Self-immolation of another Tibetan monk triggers unrest in China

Beijing, Jan 15 (ANI): Another Buddhist monk set himself on fire in China, the latest in a series of self-immolations, that triggered clashes between Tibetans and Chinese security personnel.

The Tibetan, believed to be male set himself on fire on Saturday in the town of Aba in Sichuan province.

The latest incident brings to 16 the number of Tibetans who have set themselves alight in the past year, mostly in Sichuan province, The BBC reports.

"According to at least two or three sources, a Tibetan layperson set themselves on fire this morning in Ngaba town. As police put out the flames, they beat him severely," said Kate Saunders, of the International Campaign for Tibet, a London-based group.

According to the activists, Saturday's incident prompted clashes between police and locals, and a woman was shot during the unrest.ibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has condemned the self-immolations, but says people are being driven to desperation by "cultural genocide" under Chinese rule.

China, however, rejects this and accuses the Tibetan spiritual leader of encouraging people to set themselves on fire. (ANI)