Tibetans hold candle light vigil in Shimla for Panchen Lama's release

Tibetans living in-exile in Shimla held a candlelight vigil on the occasion of the 25th birth anniversary of the11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, one of the highest-ranking spiritual leaders in Tibet, to show solidarity to the boy monk whose whereabouts remain unknown after Chinese authorities allegedly took the six-year-old into custody 19 years ago.

Tibetans and supporters gathered for the vigil demanding the release of a political prisoner in China since 1995.

"Like every year, this time also in the morning of 25th April, the birthday of our second important 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, we offer special prayers at the monastery for his long life and pray for his release by the Chinese government," said Tibetan Youth Congress activist, Dorjee Gyaltsen.

The world's youngest political prisoner, the Panchen Lama was last seen on May 17, 1995, when Chinese Government took him and his family into custody.

They also offered special prayers for the long life and release of their spiritual leader in the morning in Dharamsala.

Buddhist monks offered prayers at the beginning of the official celebration organised by Central Tibetan Administration at the main Buddhist temple, Tsuglagkhang.

The monks prayed for his well being as well as for his release. Tibetans in-exile also urged the Chinese government to release the Panchen Lama so that he can reunite with his family and the thousands of followers who have been waiting for his release for the last 19 years.