Dharamsala, Sep 1 (IANS) The US government has voiced concern over the sentencing of a Tibetan monk for ‘intentionally killing’ another monk who self-immolated at a monastery in Tibet in March, said a post on the Central Tibetan Administration website Thursday.
‘We are concerned by reports that a Chinese court has convicted and sentenced Drongdru, a Tibetan monk, for ‘intentionally killing’ Rigzin Phuntsok, the young monk who self-immolated at the Kirti monastery…it’s unclear whether he was accorded the procedural rights to which he is entitled under China’s constitution and laws and under international standards,’ said the statement, quoting a US State Department spokesperson, dated Aug 30.
The monk set himself afire March 16 to protest the repression of the widespread peaceful protests across Tibet in 2008.
‘We urge the Chinese government to ensure transparency…The US government repeatedly has urged the Chinese government to allow access to Tibetan areas of China for both journalists and diplomats so accurate information can be reported,’ said the spokesperson.
‘To resolve underlying grievances of China’s Tibetan population, we urge Chinese leaders to address policies in Tibetan areas that have created tension and to protect Tibetans’ unique linguistic, cultural and religious identity.’
After the monk’s self-immolation, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, whose government-in-exile is based here, expressed concern over the stand-off between the local Tibetans and the Chinese armed forces.
The armed forces at one point prevented food and other essential supplies from being taken into the Kirti monastery compound, housing nearly 2,500 monks.
