Lobsang Lhundup, 38, was born into a nomadic family in Gemo Village, Lithang. He later became a monk at Nekhor Monastery. Lobsang’s family moved from Gemo village to Lithang town recently.

In 2002 Lobsang visited India for HHDLs Kalachakra teachings in Bodhgaya, this was cancelled due to the Dalai Lama’s ill health, but he stayed until 2003 for the next teachings after which he returned to Tibet.

Lobsang staged a peaceful solo protest in the main market square of Lithang town, which lasted for about 15-20 minutes before being forcibly detained by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and People's Armed Police (PAP).

According to Free Tibet's source, Lobsang chanted “Long Live the Dalai Lama,” “Independence for Tibet,” “Swift return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet”' and “No Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebration this year” slogans before being arrested.

Eyewitness accounts from the demonstration say that Lobsang was limping with the help of a walking stick and was forcibly subdued and taken into a police vehicle after his brief protest. TCHRD has expressed “deep concern” over the detention and safety of Lobsang.

Calling for his immediate release, the centre said Lobsang's act “constitutes nothing more than the peaceful exercise of freedom of expression and thought”.

Calling for his immediate release, the TCHRD called on the Chinese authorities to “ensure that Lobsang Lhundup is not subjected to ill treatment in the detention centre,” as is often a common practice for authorities in Tibet.