TWA Marks 12th Year Anniversary of Panchen Lama's Disappearance
May 17th 2007, today, marks the twelfth year of abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Determined to control religion in Tibet, the Chinese authorities kidnapped a six-year-old Panchen Lama and his family just three days after His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized him as the 11th Panchen Lama. On May 28th 1996, a year after the disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the government of People's Republic of China finally admitted that they are holding the 11th Panchen Lama and his family "in protective custody".
TWA is acutely concerned about the fate and well being of the 11th Panchen Lama. To mark this sad day and to urge for the immediate and unconditional release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family, TWA is organizing three candle light vigils from three different areas in Dharamsala today; one from Mcleod Ganj to the main temple, another from lower Dharamsala to Kachari and the third from Gyutoe temple to Norbulinga. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has jurisdiction in the identification of the Panchen Lama and the installation of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as the real Panchen Lama should be allowed to proceed without delay. He must be allowed to return to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, and be established as the rightful holder of the Panchen Lama lineage and given the proper monastic education. TWA calls on PRC to respect the religious freedom of the Tibetan people, including our right to identify all religious leaders.
The Director of Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD, Mr. Urgen Tenzin, attended the candle light vigil from Mcleod Ganj to the main temple as the Chief Guest. More than 300 people participated in the vigil and every one also circumbulated His Holiness the Dalai Lama's residence as a part of the vigil procession. Ven. Yeshi Phuntsok, Member of Parliament, acted as the Chief Guest for the candle vigil from Lower Dharamsala to Kachari. Grade IX and X students from Lower TCV and students from Transit school came to show their support at the vigil. Mr. Sonam Topgyal, former Prime Minister of Central Tibetan Administration, raised his voice for Panchen Lama's release by attending the candle vigil at Norbulinga as the Chief Guest.
Various Regional Tibetan Women's Associations also organized many activities to mark the sad day and to bring the community together to be one voice calling for the Panchen Lama's immediate release.
To learn more about Panchen Lama, please click here
