Panchen Lama
11th Panchen Lama, World's Youngest Political Prisoner
In May 1995, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, the six year-old boy,
identified by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen
Lama, dissappeared. Suspicions that he had been kidnapped
were confirmed in May 1996, when the Chinese leadership admitted to
holding him and his family in "protective custody". After repeated
attempts to gain access to the boy, no international agencies or human
rights organizations-including the United Nations-has been allowed to
vist Gendhun Choekyi Nyima or his family, and their condition remains
uncertain.
Traditionally, His Holiness the Dalai Lama identifies the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama and guides his training through adulthood. For generations, the Panchen Lama and the Dalai Lama maintained this unique teacher-disciple relationship of the elder mentoring the younger. Denouncing His Holiness the Dalai Lama's proclaimation as illegitimate,on November 29, 1995, the Chinese authorities installed their own Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu and enthroned him. The replacement of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima shows the PRC's insecurity regarding its illegitimate authority in Tibet.
The installation of the fake Panchen Lama by the atheist regime of PRC is a serious affront to the religious sentiments of the Tibetans and the Buddhists worldwide. Tibetans around the globe are deeply concerned about the kind of education the detained Panchen Lama is receiving. The detention of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima and his parents provides further evidence that China has not relaxed its control of religious freedom in Tibet.
This is a sinister attempt by the PRC to gain political mileage out of the spiritual traditions and practices in the Tibetan Buddhism, especially the relationship between the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama. The whole drama was a carefully calculated political decision aimed at eliminating the influence of the Dalai Lama in Tibet and routing the loyalty of the Tibetans towards the PRC.
The Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) is acutely concerned about the fate and wellbeing of the 11th Panchen Lama and calls on the PRC to disclose the truth regarding his whereabouts and his condition. The Panchen Lama must be released immediately and returned to the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Tibet with real freedom to pursue his studies and undertake his traditional role as a religious leader of the Tibetan people.
The world's youngest political prisoner at age 6 is now 18 years old and still behind bars. The search for the Panchen Lama will not stop. Global concern and campaigns are critical for the Panchen Lama's freedom. TWA appeals to individuals, organizations, and government officials who believe in truth and freedom to join us in our search.
We will not stop questioning until China answers truthfully to the incessant cries of the Tibetans: "Where is the Panchen Lama?"
Free Panchen Lama Campaign
Since 1995, when His Holiness the Panchen Lama was kidnapped, TWA has held a constant vigil and conducted continuous awareness activities demanding his release from the hands of the Chinese government. In an attempt to appeal to those who can make a difference, TWA frequently writes to the United Nations Commissioner on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations Commissioner on Human Rights and the President of China, Hu Jintao.
Yellow Ribbon Campaign
TWA launched a campaign to tie yellow ribbons on one of the trees in front of the Tsuklag-Khang (Main Temple) in Dharamsala, every Friday in order to support the call for the earliest release of Panchen Lama and for his long life. This campaign will continue until Panchen Lama is released from incarceration.
Join Us
TWA invites you to join us in our demand for the release of Tenzin Gendhun, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet and the world youngest political prisoner.