Chotpa Thar, a Tibetan song composer originally from the Pari region of Amdo, was among the participants in a large-scale peaceful demonstration held on 31 October 1999 in Kandze County. Approximately 3,000 Tibetans gathered in front of the Kandze County People’s Government offices and the Kandze Detention Center to demand the release of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok, Sonam Choephel, and Agya Tsering, who had been arrested on 24 October 1999.

During the protest, Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials opened fire on the unarmed demonstrators and forcibly dispersed the crowd. In February 2000, the Kandze County People’s Court sentenced nine Tibetans involved in the protest to prison terms ranging from five to nine years. Following the 56th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in May 2000, the sentences of these prisoners were extended by an additional five years.

Chotpa Thar was among those affected by the crackdown and subsequent judicial actions, reflecting the severe consequences faced by Tibetans participating in peaceful demonstrations during that period.