Senior Tibetan monks at the restive Kirti monastery, a symbol of dissent against Chinese rule, have been summoned by authorities for questioning amid a new wave of deadly self-immolations.Kirti, located in Ngaba, has been the scene of repeated self-immolations by monks, former monks, and nuns who have set themselves ablaze in a challenge to rule by Beijing.The burnings triggered protests by residents, leading to a Chinese security crackdown in which one Tibetan was beaten to death.

Now,in a bid to strengthen control over Kirti monks, Chinese authorities have called in two monastic leaders for questioning.

Senior Tibetan religious officials are typically held responsible for the activities of those under their charge, and are frequently harassed by authorities.

To express their solidarity with the two self-immolators of Aug. 13 and to console family members, all shops, hotels, and restaurants owned by Tibetans remained closed on Aug. 14 in Ngaba town.Many Tibetans also visited monasteries to make offerings and pray for the dead protesters.