UP: Tibetan student sets self on fire in university campus demanding free Tibet

Varanasi: Tenzin Choeying, a Tibetan student studying at the Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varanasi, attempted to commit suicide by immolating himself inside the campus demanding free Tibet.

Born in Karnataka's Kollegal district, the 19-year old set himself on fire on Friday at 9 pm against China's illegal occupation of Tibet and for their policies towards Tibetan people. He is undergoing treatment in a district hospital.

Talking about his reason for self immolation, Choeying said, "Since I was a small boy, I always wanted to do something for Tibet as it is illegally occupied by the Chinese government and the current policies of the Chinese government wiping out Tibetan language and culture."

He currently remains in the Heritage Hospital, Varanasi with 66.6 percent burns.

Choeying is an active member of the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) in Varanasi and was also a part of TYC volunteer crew during the 2017 Kalachakra Teachings in Bodh Gaya.

The Tibetan Youth Congress is the largest Tibetan NGO based in exile Tibetan community working for freedom and independence of Tibet.

So far, there have been 150 self-immolations by the Tibetan people, a majority of which have taken place inside Tibet.

Choeying is fifth such Tibetan Youth Congress member, who resorted to this style of protest in India.