Contact;
B.Tsering, President, TWA; 9816172030
Tenzin Bhuti, Vice President, TWA; 9418118152
PRESS RELEASE
25th April 2006, marks the 17th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet. As Gedhun Choekyi Nyima grows a year older and wiser, the panic continues as he stands on the threshold of teens and will no longer be a child. The day also signifies 11 years of detention, imprisonment and the gravest nature of the violation of the rights of a child. TWA is positive about CRC`s verdict on allowing an independent body to meet Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and our hopes are pinged on this. TWA wishes Gedhun Choekyi Nyima a very happy birthday and we also send our strong prayers that for the next birthday he will be amidst us.
The PRC admitted to holding the boy “at the request of his parents” for “he was at the risk of being kidnapped by separatists and his security had been threatened”. Such hilarious remarks and Chinese hesitancy to disclose about Panchen Lama`s whereabouts simply echoes the resounding fact that China’s diplomacy has lost its sheen. China`s outrageous act in this regard mirrors the much prevalent religious repression in Tibet. The case of missing Panchen Lama is an open rejection by PRC and complete disregard to the rights and freedom of the Tibetan children.
We call for global vigilance, UNO`s conviction and China’s sensibility to seriously address the issue of Panchen Lama as it breaches the basic principles of human rights.
On this significant and auspicious day, RTWA in conjugation with other NGO`s organizes a candle light vigil to signify the inferno in the Tibetans to see the Panchen Lama getting entitled to his political rights and the restoration of his spiritual essence.
