Tibetan monk sets himself on fire

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KATMANDU, Nepal, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A Tibetan monk set himself on fire Wednesday on a street in the capital of Nepal to protest Chinese rule in Tibet, authorities said.

The New York Times said 100 people have now set themselves on fire to protest the Chinese repression in the Tibetan region.

Witnesses saw the man shout slogans against China and then said he fell to the ground, The Times reported.

The man was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition.

The Chinese government has labeled the self-immolations as criminal acts and have arrested at least 70 people for inciting others to set themselves on fire, the Times said.

Lobsang Sangay, the prime minister of the Tibetan government in exile, said he has asked Tibetans not to take drastic actions.

"The occupation of Tibet and repression of Tibetans are the primary reason for the self-immolations inside Tibet," Sangay told the Times. "The solution to the tragedy in Tibet lies with Beijing and my administration is fully committed to dialogue and to address the issue peacefully."