Expressing solidarity with the Tibetan self-immolators including Shichung, who burned himself on 28 September, the Department of Religion and Culture, Central Tibetan Administration organised a prayer service on Friday, 4 October.
Shichung, a 41-year-old farmer and father of two children, died after setting himself on fire in his native Gomang town. He lit his body on fire outside his home and ran towards the main road shouting slogans against the repressive policies of the Chinese government in Tibet.
Speaking at the prayer service, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay spoke about the continued repression of Tibetan people by Chinese authorities in Tibet. He expressed his condolences to the family of Shichung and all the other Tibetan self-immolators. He also aired his disapproval of high-handedness by Chinese authorities while dealing with peaceful Tibetan protesters.
The prayer service was attended the staff and officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, including members of the Kashag, Tibetan Parliament and the chief Justice Commissioner. Over a hundred local Tibetans and foreigners also took part in the prayer service.