Tashi Drolma, a 42-year-old Tibetan woman from Lhasa, worked as a mechanic at the Electricity Board near Sera Road. In March 1989, during a period of political unrest and demonstrations in Lhasa, she remained confined to her work unit compound after authorities warned employees that participation in protests could result in dismissal or other punishment.

She left Lhasa on 24 March 1989 and legally crossed into Nepal with her brother, Dawa Tsering, arriving in Kathmandu on 28 March 1989. During her journey, she learned of increasing political tension in Tibet, including the distribution of pro-independence posters in Gyantse. Her testimony reflects the climate of fear, restrictions on movement, and strict surveillance imposed by Chinese authorities during the 1989 demonstrations in Tibet.