US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Friday asked the Chinese government to reveal the whereabouts of Tibetan Buddhism's 11th Panchen Lama.

According to reports, the 11th Panchen Lama was taken into captivity by the Chinese authorities when he was just six years old.

USCIRF Commissioner Nadine Maenza tweeted: "The @DalaiLama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th #PanchenLama on May 14, 1995. We reiterate our calls on the Chinese govt to make known Gedhun’s whereabouts & allow an independent expert to visit him to confirm his wellbeing."

The 11th Panchen Lama controversy is a dispute about the recognition of the 11th Kunsik Panchen Lama.

The Panchen Lama is considered the second most important spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama.

Following the death[1][3] of the 10th Panchen Lama, the 14th Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima in 1995.

Three days later, the People's Republic of China (PRC) abducted the Panchen Lama and his family.