Monk's Body Paraded After Self-Immolation

The body of a monk who killed himself yesterday morning by drinking kerosene, dousing himself, and lighting himself on fire was taken from the police in western China by hundreds of angry Tibetans and paraded through the streets, reports the AP. Police initially refused to hand over the body, but relented after protesters smashed the police station's windows and doors. The official Xinhua News Agency confirmed yesterday's death, and identified the monk as Nyage Sonamdrugyu, 40. It said his body was returned to his relatives so a traditional funeral could be held.

At least 15 monks and nuns are believed to have set themselves on fire in the past year, as a call for Tibetan independence and the return of the Dali Lama. Communist Party and Public Security Bureau officials had no comment on the unrest. Two other men set themselves on fire Friday in Sichuan province, notes the AP. (More Tibet stories.)