In 1993, Dolma Tsamchoe was arrested at her home by officials of the Meldrongukar Public Security Bureau after she publicly shouted pro-independence slogans during a village tour. Her son-in-law and nephew, who were with her at the time, were also detained. All three were initially held at the Meldrongukar PSB Detention Centre.

Despite Dolma Tsamchoe’s advanced age and poor health, authorities denied her any family visits. After two months, she was transferred to Gutsa Detention Centre, where she remained for a further two months. She was subsequently tried by the Lhasa City Intermediate People’s Court and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on charges of “counter-revolutionary propaganda.” Following her sentencing, she was transferred to Drapchi Prison to serve her term.