2 Buddhist monks set selves on fire in Tibet

DHAKA: A US broadcaster says two young Tibetan monks protesting Chinese rule of Tibet have set themselves on fire in front of a prominent Buddhist temple in Lhasa, the regional capital.

Radio Free Asia said in a statement Monday that the monks were taken away by authorities within minutes of setting themselves on fire Sunday outside the Jokhang Temple, a spiritual site and popular tourist attraction.

The broadcaster cited a Tibetan living in exile as saying he had heard from others inside Tibet that huge flames had engulfed the two monks and that they were believed to be seriously hurt or dead.

A woman with the Lhasa city police denied any immolation attempts had occurred.

Like many Chinese bureaucrats, she refused to give her name.

BDST: 1725 HRS, MAY 28, 2012

Edited by Robab Rosan, Cultural Affairs Editor