Tibetans demand China to release 11th Panchen Lama

SHILLONG: The Tibetan Women’s Association (Central Body) has demanded the Chinese authorities to release the11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima paving way for his safe return to his monastery, Tashi Lhunpo. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, the Tibetan Women’s Association said that it did not recognize Gyaltsen Norbu as the Panchen Lama as he was handpicked by the Chinese.
The Association stated that it was Gedhun Choekyi Nyiuma who was recognized as the 11th reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, who passed away on January 28, 1989, at the age of 50, under mysterious circumstances at Tashi Lhumpo Monastry in Shigaste, Tibet. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was only 6 years old when the Chinese authorities kidnapped him on May 17, 1995. The Association also said that it was in May 1996, the People’s Republic of China, finally admitted publicly to holding the 11th Panchen Lama and his family hostage at a secret location.