According to a reliable source, in October 1996 the "TAR" United Front officials visited Chengdu, Sichuan Province headquarters. While in Chengdu, the officials of the United Front met Chadrel Rinpoche and asked him what his expectations were. Chadrel Rinpoche reportedly replied that he had no expectations whatsoever and clarified that he had only worked in accordance with the Chinese government and so was not guilty. Rinpoche said "You do not have to worry about me. I have no expectations. If I had any expectations, I would not be in this situation."

Chadrel Rinpoche is the former director of the Democratic Management Committee of the Tashilhunpo monastery and was also the head of the Search Committee conducting the search for the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. On 18 May 1995 he was arrested in Chengdu and forcibly returned to Beijing.

The Chinese authorities suspected Chadrel Rinpoche of having passed information to the Dalai Lama in exile enabling His Holiness to confirm on 14 May 1995 the recognition of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, a six year old boy from Lhari, as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama.

In July 1995 Chadrel Rinpoche was formally removed from his positions as head of the Tashilhunpo Management Committee and head of the Search Committee, as well as from his membership of China's Political Consultative Conference.

Issued by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy - Dharamsala