Dharamsala: Today marks 17 years of captivity since 17th May 1995, when Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama and his family went missing. For the last seventeen years, no definitive, credible information has surfaced about their whereabouts and wellbeing.
The Central and the Regional Tibetan Women's Association, has a new initiative, ‘Mother's call for their son: Panchen Lama', which includes a postcard movement about the Panchen Lama and urges the Chinese government to provide information on Panchen Lama's wellbeing and whereabouts from a mother's perspective.
TWA resolved to post 10,000 post cards from all over India and more from regional TWA Nepal and overseas chapters, all signed by mothers.
"Gedhun Choekyi Nyima's abduction is not only a violation of Tibet's religious freedom but it is also a human rights violation," said Tashi Dolma, the newly elected President of Tibetan Women's Association.
Padma Choling, Tibet's Chinese appointed Governor, in March 2010, had told reporters, "Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family are now living a good life as ordinary citizens in Tibet." As this statement comes without substantial evidence, Tibetans see no reason to believe in this.
The TWA have deliberately addressed the post cards to Padma Choling (Pema Thinley) with much anticipation that he will convey the post cards to His Holiness the 11th Panchen Lama. According to his statement in March 2010, it is clear that Padma Choling knows very well the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama.
The TWA have also organized a petition campaign addressed to Zhu Weiqun, Vice Minister of the United Front Work Department, China's official spokesperson for Tibetan affairs, demanding proofs of whereabouts and well being of the 11th Panchen Lama be released immediately.
"No borders, no race, no cultural differences, just a mother wanting to see her son." The TWA urges all supporters to join them in their quest for the truth about the 11th Panchen Lama.
