In May 1996, a Chinese “work team” arrived at Gaden Monastery and imposed a comprehensive ban on the display of photographs of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Approximately 200 monks responded by staging a peaceful protest, compelling the work team to abandon its initial session.

The following day, monks led by Yeshi Rabgyal sought to appeal to local officials, urging them not to enforce the ban. That night, however, the authorities returned with reinforcements, including armed police and military personnel. Violent clashes ensued, during which several monks were injured, and approximately 40 monks were arrested.

On 6 May 1996, Chinese officials forcibly compelled the monks to remove all images of the Dalai Lama from the monastery’s shrines. Despite the initial mass arrests, detentions continued in the months and years that followed. By the end of August 1998, a total of 62 monks and one layperson from Gaden Monastery had been arrested in connection with the protests.

Several monks were subsequently sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Jampa Thaye and Dueshe Lobsang Dawa were each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Atsak, Phuntsok Dhondup, Lobsang Dawa, Lobsang Wangchuk, and Kunchok Dhondup received sentences of 12 years’ imprisonment.