On the birthday of Tibetan Buddhism's number two religious leader, who was abducted by China when he was six years old, the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery slams "Beijing for trying to weaken our hearts". However, "they will not succeed." Hence, "let us pray for his return."

Dharamsala (AsiaNews) - Tibetan believers will "never forget the real Panchen Lama, abducted by Beijing when he was six. They will continue to fight for his liberation and return home. China might hope to break our spirit but it is making a big mistake," said the abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, home to the Panchen Lama, on the latter's 23^rd birthday, which he is spending captive.

When a Dalai Lama dies, the Panchen Lama is tasked with finding his reincarnation. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, recognised Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the Panchen Lama on 14 May 1995 thanks to the work of two lamas he had sent. A few days later, Chinese police abducted the six-year-old boy and his family. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

In November 1995, China "picked" Gyaltsen Norbu as its Panchen Lama, claiming it had applied more authentic religious rituals than those used by the Dalai Lama as part of its policy to exert tighter control over Tibet's religious practices.

In 2010, Norbu entered Chinese politics by taking part in the activities of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which advises the National People's Congress, China's parliament.

Over time, "the Panchen Lama has contributed significantly to the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, working for the wellbeing of every thinking person. For this reason, the 10^th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Gyaltsen, paid for his opposition to Chinese rule. Now his reincarnation does the same," Abbot Lobsang said.

"The boy taken by the Communist is a victim as well of China's plans to undermine and control Tibet's religion and people. The abduction and disappearance of the true Panchen Lama and his replacement by a puppet are proof that religious freedom does not exist in Tibet and that children are not spared from Communist cruelty."

• china
• tibet
• panchen
• lama
• birthday