Tibetan Protester Jamphel Yeshi Dies After Setting Himself On Fire In India

Tibetan Activist Dies After Setting Himself Alight

An exiled Tibetan protester who set himself on fire in protest at a visit from the Chinese president to India on Monday has died in hospital.

The protester, named as Jamphel Yeshi, suffered 90% burns to his body. He is one of at least 25 Tibetan protesters who have set themselves on fire to protest against China's rule in Tibet, one of the longest-running political feuds in the world. Self-immolation is a common form of protest for Tibetans, particularly monks. Yeshi is the second man to set fire to himself in India this year over the issue.

The 27-year-old was unable to overcome his injuries. Dhondup Lhadar, an activist with the Tibetan Youth Congress told AP Yeshi was a "martyr." "He will live on to inspire and encourage the future generations of Tibetans."

China's President Hu Jintao is expected to arrive in New Delhi for a summit on Wednesday afternoon.

According to reports hundreds of Tibetan activists in the country have been round-up ahead of the Chinese premier's visit.

Speaking to The Huffington Post UK on Monday, Philippa Carrick, the chief executive officer of the Tibetan Society in London, said that the incident in India was "indicative of the strength of feeling and solidarity Tibetans in exile hold for their family and kin inside Tibet".

"Sadly it would not surprise me if this was not an isolated incident," she added.

"Until China, through their own will or through pressure from world governments, begins to address the underlying grievances held by Tibetans, such drastic acts will not stop. After 60 years of occupation, Tibetans are clearly signposting they have had enough."

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