Tenzin Tsedup, a 16-year-old former monk from Taktse Phagmo Monastery, Taktse County, was arrested on 18 August 1993 after participating in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration during the Drepung Shoton Festival in Norbulingka, Lhasa, alongside Tseten Ngodup (19) and Pasang (23). The three displayed the Tibetan national flag, distributed independence leaflets, and shouted slogans supporting Tibetan independence and the Dalai Lama. They were detained by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and taken to Gutsa Detention Centre, where Tenzin was reportedly beaten unconscious, kicked in the chest, and subjected to interrogation. On 14 September 1993, he was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, while his co-defendants received longer sentences. He was released on 18 August 1994 but was prohibited from rejoining any monastery.

In 1998, he was arrested during an attempted escape to India and detained for approximately one month in Shigatse Detention Centre before being released. He successfully escaped to India in August 1998.