TIBETAN BulletiN The Official Journal of the Central Tibetan Administration

Volume 24 - Issue 3 MAY- JUNE 2020 Focus

CTA commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Panchen ’s enforced disappearance via virtual panel discussion and candle light vigil

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If the is alive, let us see him: CTA President to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

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His Holiness advises developing inner peace based on love and compassion to overcome stress

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A boy chosen as the Panchen Lama disappeared in 1995. says he’s now a college grad with a job

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www..net/en/tibbul www.tibet.net/en/tibbul

Focus 12 CTA commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s TIBETAN enforced disappearance via virtual panel discussion and candle BulletiN light vigil Tibetan Bulletin is an official bi-monthly journal of the Central Tibetan Administration. 15 If the Panchen Lama is alive, let us see him:CTA President to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

16 CECC chairs Represnetative McGovern and Senator Rubio call for the Panchen Lama’s release

17 21 Canadian MPs and Senator call for Canada’s supportto release the 11th Panchen Lama and his family Signed articles or quotations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Central Tibetan Administration. 18 22 Slovak Parliamentarians issue Joint Statement calling for the release of Tibet’s Panchen Lama Contributions are welcome and may be addressed to the editor, Tibetan Bulletin. However the publisher regrets its inability 19 Australian Parliamentary group for Tibet joins free the to return unused articles unless they are Panchen Lama campaign accompanied by a self-addressed envelope with adequate postage.

Tibetan Bulletin is distributed free of charge. To subscribe please email the Feature circulation manager or see back cover.

29 His Holiness advises developing inner peace based on love and Editor compassion to overcome stress Tenzin Saldon Email: [email protected]

Asst. Editor Tenzin Phende

Layout & Design World Press Tenzin Phende

30 A boy chosen as the Panchen Lama disappeared in 1995. Circulation Manager Norbu Wangdue China says he’s now a college grad with a job Email: [email protected]

Tibetan Bulletin is published by: By James Griffiths, CNN Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, - 176 215 H.P. Tel: +91-1892-222510 / 222457

Vol. 24, Issue 3 Regulars MAY - JUNE 2020 News From Tibet & Exile ...... 3 Contact ...... 31 Quotes ...... 32 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE CTA President’s 30 Back-to-Back Media Interviews Push Tibet as Core Issue in Resolving India’s Border Tensions with China With nations around the world still paying the price for China’s system that propelled the spread of coronavirus around the globe, the unapologetic Chinese government executes an expansionist agenda to overturn the international rule of law and forcefully bend countries to its will.

Inside China, the regime has stepped up a crackdown to silence the growing unrest over its coverup of the pandemic. CCP’s vulnerabilities have never been more exposed. The withering attacks at the Indian borders since April, ironically on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Sino-India diplomatic relations, bare China’s deceitful, devious and long term CTA President’s 30 Back-to-Back Media Interviews Push Tibet as Core Issue in Resolving India’s Border agenda to annex the “five fingers” as it Tensions with China. occupied the “right hand palm”, Tibet in intervened early, 95 percent of the world have permanent peace”: President Dr 1959. pandemic would have been prevented. on India Today with China’s trust deficit has exploded and Geeta Mohan, 2 June 2020. In what could be viewed as the leadership of the WHO is now being unprecedented media coverage on questioned. We should be objective and “CTA’s stand is very clear. Ladakh is a Tibet, CTA’s President Dr Lobsang once the crisis is over, we will conclude part of India as are Sikkim and Arunachal Sangay gave some 30 back-to-back that the democratic systems handled the Pradesh. Whenever His Holiness the media interviews in less a month’s time, situation better than the authoritarian and I visit these places, we highlighting the issue of Tibet as core to ones”: President Dr Lobsang Sangay on do as a guest of India. Moreover, His the resolution of ongoing India’s border FORUM 2000, 28 April 2020. Holiness has been advocating for India’s tensions with China. culture and secularism for the last 60 “Rather than dwelling on petty years”: President Dr Lobsang Sangay Appearing live in the national Indian differences created by a narrow concept on with Rohit Sardana, 2 June English and Hindi news channels’ such as us and them, it is more crucial 2020. prime time, Dr Lobsang that we come together as one human Sangay vigorously raised the strategic community and realise that we are all “The border conflict facing India is the and historical importance of Tibet as a interdependent on each other because result of the occupation of Tibet and buffer “zone of peace” between India coronavirus has no respect for social, to ensure permanent peace between and China. racial, economic barriers of humans”: China and India-the world’s two largest President Dr Lobsang Sangay on Ira populated nations. Its the incremental Sikyong’s extensive interview to Hindi Trivedi live interview, 11 May 2020. approach, its the leadership cooptation, news channels as well as some regional and slowly and steadily China makes all media brought Tibet home to not only “The Indo-Tibet border has been in the intrusion. Soon you realise that your the Indian urban masses but to the most existence for thousands of years of country is gone”: President Dr Lobsang remote rural audiences as well. recorded history. Since it has become the Sangay on NewsX with Rishabh Gulati, India-China border, all these tensions 2 June 2020. Highlights of Sikyong’s 30 Back-to- have come up. Hence, the core issue is Back Media Interviews: Tibet. When Tibet was independent, the “China says Tibet is part of China, Indian Army did not require a defence Taiwan is part of China, Arunachal is “China is trying to change the narrative budget of 60 billion dollars, it was part of China, Ladakh is part of China, by helping other countries, but we not necessary at all. So, once Tibet is but coronavirus is not part of China. should not hide the fact, that China demilitarised and declared a zone of They are staking claim to everything but was silent, suppressed the information peace, two largest populated countries coronavirus. This is what the Chinese and left the world unprepared. If they in the world, India and China, will Communist Party is capable of”:

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 3 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

President Dr Lobsang Sangay on India should respond accordingly”: President and not accept the occupation of Tibet. News, 3 June 2020. Dr Lobsang Sanagy on The Print with Ultimately Tibet was occupied and then Nayanima Basu, 10 June 2020. this year also marks the 70th anniversary “Neighbouring countries should be wary of diplomatic relations between India of China’s playbook of deception that “De-escalation is good as we saw in and China, which means India let go was symbolised in China’s occupation Dokhlam also. As long as it is backed Taiwan and recognized China and also of Tibet in 1959”: President Dr Lobsang up with real action then you should published China to become the member Sangay on Himachal Dastak with Rajesh trust them. As we always say, trust but of UN Security Council. So instead of Sharma, 4 June 2020. you must verify. From our sixty years thanking India on the 70th anniversary, of experience, it is quite difficult to trust this is happening. This is how the “The only preventive measure is the Chinese regime. They say something current Chinese leadership reciprocate quarantine places and social distancing. and do exactly the opposite”: President the kindness India has shown 70 years We also provide immune-boosting Dr Lobsang Sangay on Republic TV ago“: President Dr Lobsang Sangay on Tibetan medicine and proper sanitization with Arnab Goswami. NewsX with Rishabh Gulati, 16 June of Tibetan settlements. We have locked 2020. down all the settlements, schools, and “When Tibet was occupied, Mao monasteries. This is how we have Zedong and then Chinese leaders have “China wants to maintain its strategic managed to be safe so far”: President said that Tibet is a palm and Ladakh, dominance and that’s why they are not Dr Lobsang Sangay on Rajya Sabha TV Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan, and Arunachal giving any space to India. It is all the with Akhilesh Suman, 9 June 2020. are five fingers. So once they occupied part of a grand strategy of Chinese. To the palm and now they are coming after shake hands on the one hand and at the “Pragmatically the most viable solution the five fingers. So the adventurism and same flex the muscle with other hand”: and the most peaceful is through the incursions in Ladakh and Sikkim President Dr Lobsang Sangay on Times Middle Way Approach and dialogue as is nothing surprising as we have been Now with Padmaja Joshi, 17 June 2020. envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai saying all these years after the occupation Lama. Since the early 1970s, the CTA of Tibet ‘what has happened to us could “China wants to be a global superpower has pursued dialogue with the Chinese happen to all the neighbouring countries and in Asia, it is sending the message that government based on the Middle Way including India”: President Dr Lobsang China has become a global superpower Approach and global support that is Sangay on Northeast Live with Wasbir and nobody can compete with them. received for the Tibetan cause has Hussain, 16 June 2020. Look at the South China Sea, Japan and further re-affirmed CTA’s commitment the rest and with India in South Asia, by to MWA. Hence Tibet issue is very “CTA expresses its deep concern and intruding at the border, they are sending much alive and we will continue to in fact, any kind of violence should be the message that we have arrived; we pursue peaceful resolution of Tibet condemned. The unfortunate incident are Asia’s top power, we want to be through dialogue based on MWA with of 3 jawans being killed is uncalled the global superpower”: President Dr China”: President Dr Lobsang on TV9 for because as it is, we were told that Lobsang Sangay on with Bharatvarsh’s Abhishek Upadhyay, 9 de-escalation is happening and talks Amish Devgan, 18 June 2020. June 2020. were happening. This is LAC where there should not be violence. In fact, “The exploitation of natural resources “The Chinese government always say the gun should be pointed downwards, and gross human rights abuse are Tibet is one of the core issues you know, not at each other and far less, shoot at continually happening inside Tibet. The for instance, Xi-Jinping has been on someone. So we condemn this violence incursions strategy is such that they the record to say security and stability and peace should resume. Historically, would take over 10 km and say let us of China are dependent on security and this was a border between Tibet and compromise and as a compromise, they stability of Tibet. That’s how important India, it was a demilitarized zone, a would pretend to step back 2 km or 3 it is for the Chinese government. peaceful zone, Tibet was a zone of km at the most but in reality, the truth is Similarly, the Indian government should peace since the border of Tibet and India they have already captured 7 km of land. also say ‘for the security of India, Tibet changed to China and India then all this That is their clever strategy”: President needs to be free”: President Dr Lobsang tension have come up and continues to Dr Lobsang Sangay on with Sangay on India Today with Rahul do so”: President Dr Lobsang Sangay Aditi Tyagi, 18 June 2020. Kanwal, 9 June 2020. on CNN News with Maha Siddiqui, 16 June 2020. “I think it would be good to remember “The Chinese government has been the statement made by late Defence commenting on the internal matters “In the 1950s, there was a great debate in Minister, George Fernandes, who said, of India at the UNSC and UN forums. Indian parliament where Vallabhai Patel in fact for India, China is adversary no. They don’t tend to support India’s case. and Pt Nehru Ji and others participated in 1. Because if you look at LOC and LAC. That is important for the Indian people the great debate in the parliament saying LOC is much shorter. LAC is 3488 km to know, and the Indian government we must criticize the invasion of Tibet long border, essentially and historically

4 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE border between Tibet and India. It is at only 40 percent. 60 percent of the China will soon dismantle the rules- least two times if not three times longer territory belong to other ethnic groups based world order to impose its very own than LOC which borders with China. or nationalities including Tibet which draconian system globally”: President Hence China’s policy of encirclement is one-fifth of Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Dr Lobsang Sangay on Deccan Herald, is clear. Five fingers include Bhutan Mongolia, Manchuria and all that. The 22 June 2020. and Nepal. Already in Bangladesh, Sri Chinese empire has expanded because of Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan already an invasion and encroachment from many “People in Hong Kong advocating basic all-weather friend. This is short meets years and it is still continuing today at freedom, basic human right–right to long term strategy. Ladakh incident Galwan, Dokhlam, Arunachal Pradesh, freedom of speech, right to assembly, is one part of the strategy. We have Nepal and Bhutan. Under international right to democracy. On national security, been saying this for the last 60 years. law, India has the right to defend its the law has been imposed. We are the Tibet was occupied and you are next. territory. Just as we tackled them during first victims of national security law. So No one listened to us for 60 years and Dokhlam, we have to respond in the many security laws have been passed in this is what’s happening“: President Dr same way at Galwan”: President Dr Tibet, each time security law is passed, Lobsang Sangay on NDTV with Sonia Lobsang Sangay on News 24, 22 June it essentially means security is more Singh, 19 June 2020. 2020. important than individual freedom, freedom of speech, unity more important “These tactics by Beijing will only “It will require a multilateral front to than diversity. We have seen this in Tibet, increase as it is pursuing its expansionist respond to mishandling of powers by people of Hong Kong should study the policies in the region. Having occupied China. The democratic countries around origin of security law in Tibet and how it the palm (Tibet) now they’re are the the world must forge an alliance to is being interpreted now, explained one five fingers. China is putting pressure systematically counter the economic and way and exploited. You have to issue on India’s immediate neighbours Nepal, military intimidations by China and reset of Tibet to understand the mindset and Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the its relations with Xi Jinping’s regime in manipulation of the Chinese govt. Be it Maldives, so India will need to counter Beijing on every front. The world can India, Nepal or Hong Kong. People need China”: President Dr Lobsang Sangay no longer hope that China will someday to pay issue. Explain Tibet is a zone of on Strat News Global, 20 June 2020. play by the rules because it clearly never peace, demilitarized zone”: President Dr did and never will. Tibetans have been Lobsang Sangay on WION News, 22 “Look at the map of China, the ethnic saying this for the past 70 years and, June 2020. Han Chinese dominated territory is if the world still continues to ignore it,

Tibetan monk dies after two years of ill-health due to brutal torture in Chinese prison

A former Tibetan political prisoner medical treatment at hospitals in . named Gendun Sherab has passed away Therefore, he was forced to leave Lhasa in Tibet due to torture injuries sustained and seek treatment through traditional in Chinese custody. He is believed to Tibetan medicine at his home. have died on 18 April. Gedhun Sherab died in his native Barkal Gendun Sherab was arrested three years village, Rongpo Township, Sog County. ago, in 2017, in Lhasa for sharing a message from His Holiness the Dalai He was one of the many Tibetans Map showing Sog county in Nagchu Prefecture in Lama regarding the reincarnation of Tibet/freetibet.org arrested for exercising their freedom Choedon from Sera Je Lhopa in Sog County, Nagchu Prefecture in the of expression and religion, who suffer Khantsen, as per the RFA report. so-called . severe torture while in Chinese custody, to be released after a short detention RFA quoted its source as saying “[He] Gendun Sherab was tortured and beaten period only to avoid deaths in detention. was arrested on the charge of sharing brutally during the time of his detention and disseminating politically sensitive center in Lhasa and was released after documents on WeChat and social suffering severe, life-threatening media.” injuries three months later, according to the reports. His health continued to Prior to his arrest, Gedhun Sherab was a deteriorate in the last few years as he monk at the Rongpo Rabten Monastery was blacklisted and thus unable to seek

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 5 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE One more torture notorious for the brutality inflicted on This is the third known report of recent the inmate. deaths of Tibetan former political survivor, former prisoners linked directly to torture While serving his prison term he was and other ill-treatment during their political prisoner severely beaten and physically and imprisonment, leading to serious health passes away in Tibet mentally tortured. He was finally released complications at the time of their release. on 9th June 2000 after completing his prison term. Even after his release, On 19 June 2015, Choekyi was detained he lived under constant surveillance by the Chinese polices for celebrating His just like other former Tibetan political Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. prisoners. He with his father wore a T-shirt which has a message in Tibetan “kue-gya-ton- “Just in May in less than a week, two su” roughly translated as, “Celebrating former Tibetan political prisoners died (His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s) 80th including Tsering Bhakdro due to the Birthday”. He was charged with inciting torture they have suffered while they “separatist activities” and was initially were in prison,” said Ms Tenzin Dhadon held in prison in Kangding County in of Human Rights Desk, DIIR. “Ironically Kardze (Ch: Ganzi) Prefecture before An undated photo of late Tsering Bhakdro from Tibet. it seems the more China becomes global transferring him to Sichuan’s Mianyang The UN, EU & Human Rights Desk, power the more it becomes the exporter prison to serve four years sentence. DIIR has learned about the death of of human rights violations,” she said. another former Tibetan political prisoner Before his detention, Choekyi was from prolonged illness due to life- Tortured and refused suffering from a kidney ailment and other threatening torture sustained in Chinese health-related issues but was denied to prison. medical treatment, seek medical treatment in Lhasa. The torture he endured during his four years Tsering Bhakdro, 51, died on 26th Tibetan political in the prison further deteriorated his April at his native place in Lhasa after a prisoner Choekyi dies health condition. prolonged illness due to physical torture he endured during his long term sentence in Tibet After his arrest, there was a wide in the Chinese prison. He suffered years international call for his immediate of poor health following his release in release and medical attention. On 18 the year 2000. January 2018, the European Parliament adopted an urgency resolution calling He was from Gyama village in Maldro the Chinese authorities for the immediate Gongkar (Ch: Mozhugongka) county and unconditional release of Choekyi in Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa and “urged the Chinese government to according to our reliable source. allow his relatives and his lawyers of his choice to visit him and, in particular, Bhakdro was enrolled in Gaden to provide him with adequate medical Monastery in Lhasa when he was young care.” and studied Buddhist scriptures. On 10th June 1992, he and some of his colleagues According to our last report in early protested against the Chinese illegal rule January 2019, Choekyi was secretly in Tibet. They took to the street carrying released on 18 January 2019 but he banned Tibetan national flag and raising The 104th Gaden Tripa Kyabje Jetsun Lobsang constantly lived under tight surveillance. Tenzin Palsangpo. slogans calling for Free Tibet and He lived and struggled with his frail A former Tibetan political prisoner return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. health condition without proper medical named Choekyi released last year after Immediately the local Public Security care until his untimely death last four serving his four years sentence term in Bureau arrested all the protesters at the days ago in Tibet. Chinese prison, died last week on 7 May scene. They were beaten severely and due to torture suffered in prison. He died held in Gutsa detention center in Lhasa. Choekyi was one of the many Tibetan at his home in Shosang village, Nyitod political prisoners who died due to the Township, Serthar (Ch: Seda) County in Later Lhasa People’s Intermediate Court torture and hardship they endured while Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, sentenced Tsering Bhakdro to an eight- serving their prison term in a Chinese Sichuan Province. year prison term. In November 1992, he prison in Tibet. Earlier this month, the was transferred to the Drapchi prison, UN, EU & Human Rights Desk reported

6 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE two other torture-related deaths of Kalon also highlighted the daily rise in 95% of them have a travel history from former Tibetan political prisoners due COVID-19 cases, especially within the Delhi so anyone arriving from red zones to prolonged illness. These reports of last 3 days, from June 23 to 25 where are strictly urged to notify the Settlement the Chinese authorities’ continues use it rose by 1000 cases as 15,000 to officers atleast one week ahead and make of torture and other ill-treatment against 16,000 to 17,000, adding that the ICMR prior inquiries about occupancy in the prisoners of conscience in their jails is predicts COVID-19 cases would peak in quarantine centres, assume individual of grave concern. China must end use of the month of November with expected responsibility.” torture against Tibetans for simply using approx of 30 lakh cases. He warned their legitimate rights under China’s own that the Tibetan community should The states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP constitution and universal human rights. accordingly develop an approach and have a guideline in place for pricing for practice stricter caution as the peak is COVID-19 tests, which has not been Fight the disease, not inevitable. established in Delhi even though notice has been issued by the government on the patients: Health While he noted that, so far, due to the the same. In this regard, testing and blessings of His Holiness the Dalai treatment costs are difficult to bear even Kalon appeals public Lama and the CTA’s proactive approach, for an average-income family. Therefore, and media against the death toll in Tibetans has been everyone is advised to practice what we marginal, however, he said Tibetans have been saying that “precaution is stigmatizing COVID-19 should not forego precautions because better than cure”. patients of the seemingly mild situation. He spoke about CTA’s efforts to conduct Kalon urged the importance of caution swab tests within 5-7 days. “3 health as before during the lockdown when workers from Phende hospital in Hunsur measures like curfew, sanitisation, have taken initiative in undergoing guarding the entryways and registration training from district centres to conduct of passersby are being followed the tests to determine the earliest thoroughly. detection. Similarly, here too, efforts are ongoing.” He noted that as phase 2 of unlock Fight the disease, not the patients: Health Kalon is set to begin for the revival of the “In March we made visits to Kangra’s urges public and media against stigmatizing economy, more stranded returnees will CMO, Delek hospital’s Dr Tsundue COVID-19 patients. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA arrive at the settlements which makes and Settlement officer and CTA’s Health Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk quarantines necessary and likewise, the Information Secretary, collectively, urged the public as well as the media not Tibetan administration’s precautionary have been making every endeavour to stigmatize the patients of coronavirus, measures are being ramped up to towards this. Our host government has saying that stigma could be more appropriately tackle the situation. CTA’s also been very kind and supportive to dangerous than the virus itself. policy of 7 days compulsory institutional provide training making it possible for quarantine, following which COVID-19 us to conduct the swab tests. Settlement “We must collectively work to shed test is conducted, which then, on bearing branch hospitals are urged to make the stigma around the virus with the negative results, the rest of the 7 days of similar efforts.” right information, sense of unity the total 14-day quarantine duration, is and compassion, instead of driving advised for home quarantine. “Though as of yet there is no established people to deny their travel history, cure for the disease, we have Tibetan medical conditions in the fear of being Kalon appealed the Tibetans to medicines for immune-boosting and ostracized and which in turn, creates a follow quarantine norms as per CTA’s Men Tsee Khang has prepared 40 more dangerous scenario,” Kalon said guidelines and not violate it, hazarding different kinds. Abroad frontline health addressing the routine COVID-19 press a crisis. workers and their family members, the briefing on Thursday evening. elderly, vulnerable are provided with He also emphasised the dedicated efforts the immune boosters free of cost. Men He underscored the importance of of Settlement officers and directors Tsee Khang has subsidised 1/3rd of the understanding that the virus should be of branch hospitals, organisations and expenses and specific groups of infected vilified not the person, especially from non-government associations in their patients’ medicines are provided for free a Buddhist perspective. He welcomed participation in local Tibetan emergency by Men Tsee Khang along with guidance ideas from experts and people in general committee and towards preventing on consumption and precautions. The on how to mainstream messages of outbreak within the Tibetan community. health department in coordination with unity and empathy in social discourse in Men Tsee Khang has issued a notice in relation to the pandemic. “Out of the 38 cases confirmed, above that regard.”

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20 volunteers/fees for 8 mental health CTA Approves Rupees counsellors – for 3 months Sikyong chairs Health 3.3 crores (33 million) ·Distributing traditional Tibetan Dept coordinated medicine package to 11,051 elders for Wuhan COVID-19 ·Emergency medical supplies for 33 virtual meeting with health facilities Program ·Emergency medical supplies for 8 Settlement Officers and COVID treatment centers Healthcare workers, ·Supplies and furnishing for 10 quarantine centers urges strict adherence ·Rental of 30 ambulances of quarantine norms INR 6,161,789 will be spent for programs under the Home Department. Major activities include:

·Medical supplies and food rations for Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, Finance Kalon 700 elders in 21 elder homes Karma Yeshi, Kaydor Aukatsang, Chief Resilience Officer and SARD Director and Dr Kunchok ·2-3 months food security rations for Tsundue, Chief Planning Commissioner at the CTA 635 destitute refugees (INR 4000 per COVID-19 press briefing, 14 May 2020. Photo/ person) Tenzin Phende/CTA ·3 months food security stipends for 155 The CTA has made available INR 3.3 disadvantaged elders over 65 and living Sikyong chairs the virtual meeting with SOs of 38 crore for Wuhan COVID-19 programs alone (INR 9000 per person) settlements from India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Photo/ benefitting Tibetan communities in Tenzin Phende/ CTA India and Nepal. INR 24,340,514 are for The package also includes food security Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay chaired activities in India while the community stipend for 297 students from destitute two virtual meetings, first with Tibetan in Nepal receives NPR 13,757,974. households at INR 1,000 per student Settlement officers regarding the Support for this effort is coming from requirement of aid provisions and the United States government’s Bureau The Nepal program includes NPR problems they were facing in the battle for Population, Refugees and Migration 2,315,520 for hiring medical and non- against the COVID-19 crisis, and (PRM), a long-term donor of the Tibetan medical contract staff and stipends similarly, with healthcare workers. refugee community in South Asia. for volunteers; NPR 3,260,000 for directed SARD to begin the food supplies for 6 COVID quarantine The meeting was coordinated by the process of identifying funds to support centers; medical supplies and food ration Department of Health, led by Kalon vulnerable destitute Tibetans on April for 116 elders in 6 elder homes; Tibetan Choekyong Wangchuk, Secretaries, and 2, 2020, and Sikyong directly wrote to medicine package for 1500 elders and heads of the task force committee. the PRM leadership on April 8 as well. those with weak immune systems; and This is the first large support package NPR 7,282,400 for food security rations Settlement officers of 38 Tibetan approved by the CTA as the Tibetan for 200 destitute and disabled refugees; settlements from India, Nepal and community confronts the unprecedented 3-month food security stipends for 350 Bhutan attended the initial meeting, challenges posed by the ongoing disadvantaged elders over 65 and living while 39 health centres from India, pandemic. alone at NPR 14,400 per person; and including the Snow Lion organisation food security stipends for 14 students from Nepal, took part in the second. INR 16,289,355 will be spent on health from destitute households at NPR 1,600 programs in India. Activities being per student. Sikyong was updated about the supported through this package include COVID-19 preventive measures by strengthening the hospital infection “We are grateful to PRM for making the the concerned settlement officers control and emergency medical service; emergency funding available. While the who brought up concerns relating to infection prevention control measures pandemic poses a huge health risk, it has the provision of funds for quarantine in quarantine facilities; purchasing of also placed some of the most vulnerable facilities and distribution of Tibetan test kits, community awareness and Tibetans – elders and destitute – at great medicine supply, the quarantine sanitization campaign; and strengthening risk. The CTA leadership has through procedure to follow as more stranded the health workforce. Major activities this package taken care of the immediate Tibetans return to their homes and include: healthcare needs and also provided make institutional quarantine more protection to our most vulnerable,” said difficult with limited capacity and on ·Hiring of 40 medical and non- Kaydor Aukatsang, Chief Resilience the resumption of business activity in medical staff on contract/stipends for Officer and SARD Director. settlements.

8 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 NEWS FROM TIBET & EXILE

Sikyong answered each of them in turn, Amidst this catastrophe, the community for aid provisions he directed them that remains most susceptible to Home Department to contact the relevant departments, COVID-19 are the elderlies who are to disburse 1 Crore mostly dealing with Health and Home already suffering degenerating health who have designed policies specifically due to advancing age and have pre- (10 Million) to 2000 to combat the crisis of the pandemic. existing health infirmities. He emphasised on quarantine until an applicants in exile for individual tested negative on the swab Through this special feature, we focus CTA emergency relief test. On the resumption of business on how the Tibetan settlement offices activity in settlements, he advised under the Department of Home have fund against it amidst COVID-19 cases been caring for the elderlies living in 14 As the Tibetan community confronts peaking and risk of transmission among Old People’s Homes administered by the unprecedented challenges posed by Tibetan society. He appealed to all the CTA. the ongoing outbreak of pandemic and Tibetans the collective responsibility to the subsequent nation-wide lockdown, protect not just the Tibetan community In view of extraordinary risks faced by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay on 7 May but also the Indian community too. the elderly community, the Kashag has has directed the Department of Home to earlier this month allocated additional allocate COVID-19 Emergency Support In the second meeting, Sikyong spoke to Rs 61 lakh funding for the 14 CTA-run Funds to those Tibetans facing distress the healthcare workers at the frontline, old age homes as well as the 8 NGO-run and are presently stranded due to the asking about the problems they faced and old age homes. In addition, the Home nationwide lockdown because of the the requirements of hospital supplies. Department as directed by the Kashag COVID-19 pandemic. distributed preemptive financial support He commended their dedicated service amounting to 1.2 crores to 1392 destitute The Department of Home, CTA has to the community amidst the COVID-19 elderlies who are living with families or received a total of 2000 number of health crisis, hailing it as the true on their own. applications for the support fund through realisation of Buddhist principles and respective Tibetan settlement offices urged them to continue down that path across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. These until the crisis subsides. applications will be further reviewed by Nodal Officers of the Department Sikyong similarly commended the of Home to ensure that the applicants Health Department’s tireless efforts fulfill the basic criteria to avail of this to prevent the transmission among the emergency support. Tibetan community. This one-time relief support of INR Caring for the elderly Daily grooming of elderlies at Mundgod Old 5000 will be disbursed to one qualified People’s Home. applicant per family through the during COVID-19 concerned settlement officers.

From fulfilling their special healthcare Attached following is the list of needs to routine health screening, COVID-19 EMERGENCY SUPPORT sanitization and promoting recreational FUND APPLICANTS: activities to uplift their spirits, the Settlement offices and caregivers are taking utmost care of the senior members to protect them against the pandemic. The following photos have been filed by respective Settlement offices via the Home department. Tibetan elderlies at Kalimpong old age home listening to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings. The challenges of the Wuhan-originated COVID-19 pandemic have threatened millions of lives worldwide and affected various social, political and economic sectors.

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 9 DOCUMENTATION Kashag’s Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the Enforced Disappearance of His Eminence the 11th Panchen Lama On 25 April 2020, Tibetans and Tibet supporters around the world marked the 31st birthday of His Eminence the 11th Panchen Lama, Tenzin Gendun Yeshi Thrinley Phuntsok Palsangpo, the manifestation of the compassionate Amitabha. We pray that he is well and healthy, and with that aspiration, we offer our greetings on His Eminence’s birthday.

On 17 May 1995, when he was only six years old, the Panchen Lama was abducted by the Chinese Communist government along with his family after His Holiness the recognized him as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. Since that fateful day, Buddhists around the world President Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Central Tibetan Administration (File photo) and Tibetans in exile and especially in violation of human rights. Rinpoche, the former Abbot of Tashi Tibet, have been living in hope that one Lhunpo Monastery and the head of the day we will be able to receive blessings Since his abduction, the UN Committee search committee for the reincarnation from the Panchen Lama. on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and of the 10th Panchen Lama, through the UN Working Group of Enforced or pictures and videos. The lineages of the Dalai and the Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) Panchen Lamas share a unique spiritual has raised questions on the whereabouts Our call for justice for the 11th relationship. It was in keeping to of the 11th Panchen Lama. Similarly, the Panchen Lama is also a reminder of centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions US Congress, European Parliament, and our commitment to the legacy of his that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama parliaments of various other nations such predecessor, His Eminence the 10th recognized the 11th Panchen Lama. as the UK, Canada, various governments, Panchen Lama. On 18 May 1962, the 10th international organizations, and Tibet Panchen Lama presented the Chinese After orchestrating the disappearance support groups have released reports, translation of the report, most commonly of the 11th Panchen Lama, China, a issued statements, and passed resolutions known as the 70,000 Character Petition, self-declared atheist government and calling for his immediate release. to the then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. infamous for its persecution of religious The report was the culmination of what groups in China, placed a young China has repeatedly failed to respond His Eminence had witnessed during boy, Gyaltsen Norbu, as their own to the UNCRC’s call to allow an the three years as the acting Chairman 11th Panchen Lama. This politically independent body to visit and verify the of the so-called TAR Preparatory motivated action failed, however, to wellbeing of the 11th Panchen Lama. Committee. The report detailed failures displace the position of the true Panchen At the 119th session of the UN Working of the Chinese reform policies in Tibet Lama from the hearts and minds of the Group of Enforced or Involuntary that resulted in destruction such as Tibetan people. For Tibetans in Tibet Disappearances (WGEID) last the famine that ravaged throughout and in exile, and for Tibetan Buddhist September, China once again responded the country and the Tibetan Buddhist followers around the world, Gedhun to the questions on the whereabouts of Monastic Education centers that were on Choekyi Nyima, the six-year-old boy the 11th Panchen Lama with unverifiable the verge of annihilation. recognized by His Holiness the 14th and insufficient information. Dalai Lama will always be the true Chairman Mao’s opposition to the Panchen Lama. If China’s claim that Tibetans in petition trampled Panchen Lama’s hope Tibet enjoy religious freedom is to that leaders of the regime might show China’s abduction of the Panchen Lama be considered true, then China must interest in the petition and bring changes. and forcible denial of his religious provide verifiable information on the And instead, the 10th Panchen Lama identity and the right to practice in wellbeing and whereabouts of the 11th was barred from attending important his monastery is not only a violation Panchen Lama, his family and Chadrel meetings and was publicly criticized of religious freedom but also a gross

10 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 DOCUMENTATION and humiliated towards the end of 1962. Tibetan religious heads from five right the wrong and release the 11th He was further subjected to struggle Tibetan regions and local authorities, Panchen Lama along with his family, sessions and was put under . Panchen Lama criticized the Cultural , and all Tibetans He was imprisoned in February 1968, Revolution and stated Tibetans must unjustly imprisoned. where he spent more than 9 years in protest it. On 28 January 1989, four prison until his release in October 1977. days after delivering this historic Taking this opportunity, we thank all condemnation, the Panchen Lama died nations and their Parliaments founded Even after his release from prison, under mysterious circumstances in his on the principles of freedom and justice, the 10th Panchen Lama with monastery. The Chinese government international human rights organizations, unsurmountable courage remained announced that Panchen Lama had died and individuals for their continued committed to his sworn oath in the of a heart attack without conducting any support. We appeal to the international petition, “I will certainly not allow any official investigation into the causes of community to make a concerted effort to trace to be left in my history which would his sudden death. We don’t believe and press China to release Gedhun Choekyi tarnish my reputation as a descendant accept that the 10th Panchen Lama died Nyima and resolve the critical human of the hardworking and brave Tibetan of natural causes just as we don’t believe rights situation in Tibet. nationality.” that his reincarnate, the 11th is under safe protection. We proudly acknowledge and thank On 23 January 1989, Panchen Lama the Tibetan Non-Governmental gave a historic speech in front of various Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Organisations and the Tashi Lhunpo high- ranking Chinese government 11th Panchen Lama’s disappearance. Monastery for continuously undertaking officials at the inauguration ceremony 25 years is a significant time in an various initiatives to ensure the release of the newly-renovated mausoleums individual’s life. For a person to spend the of the 11th Panchen Lama. of the 5th to the 9th Panchen Lamas at prime of his life or quarter of a century in in . enforced captivity is an irreparable loss. Finally, we pray and hope that His His Eminence said, “If we compare the The disappearance of the Panchen Lama Eminence the 11th Panchen Lama will price of the sacrifice we have made with is not only an injustice to one person, but soon be able to return to his rightful the development that we have seen; my it is an injustice to six million Tibetans place at the Tashi Lhunpo monastery feeling is that the value of our sacrifice and their right to religious freedom. in Shigatse. We pray that under the has been far greater. Our sacrifice far auspicious presence of His Holiness the outweighs our development.” China must honour its claim of ethnic 14th Dalai Lama and His Eminence the harmony in China by fulfilling the 11th Panchen Lama, peace will shine On 24 January 1989, in front of aspiration of the Tibetan people. It must soon over Tibet. Education department distributes more than 13 lakhs in emergency relief for 381 stranded and destitute Tibetan students Under the Department of Education’s of basic necessities during the lockdown COVID-19 relief money distributed to COVID-19 emergency relief, a sum amid the pandemic. college and school children belonging to of INR 13,71,000 has been disbursed Nyamthak/Destitute category as per the to support 161 Tibetan college-going COVID-19 relief money distributed settlement-wise: students who are stranded and in dire to college-going stranded and needy need of financial aid. The beneficiaries students with INR 5000 each: received INR 5000 each for basic necessities allowance. They were selected based on the following criteria – either their parents are in Tibet or those with parents here, are financially affected by this pandemic under the prolonged nationwide lockdown with their source of income cut off.

On the other hand, the Department of Education has provided relief aid of INR 2000 to 178 school students and INR 5000 to 42 college-going students belonging to financially-disadvantaged homes so that they can avail themselves

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CTA commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance via virtual panel discussion and candle light vigil

Exactly 25 years ago on May 17, 1995, a six-year-old who would become the second-highest spiritual leader in Tibetan disappeared all of a sudden along with his family.

They have not been heard or seen since. The Chinese government has only given frail statements about their whereabouts and well being while refusing to comment further on the issue.

Since the enforced disappearance of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama, many world leaders, TSGs and international organizations have strongly voiced for his swift release and called out President Dr Lobsang Sangay speaking at the virtual panel discussion commemorating the 25th year of China’s meddling in the recognition of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Photo/Tenzin Phende/CTA reincarnated lamas. And yet, not a single (USCIRF), Bhuching K. Tsering, Vice- Despite China’s incessant effort to clue about the child who if alive would President of International Campaign for dictate unauthorised policy over be 31 of age. Tibet (ICT) came together for a virtual matters concerning the recognition of panel discussion on the missing 11th reincarnated lamas and additionally As 17 May marks the 25th anniversary Panchen Lama while renewing global justify their action, they have miserably of the enforced disappearance of the 11th campaign for his release. failed in their motivation as Tibetans Panchen Lama, President Dr Lobsang have not yielded under their repression Sangay led CTA hosted a virtual panel The panel commenced with President and China could never displace the true discussion and a global candlelight vigil Dr. Sangay acknowledging and position of true Panchen Lama from the to remember Panchen Lama and honour thanking all nations and their hearts and minds of Tibetan people. his 25 years of an ordeal in captive. Parliaments, international human rights organizations, and individuals for their “For Tibetans in Tibet and in exile, and Earlier during the month-long campaign continued support in the case of 11th for Tibetan Buddhist followers around that CTA has initiated for Panchen Panchen Lama. the world, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, Rinpoche, President Dr. Lobsang Sangay the six-year-old boy recognized by stated that the Tibetans will not forget President Dr. Lobsang Sangay identified His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will Kunzik Panchen Rinpoche and will that the case of 11th Panchen Lama not always be the true Panchen Lama,” said remember him till he is released and till only reflects an injustice to one person, the President of CTA. he can be with the Tibetans to practise rather an injustice to six million Tibetans and become a great spiritual and national and their right to religious freedom. He President Dr Sangay strongly condemned leader as the 10th Panchen Lama. He affirmed that Buddhists around the world China’s claim that religious freedom has also urged the global audience to and Tibetans in exile and especially in prevails in Tibet and that Tibetans enjoy participate in a global candlelight vigil Tibet, have been living in hope that one religious freedom. He asserted that this for the release of Gendun Choekyi day they will be able to receive blessings particular claim made by China is far Nyima and all other Tibetan prisoners of from the Panchen Lama. from the truth and called out China to conscience. provide verifiable information on the When Tibet’s 11th Panchen disappeared wellbeing and whereabouts of the 11th As Tibetans and friends of Tibet along with his family, the Chinese Panchen Lama, his family and Chadrel commemorate this day, CTA President authorities wasted no time to appoint a Rinpoche, the former Abbot of Tashi Dr. Lobsang Sangay, Abbot of Tashi young boy, Gyaltsen Norbu, as their own Lhunpo Monastery and the head of the Lhunpo Monastery Zeekyab Rinpoche, 11th Panchen Lama confirming their search committee for the reincarnation Dr. Tenzin Dorjee, Commissioner, politically driven effort to undermine of the 10th Panchen Lama, through United States Commission on and control . pictures and videos if there is any truth International Religious Freedom in their assertions.

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President Dr Sangay then remarked that to return to his rightful place at the Tashi reign of the 5th Dalai Lama Lobsang the day’s significance is also a reminder Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse. We pray Gyatso, when the Dalai Lama bestowed of the commitment to the legacy of the that under the auspicious presence of the title and the ownership of Tashilhunpo 10th Panchen Lama, a courageous figure His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Monastery to then Tashilhunpo’s abbot, Tibet has ever known and who through His Eminence the 11th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Choekyi Gyaltsen (the third his famous 70,000 characters petition peace will shine soon over Tibet”, CTA Panchen Lama). Since then his three detailing failures of the Chinese reform President concluded his remarks. previous and subsequent incarnations policies in Tibet put China in dilemma. came to be known by the title Panchen Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche of Tashi Lama. For his boldness and unyielding Lhunpo Monastery, the exile seat of the persona, he was put under immense missing Panchen Lama, paid his respects Zeekyab Rinpoche reminded here torture during his 9 years imprisonment. to the 10th Panchen Lama Lobsang that China’s forcible disappearance of And even after his release from prison, Trinley Lhundrup Choekyi Gyaltsen the 11th Panchen is therefore of great the 10th Panchen Lama remained ever and the 11th Panchen Lama, honouring concern not only to the people but the more committed to his sworn oath in the the great legacy and contributions of centuries-old spiritual tradition of Tibet. petition, “I will certainly not allow any the Panchen Lama lineage towards trace to be left in my history which would the flourishing of the Tibetan culture, With this, Rinpoche urged the leadership tarnish my reputation as a descendant language and Buddhist tradition. of CTA, governments, parliaments and of the hardworking and brave Tibetan international religious freedom groups nationality.” Rinpoche remarked that the 10th and organizations and individuals Panchen Lama, in particular, committed to continue to press the Chinese “He stayed committed and undeterred till his last breath to serve the aspirations government to release the authentic till his last breath when he died under of the six million Tibetans and even 11th Kunsik Panchen Lama, Gedun mysterious circumstances in his while suffering years of imprisonment Choekyi Nyima so that he may return monastery. His death was acquitted and torture for criticizing the Chinese to his rightful seat at the Tashi Lhunpo as natural death by the Chinese government’s policies in Tibet, he Monastery and assume his spiritual government,” however, said President continued to fight for the freedom and leadership. Dr Sangay that he and his people don’t dignity of the Tibetan people. believe and accept that the 10th Panchen Zeekyab Rinpoche especially Lama died of natural causes just as Such was the influence and leadership thanked the US Ambassador for they don’t believe that his reincarnate, of Tibet’s spiritual leaders that the International Religious Freedom Sam the 11th Panchen Lama is under safe Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lamas Brownback, Italian Parliamentarians, protection. were regarded as the ‘Sun and Moon’ in Swiss Parliamentarians, Czech Tibetan Buddhist spiritual firmament. Parliamentarians, Senators of the Czech President Sangay called out China to Republic, Lithuanian parliamentarians, confront the truth and release the 11th “His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the UK, Slovak parliamentarians who Panchen Lama along with his family, the Panchen Lama are the indispensable issued statements for the release of Chadrel Rinpoche, and all Tibetans figures and spiritual leaders of Tibet,” the Panchen Lama and International unjustly imprisoned. Likewise, he said Zeekyab Rinpoche. organisations such as the Human appealed to the international community Rights Watch and others for joining the to make a concerted effort to press China “Among the incarnation lineages campaign for the 11th Panchen Lama. to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima recognized in Tibet for centuries, the and resolve the critical human rights lineages of the Dalai Lama and the “I take this opportunity to deeply thank situation in Tibet. Panchen Lama were particularly revered all of you for your unwavering support in Tibet, owing to their unique spiritual for the immediate release of the 11th On the final note, President Dr Lobsang bond and their interchangeable roles as Panchen Lama. And, urge you to Sangay thanked all nations and their teacher and disciple to each other.” continue your support until the issue is Parliaments, international human rights resolved.” organizations, and individuals for This extraordinary bond dates back in their continued support in the case of 1447 when Gedun Drupa founded the Dr. Tenzin Dorjee, former Commissioner 11th Panchen Lama including Tibetan Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Shigatse, of the United States Commission NGOs and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery one of the biggest monastic Universities on International Religious Freedom for continuously undertaking various of the Gelugpa School which later (USCIRF) spoke on his efforts as a initiatives to ensure the release of the became the official seat of the Panchen member of USCIRF and added that his 11th Panchen Lama. Lamas. biggest achievement during the 4 years of service was the adoption of Panchen “We pray and hope that His Eminence Even the title of ‘Panchen’ meaning Lama as a prisoner of conscience along the 11th Panchen Lama will soon be able ‘Scholar’ was first bestowed during the with his colleagues VC Nadine Maenza MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 13 FOCUS and Congressman James McGovern. points: international community’s political issue. The ICT Vice President response to the enforced disappearance said China’s old accusation of Tibetans In a scathing diatribe to the Chinese of Panchen Rinpoche; and their politicising a religious issue should policies in Tibet, Dr. Tenzin especially perception of this issue. be fired back at them in light of their condemned their interference in the unwarranted interference in the matters matter of reincarnation and Tibetan He said Panchen Lama’s issue is of the succession of the Dalai Lama. He Buddhism. He stated that China’s representative of the larger Tibet issue. asserted that it should be brought up into oblivious policy toward the human Both the cases of the spiritual leader international discourse as it is highly rights standard is not only evil and brutal and Tibet are subjects of colonial rule. concerning. but a complete failure. Both had their religious freedom taken away by the Chinese occupying forces. Following the panel, CTA hosted a Dr. Tenzin pointed out that one’s Thirdly, it is a violation of international virtual candle vigil in conjunction with freedom of religion and belief among laws because of the involuntary nature prayers for the well being of Kunzik the rights mandated in the Universal of the disappearance. With the view to Panchen Rinpoche and his family. The Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) turn Tibetans into a minority in their movement was led by Sikyong, Kalons, is the most vital one and for that same own land, Tibetans’ ownership of their Secretaries, and the staff while the reason, he asserted that USCIRF was ancestral land and property has been Tibetans in India and abroad observed established based on the rights enshrined divested by the government. the vigil from their homes. in the article 18 of the UDHR. He criticized China’s initial response During the live panel session, He established the commission’s to the UN officials’ question wherein International Relations Secretary, commitment to safeguard and defend the they attempted to justify their actions Karma Choeying presented a detailed universal right to freedom of religion or by alleging that the Panchen Lama had report of the monthlong global advocacy belief must be valued and respected. asked to be removed from his parents, campaign led by Offices of Tibet which was a blatant lie. In 2007, after around the world and the India Tibet “We have spent enough time talking and a Pakistani representative for religious Coordination Office based in Delhi in raising awareness about the case of 11th freedom enquired about the Panchen marking the 25th anniversary of the Panchen Lama, now is the time to act Lama, China responded then, saying the Panchen Lama’s disappearance. for all us and fruitfully bring the results” Lama was studying and in good health. urged Dr. Tenzin. Unhindered the COVID-19 lockdown As well as in 2015, when an autonomous imposed around the world, the Offices He urged the US Congress and President region representative asked this question, of Tibet as the CTA emissaries abroad to implement the Magnitsky bill on China gave the same unconvincing carried out vigorous monthlong Chinese officials responsible for the response. lobbying and advocacy, including at persecution of religious minorities, the United Nations, to press China specifically referring to the Panchen However, the 2007 revelation made by further on the case of the enforced Lama. China that the Panchen Lama was taking disappearance of the Panchen Lama. As Chinese culture studies and possible a result of the monthlong campaign, the He reminded the urgency to act on the prohibition of the study of Tibetan global call for the release of the Panchen matter for the swift release of Panchen Buddhism is concerning, the ICT Vice Lama garnered a groundswell of Lama and all the Tibetan prisoners of President said. It foreshadows what support and endorsement of government conscience alike. might be in store with China’s insistence officials, parliamentarians, prominent on deciding the future Dalai Lama. international rights organizations in He called out China to provide verifiable CTA’s call for the release of the 11th video evidence if Panchen Lama and Despite China’s occupation of Tibet for Panchen Lama, his family and all his family is well and protected. He these many decades, it has not won over prisoners of conscience languishing demanded that China must be held the Tibetan people’s heart, their loyalty in Chinese prisons. Thanks to these accountable without a second thought or trust. In contrast, the 10th Panchen efforts, a joint petition to the United and that they must honour its claim of Lama when he first assumed his Nations urging it to press China for the ethnic harmony in China by fulfilling legitimate role, Tibetans were undecided immediate release of the 11th Panchen the aspiration of the Tibetan people about him. But through his dedicated Lama has also been submitted. beginning with the release of Gendun efforts in establishing schools across Choekyi Nyima. Tibet and maintenance of the many The detailed report of each Office of sacred monasteries, the Tibetan public Tibet including of ITCO was read out Bhuchung K. Tsering, Vice President came to revere him. by Secretary Karma Choeying. The of ICT in his remarks on the case of individual reports can be read on the Panchen Rinpoche’s enforced On the shifting nature of the Panchen www.tibet.net. disappearance highlight two significant Lama’s case from a religious issue to a 14 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS

If the Panchen Lama is alive, let us see him: CTA President to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson On 19 May, China claimed that Tibet’s 10th Panchen Lama received proper 11th Panchen Lama who was forcibly education and Buddhist training like disappeared 25 years ago along with his other lamas, today he would have been family is now “a college graduate” with one of the most influential figure in the “a stable job”. Tibetan Buddhist world.

Once again, there was no reliable Here’s a timeline to show how the information about the whereabouts Chinese government has consistently and the well being of one of Tibet’s misled the world with inaccurate claims most influential spiritual leaders who over the whereabouts of the Panchen was taken in captive by the Chinese President Dr Lobsang Sangay of Central Tibetan Lama: Administration rejects China’s latest claims on the government when he was just 6 years Panchen Lama. old shortly after being recognised as the He further added that “the Chinese In May 1996, China admitted that the 11th Panchen Lama. government should stop hiding him and Panchen Lama and his family were give him his freedom. It is unacceptable being held at a secret location and Even after a quarter of a century since his on every moral ground that a person China’s ambassador to the UN claimed abduction, China has still not disclosed even at the age of 31 should be denied that, “(Gedhun) has been put under the a single piece of credible evidence freedom and the right to determine his protection of the government at the or information on the wellbeing or own future.” request of his parents.” But didn’t reveal whereabouts of the Panchen Lama. where he was being held. China’s prolonged disappearance of the According to AP reports, China’s Foreign Panchen Lama attracted unprecedented In February 1998, American clerics Spokesperson Zhao Lijian alleged that global condemnation when the visiting Tibet were told that the Panchen Gedhun Choekyi Nyima received “free government officials, parliamentarians Lama was in Beijing, but in March compulsory education when he was a and prominent civil society groups 1998, the vice governor of Tibetan child, graduated college and now living around the world marked the 25th Autonomous Region Yang Chuantang a normal life with a stable job”. He anniversary of his disappearance. told Austrian delegates that he was also claimed that both the 31-year-old actually living in Lhari – the place of his Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo birth. wish to remain undisturbed in their on Monday demanded that China must “current normal lives.” No other details “immediately” reveal the Panchen In April 1998, a third location was were given. Lama’s whereabouts. put forward when a British journalist was told that the Panchen Lama was President Dr Lobsang Sangay, the “Tibetan Buddhists, like members of all studying, possibly in Gansu Province. democratically elected Tibetan leader faith communities, must be able to select, rejected China’s claims, saying it was educate and venerate their religious In May 2016, Free Tibet confronted the unacceptable that China held Tibet’s leaders according to their traditions and Chinese Ambassador to the UK during most revered leader in captive for 25 without government interference,” Mike a talk and he was asked directly about years without granting him any freedom Pompeo said in the statement. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He responded or necessary Buddhist training, and only that he was safe and “is just [an] instead is misleading the world with There is not a speck of doubt that the ordinary boy”. unproven claims that are far from of the Panchen enough to confirm the truth about the Lama is part of China’s efforts to Despite repeated requests from Panchen Lama’s wellbeing. legitimize its control over Tibet by the United Nations, governments, attempting to co-opt the deep-rooted independent rights groups, and the CTA He said, “If the Panchen Lama is alive influence that Tibetan Buddhist leaders to check on his wellbeing, the Chinese and leading a normal life as the Chinese have over the hearts and minds of the government still refuses to reveal the Foreign spokesperson claims, then let us Tibetans. Panchen Lama’s whereabouts. see him. The world wants to see him, his followers need to hear from him and the Had the 11th Panchen Lama whom His For detailed news visit: six million Tibetan Buddhists want to be Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized blessed by him.” as the authentic reincarnation of the www.tibet.net

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CECC chairs Representative McGovern and Senator Rubio call for the Panchen Lama’s release

One of the strongest voices for the the tools provided by the Reciprocal Tibetan cause, Representative Jim Access to Tibet Act (P.L. 115-330), and McGovern (D-MA) and Senator Marco those included in the Tibetan Policy Rubio (R-FL), the Chair and Cochair, and Support Act (H.R. 4331/S.2538), to respectively, of the bipartisan and support the human rights and religious bicameral Congressional-Executive freedom of the Tibetan people.” Commission on China, issued a statement on the 25th anniversary of the On 13 September and 24 September last 11th Panchen Lama’s disappearance. year, the chairs of the Congressional- Read the statement on CECC official Executive Commission on China website. CECC chairs Jim McGovern and Senator Rubio introduced the Tibet Policy and Support issue joint statement on the 25th Anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama’s Disappearance. Act, the most comprehensive bill yet “Twenty-five years ago, Gedun Choekyi of buildings and expulsion of religious on Tibet after the Tibetan Policy Act Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, was practitioners from Larung Gar and of 2002 in US House and the Senate abducted with his parents and forcibly Yachen Gar, and the implementation of respectively. disappeared. Since then, they have not Tibet’s new “ethnic unity” regulations. been seen nor heard from by anyone These policies are part of a systematic The CECC chairs along with Rep. Randy outside of China and they are among effort by Chinese authorities to eliminate Hultgren (R-Ill.) and Senator Tammy the world’s longest detained prisoners of the distinct religious, linguistic, and Baldwin (D-Wisc.) also helped introduce conscience. We call for their immediate cultural identity of the Tibetan people. and pass the Reciprocal Access to Tibet and unconditional release and remain Act —bipartisan legislation sanctioning deeply concerned about official “We call on the Chinese government to China’s exclusion of American restrictions on the practice of Tibetan uphold its international commitments journalists, diplomats and citizens from Buddhism including control over the to protect the rights of ethnic minorities Tibet—in the US House and Senate in process of reincarnation, the demolition and call on the Administration to use 2018.

Amb Brownback presses China to free Panchen Lama, says ‘no right to appoint Next Dalai Lama’ prisoners because of the dangers posed Chinese Government was conducting a by closed confinement during the campaign to send a million police to 10 COVID-19 pandemic. With his calls million homes in Tibet to further restrict and from the work of other religious the Tibetans and Tibetan Buddhism, freedom supporters, countries like Iran, even during the pandemic. And then Burma, Cuba, and Russia released some also we’re seeing in the Uighur Muslim prisoners. community they’re facing increase of vulnerabilities as they’re being forced For this particular interview, Ambassador to work despite coronavirus risk, and Brownback discussed how repressive they’re being further exposed.” governments, such as the Chinese Ambassador at Large for International Religious Communist Party, are using this global Shaun Tandon, a journalist from the Freedom Sam Brownback. pandemic to further repress religious Agence France-Presse (AFP), then Morgan Deann Ortagus, a spokesperson minorities through healthcare denial, asked Ambassador Brownback about for the United States Department of scapegoating, and disinformation. his insight to the whereabouts of the State, interviewed Sam Brownback, the Panchen Lama since 2020 marks the Ambassador for International Religious Ambassador Brownback stated, 25th anniversary of the CCP’s enforced Freedom and consistent supporter of “In China, we’re seeing a couple of disappearance of Gedhun Choekyi Tibetan human rights. particular faces of this taking place in Nyima. the religious persecution category in In April, Ambassador Brownback Tibet, towards the Tibetans. Even during Ambassador Brownback responded, called for the swift release of religious the strictest parts of the lockdown, the “Yes, today is the Panchen Lama

16 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS recognition. No, we do not have any idea of the whereabouts, and yes, we 21 Canadian MPs and Senator call for Canada’s continue to press the Chinese authorities to release the Panchen Lama and to let support to release the 11th Panchen Lama and his him free, but – and, well, let the world family know where he is. And this takes on, I think, an increased interest and focus To mark the 25th anniversary of the of China interfering in human rights and importance as China continues to disappearance of 11th Panchen Lama – development internationally that we see assert – the Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, 21 Members today started with Tibet about 60 years continues to assert their right to appoint of Parliament and Senator from Canada ago.” the next Dalai Lama, and – which they signed a letter calling for Canada’s do not have the right to do. support for the immediate release of Tibet’s Panchen Lama was just six years Panchen Lama and his entire family, and old when Chinese authorities abducted So this issue continues to be raised by for an independent fact-finding mission him. Since then, neither he nor his the U.S. Government, will continue to to assess the human rights violations family has been seen or heard. be raised by the U.S. Government. And perpetrated against Tibetans in Tibet and I think it’s also getting some increased other regions in China. List of parliamentarians who signed/ interest, again, in the Congress and in endorsed the letter: places around the world because of the The letter highlights China’s interference succession issues and concerns being in the sacred Buddhist traditions of -MP , National raised by the Chinese claiming this right recognizing the reincarnation of lamas Democratic Party which they don’t have. They don’t have and how it sets a dangerous precedent -MP , the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama for possible interference in the process -MP , Green Party of any more they don’t have the right to of identifying the reincarnations of Canada appoint the next pope.” future Dalai Lamas. -MP Green Party of Canada -MP , Conservative Party Since 1995, several governments, of Canada including Canadian governments, -MP , Conservative Party DOE announces have requested permission to visit of Canada the Panchen Lama in order to verify -MP , Conservative Party of Sikyong Professional his safety and well-being. Efforts by Canada Scholarship Program – human rights organizations including -MP , Conservative Party of the UN Committee Against Torture, Canada 2020 the UN Committee on the Rights of the -MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Conservative Child, as well as Special Rapporteur on Party of Canada The Department of Education, CTA Freedom of Religion or Belief, have -MP Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative is pleased to announce Sikyong been unsuccessful. Party of Canada Professional Scholarship Program -MP Marty Morantz, Conservative Party (SPSP) in partnership with the Tibet In May 2018, a group of Tibetan of Canada Fund, New York. This scholarship will representatives appointed by China -MP , Conservative Party of be provided to 5 high achieving Tibetan visited Ottawa and testified before Canada students from India, Nepal, and Bhutan Standing Committee on Foreign -MP , Conservative Party of to pursue Master’s program in Medicine, Affairs and International Development. Canada Law and Business studies at the most During the testimony, Canadian MP -MP , Conservative Party selective Colleges or Universities in Garnett Genuis asked the delegates on of Canada India. The scholarships will be provided whereabouts of Panchen Lama and his -MP , Conservative Party by the Tibet Fund, New York, through family. The delegates responded that of Canada the Department of Education, CTA. Panchen Lama is living a private life and -MP , Conservative Eligible candidates must apply online does not wish to be disturbed. Party of Canada using the link below latest by August 31, -MP , 2020, by 5:00pm: “It’s high time for the international -MP James Maloney, Liberal Party of community to stand a real, strong stand Canada For details, visit www.tibet.net against the human rights violations China -MP , Liberal Party of commit on regular basis in Tibet, East Canada For detailed news visit: Turkistan and other parts of China”, said -MP , Liberal Party of Sherap Therchin, Executive Director of Canada www.tibet.net Canada Tibet Committee. “the pattern -Senator Mobina Jaffer

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 17 FOCUS

22 Slovak Parliamentarians issue Joint Statement calling for the Release of Tibet’s Panchen Lama Twenty-Two Slovak Parliamentarians including deputy speakers of the parliament, Mr. Gábor Grendel and Mr. Juraj Šeliga condemned the enforced disappearance of 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima by China and called for his immediate release along with his entire family and other Tibetan political prisoners.

The joint statement was signed by deputy speakers of the Slovak Parliament Mr. Gábor Grendel and Juraj Šeliga and twenty parliamentarians- Peter Osuský, Miroslav Kollár, Ondrej Dostál, Radovan Kazda Vladimíra Marcinková, Peter Pollák , Miroslav Žiak, Jarmila Halgašová, Anna Zemanová, Dominik First Row (L to R): Deputy Speakers of Slovak Parliament Mr. Gábor Grendel and Mr. Juraj Šeliga, Slovak Parliamentarians Peter Osuský and Miroslav Kollár; Second Row (L to R): Slovak Parliamentarians Drdul, Kristián Čekovský, Juraj Krúpa, Ondrej Dostál, Radovan Kazda, Vladimíra Marcinková and Peter Pollák; Third Row (L to R): Slovak Jana Žitňanská, Marian Viskupič, Peter Parliamentarians Miroslav Žiak, Jarmila Halgašová, Anna Zemanová, Dominik Drdul, Kristián Čekovský, Cmorej, Ján Benčík, Anna Záborská, Juraj Krúpa and Jana Žitňanská; Last Row (L to R): Slovak Parliamentarians Marian Viskupič, Peter Vladimír Ledecký, Romana Tabak and Cmorej, Ján Benčík, Anna Záborská, Vladimír Ledecký, Romana Tabak and Monika Kozelová; All photos were retrieved from Slovak Parliament website. Monika Kozelová. overwhelming support from the Slovak Parliamentarians also issued video parliamentarians is unprecedented. We messages. Even many prominent civil The Parliamentarians noted in their sincerely thank all the signatories of society organizations have joined statement that the Chinese communist the joint statement and the people of this global campaign. Moreover, government is persecuting the people Slovakia for their steadfast support to 159 organizations from 19 countries of faith including Tibetan Buddhists, the just cause of Tibet. This will add submitted a joint petition to the UN Uighur Muslims and Christians. Further, new strides to the Tibetan movement for calling for its intervention and to press the Chinese government is also meddling truth and justice. China has suppressed China to release Panchen Lama Gedhun in the religious practices of the Tibetans the Tibetans by brute force for more Choekyi Nyima. including the centuries-old Tibetan than six decades but Tibetans continue Buddhist tradition of recognizing to raise their voice through various reincarnations. non-violent protests including the self- immolation by 154 Tibetans in Tibet Highlighting the fact that China has since 2009. We hope China realizes not divulged any sufficient satisfactory that only force and violence cannot information about the Panchen Lama bring peace and stability. It should hold and his family in the last 25 years, the genuine and substantive talks with the Parliamentarians called it a “tragic representatives of His Holiness the Dalai milestone evincing the continuous crime Lama to peacefully resolve the issue of being perpetrated by China not only Tibet. Release of Panchen Lama and all against Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his Tibetan political prisoners will go a long family but also against all the Tibetans.” way in this regard.” The Parliamentarians urged the Slovak government, the European Union and Recently Czech Senators and Czech the United Nations to press China to Members of the Chamber of Deputies release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his as well as Italian Parliamentarians, entire family. Swiss Parliamentarians and German Parliamentarians issued joint Representative statements joining the global call for Chhimey Rigzen thanked the Slovak the release of Panchen Lama. The Parliamentarians and said, “This Czech Parliamentarians and Italian 18 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS

Australian Parliamentary Group for Tibet joins Free the Panchen Lama campaign

As Tibetan people around the world conditions of political prisoners in observed the sad event of May 17, the comparison to the distress experienced day when their precious and revered by the coronavirus-inflicted world, the Panchen Lama was abducted by the latter for whom there is the hope of Chinese government, never to be seen coming out of the situation. In contrast, or heard again but the global call for the political prisoners “have no hope” release of the Panchen Lama garnered a forever getting freedom again especially groundswell of support of government with the case of Panchen Lama who has officials, parliamentarians, prominent been under lockdown by the Chinese international rights organizations even government for 25 years. This is a great in crisis times due to coronavirus. The members of the Australian Parliamentary injustice and a great tragedy not just for support group for Tibet, (left to right) Warren Entsch, Susan Templeman, and Nick McKim the Panchen Lama but for all the Tibetan In this global call for the release express their support to pressing on China to people. of Panchen Lama, the Australian release the 11th Panchen Lama. Photo/ Screengrab Parliamentary Group for Tibet sends MP Susan Templeman, Labour co-chair He added, “the story of the Panchen a strong video message to the Chinese of Parliamentary Tibet Friendship Group Lama exposes the brutal reality of government holding them accountable stated that her party believes in the rights the Chinese government’s occupation for the gross violation of human rights of all people to live in peace and freedom and invasion of Tibet,” and cited the in Tibet and the rights of Panchen Lama. wherever they are including the ethnic- Freedom House Index report which religious minorities in China such as the identified Tibet as the second least free MP Warren Entsch, Co-chair of All- Tibetans. She added, “the world knows country in the world only after Syria, for Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet about the Dalai Lama but not so much five consecutive years. (APPGT) shared that his experience of about the 31-year-old Panchen Lama having met Tibetan political prisoners and that’s because he is held captive in He concluded saying, “The international in the past has revealed a lot about the prison by China for the last 25 years.” community seems to not know what is suffering faced by Tibetan people. happening in Tibet simply because the She stressed that 25 years of Chinese government has cut Tibet off He noted that the story of Panchen imprisonment is unjustifiable for any from the rest of the world and away from Lama starkly represents the violation of person, especially when that is “through the gaze of the international community. religious freedom in Tibet in addition no fault of his own”. She voiced her The Chinese government to this day to illicit interference in the religious support to the Australia Tibet Council’s continues to destroy Tibetan culture, tradition of the Tibetan people. campaign to help free the Panchen their way of life, and the beautiful Lama. environment of Tibet. We need to stand “On the 25th anniversary of his up for Tibet and we need to stand up disappearance, I call on the Chinese Senator Nick McKim, co-deputy leader for the Panchen Lama. The Australian government to let the Panchen Lama of of the Australian Greens and member Greens urge the Australian government Tibet free”, he said. of the Australian Parliamentary Group to raise these issues publicly and to raise for Tibet, highlighted the oppressive these issues directly with the Chinese government.”

PSC announces 28 vacancies at CTA offices Public Service Commission of the If the lockdown continues, the pattern July 2020 before 5 pm. Central Tibetan Administration invites of conducting exams will be changed applications for the various posts at CTA accordingly. We will notify you nearer Secretary offices. (Click here for the announcement the time. Public Service Commission in English and Tibetan) Central Tibetan Administration Applicants shall download and fill up the Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra, H.P. Note: All the copies of documents must PSC application form and send it along Email: [email protected] either be attested by the concerned with necessary documents either by post Settlement Officer or CTA officers of or email to the following address. The Joint Secretary and above ranks. application must be received by 15th For more details visit www.tibet.net

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 19 FOCUS

15 Swiss parliamentarians call for the release of 11th Panchen Lama on 25th year of his enforced disappearance

fact that “for 25 years, since 17th May 1995, there has been no verifiable and sufficient information about the well- being and whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his entire family.” The Swiss parliamentarians join the growing global call for the release of Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Recently 159 organizations from 19 countries submitted a joint petition to the UN calling for its intervention and to press China to release Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima.

The case of the enforced disappearance of Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is pending at the United Nations, First Row (L to R): Members of Council of States- , and ; both at UN Working Group on Enforced Members of National Council- Nik Gugger and Fabian Molina; Second Row (L to R): Members of or Involuntary Disappearance and the National Council- Prisca Birrer-Heimo, Barbara Gysi, Martina Munz and Laurence Fehlmann Rielle; Committee on the Rights of the Child, for Third Row (L to R): Members of National Council- Claudia Friedl, Balthasar Glättli, Cèdric Wermuth and Irène Kälin; Last Row (L to R): Members of National Council- Beat Jans and Nicolas Walder. Photo/ the last 25 years. China has repeatedly Swiss Parliamentarians official websites. denied any access to the Panchen Lama Marking the 25th year of the enforced Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and deprived disappearance of Tibet’s 11th Panchen The 15 Parliamentarians raised concerns him of any religious and scholastic Lama Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, 15 over China’s continued denial of education in Tibetan Buddhism. parliamentarians of called information about the Panchen Lama and upon the Chinese government to China’s refusal for an independent team In the last six decades, China has immediately release the 11th Panchen to assess the ground situation in Tibet. converted Tibet into one of the lease free Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his Calling upon the Chinese government to regions in the world. Under the Chinese entire family. “respect including Communist Party regime, Tibetans have cultural and religious freedom” the been kept under constant high-tech Three Members of the Council of Parliamentarians pressed the Chinese surveillance and information blockade. States- Maya Graf, Lisa Mazzone and government to “resume dialogue with The Tibetan people, particularly the Carlo Sommaruga; and 12 Members the representatives of His Holiness the monks and nuns are under scrutiny and of the National Council Prisca Birrer- Dalai Lama for peaceful resolution of pressure and are forcefully subjected to Heimo, Laurence Fehlmann Rielle, Tibet.” The Parliamentarians expressed “patriotic re-education camps.” The US Claudia Friedl, Balthasar Glättli, Nik deep respect for the Tibetan culture and Commission on International Religious Gugger, Barbara Gysi, Beat JansIrène the peaceful resistance of Tibetan people Freedom in its 2020 report has once Kälin, Fabian Molina, Martina Munz, and undertook to “stand in solidarity again advised the US Government Nicolas Walder and Cédric Wermuth with the Tibetan people.” to redesignate China as “‘Country of who are also members of Switzerland’s Particular Concern’ for engaging in Parliamentary Group for Tibet issued a The joint statement by the Swiss systematic, ongoing, and egregious joint statement in three languages. Parliamentarians also emphasized the religious freedom violations.”

For more visit: www.tibetonline.tv

20 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS

Italian Parliamentarians urge China to release Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima In their statement, the Parliamentarians expressed serious concern over the continued abduction of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima by China which is “a serious human rights issue, in particular, the violation of Tibetan people’s right to freedom of religion and belief.”

The Parliamentarians also expressed serious concerns over “China’s continued disregard of its international human rights obligations.” The Parliamentarians pressed the Chinese authorities to “respect Tibetans’ right to freedom of religion and right to choose their own religious heads without governmental interference.” The First row (L to R)- Member of Italian Senate of the Republic Senator Roberto Rampi and Member of Parliamentarians further emphasized Chamber of Deputies and co-ordinator for Inter-Parliamentary Group Italy for Tibet, Mr Nobili Luciano that China has suppressed Tibetans’ – IV; Second Row (L to R)- Members of Chamber of Deputies Mr Matteo Luigi Bianchi and Antonella Incerti. right to religious freedom in Tibet for and said “Italy has been hit hard by the Panchen Lama and respects the right of the last six decades in order to abuse the Wuhan originated COVID-19 pandemic. the Tibetans to choose our own religious religious institutions as “a means to gain We send our heartfelt condolences to heads without any interference from the control over Tibetans.” our Italian brothers and sisters who Chinese Communist Party government.” lost their loved ones to this pandemic Joining the global call for the release and send our earnest prayers for the Italian Parliamentarians have now of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama speedy recovery of all the patients. In joined 15 Swiss Parliamentarians and 16 Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Italian spite of their own sufferings, Italians Czech Parliamentarians predominantly Parliamentarians called upon China have shown solidarity to the sufferings from Chamber of Deputies and 16 to “immediately reveal the fate and of Tibetans which exemplifies the basic Senators from Senate of the Czech whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi human values of compassion and love. Republic who have also called upon Nyima.” Thank you for supporting the just cause China to immediately release Tibet’s of Tibet and the Tibetan movement for 11th Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Representative Chhimey Rigzen, Tibet truth and justice. We hope China heeds Nyima and his entire family on the 25th Bureau Geneva thanked the Italian to the global call for the release of year of their enforced disappearance. Parliamentarians for their public support

Chorig Dept. issues new advisory, appeals Tibetan Buddhist Community to observe collective prayers to overcome Coronavirus crisis On the occasion of the Buddha’s several people to accumulate positive karma important achievements coinciding on and enhance the collective merit for 5 June in the month of Saka Dawa, His the Tibetan cause. Especially, amidst Holiness the Dalai Lama has announced the COVID-19 afflicted world, the a live webcast scheduled for the day to department urges people to pray for a confer the Ceremony for Generating speedy resolution to the pandemic. Bodhichitta (Tib: Semkye) on 9 am (Indian Standard Time).

As the virtuous deeds committed in the sacred month beget manifold positive karma, the Department of Religion and Culture, CTA has appealed the Tibetan

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 21 FOCUS

German Parliamentarians: China release Panchen Lama and enter into serious dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama

path would be the release of the Panchen Lama,” concluded the statement.

Thanking the German parliamentarians for their strong support to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Representative Chhimey Rigzen, Tibet Bureau Geneva (Switzerland) added that “Open and serious dialogue as pressed by the German parliamentarians is the need of the hour. The Middle Way Policy envisaged by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and adopted by the Central Tibetan Administration with support from Tibetans in exile is a win-win solution for both China and Tibet. The destruction of Tibetan way of life and First Row L to R: Mr. Michael Brand, Human Rights Policy Spokesperson for Christian Democratic cultural heritage has to stop now. We Union of (CDU)/ The Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSUU), Mr. Frank Schwabe Human hope China will heed to the global call Rights Policy Spokesperson for The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SDP) Second row (L to R) Ms. Gyde Jensen Human Rights Policy Spokesperson for The Free Democratic for peaceful resolution of the issue of Party (FDP) and Ms. Margarete Bause, Human Rights Policy Spokesperson for Bündnis 90 /Die Grünen Tibet with the release of Panchen Lama (Alliance90/The Greens.) as the first step forward.” Four Parliamentarians of Germany Highlighting the human rights violations, who are also the Human Rights Policy the Parliamentarians said, “With the The German Parliamentarians Committee spokespersons for the kidnapping and the deprivation of liberty join the global call for the release four largest German parties in the that has now lasted over two decades, of Panchen Lama. Recently the Bundestag, Mr. Michael Brand (CDU/ the Chinese state is blatantly violating Italian Parliamentarians, Swiss CSU: Christian Democratic Union of human rights, in particular the human Parliamentarians, Czech Senators and Germany/ The Christian Social Union in right to life and freedom of the person as Czech Members of Chamber of Deputies Bavaria), Mr. Frank Schwabe (SPD: The well as religious freedom.” also called upon China to immediately Social Democratic Party of Germany), release Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Ms. Gyde Jensen (FDP: The Free The parliamentarians also raised serious Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his entire Democratic Party ) and Ms. Margarete concerns about the cultural rights family on the 25th year of their enforced Bause (Bündnis 90 /Die Grünen: violations carried out by China against disappearance. Alliance90/The Greens) issued a joint Tibetans. “The millennia-old, peaceful statement marking the 25th year of the people of the Tibetans with their Moreover, 159 organizations from 19 enforced disappearance of Panchen unique cultural traditions and religion countries submitted a joint petition to Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Read the are systematically stripped of their the UN calling for its intervention and statement here. culture and country. Maximum pressure to press China to release Panchen Lama and systematic destruction or misuse Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The joint statement issued by the of important religious and cultural German parliamentarians reads, “25 monuments and buildings also gradually years ago, the Chinese Communist destroy the ancient roots. Other religious leadership abducted the then six-year- and ethnic minorities are also suffering old Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi severe persecution and serious human Nyima, whom we demand to be released rights violations by the Chinese state.” immediately.” The Parliamentarians urged the Chinese government to allow Supporting the peaceful path of His the UN representatives and observers to Holiness the Dalai Lama, the German contact Panchen Lama and to respect Parliamentarians called upon China the rights of the Tibetans to choose their to enter into serious dialogue with own religious heads. His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his representatives. “The first step on this

22 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS

Czech Members of Chamber of Deputies Join the Global Campaign Pressing China to Release of Tibet’s Panchen Lama

“On the 25th year of enforced disappearance of Tibet’s 11th Panchen Lama Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, we the undersigned members of parliament of Czech Republic call for his immediate release along with his entire family and other Tibetan political prisoners” reads the first sentence of the joint statement issued by the Members of Chamber of Deputies of Czech Republic.

The statement is signed by 12 parliamentarians from the Czech Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, Chamber of Deputies: František Kopříva (co-chair of Czech Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet- Chamber of Deputies), Dana Balcarová, Jan First Row (L to R): Members of Chamber of Deputies- František Kopříva (co-chair of Czech Parliamentary Čižinský, Jakub Janda, Lenka Kozlová, Support Group for Tibet- Chamber of Deputies), Olga Richterová, Lenka Kozlová , Dana Balcarová, Tomáš Martínek, Jakub Michálek, Vít Jakub Janda, Vít Rakušan. Second Row (L to R) Members of Chamber of Deputies: Ondřej Veselý, Marek Výborný, Jan Čižinský, Tomáš Vymazal, Jakub Michálek, Tomáš Martínek. Rakušan, Olga Richterová, Ondřej Veselý, Tomáš Vymazal and Marek religious persecution by China,” read of reincarnations. China must heed the Výborný. Read the full statement here. the statement. global call for release of Panchen Lama. It should stop the horrifying suppression Highlighting the fact that Tibetans were The Czech parliamentarians strongly of Tibetans and resume dialogue on “forced to celebrate the 31st birthday” condemned the enforced disappearance peaceful resolution of Tibet issue. This of 11th Panchen Lama “without even of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima for the will bring peace and stability to Asia.” knowing whether he is alive or not,” last twenty-five years and urged “the the Czech Parliamentarians called the government of Czech Republic, the Recently 15 Swiss Parliamentarians also enforced disappearance of Panchen European Union and the United Nations called for the release of 11th Panchen Lama and his family for 25 years a to take serious note of this gross human Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The “continuous crime being perpetrated by rights violation.” The Parliamentarians case of the enforced disappearance of China not only against Gedhun Choekyi also urged the above entities to “press Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima Nyima and his family but also against all China to release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is pending at the United Nations, both the Tibetans who are deprived of their and his family members and stop China at UN Working Group on Enforced religious leader.” from meddling in the religious practices or Involuntary Disappearance and the of the Tibetans including their system of Committee on the Rights of the Child, The Parliamentarians noted the recognition of reincarnations.” for the last 25 years. 159 organizations egregious human rights violations from 19 countries submitted a joint suffered by Tibetans under China Thanking the Czech Members of petition to the UN calling for its including religious persecution. “Tibet Chamber of Deputies Representative intervention and to press China to is consistently ranked as the second least Chhimey Rigzen from Tibet Bureau release Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi free region in the world and the European Geneva remarked “We thank the Nyima. China has repeatedly denied any Parliament Intergroup on Freedom of Czech Parliamentarians for their access to the Panchen Lama Gedhun Religion or Belief has ranked China as strong statement condemning China Choekyi Nyima and deprived him of one of the worst violators of religious for kidnapping Tibet’s 11th Panchen any religious and scholastic education in freedom in the world in 2018. Not Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and for Tibetan Buddhism. just Tibetan Buddhists, even Uighur pressing China to stop interfering in the Muslims and Christians are also facing Tibetan Buddhist system of recognition

For detailed news visit: For detailed news visit: www.tibet.net www.tibet.net

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 23 FOCUS Lithuanian President and Foreign Minister urged to press China on Panchen Lama’s whereabouts In the lead up to the 25th anniversary by now he should be 31 years old. The of the enforced disappearance of Tibetan and Tibetan the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, Dr. organizations around the world call on Andrius Navickas, Member of the the public to commemorate this sad Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic anniversary and remind the Chinese of Lithuania and head of Provisional Communist regime of Gedhun Choekyi Group for Solidarity with Tibetans at Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) a prisoner of conscience.” has urged the Lithuanian President His Excellency Gitanas Nausėda and Foreign “Therefore, we call on the President affairs Minister Hon. Linas Linkevičius of the Republic of Lithuania Gitana to press the Chinese government to Dr. Andrius Navickas, Member of Lithuanian Nausėda and the Minister of Foreign parliament and head of Provisional Group reveal reliable information about the for Solidarity with Tibetans at the Lithuanian Affairs Linas Linkevičius to address Panchen Lama’s wellbeing. Parliament urges President HE Gitanas Nausėda the Chinese government, demanding and Foreign affairs Minister to press China to that the international human rights Dr Navickas in the appeal letter reveal reliable information about the Panchen organizations are provided with reliable Lama’s wellbeing. Photo/Facebook criticised the Chinese atheist regime information about the fate of the world’s for its “manipulation” and unauthorised persons once again asked the People’s youngest political prisoner. Only the control over the Tibetan Buddhist Republic of China about the situation truth can liberate – liberate not only the instructions and its utter disrespect of Panchen Lama. China replied that Chinese authorities themselves but also for the religious traditions of Tibet, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima had received everyone’s international relations with including of the centuries-old tradition proper free education, attended the country.” of reincarnation. university, and now found a job. To date, however, the world community has no The appeal letter was signed by the “Various international organizations confirmed knowledge regarding the 11th former Speaker of the Supreme Council have repeatedly asked China about the Panchen Lama – whether he is alive and – Reconstituent Seimas in 1990-1992 fate of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his what his current identity is,” he said. prof. Vytautas Landsbergis, 14 MPS, 1 family, but each time it has responded MEP (Member of European Parliament) by cynical lies. In September 2019, a “On the 17th of May this year, as and 92 public supporters including United Nations task force investigating we mark the 25th anniversary of the members of TSG. the disappearances and abductions of abduction of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima,

Statement by MPL President VF Hlabisa of Inkatha Freedom Party on the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of 11th Panchen Lama South Africa’s experience under the world, having been taken into so-called It is well known that the IFP supports apartheid of activists ‘going missing’, protective custody by China when he Tibet’s quest for autonomy within never to be heard from again, has was just 6 years old. If he is indeed in China in accordance with the Middle heightened our sensitivity to this protective custody, that should have Way approach. We have openly particular atrocity against human rights. ended when he turned 18. Yet the UN called for China to recognise Tibet’s Committee on the Rights of the Child unique cultural identity, to adhere to The IFP, therefore, supports the has consistently been denied access to international standards of human rights, continuous call by human rights the Panchen Lama. to be willing to engage diplomatic organisations throughout the world for negotiations, and to accept autonomy the release of Tibet’s Gendun Choekyi It is now 25 years since he and his for Tibet. Nyima, who was named the Panchen family were last seen. The question of Lama in May 1995 by His Holiness the his whereabouts remains unanswered. We have also spoken against China’s Dalai Lama. We believe that he must be released. exploitation of Tibet’s natural resources, Every person has a right to their identity, which is causing environmental The Panchen Lama is considered to be culture, security, and liberty, simply by degradation, and their attempt to the youngest political prisoner in the virtue of being human. assimilate Tibetans which is destroying

24 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS cultural heritage. anywhere, in a world that embraces democracy and freedom, should concern The IFP believes that South Africa’s us all. own freedom places upon us the responsibility to promote freedom for Once again, therefore, the IFP joins the all people and all nations. The mere call for the release of the Panchen Lama. fact that human rights abuses continue,

SENATORS OF CZECH REPUBLIC: Call Upon China to Release Tibet’s Panchen Lama

16 Czech Senators including the 1st Vice-President of the Czech Republic Senat Jiri Ruzicka sign a joint statement calling for the release of Panchen Lama. Marking the 25th year of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his entire family, the Senators’joint statement read “WE the undersigned members of Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic express our support and solidarity for Tibet and its people for their non-violent movement to find justice, peace and freedom for Tibet.”

The Joint Statement was signed by 1st Vice President of the Senate Jiri Ruzicka, Vice President of the Senate Czech Senators sign the joint statement calling for the release of Panchen Lama. Miluše Horská, Vice president of the ranked as the second least free region in Tibet denotes support for justice and Senate Jan Hornik, Vice President of the world, next only to Syria.” peace. The relationship with the Czech the Senate Jiri Oberfalzer, Chair of Republic dates back to 1990 when the Tibet Support Group in the Senate The Senators reiterated their calls to the first president of Czech Republic Senator Premysl Rabas, Senator David China “to respect the rights of Tibetan President Vaclav Havel officially invited Smoljak, Senator Marek Hilšer, Senator people and their unique cultural identity” and hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Vaclav Chaloupek, Senator Jitka and called upon China to “reveal the The Czech Republic has been one of the Seitlova, Senator Zdenek Papousek, whereabouts and the well-beings strongest supporters of His Holiness Senator Lukas Wagenknecht, Senator of Panchen Lama of Tibet, Gedhun the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Jiri Dienstbier, Senator Tomas Czernin, Choekyi Nyima and release him and his Administration.” He further added that Senator Miroslav Balatka, Senator family unconditionally.” “The senators in the joint statement Renata Chmelova, Senator Jiri Drahos. have rightly noted that the collateral The Senators urged their foreign development brought about by China The Senators emphasized that as per the ministry to “foreign affairs ministry to in Tibet has been at a very great cost UN definition of enforced disappearance, take serious note of China’s unabated of Tibetan lives and cultural heritage. “China is committing a continuous human rights violations with impunity China has unleashed unprecedented crime” against Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and send a strong message to Beijing destruction in Tibet and has violated all and his family for the last 25 years “by to free 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, the basic human rights of Tibetans. We refusing to reveal “any information Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, his family and hope China realizes that only peaceful about Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his all political prisoners in Tibet.” resolution of the issue of Tibet can bring family.” the peoples together towards a peaceful Representative Chhimey Rigzen, Tibet and stable co-existence.” The Senators in their joint statement also Bureau Geneva, thanked the Czech noted that “in the last six decades, China Senators for their strong support to the The Czech Senators join the global call has brought more destruction in Tibet Tibetan non-violent movement and for the release of Panchen Lama. than development. Tibet is continuously said, “Your support to the just cause of

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 25 FOCUS

India Core Group for Tibetan Cause demand immediate release of Tibet’s Panchen Lama on the 25th year of his Enforced Disappearance On the 25th year of the Enforced organization of Tibet Support Groups in Disappearance of Tibet’s 11th Panchen India strongly condemned and protested Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the the mysterious disappearance of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India 11th Panchen Lama by the Chinese members through video messages government. He urged upon the leaders demanded the immediate release of 11th of the world to express their support Panchen Lama and his family members and gratitude with His Eminence the from the illegal confinement of the 11th Panchen Lama and request upon Chinese government. all leaders of the world to prevail upon the demand and press the Chinese Amruth Joshi, Co-Convener, Core Group for The members also urged the Government Tibetan Cause calls for the immediate release of government to release immediately His of India and the leaders of the world to 11th Panchen Lama and his family members. Eminence the 11th Panchen Lama from press upon China to release the 11th the 11th Panchen Lama is one of the their illegal and forceful confinement. Panchen Lama and all other political important religious leaders of Tibet prisoners in Tibet. recognized by His Holiness the 14th Likewise all other members of the Dalai Lama. Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India R.K. Khrimey, National Convener, Core expressed their anguish over this evil Group for Tibetan Cause – India in his He further said that we have been act of the Chinese government and video message said that it is well known discussing for every year and there have demanded the immediate release of 11th to the Tibet Support Groups and also the been lots of discussions and demands by Panchen Lama and his family members. people concerning about Tibetan cause the people all over the world supporting They also called upon the Chinese in the world that His Eminence the the Tibetan cause for the immediate government to stop human rights abuse 11th Panchen Lama Gendhun Choekyi release of 11th Panchen Lama from and religious persecution in Tibet and at Nyima mysteriously disappeared on 17 the illegal and forceful captive of the same time, urged the government of May 1995 in Tibet. It is believed that the Chinese government. He as the India and the world to press the Chinese his disappearance is the work done by National Convener of Core Group for government for all its evil doings. the . His Eminence Tibetan Cause – India which is the apex

CTA President welcomes US Secretary of State’s strong call for Panchen Lama’s release The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo president said that “it sends a strong issued a strong-worded statement on the message to the Chinese government that 25th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s the international call for Panchen Lama enforced disappearance, demanding is stronger than ever and will continue to the Chinese government to release and campaign for his release until he is able “immediately make public the Panchen to return to his rightful place at the Tashi Lama’s whereabouts”. Lhunpo monastery in Tibet.”

The statement reiterated the United Read the full text of the statement issued CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay welcomes US States concerns over China’s ongoing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s strong call for by the US Secretary of State Mike campaign to eliminate the religious, Panchen Lama’s release. Pompeo: linguistic and cultural identity of but also making a call for the Panchen Tibetans. “The Department of State has made the Lama in the strongest words ever promotion and protection of religious in a long time. This shows the US The President of Central Tibetan freedom a priority, especially in China, unwavering solidarity with the Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay where people of all faiths face severe people.” issued a statement thanking the US repression and discrimination. As part of Secretary of State “for not only that mission, on May 17, we marked the Referring to the global call on China consistently supporting the Tibet issue 25th anniversary of the disappearance to release the Panchen Lama, CTA 26 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FOCUS

MP Tim Loughton calls out China to release and reveal the 11th Panchen Lama missing for 25 years

MP Tim Loughton of the UK Parliament “And when we are out of this coronavirus and Chair of All Party Parliamentary pandemic, there really does need to be a Group for Tibet (APPGT) called for reckoning with China that needs to come the immediate release of Tibet’s 11th back into the international fellowship of Panchen Lama, Gendun Choekyi Nyima law and liberty and human rights because on the 25th anniversary of his abduction at the moment it just not abiding by this and enforced disappearance by Chinse law” he declared. China is appealed to government on May 17, 1995. show willingness and release the 11th Panchen Lama without further ado and In a video statement shared by the Office similarly restore liberty to the people of of Tibet, London, MP Tim Loughton MP Tim Loughton of the UK Parliament and Tibet and allow them freedom again. Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet urged the world leaders and international (APPGT)/Facebook/Tim Loughton organisations to stand up for the liberty forcibly disappeared on 17 May 1995 at MP Tim Loughton is a strong supporter of 11th Panchen Lama and to refuse the the age of six, just three days after he of Tibet for many years and has visited frail assurance given by the Chinese was identified by His Holiness the Dalai Dharamsala in 2018 with other MP government regarding his whereabouts Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama. delegations from the UK. He and the and condition. He called out the Chinese delegation met with His Holiness the government that mere reassurance is ‘not MP Loughton also called out China Dalai Lama and the extensive body of enough’ and that they need to ‘release to rectify their repressive measures Central Tibetan Administration. And and reveal’ Panchen Lama to the world that have cost the lives of millions of last year, he presented in the house of and ensure his need to live in freedom as Tibetans who had to witness the daily commons chamber, a Bill on reciprocal well as the rest of Tibetans inside Tibet. suppression of their culture, religious access to Tibet. This year he gave a beliefs, language, and basically their speech at No. 10 Downing street on 61st The Panchen Lama is the second-highest ways of life. The UK parliamentarian commemoration of Tibet uprising day. spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism pointed out that such atrocity by the Besides, he is a chair of APPGT. after His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Chinese government, by all means, is an according to tradition plays a role in the injustice that the world needs to stand up recognition of the reincarnation of the to. Dalai Lama and because of that, he was

continued from page 26 of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun the religious, linguistic, and cultural immediately make public the Panchen Choekyi Nyima, who has not appeared identity of Tibetans, including through Lama’s whereabouts and to uphold in public since the PRC government the ongoing destruction of communities its own constitution and international abducted him in 1995, at age six. of worship and learning, such as the commitments to promote religious Larung Gar and Yachen Gar Buddhist freedom for all persons.” “The Pachen [Panchen] Lama is one of Institutes. the most important figures in Tibetan Secretary Mike Pompeo tweeted on Buddhism with spiritual authority “Tibetan Buddhists, like members of all the Panchen Lama’s disappearance second only to the Dalai Lama. But faith communities, must be able to select, reiterating his call on the Chinese China’s persecution of the Panchen educate, and venerate their religious government to reveal the spiritual Lama is not unusual. The United States leaders according to their traditions leader’s whereabouts and to end the remains deeply concerned about the and without government interference. state’s interference in religious practices. PRC’s ongoing campaign to eliminate We call on the PRC government to

MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 27 FOCUS

Statement of Estonian Parliamentary group for Tibet on the 11th Panchen Lama We recall the Statement of the 6th General Assembly of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, held in Tallinn, which expressed deep concern about the situation of prisoners of conscience, including the 11th Panchen Lama, and called on the Government of Beijing to open negotiations without preconditions with the spiritual leader of Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama.

We also emphasise that the Beijing regime systematically engages in the destruction of the cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples; this activity is not limited only to Tibet. As an example, details about the persecution Tibet Support Group of the Riigikogu on the 25th anniversary of the Enforced Disappearance of the 11th of the Uyghurs in so-called re-education Panchen Lama camps run by the Communist regime “The Tibet Support Group of the whereabouts are unknown to the outside have come to light in recent years. Riigikogu calls for the release of the world. No person outside the regime has Panchen Lama and other prisoners of been allowed to meet him. We call on all freedom-loving nations conscience, and for freedom of religion and the global community to put for the people of Tibet. The Tibet Support Group of the pressure on the Communist Government Riigikogu, the Parliament of Estonia, of China to release the Tibetan prisoners 17 May 2020 marks the 25th anniversary takes the view that the Beijing regime of conscience, and to ensure freedom of of the day the Communist regime of cannot be regarded as belonging to religion and freedom of speech on the China imprisoned the 11th Panchen the family of civilised nations as long whole territory ruled by the regime. This Lama of Tibet Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. as the destruction of the people and is possible only through negotiations At the age of six, he became the culture of Tibet, and the suppression where the representatives of Tibet in youngest prisoner of conscience in the of the aspirations of Tibetans for self- exile are involved”. world. Today, he is 31 years old, and his determination, continues.

India bans dozens of Chinese apps, citing security reasons India on Monday banned 59 apps with internet, according to a government surreptitiously transmitting users’ data Chinese links, saying their activities statement. in an unauthorized manner to servers endanger the country’s sovereignty, which have locations outside India,’’ the defense and security. It said there have been mounting concerns statement said. about data security and safeguarding India’s decision comes as its troops the privacy of 1.3 billion Indians. The The compilation of these data, its are involved in a tense standoff with government said such concerns also mining and profiling by elements hostile Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh in pose a threat to sovereignty and security to national security and the defense of the Himalayas that started last month. of the country. India was “a matter of very deep and India lost 20 soldiers in a June 15 clash. immediate concern which requires “The Ministry of Information emergency measures,” the statement The banned apps include TikTok, UC Technology has received many said. Browser WeChat and Bigo Live, as well complaints from various sources as e-commerce platforms Club Factory including several reports about misuse of Copyright 2020 The . and Shein, that are used in mobile and some mobile apps available on Android All rights reserved. This material may non-mobile devices connected to the and iOS platforms for stealing and not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 28 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 FEATURE His Holiness advises developing inner peace based on love and compassion to overcome stress Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama after a three-month- long break from all engagements since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, began two-day live teaching on tackling negative emotions of fear and anxiety precipitated by the global health crisis.

Drawing from the teachings of Buddhist scholar, Nagarjuna in his text, “Precious Garland”, His Holiness stated that the analytical and scientific approach of the Nalanda tradition, forming the base for Tibetan Buddhism, is precise in the study of the workings of human mind.

He compared it to quantum physics that makes a distinction between His Holiness the Dalai Lama begins the 2-days live teaching from his residence in Dharamshala. appearance and reality, “Appearance Photo/OHHDL His Holiness observed how materialistic to survive which teaches us to strive for development with its comfort and ease kindness and compassion towards one has brought along the human ignorance another, qualities intrinsic to human towards inner peace, so much that nature.” even materially successful people feel discontent. Similarly in the COVID-19 crisis that we are facing today, His Holiness The antidote to this discontent is the stressed global cooperation and focus understanding that mental and emotional on what unites us as members of one wellbeing is central to self-confidence human family. and happiness. Tibetan Buddhist Tibetans in Dharamshala watching His Holiness’ philosophy espouses the transformation In this vein, His Holiness called upon live teachings from their homes. Photo/Tenzin of mind as the key to achieving peace all citizens of the world to also pay Jigme/CTA and happiness within oneself and in the attention to the long-term issue of can be misleading, an object can be world at large. global climate change that has been set dissected into the tiniest molecule. in motion and are expected to have far- While inherently the object holds no Especially relevant in the present reaching consequences within the next fixed meaning, we as observers ascribe circumstances, His Holiness spoke on two decades. meaning to the object. Therefore, we the interdependence of all living beings, should instead seek an objective reality.” “an individual is reliant on community

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MAY - JUNE 2020 TIBETAN BULLETIN 29 WORLD PRESS

A boy chosen as the Panchen Lama disappeared in 1995. China says he’s now a college grad with a job By James Griffiths, CNN Twenty-five years ago, a six-year-old authorities and blamed for any Tibetan A law passed in 2007 states that the boy was recognized as the reincarnation unrest in China. Since becoming an reincarnation of a living Buddha is of the Panchen Lama, the second-highest adult, Gyancain Norbu has occupied an “subject to an application for approval.” ranking figure in Tibetan Buddhism. He increasingly high profile role, joining For his part, the current Dalai Lama promptly disappeared. a top Chinese political body and often has said his successor could be found appearing at important events in Beijing. outside Tibet, and also suggested he Gedhun Choekyi Nyima has never been It remains unknown whether Gedhun may not reincarnate at all, making him heard from since, but on Tuesday, China Choekyi Nyima is aware of his being the last person to hold that title. In recent said he was a college graduate with a chosen as the Panchen Lama. In a years, he has moved to secularize the job, and that neither he nor his family statement this week marking the 25th Tibetan government in exile, ceding wished to be disturbed in their “current anniversary of his disappearance, the non-religious authority to political normal lives.” Tibetan government in exile said that figures, a stark contrast to the theocratic The brief comments, made by Chinese “China’s abduction of the Panchen society once ruled over in Tibet by his Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lama and forcible denial of his religious predecessors. Lijian during a regular press briefing, identity and the right to practice in offer a rare window into the apparent life his monastery is not only a violation Pro-Tibetan protestors hold picures of of the now 31-year-old. of religious freedom but also a gross Gendun Cheokyi Nyima (recognized violation of human rights.” by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Lama) during a demonstration outside also denounced “China’s persecution” the Chinese consulate in Barcelona on of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and called May 17, 2013. on Beijing to “make public the Panchen In 2011, the Dalai Lama denounced Lama’s whereabouts” and respect the Chinese government’s attempt at Tibetans’ freedom of religion. meddling, saying “the person who reincarnates has sole legitimate authority The Chinese government-selected over where and how he or she takes 11th Panchen Lama and how that reincarnation is to (middle row left) applauds during a be recognized.” plenary session of the Chinese People’s “It is a reality that no one else can force Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was identified Political Consultative Conference in the person concerned, or manipulate by the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual Beijing on March 10, 2019. him or her,” the Dalai Lama said. “It is leader, as the 11th Panchen Lama The most important purpose of particularly inappropriate for Chinese in 1995, six years after the death of the Panchen Lama from Beijing’s communists, who explicitly reject even his predecessor. But Beijing rejected perspective is the role he traditionally the idea of past and future lives, let him and quickly put forward its own plays in identifying the reincarnation of alone the concept of reincarnate , candidate, Gyancain Norbu, who the the Dalai Lama, revered as a living god to meddle in the system of reincarnation Chinese government claims is the “real” by Tibetan Buddhists. With the current and especially the reincarnations of the Panchen Lama. holder of that title, Tenzin Gyatso, Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas.” now 84, there’s a strong chance that a Regardless of what the Dalai Lama Two women place a ceremonial scarf successor will be needed sooner rather decides, however, many observers above a portrait showing the last know than later. expect that a successor will be put image of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, in Beijing has made it clear for years that it forward, certainly by Beijing and Mcleodganj near Dharamsala, India, on intends to control that process, bringing likely by the Tibetan exile community, April 25, 2017. the top two figures in Tibetan Buddhism creating a situation akin to that of the By installing its own choice as the under its control. “Reincarnation of two Panchen Lamas and worsening the Panchen Lama and disappearing living Buddhas, including the Dalai divide over who gets to shape the future Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, China avoided Lama, must comply with Chinese laws of Tibetan Buddhism. him becoming another prominent and regulations and follow religious opposition figure in the mold of the rituals and historical conventions,” a CNN’s Steven Jiang contributed to this Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile since representative of the officially-atheist report. fleeing Beijing-controlled Tibet in 1959 state said last year when the Dalai Lama and is regularly denounced by Chinese was hospitalized with a chest infection.

30 TIBETAN BULLETIN MAY - JUNE 2020 Tibetan Media Sheja (Official Tibetan monthly) Tibet Bulletin (Official Chinese bi-monthly) Department of Information & International Department of Information & International Relations, Dharamshala-176215, HP, India Relations, Dharamshala-176 215, HP, India Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.bod.asia Web: www.xizang-zhiye.org

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QUOTES

“The new incarnation of the Panchen Lama becomes somebody who has to continue my work. Since the Panchen Lama has a special concern to continue my responsibilities, he is important from every point of view. Therefore, I request everyone to pray for his long life and success.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama

“If the Panchen Lama is alive and leading a normal life as the Chinese Foreign spokesperson claims, then let us see him. The world wants to see him, his followers need to hear from him and the six million Tibetan Buddhists want to be blessed by him.” CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay on 11th Panchen Lama’s disappearance day.

“No matter how difficult the situation may be, we should employ science and human ingenuity with determination and courage to overcome the problems that confront us. Faced with threats to our health and well- being, it is natural to feel anxiety and fear. Nevertheless, I take great solace in the following wise advice to examine the problems before us: ‘If there is something to be done—do it, without any need to worry; if there’s nothing to be done, worrying about it further will not help..” His Holiness the Dalai Lama special message on Corona pandemic on 30 March 2020.

Edited by Tenzin Saldon Printed and Published by the Secretary, Department of Information & International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA Printed at Narthang Press, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala - 176215, H.P, INDIA