Tibetans stage demonstration; question whereabouts of Panchen Lama
The Tibetans said that Gedun Choekyi Nyima was recognised by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 and alleged that he disappeared within three days of the announcement.
Accusing the Chinese government of 'abducting' the Panchen Lama, members of the Tibetan Youth Congress, the Regional Tibetan Women's Association, and the Mysuru Tibetan Students' Association said they are extremely concerned as the Panchen Lama plays an important role in the Tibetan religious hierarchy.
Describing the Panchen Lama as the world's youngest political prisoner, the Tibetans said, 'his disappearance, along with other political prisoners, shows the true face of political repression and gross violation of religious freedom in China.'
The association members demanded that the Chinese government respect the Tibetan people's rights and freedom and release all political prisoners. It urged the Chinese government to accept the 'middle-way approach' initiated by the Dalai Lama, and the United Nations' Human Rights Commission was appealed to express serious concern about the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.
The members marched along the main thoroughfares of the city holding placards in support of their demands.
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