Pageant Critic Sets Himself Ablaze, Dies

Fri., Nov. 15, 1996

Compiled From Wire Services

A critic of the Miss World contest committed suicide Thursday by setting himself on fire in front of dozens of people to protest the beauty pageant being held in this southern city.

Suresh Kumar, a 25-year-old tailor, died within hours of setting himself alight in Madurai, a town 200 miles southeast of Bangalore, Indian news agencies reported.

Threats and protests have been mounting since it was announced that the pageant would be held this year in India. Critics say the contest is demeaning to women and contrary to Indian values and culture.

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Pageant Critic Sets Himself Ablaze, Dies

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