Nyima Tsering, an 18-year-old monk from Dragyab Bugon Monastery, was originally from Dragyab County. In April 1997, Nyima Tsering and fellow monk Gyaltse were arrested and transferred to Lhasa after being accused of pasting pro-independence posters advocating Tibetan freedom. Both monks, who belonged to the same monastery, were subsequently charged with engaging in political activities deemed separatist by the Chinese authorities.

In March 1998, they were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Reports indicate that they were detained in Drapchi Prison, a prison widely known for holding Tibetan political prisoners and monks accused of dissent-related activities.