In May 1996, a Chinese “work team” imposed a total ban on the display of pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Gaden Monastery. Around 200 monks protested peacefully, declaring that they would rather sacrifice their lives than remove the images. Their resistance initially forced the officials to abandon the session. The following day, monks led by Yeshi Rabgyal appealed to the authorities not to enforce the ban, but that night the officials returned with armed police and military reinforcements.

Violent clashes followed as force was used against the monks. Two monks were injured, and approximately 40 monks were arrested. The next day, all pictures of the Dalai Lama were forcibly removed from the monastery shrines. Arrests continued in the months that followed, and by August 1998, a total of 62 monks and one layperson had been detained. Many received prison sentences ranging from five to fifteen years, and most were transferred to Drapchi Prison.

Pasang Tsegye was among the monks arrested and severely punished for his role in resisting the ban. He was targeted for his steadfast refusal to comply with the order to remove the Dalai Lama’s images and for his active participation in the protests. His arrest and imprisonment exemplify the harsh reprisals faced by monks who defended their religious beliefs and loyalty to the Dalai Lama.

Other monks arrested in connection with the Gaden Monastery protests included Atsak, Jampa Tenkyong, Jampa Lodroe, Tenzin Gelek, Younten Gyalpo, Lobsang Wangchuk, Sonam Tsering, Lobsang Dawa, Kunchok Dhondup, Phuntsok Dondup, Tasang Norbu, Jampa Thaye, Dueshe Lobsang Dawa, Lobsang Tenzin, and Yeshi Rabgyal. One of the imprisoned monks, Lobsang Dawa, died in custody in 1999 due to abuse suffered in prison. Most of the remaining monks continue to be incarcerated in Drapchi Prison.