HRW marks 30th anniversary of Panchen Lama's disappearance, urges global action

New York, May 15: Human Rights Watch (HRW), a New York-based international non-governmental organisation has called on governments worldwide, especially those with significant Buddhist populations, to speak out on the 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima--the 11th Panchen Lama who vanished at age six after being recognised by the Dalai Lama in 1995.

In a recent news release, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that on May 17, 1995, just three days after being recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was taken by Chinese authorities and has not been seen publicly since.

His image, along with that of the Dalai Lama, is banned in Tibet. In the aftermath of Gedhun's abduction, the Chinese government appointed another boy, Gyaltsen Norbu--who is reportedly the son of Communist Party members--as the official Panchen Lama.

Following this, HRW stated, Chinese authorities detained Jadrel Rinpoche, the abbot responsible for overseeing the search for the reincarnation, and arrested more than 30 monks. The fate of Rinpoche remains unknown.

HRW further noted that in 2015, China claimed Gedhun was "living normally" and did not wish to be disturbed, but offered no evidence to substantiate this claim. Since then, restrictions in Tibet have only intensified. Authorities have implemented mass surveillance, enforced forced relocations, mandated Mandarin-only education, and systematically suppressed religious freedom. Protests against Chinese policies are met with arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances.

According to news release, Chinese laws now mandate government approval for the recognition of reincarnated Tibetan lamas. Since 2007, high-ranking lamas must be selected through the "Golden Urn," an 18th-century lottery system that is now imposed by the Chinese state. HRW also highlighted that between 2009 and 2024, 160 Tibetans self-immolated in protest against Chinese policies, with 127 of them dying.

Nearly all monasteries in Tibet are now under direct government control, with monks required to meet the "Four Standards," which include political loyalty and support for China's choice of the next Dalai Lama. HRW has called on countries such as India, Japan, and Mongolia to demand transparency from China and to advocate for the protection of Tibetan religious freedoms.

Reader Comments

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Rajesh K.

This is heartbreaking. A 6-year-old child taken away and never seen again - how can the world stay silent? China's actions in Tibet are unacceptable. As a neighbor, India must raise this issue strongly in international forums. Tibet's culture and religious freedom matter to all of us. 🙏

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Priya M.

While I sympathize with Tibetans, India needs to be careful about how we approach this. Our relationship with China is already strained, and we have our own border issues to resolve. Maybe quiet diplomacy would work better than public statements that might provoke China.

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Arjun S.

China's treatment of Tibet shows their complete disregard for human rights. First they take the Panchen Lama, then they impose their own puppet. This is exactly why we can't trust China's promises on any issue. India must stand firm on our values while dealing with them.

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Sunita R.

The self-immolation numbers are shocking - 160 Tibetans setting themselves on fire! This shows the depth of their suffering. The world needs to do more than just issue statements. Maybe economic sanctions would make China listen? Our Tibetan brothers and sisters deserve better.

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Vikram J.

I remember when His Holiness the Dalai Lama lived in Dharamshala. Tibet has always had deep spiritual connections with India. It's our moral duty to speak up, but we must be smart about it. Maybe work with other Buddhist nations to build pressure on China.

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Neha P.

The "Golden Urn" system being forced on Tibetan Buddhists is just tragic. Imagine the government deciding who your spiritual leaders should be! China talks about respecting sovereignty, but what about Tibet's right to practice their religion freely? This hypocrisy must be called out.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.