25. Apr 2009
Concerns about the Panchen Lama
(Tibet.net) In an open letter to China's President Hu Jintao, the Speaker of Parliament for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala, Penpa Tsering, has expressed concern over the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Penpa Tsering wrote: "According to media reports, a Japanese journalist Yoichi Shimatsu had at a conference at Qinghua University in Beijing stated that His Eminence Panchen Rinpoche Gedhun Choekyi Nyima had died of cancer some years ago, which is in total contradiction to your government's stated position that all is well with H.E. Panchen Rinpoche". "All the Tibetans are deeply concerned and worried about the statement if it is true. Therefore we call on you to make it clear to the whole world whether H.E. Panchen Rinpoche is still alive or not and if H.E. Panchen Rinpoche is alive, details of his well being and whereabouts should be made public. We also urge you to reinstate H.E. Panchen Rinpoche Gedhun Choekyi Nyima to his rightful position", Speaker Penpa Tsering said. Tibetans in exile across the world marked the 20th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama. They offered long life prayers and called on the Chinese government to release him. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his parents disappeared in May 1995.