United States in a campaign recently urged China to let the world know where Tibet’s Panchen Rinpoche is. The Buddhist leader was only six when China kidnapped back in 1995 and there has been no information since then. In a renewed push from a large group Tibet supporters, China has been pressed for the release of Panchen Rinpoche this year.

Days after His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized Gedun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of 10th Panchen Lama, China kidnapped the six years old boy. After the Dalai Lama’s escape to exile, Panchen Lama was the only leader widely recognized by the Tibetans in Tibet. He became the youngest political prisoner and his where about is still a mystery only China knows.

The US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback in a conference call on Thursday demanded that China should let the world know where is Tibet’s Panchen Rinpoche.

“We do not have any idea of the whereabouts, and yes, we continue to press the Chinese authorities to release the Panchen Lama and to let him free, and let the world know where he is.” Sam Brownback told reporters during a conference call on Thursday. The US diplomat further added that China’s increased assertion that they have the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama is wrong.

“This takes on, I think, an increased interest and focus and importance as the Chinese Communist Party continues to assert their right to appoint the next Dalai Lama,” he told reporters, adding that they “They don’t have the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama any more than they (have) the right to appoint the next pope.”

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