Dharamshala, Dec. 14 -- The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest independence advocacy group within the Tibetan diaspora, publicly denounced the recent statements made by the China-appointed Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen (Gyaincain) Norbu, on Friday, describing them as a political tactic intended to strengthen Beijing's influence over Tibetan religious matters, as reported by Phayul.

During a state-sponsored symposium in Shigatse on December 8, Gyaltsen Norbu claimed that the reincarnation of 'living Buddhas' must "comply with Chinese law," receive formal endorsement from the Chinese government, and occur "without any interference from organisations or individuals outside the country," seemingly referring to the succession of the Dalai Lam...