Phurbu Tsering was a monk of Ratoe Gonpa, a monastery located in Lhasa. He took part in a protest held within the monastery premises. In the aftermath of the demonstration, he was accused by the authorities of involvement in the burning of Chinese petrol vehicles.

Following his arrest, Phurbu Tsering was reportedly subjected to severe beatings while in detention. He was subsequently imprisoned in Chushul Prison. His case reflects the stringent punitive measures imposed on monastic participants in politically sensitive protests in Lhasa during that period.