) on Thursday found the man badly burned. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Who was Lobga Rangzen and what compelled him to self-immolate outside the UN headquarters? ⌵ Lobga Rangzen was a 42-year-old Tibetan activist who self-immolated outside the UN headquarters to protest against China's strict control over Tibet, expressing a plea for Tibetan independence and unity. 2 What is the significance of the 'China out of Tibet' message left by Lobga Rangzen? ⌵ The 'China out of Tibet' message symbolizes a common demand among Tibetans for independence from Chinese governance, reflecting deep frustration over cultural repression and restrictions in Tibet. 3 How did China respond to Lobga Rangzen's self-immolation and the surrounding criticism? ⌵ China's foreign ministry reiterated its claim that Tibet is an inalienable part of its territory and urged other countries to stop spreading falsehoods regarding its new ethnic unity law amidst international concern. 4 What is China's 'Ethnic Unity Law' and why is it controversial? ⌵ China's 'Ethnic Unity Law' is aimed at enforcing a shared national identity among its ethnic minorities.
It is seen as controversial because critics argue it undermines cultural rights and allows for increased repression of dissent, particularly against Tibetan culture. 5 What role does the Free Tibet movement play in the context of Lobga Rangzen's protest? ⌵ The Free Tibet movement seeks to restore Tibetan self-rule and challenges the Chinese government’s control over Tibet, with acts of self-immolation, like Rangzen's, serving as potent symbols of political dissent within this struggle. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said, adding an investigation was ongoing. Police did not name the man and did not provide any potential motive for his action. Who was Lobga Rangzen? Why did he 'self-immolate'? Voice of Tibet, a media outlet of exiled Tibetans, said Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen "self-immolated outside the UN headquarters in New York after a live appeal for Tibetan independence and unity." According to Tibetan Frontline, Rangzen worked as an Uber driver and had lived in the United States for two decades. "Friends said he was deeply angry over China’s strict and cruel control of Tibet," the report added. Rangzen reportedly went to the scene with a Tibetan flag, local news site amNewYork reported. Rangzen "was enraged by the restrictions the Chinese government had placed on his countrymen," the website quoted fellow Uber driver Lobsang Paljor as saying. Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, described Rangzen as "a tireless advocate for Tibet" and said she was "deeply saddened" by his death. China's Ethnic Unity Law The incident happened the same week China implemented a new ethnic unity law.
The BriefWire