Thinley Tsundue, aged 24, was a monk from Thangko Shang at Reting Monastery in Lhundrup County. His case emerged during the Chinese government’s intensified “patriotic re-education” campaign imposed on Reting Monastery between late 1995 and early 1997. The first work team arrived at the monastery in the 12th month of 1995 and conducted daily re-education sessions for one month. A second and larger work team of sixteen members arrived on the 4th day of the 8th month of 1996 and remained at the monastery until the 19th day of the 1st month of 1997. During this period, monks were subjected to strict political indoctrination, interrogations, and restrictions on religious practices.

On 29 September 1996, a police vehicle was burned in Bijingpe, an incident that heightened tensions between monks and Chinese authorities. Around November–December 1995 and again during 1996, pro-independence posters were reportedly pasted throughout the monastery, nearby town areas, and on the notice board of Mimang Sichung. Following investigations into these incidents, Thinley Tsundue and several other monks were arrested on 22 November 1996.

Chinese authorities reportedly identified Thinley Tsundue as the leader of the group. Before sentencing, he was detained at Gutsa Detention Centre, where he underwent severe interrogations. Reports further state that he suffered brutal beatings in Phenpo for an entire night. He was eventually sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment and transferred to Drapchi Prison to serve his sentence.