Ngawang Sangmo, a native of Meldro Gongkar County, was a nun at Drikung She-Lhakhang. She was reportedly subjected to arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities due to her familial association with Jigme Gyalpo and Bhu-Khog, who had been arrested for pasting posters advocating Tibetan independence and for taking down the Chinese flag.

Although Ngawang Sangmo was not directly implicated in these activities, she was detained and questioned by the authorities because of her relationship with the two individuals. Following her release, continued surveillance and pressure from local officials made it difficult for her to remain in Tibet.

As a result, Ngawang Sangmo fled Tibet in June 1998 and arrived in Dharamsala, India, in September 1998, where she sought refuge.