Phuntsok Chosang, a Tibetan from Gyama Shang, began protesting Chinese road construction and mining in 1989 by posting notices opposing the exploitation of Tibetan land. Despite local resistance, mining continued, causing severe environmental damage and wildlife deaths.

In 1992, after he and another Tibetan named Gyatso posted messages calling for Tibetan independence, Chosang was arrested and subjected to severe torture, including beatings and solitary confinement. His health collapsed, leaving him nearly blind and unable to walk, and he was released on medical parole in May 1993.