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New Delhi: Thousands of Tibetan exiles in India marched on Friday to demand the release of the Panchen Lama, the second highest ranking figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Friday marked the 19th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, named by Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, as the 11th Panchen Lama.
After the 10th Panchen Lama died in 1989, China and the Dalai Lama made rival choices for his successor, and the Dalai's choice, then aged six, suddenly disappeared from public view.
Tibetans around the world say he was kidnapped by Chinese authorities and human rights watchdogs have called him the world's youngest political prisoner.
China has denied accusations the boy was under house arrest and insists he and his family did not want to be disturbed.
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