Living Buddha Kuanliang from Chali Monastery said a monk should obey religious disciplines and love Buddhism and the country.

"The monk who set fire on himself, harmed not only himself but also the monastery. Committing sabotage goes against the law as well as Buddhist doctrines," he said.

Living Buddha Tenphel Gyaltsen of Gomang Monastery condemned the behavior of self-burning and hiding the injured.

"Monks should observe monastic rules and obey the law so that Buddhism can flourish. Betraying religious disciplines and undermining social stability does no good at all," he said.

Many local Tibetans also questioned the behavior of the monks who refused to let Rigzin Phuntsog to receive medical treatment.

"They really should be blamed for hiding the injured monk inside the monastery and obstructing treatment. It's against our religious doctrines," said Sonam Lorwu, who was seeing a doctor at People's Hospital in Aba County.

"Delaying treatment and turing a blind eye to the life of the injured is inhuman," he said.

"Such a behavior is murder!" said Sam Dainy, who run a restaurant in Aba. "Now we all know the truth. Their rumors can not longer fool us."

"Monks should not kill, they should save lives." said Lamlo, an elderly local Tibetan. "A real monk would not kill even a louse on him. Why did they set themselves on fire and delay treatment to the injured? Such behaviors went against the wishes of (Buddhist) followers and against the doctrines."

"We feel disappointed," said Kaniang, a Tibetan Buddhist believer from Aba County's Kuasha Township. "We want pure, enlightening religious life. We don't like those spreading rumors, creating troubles and breaking our peaceful life."