London, 25 April 2007: Tibetans and Tibet supporters staged a protest at the Chinese Embassy to mark the 18th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima , who was officially recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the true reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama.
The 11th Panchen Lama – Tibet’s second most important spiritual leader was abducted and taken into the Chinese custody in 1995 along with his family, when he was only six years old. Since then, whereabouts and well being of him and his family are not known to the world and no one has been able to see him or talk to him.
“It is essential for the 11th Panchen Lama to be free from the continued illegal detention by the Chinese authorities so as to receive his tradition and religious studies that befits him. The relationship between the institutions of the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama has to be preserved as an established custom for the future of Tibet. So, the safety and future of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is of serious concern” said Karma Chura-tsang of TCB & TYUK.
A vigil concluded with prayers for the unconditional and immediate release of the 11th Panchen Lama from the captivity of Chinese government.
