New Delhi: A Tibetan man protesting China’s occupation fatally set himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan on Thursday evening, capturing the horrifying scene on livestreamed footage.
According to footage of the incident, the protester- identified by a friend as Lobga Rangzen- was wearing monastic attire when he positioned a Tibetan flag on the street and self-immolated amidst the evening commute, as per reports.
Having lived in the US for approximately 20 years, Rangzen fell to the ground within a minute of catching fire, while passing traffic continued to honk. Approximately 15 seconds later, two first responders arrived with fire extinguishers and put out the flames.
Unfortunately, the 42-year-old died at Bellevue Hospital after being rushed there following the incident, according to police. The flag was still in place about an hour after the shocking display as cops investigated the scene.
Officers on the scene were seen with several papers, among them a sign stating “CHINA OUT OF TIBET,” a rallying cry closely identified with contemporary movements for Tibetan sovereignty.
According to reports, more than 150 people have set themselves on fire in protest of “Chinese occupation” since March 2009.
The ‘Free Tibet Movement’
The “Free Tibet” movement advocates for restoring sovereignty to the region, specifically by reinstating the Dalai Lama- the primary spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism- to power.
According to the organisation’s website, many protesters have used their final moments to call for the Dalai Lama’s return and longevity, the release of the Panchen Lama, and broader human rights for Tibetans.
