Lama Kyap, born on 15 August 1962 in Tsemo Village, Qinghai Province, was a respected Tibetan educator and school principal who played a significant role in promoting Tibetan language, culture, and education. After completing his higher education at Xiling University of Education, he worked as a lecturer and later co-founded a primary school dedicated to Tibetan learning.

From 1985 onward, Lama Kyap became increasingly politically active. He distributed literature issued by the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and helped organize peaceful protests advocating Tibetan rights. On 2 July 1993, at the age of 30, he was arrested without a warrant at his school and detained at Hutru Dzong Prison. During his detention, he was held in solitary confinement, subjected to interrogation, and accused of forming an anti-establishment organization, disseminating so-called secret documents, and promoting Tibetan independence.

Although he consistently denied all charges, Lama Kyap was imprisoned under severe conditions for more than a month. His deteriorating health ultimately led to his release. Facing continued risk of persecution, he later escaped into exile and arrived in Dharamsala in September 1994.