Tsewang Namgyal, born in 1938 in Lhasa, served as a civil servant under the former Tibetan government prior to the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Following the Chinese military invasion and subsequent consolidation of control over Tibet, he became involved in resistance activities opposing Chinese rule. On 10 April 1959, in the aftermath of the Tibetan National Uprising, he was arrested by the Chinese authorities for his alleged participation in resisting the occupation of Tibet.

He was sentenced to twelve years of imprisonment, followed by an additional eight years of forced labour. During his detention, Tsewang Namgyal endured prolonged physical abuse and severe torture. He was reportedly kept in shackles for several months under harsh prison conditions and was denied all contact with his family throughout his incarceration. His prolonged imprisonment and inhumane treatment reflected the broader repression faced by many Tibetans accused of political dissent during that period.

After decades of suffering under detention and forced labour, Tsewang Namgyal eventually reached India in 1985, where he lived in exile following his release.