Portrait of Tapey
Photo: International Campaign for Tibet · Used with permission arranged by V-TAG, 2026-10-15
Record
SI-003
Date
Place
Crossroads in the market area of Ngaba (Ch: Aba) county town
Region
Amdo
Age
Twenties
Affiliation
Kirti Monastery (monk)
Outcome
Outcome unknown ICT: whereabouts and wellbeing unknown. CTA lists: In the Chinese Custody. (unconfirmed)

What happened

According to ICT, Tapey, a Kirti monk in his twenties, set fire to himself at a crossroads in Ngaba county town on 27 February 2009 after prayer ceremonies at his monastery were cancelled. ICT reported, citing at least two sources, that he raised a home-made Tibetan flag bearing a photograph of the Dalai Lama and began shouting slogans, and that People’s Armed Police personnel opened fire on him. His is the first known self-immolation protest inside Tibet.

Aftermath

ICT reported that Chinese security forces shot him, put out the flames and immediately took him away.

Labelled unconfirmed: outcome. The sources differ or do not confirm these details; both versions are kept in the record.

Sources & References

Primary records