Portrait of Sonam Dargye
Photo: International Campaign for Tibet · Used with permission arranged by V-TAG, 2026-10-15
Record
SI-034
Date
Place
Near the centre of Rongwo (Rongpo) town, Rebkong (Ch: Tongren)
Region
Amdo
Age
44
Affiliation
Farmer
Outcome
Died Died on 17 March 2012 (ICT; CTA: died 17/03/12).
Other spellings
Sonam Dhargyal

What happened

According to ICT, Sonam Dargye, a 44-year-old farmer and father of three from Rongwo, set fire to himself near the centre of the town on 17 March 2012 and died. He was the second Tibetan in the Rebkong area to self-immolate. Voice of America reported that thousands of Tibetans gathered to mark his passing.

Aftermath

ICT reported that Tibetans in Rebkong continued prayer vigils and protests despite a heavy security presence.

Sources & References

Primary records

News reports and other sources