Johannesburg, Aug 21 (ANI): The political leader of exiled Tibetans has expressed disappointment over the fact that self-immolations by Tibetan protestors have not received as much global attention as the incident where a Tunisian man's suicide led to the Arab Spring.

Exiled Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay described the immolations as drastic actions taken by people prevented from carrying out other forms of protest against China's rule over Tibet.

He pointed out that nearly 50 Tibetans had set themselves on fire in the past two years, and only nine have survived.

Ignoring us or not supporting us might send a message to other marginalised groups around the world that perhaps it is not worth investing in democracy and non-violence, News24 quoted Sangay, as saying.

According to the report, he condemned the incidents as anathema to the movement's commitment to non-violence, but said it is his duty to highlight why the protesters are dying.

Sangay, became head of Tibet's exile administration last year after Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, stepped down, also urged other countries to pay attention to the plight of his people.

The report quoted Sangay, as saying that he was seeking autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the Chinese constitution and would remain committed to a dialogue with China.

But he said a lot would depend on the composition of the new leadership once the government in Beijing changes at a party congress expected in October. (ANI)