From: Tenzin P. Atisha, Joint Secretary

Department of Information and International Relations

Dharamsala, May 31, 1995 (DIIR). Just a week after His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced the new incarnation of the Panchen Lama, the authorities in Tibet called meetings in Lhasa, Shigatse and Nagchu to announce a ban on gatherings of more than three people and any public discussions on the Panchen Lama's reincarnation, a source in Tibet said on 23 May 1995.

At these meetings, the Chinese officials stressed that the recognition of the reincarnation would be done by the Chinese Central Government. In total disrespect for the religious tradition of the Tibetan people, the Chinese Communist government is intent on acting as the ultimate authority of the

Tibetan Buddhism by use of force, intimidation and coercion.

The source further stated that fearing public display of support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the authorities have placed monks and nuns around Lhasa under strict confinement to the monasteries and nunneries and prohibited them from entering the city. In addition, religious figures and some members of the Political Consultative Committee are being forced to express their disapproval of the Panchen Lama's reincarnation.

These are indications of a new wave of intimidation and repression in occupied Tibet. We are deeply concerned that the Chinese authorities have launched a massive campaign of political and religious persecution. This campaign violates the religious freedom of the Tibetan people. It is reminiscent of the days of the Cultural Revolution and aims to humiliate the religious sentiments and to break the spirit of the Tibetan people.