What has happened to the Panchen Lama?
On May 14, 1995, The Dalai Lama, recognized Gendhun Choekyl Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. This extremely important decision by His Holiness culminated a six year, difficult and thorough process of searching for the incarnation of The 10th Panchen Lama. Gendun Choekyl Nyima is currently a 9-year-old boy from a semi-pastoralist family that, at one time, lived in the Lhari District in Kam, Tibet. Gendhun Choekyi Nyima is considered the youngest political prisoner in the world. On April 25th, 1998, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima celebrated His 9th Birthday.

Apparently, on May 17, 1995 Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, His family, and the Abbott, Chadrel Rinpoche (Cha Tsa Chagbazeling) and his Secretary, who both led the search party for this incarnate were taken by the People's Republic of China (PRC) to Beijing. Thus, these persons are now political prisoners of the Chinese Government. As of today, all of these persons are still missing and there has been no indication that they are alive. In fact, since His disappearance, The PRC has changed its' position on the whereabouts of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima a few times. At first, The PRC claimed that Gendhun was with his family in their home village. In March 1996, The PRC then reported that His Holiness The Panchen Lama was in their custody to protect him from Tibetans. Finally, during the Summer of 1996, The PRC claimed that, as far as they knew, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima was back in the Tibetan community. On May 17th, 1998, it was 3 years since Gendhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted.

In December 1995, The PRC illegally announced its' own Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu. The PRC has absolutely no authority to choose the next Panchen Lama. Only The Dalai Lama has the right to select the Panchen Lama. The PRC also has no legal justification to hold Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, His family, or members of the search party as hostages.

Why you should take action?
It is very critical for the survival of Tibet that the real Panchen Lama, Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, be released as well as others associated with His selection. We must all support His Holiness, The Dalai Lama's selection of this important spiritual leader and fight for his security. If the PRC does not want to recognize Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, then they should release this seven year boy to the Tibetan community-in-exile, along with everyone else connected with his selection.

The 11th Panchen Lama must have the right to visit Tibetans-in-exile around the world, particularly His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. Such actions will increase the possibility that all Tibetans will have the opportunity to communicate and be blessed by this highly important spiritual leader.

What you can do?
We urgently request an investigation into this grave situation to determine if these individuals are political prisoners. More importantly, if this is found to be true, we strongly encourage you to pressure the Chinese Government to secure the immediate release of The Panchen Lama, His family, and all persons associated with the discovery of this significant Lama. For further information visit: http://www.rangzen.com/panchenlama/gcnbio.html You can write letters about this issue to:

Premier of The PRC
LI Peng Zongli
Guowuyuan
9 Xihuangchenggenbeijie
Beijingshi 100032