Dargyal (born 1968) and four other monks from Gaden Monastery—Tsetan, Lobsang Woeser, Yeshi, and Sichoe Tsering—were arrested at different times in December 1996. The arrests were linked to their alleged membership in the “Association of Tibetan Freedom Movement.” Chinese authorities accused them of attempting to “split” the country by participating in what was described as a “splittist organization.”

Lobsang Woeser and Tsetan were arrested on 18 December 1996, followed by the arrests of Dargyal and Yeshi on 25 December 1996. Sichoe Tsering was also arrested in December 1996, though the exact date is unknown. Dargyal, Tsetan, Lobsang Woeser, and Yeshi were each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and transferred to Drapchi Prison. Sichoe Tsering received a two-year sentence in Trisam Prison and was released after completing his term. During detention, Lobsang Woeser became seriously ill and was released on medical parole in September 1998.