A six-year-old Tibetan monk, who disappeared 20 years ago after exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama named him the reincarnated Panchen Lama - the second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism - is alive and does not want to be bothered.

According to Reuters, on Sunday a senior Chinese official made the remarks concerning the fate of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, who many feared dead after years without any news on his whereabouts.

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"The reincarnated child Panchen Lama you mentioned is being educated, living a normal life, growing up healthy and does not wish to be disturbed," said Norbu Dunzhub, a member of Tibet autonomous region's united front work department.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of his disappearance and many Tibetan in exile have used the opportunity to call Beijing to release the monk, who is still affectionately revered by Tibetan Buddhists.

Although the Chinese Community Party is officially atheist, it has dismissed the Dalai Lama for declaring the boy as the reincarnated Panchen Lama under non-traditional circumstances. The Dalai Lama fled the country in the 1959 after a botched uprising

Norbu Dunzhub says the Dalai Lama's identification of Gendun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama "ignored historical customs and destroyed religious rituals."

"The identification was done without authorization. It was illegal and invalid," Norbu Dunzhub said.

Beijing went on to select a new Panchen Lama. In 1995, 6-year-old Gyaltsen Norbu was named the 11th Panchen Lama. However, according to reports, many Tibetans both home and abroad view him as phony.

This year also marks the 80th birthday of the exiled Dalai Lama, who has engaged in frequent battles with Beijing over the reincarnation rights.

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is supposed to choose his successor before his death. However, the present Dalai Lama has said he may be the last in the line or that the next Dalai Lama may be a girl.

There are reports that Beijing may want to choose the next Dalai Lama and this is a cause for worry as it may divide Tibetan Buddhism, with two Dalai Lama's: one revered at home and the other by Tibetans in exile.

"No matter what the Dalai Lama says or does, the central government's recognized rights toward reincarnation cannot be denied," Norbu Dunzhub stressed.

The Dalai Lama has been criticized by Beijing as being a separatist who plots for Tibet's independence from China. However, the Dalai Lama says he is fighting for more autonomy for Tibet not independence from China. He calls the system the Middle Way. But Beijing says it is merely a ploy for a campaign for independence.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region. Many Tibetan in exile have said there is no reason to celebrate. The government-backed Panchen Lama Gyaltsen Norbu assured President Xi Jinping that he will "resolutely uphold the unity of the motherland and its people."

TagsPanchen Lama, Tibet Autonomous Region, Gendun Choekyi Nyima, Tibetan Buddhists, Dalai Lama, 15th Dalai Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, 11th Panchen Lama