Tibetan exiles demand release of 11th Panchen Lama

Dharamsala, Apr 25 (ANI): On the occasion of the 20th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, which falls on April 25, Tibetans from all walks of life have demanded that China to free him immediately.

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, also known as the 11th Panchen Lama, is said to be under captivity of the Chinese authorities for the last 13 years.

Many Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns and Tibetan students gathered at the Tsuglagkhang Temple to offer prayers to the Panchen Lama.

Tibet's Religion and Culture Minister-in-exile Tsering Phungchok said they are praying for the long life and early release of the Panchen Lama.

"Today, we are offering prayers on the occasion of 20th birthday of the Panchen Lama who has been captured by the Chinese authorities. We are praying for his long life," Phungchok said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Tibetan Buddhist monks and members of the Tibetan Youth Congress gathered at Ten-Khang ((a Buddhist open-air prayer space) in Shimla to offer prayers to the boy monk.

Tibetan youths are hopeful of receiving international support for the release of the 11th Panchen Lama.

"Today is the 20th birthday of Panchen Rinpoche Lama, but still he is under the confinement of the Chinese rules. So we are demanding to the United Nations Organisations and the Indian Government to support us in the release of 11th Panchen Lama. So it is the firm determination and the consolidation to release the Panchen Lama," said Palden, a Tibetan youth.

At the age of six in May 1995, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima was recognized the reincarnation of 10th Panchen Lama by Tibetan spiritual guru the Dalai Lama. Tibetans believe that the Chinese authorities have captured the boy monk. Since then they want to know about the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama and demand his immediate release. (ANI)