Washington, DC [USA], May 18 (ANI): The United States has called on China to provide information about the 11th Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after Dalai Lama, who was “abducted” at the age of six by People’s Republic of China 29 years ago.
The press release of the US State Department underscored ongoing concerns about human rights and religious freedom in China, particularly in Tibet and other areas with Tibetan populations.
On May 17, the press statement of the US State Department said, “Today marks 29 years since the People’s Republic of China (PRC) abducted the 11th Panchen Lama, one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism, as a six-year-old child”.
It added, “Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains missing and has not appeared in public since that day. The PRC government is denying members of the Tibetan community access to this important religious figure and instead continues to promote a state-selected proxy.”
The statement further said, “The United States supports Tibetans’ human rights and their exercise of those rights in connection with their distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity. Tibetans, like members of all religious communities, should have the ability to select, educate, and venerate their own leaders, like the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, according to their own beliefs and without government interference.”
Taking to the social media platform X, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State, and Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China, also called for Beijing to be held accountable for the issue at hand.
https://x.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1791447853472059522
The disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima on May 17, 1995 remains a deeply concerning issue. Days later, the Chinese government’s anointed its own Panchen Lama, Gyaincain Norbu, who has faced widespread rejection from Buddhists both in Tibet and around the world.
The Panchen Lama controversy is a poignant reminder of the ongoing tensions between China and Tibet, and the suppression of Tibetan religious and cultural autonomy by the Chinese government.
Despite international pressure and calls for his release, Panchen Lama‘s whereabouts remain unknown. (ANI)

Tibetans rally for release of 11th Panchen Lama amid China’s controversial appointment

Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 18 (ANI): In a display of solidarity, exiled Tibetans gathered in Dharamshala on Friday, demanding the release of their revered spiritual leader, the 11th Panchen Lama, who they believe was abducted by China.
With chants echoing through the streets, protesters voiced their concerns over the mysterious disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognized by Tibet’s spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, as the legitimate Panchen Lama.
“This is the 29th time that we have gathered here and we want the Chinese government to release Panchen Lama and give us the current well-being and whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama,” said Tenzin Kunsel, a protester and the regional president of Tibetan Women Association, reflecting the ongoing frustration and determination of the Tibetan community.

The Panchen Lama holds significant spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism, second only to the Dalai Lama. However, China‘s controversial appointment of Gyaltsen Norbu as its own Panchen Lama has sparked outrage among Tibetans in-exile, who consider it an affront to their religious beliefs and cultural heritage.

“We want him (Panchen Lama) to be released soon and we want him back. It also shows the disregard for human rights and there is no religious freedom inside Tibet,” emphasized Tenzin Passang, underscoring the broader implications of the Panchen Lama‘s disappearance on religious freedom and human rights in Tibet.

The case of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima remains shrouded in mystery, with China asserting in 2015 that he was “living a normal life” and did not wish to be disturbed.
However, Tibetan activists and supporters continue to press for transparency and accountability, demanding concrete evidence of the Panchen Lama‘s well-being and whereabouts. Since the Chinese military’s incursion into Tibet in 1950, activists have accused China of systematically suppressing religious freedom and cultural identity in the region.
Despite China‘s assertions of progress and development in Tibet, critics argue that the Tibetan people continue to face oppression and marginalisation under Chinese rule.
The protest in Dharamshala serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle for justice and freedom in Tibet, as exiled Tibetans continue to amplify their voices on the international stage, calling for the release of their spiritual leader and an end to religious persecution in their homeland. (ANI)