Lobsang Damchoe was a Tibetan monk and teacher associated with Gyantse Palchoe Monastery. In 1996, he became involved in a politically sensitive act connected to Tibetan religious and national identity. That year, he passed a “Long Life Prayer” for the Panchen Lama—reportedly composed by the Dalai Lama—to his associate Bhu Chung-chung so that multiple copies could be made and shared.

Along with his student Lhundrup Kalsang and another associate, Migmar Dhondup, Lobsang helped distribute these prayers among monks in Gyantse County. On 2 November 1996, during a religious gathering at Palchoe Monastery, the group circulated the prayer publicly.

Authorities viewed this activity as politically subversive. On 5 December 1996, Lobsang Damchoe and the others were arrested by local Public Security Bureau officials. A search of Lobsang’s room reportedly uncovered banned materials, including a Tibetan national flag and political leaflets, which further contributed to the charges against him.

After several months in detention, Lobsang was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment—longer than the sentences given to his co-accused. Due to poor health, he was not transferred with the others to Drapchi Prison but instead remained in Ngari Detention Centre. In late 1997, he was released on medical parole.