Tibetan protester sets self on fire

A Tibetan exile lit himself on fire yesterday ahead of a visit by China¿s president. The protester, identified as Jampa Yeshi, was being treated for severe burns at a New Delhi hospital,

NEW DELHI // A Tibetan exile lit himself on fire at a demonstration yesterday in the Indian capital ahead of a visit by China's president, the latest in a dramatic string of often deadly protests against Beijing's rule of the Himalayan region.

The protester was engulfed in flames as he ran near the speakers at the rally near the Indian parliament. Fellow activists beat out the flames with Tibetan flags they were carrying, while others poured water on him.

The protester, identified as Jampa Yeshi, was being treated for severe burns at a New Delhi hospital, a Tibetan organiser said.

At least 30 people in Tibetan areas of China have set themselves on fire over the past year to protest Beijing's rule over their homeland. The Dalai Lama has blamed China's "ruthless policy" for the self-immolations, while China accuses the Dalai Lama of stirring up trouble.

China says Tibet has always been part of its territory. Tibetans say the Himalayan region was independent for centuries.

Yesterday's was the second self-immolation in India in recent months. Last year, a young Tibetan exile set himself on fire outside the Chinese Embassy. That man suffered minor burns.

Chinese President Hu Jintao is expected to arrive in India later this week for a summit meeting.

* Associated Press