Former monk becomes first to set himself on fire in Tibet to protest Chinese rule

London, Dec.3 (ANI): A former monk has become the first to set himself on fire in Tibet, in the latest such protest against Chinese rule.

The monk is reportedly being treated for his wounds after the protest in Changdu, known as Chamdo in Tibetan.

If confirmed, the incident would be the first self-immolation in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the BBC reports.

Activists say 11 monks and former monks have set themselves on fire this year, but the incidents have all taken place in Tibetan areas of Sichuan Province.

Access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region is tightly restricted, and information is difficult to corroborate.

Radio Free Asia reported that the monk, a 46-year-old named as Tenzin Phuntsog, had scattered leaflets and shouted slogans before setting fire to himself on Thursday afternoon. (ANI)