Agya tsering was one of the close disciples of Geshe Sonam Phuntsok who was arrested on 25 October, 1999 in Kardze county during a crackdown by Public Security Bureau officers. he was detained alongside another another disciple, Jhamdik, on suspicion of involvement in political activities link to the protest movement.

Agya tsering was held at Kardze Detention centre for approximately seven months. following this period of detention, he was released without any detailed public record of formal charges or judicial proceedings against him.