Portrait of Norbu Damdrul
Photo: International Campaign for Tibet · Used with permission arranged by V-TAG, 2026-10-15
Record
SI-011
Date
Place
Main street, Ngaba (Ch: Aba) county town
Region
Amdo
Age
19
Affiliation
Former monk of Kirti Monastery
Outcome
Died ICT lists him as deceased. CTA lists: died on 05/01/2012.
Other spellings
Norbu Dramdul

What happened

According to ICT, citing exiled Tibetan sources, Norbu Damdrul, a 19-year-old former Kirti monk, set fire to himself on the main street of Ngaba county town shortly before noon on 15 October 2011, calling for freedom and independence for Tibet and for the return of the Dalai Lama. Police stationed on the street put out the flames and took him away while he was still alive.

Reported words

We need freedom and independence for Tibet

ICT fact sheet, citing exiled Tibetan sources

Aftermath

According to the same sources, Chinese security forces kicked him before taking him away and dispersed the crowd of Tibetans who had gathered at gunpoint.

Sources & References

Primary records