Jampa Yeshi, 27, set himself alight near a group of protesters in the central district of Connaught Place in New Delhi
Jampa Yeshi, 27, set himself alight near a group of protesters in the central district of Connaught Place in New Delhi Reuters

Jamphel Yeshi, 27, set himself on fire in New Delhi but left a letter to his fellow Tibetan calling on them to continue fighting for their rights before he died.

Yeashi reportedly escaped from Tibet in 2006 and lived in India for the last two years.

He set himself on fire in New Delhi on March 26, 2012 to protest against Chinese president Hu Jintoa's visit to New Delhi.

The activist was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering burns on 85 per cent of his body but died on March 28.

Activists have now posted and translated the letter Yeashi wrote before he died on the website Burning Tibet:

"16 March 2012

1

Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is the shining example of world peace. We must strive to ensure return of His Holiness to Tibet. I pray and believe that the Tibetan people in and outside Tibet will be united and sing the Tibetan national anthem in front of the Potala Palace.

2

My fellow Tibetans, when we think about our future happiness and path, we need loyalty. It is the life-soul of a people. It is the spirit to find truth. It is the guide leading to happiness. My fellow Tibetans, if you want equality and happiness as the rest of the world, you must hold onto this word 'LOYALTY' towards your country. Loyalty is the wisdom to know truth from falsehood. You must work hard in all your endeavours, big or small.

3

Freedom is the basis of happiness for all living beings. Without freedom, six million Tibetans are like a butter lamp in the wind, without direction. My fellow Tibetans from Three Provinces, it is clear to us all that if we unitedly put our strength together, there will be result. So, don't be disheartened.

4

What I want to convey here is the concern of the six million Tibetans. At a time when we are making our final move toward our goal - if you have money, it is the time to spend it; if you are educated it is the time to produce results; if you have control over your life, I think the day has come to sacrifice your life. The fact that Tibetan people are setting themselves on fire in this 21st century is to let the world know about their suffering, and to tell the world about the denial of basic human rights. If you have any empathy, stand up for the Tibetan people.

5

We demand freedom to practice our religion and culture. We demand freedom to use our language. We demand the same right as other people living elsewhere in the world. People of the world, stand up for Tibet. Tibet belongs to Tibetans. Victory to Tibet!"

Jamphel Yeshi's letter to his fellow Tibetans
Jamphel Yeshi's letter to his fellow Tibetans


Source: Burning Tibet

The authenticity of the letter could not be independently verified