But Tibet specialist Kate Saunders believes she may have received an image of the Panchen Lama and his family, taken several years after their disappearance.

Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is believed to be sitting in the front left. At the top of the photograph, the Tibetan script reads “Photograph of a family reunion”. Credit: Hardcash Productions

“It seems to show Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. He’s got a toy helicopter, he’s sitting on his father’s lap. He could be around 10, around 11 [years old],” she said.

Since his disappearance, the Chinese government has said Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is not the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama, as claimed by the Dalai Lama, instead “he is only a common Chinese citizen” who received his education in China, went to university and has started working.

‘A momentous struggle’

In 2008, aged eight, she took to the streets demanding the return of the Dalai Lama.

Namkyi alleges she endured days of interrogation and torture, before being held without trial in a detention centre for the next 13 months.

While in prison, Namkyi said she was held in solitary conferment. Her only contact was with a Chinese government officer who she claims forced her to undergo political re-education. Credit: Hardcash Productions

According to Human Rights Watch, 479 Tibetans were detained or tried for “political offences” between 2013 to 2015.

In 2023, Namkyi fled from Tibet. Like the Dalai Lama, she made the dangerous journey across the mountains to India, where she now lives, separated from her family and friends.

‘Religion is a poison’

Instead, Gyaltsen Norbu was appointed. He’s the son of two Communist Party members and is known by some Tibetans as the Panchen Zuma — meaning ‘fake Panchen’.

Arjia Rinpoche said he was inside the temple when China selected the 11th Panchen Lama. Credit: ITV

“I was being forced to have faith in someone I didn’t believe in and do things I didn’t want to,” Rinpoche recalls.

As surveillance technology has evolved, UK-based cybersecurity expert Greg Walton believes life for many Tibetans has become increasingly challenging.

“The government has concentrated surveillance resources on having facial recognition cameras in monasteries like no other aspect of Tibetan life. The desire [is] to control, to instil a sense of fear.”

Cybersecurity expert, Greg Walton believes the government is focused on monitoring religious life. Credit: Hardcash Productions

The Chinese Embassy in London has responded that these allegations are “filled with bias and false accusations”.

“The human rights conditions in Xizang are at their historical best.”

Breaking with tradition?

But as Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s disappearance remains controversial and China’s pick for the position continues to be contested, the selection of the next Dalai Lama may break with tradition.

On 6 July, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso celebrated his 90th birthday with a large gathering of Tibetan religious leaders, Indian politicians and monks. Source: AP / Ashwini Bhatia

The Dalai Lama announced his charitable foundation, Gaden Phodrang, will be the only authority to choose his successor.

The Chinese government has responded that it respects “the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, [and the] procedures [that] have been established over the centuries. The religious rituals, historical conventions [and] Chinese laws need to be complied with in this process”.