Run for Panchen Lama

Press Release

On April 25, 2007, the undersigned NGOs of the democratic Tibetan diaspora will commemorate the 18th Birth Anniversary of the XIth Panchen Lama at Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala.

BACKGROUND: The XIth Panchen Lama, just days after his anointment to the second highest ecclesiastical position in Tibetan Buddhism by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, was abducted from his home in Tibet and taken to a secret location in China along with his parents on 17th May, 1995. Since then, during the last 12 years, he has not been heard of or seen by any governmental agency, international human rights group or NGOs; only a photo of Gendun Choekyi Nyima when he was six years old remains to tell the story. At one time, it was also feared that he might not be alive and this suspicion persists even today as the Chinese resolutely refuse to divulge any information about him and his family. This fear is not unfounded for another reason because on November 29, 1995, the government of People’s Republic of China appointed a young stooge in his place and has ever since been promoting him as the real ‘Panchen Lama’ against the wishes of the Tibetan people and other Buddhists.

This year the Birth Anniversary of the XIth Panchen Lama holds special significance as, on April 25, 2007, Gendun Choekyi Nyima will be tuning 18 years of age and will no longer be considered a child under Chinese or international law. He shall be considered mature to take his own decision on whether he needs the ‘protective custody’ that the Communist Party of China claims of providing him. He should now have the right to speak on his own behalf.

PROGRAM: Young students from Upper and Lower Tibetan Children’s Village school along with the local populace will gather for the formal function at the courtyard of the Tsugla Khang (Main Temple) beginning 9.30 am. Mr. Sonam Topgyal, former Prime Minister of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile will be the Chief Guest of the function. At 10 am the Chief Guest will flag off the ‘Run for Panchen Lama’ marathon from the Main Temple. The runners consisting of school students and the local populace will take the route towards the Mcleod Ganj Main square and then follow the Jogiwara road while proceeding back to the Main temple where the run shall conclude. Prize money shall be awarded for the winners of the run for the different categories of students and general population.

Through this ‘Run for Panchen Lama’ marathon we demand:

1. Proof from the Chinese Government to the international community regarding the existence and well being of the Panchen Lama along with his parents and Chadrel Rinpoche, the lama who was pivotal in the search for the new re-incarnation, revealing their whereabouts backed by latest photos.
2. Allow, in the next few months, visits to them by representatives of established human rights organisations including those of United Nations, Amnesty International and other reputed NGOs.
3. Release and allow the XIth Panchen Lama to come before the international community as an adult to speak on his own behalf.
   1. Gu Chu Sum Ex-Political Prisoner’s Movement of Tibet
      Dharamshala
   2. Regional Tibetan Women’s Association
      Dharamshala
   3. Students For a Free Tibet
      Dharamshala
   4. Regional Tibetan Youth Congress
      Dharamshala