In May of 1995, the Dalai Lama recognized six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the [[Panchen Lama]]. (Custom dictates that only the Dalai Lama can recognize the reincarnation of the next Panchen Lama, and vice versa.) Days later, the boy and his family were taken into custody by the Chinese government. In November, the government nominated its own puppet Panchen Lama. Despite appeals, the Chinese government has not allowed any outside contact with the kidnapped boy or his family.<ref>http://www.panchenlama.info/</ref> | In May of 1995, the Dalai Lama recognized six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the [[Panchen Lama]]. (Custom dictates that only the Dalai Lama can recognize the reincarnation of the next Panchen Lama, and vice versa.) Days later, the boy and his family were taken into custody by the Chinese government. In November, the government nominated its own puppet Panchen Lama. Despite appeals, the Chinese government has not allowed any outside contact with the kidnapped boy or his family.<ref>http://www.panchenlama.info/</ref> |