In May 1996, a Chinese “work team” arrived at Gaden Monastery and imposed a total ban on the display of pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monks of Gaden Monastery strongly opposed the order, declaring that they would rather sacrifice their lives than remove the images. Around 200 monks protested, forcing the officials to abandon their initial session. The following day, monks led by Yeshi Rabgyal appealed peacefully to the authorities not to enforce the ban. However, that night the officials returned with reinforcements, including armed police and military forces.

Violent clashes broke out as the authorities used force against the monks. Two monks were injured during the confrontation, and approximately 40 monks were arrested. The next day, monks were compelled to remove all pictures of the Dalai Lama from the monastery shrines. Arrests continued in the months that followed, and by the end of August 1998, a total of 62 monks and one layperson had been detained in connection with the protests.

Several monks from Gaden Monastery received heavy prison sentences. Jampa Thaye and Dueshe Lobsang Dawa were each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Lobsang Tenzin received an 11-year sentence. Atsak, Lobsang Wangchuk, Kunchok Dhondup, and Phuntsok Dhondup—also known as Tsering Bakdro—were sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.

Phuntsok Dhondup (Tsering Bakdro) emerged as one of the most prominent figures associated with the Gaden Monastery protests. He was targeted for his firm resistance to the ban on the Dalai Lama’s images and for his role in defending religious freedom. Following his arrest, he was subjected to harsh treatment and prolonged imprisonment, becoming a symbol of the severe punishment imposed on monks who openly opposed state interference in religious practice.

One of the imprisoned monks, Lobsang Dawa, died in custody on 20 May 1999 at the age of 31, as a result of abuse suffered in prison. Most of the remaining monks arrested in connection with the 1996 Gaden Monastery protests continue to be incarcerated in Drapchi Prison, highlighting the enduring consequences of their peaceful resistance.