Ngawang Ngonkyen, also known as Kalsang Phuntsok, was born in 1973 and was a monk of Tashiagang Monastery. He was arrested in February 1994 following his participation in a peaceful protest in Lhasa.

In October 1995, he was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment along with an additional three years’ deprivation of political rights. After the protests that took place in Drapchi Prison in 1998, his sentence was further increased by four years, bringing his total term of imprisonment to ten years.

Ngawang Ngonkyen was held in the criminal unit of Drapchi Prison, where he served his sentence under harsh prison conditions imposed on Tibetan political prisoners.