Tibetans step up campaign for the Panchen Lama's Release

Dharamshala: Tibetans have sent memorandums to the Chinese government and the United Nations demanding the immediate release of Gedun Chokyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Panchen Lama turned 19 yesterday.

Thousands of Tibetans in Dharamsala marked the day with prayer congregation and candle light vigil. The day was overshadowed by the continued China's crackdown on peaceful Tibetan protestors across Tibet since last month.

"The Central Tibetan Administration pray for the Panchen Lama's long life, and firmly believe and hope that the day will come when Gedun Choekyi Nyima will have the opportunity to resume the great service of his predecessor," said Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche.

Kalon Tripa said: "We must firmly hold on to our beliefs, for a day will come when Gedun Choekyi Nyima will return to his seat at Tashi Lhunpo monastery to serve the dharma and humanity."

(from left, sitting in the front row) Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche and Speaker Karma Chophel/Photo:Sangjey Kep

"The Tibetan people should avail the opportunity to study the 10th Panchen Lama's great service to both the land and inhabitants of the Land of Snows," Kalon Tripa added.

Speaker Karma Chophel said by handpicking their own candidate as the Panchen Lama, the Chinese government has in fact implemented beforehand the so-called "Order no. 5" of selecting 'Living Buddhas'.

The Central Tibetan Administration and heads of the Tibetan schools of Buddhism have categorically rejected the diktat, stating that it is against history and the aspiration of the broad masses of people who believe in Tibetan Buddhism.

The speaker urged the educated Tibetans to avail themselves of internet blogs to clarify the Chinese government's baseless allegations levelled against His Holiness the Dalai Lama and propaganda on Tibet.

Gedun Choekyi Nyima, last seen in May 1995, days after His Holiness proclaimed him as the Panchen Lama, is believed to have been under house arrest, along with his family, at an unknown location, somewhere in the vicinity of Beijing.

Thousands of Tibetans gather at the Tsuglagkhang (main temple) to observe the 19th Birthday of Panchen Lama in Dharamsala, India, seat of the Central Tibetan Administration, on 25 April 2008

Despite repeated appeals of the visiting foreign delegations, no international agency or human rights organisation has been granted access to the boy or his family to verify his well-being.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry revealed last year that Gedun Choekyi Nyima was "leading a normal and free life and does not want to be disturbed."

In a statement released on the occasion, the Central Association for the Panchen Lama reiterated the following demands:

1) Make clear the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama

2) Allow the enthronement of the 11th Panchen Lama at the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and allow him to take advantage of the traditonal educations to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors.

3) Immediately stop the systemic repression and persecution of the Tibetan people being carried out inside Tibet and negotiate with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the being issue without any preconditions.

4) Release all the Tibetan political prisoners including Chadrel Rinpoche who have not been found of guilty of any crime by any law of the land.

5) Allow independent fact finding delegations from organisations such as Amnesty International, the Red Cross and Medicins Sans Frontiers to assess the real situation in Tibet following the recent unrest, and let the world know the truth.