Kargil War Veteran Tsewang Tharchin Shot Dead During Leh Protests, Family Demands Justice

Tsewang Tharchin, a 46-year-old retired Kargil War veteran of the Ladakh Scouts, was among four people killed during violent clashes in Leh on September 24. The unrest erupted as part of protests organized by the Leh Apex Body, which is demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to protect tribal rights.

Tharchin, who ran a garment business after his retirement from the Army, was actively participating in the demonstrations when he was fatally shot in the back. His lifeless body was transported to his native village of Saboo, located about eight kilometers from Leh, where mourners gathered despite the imposition of an indefinite curfew. His cremation was scheduled for Monday, highlighting the somber atmosphere that has gripped the region.

The slain veteran’s father, Stanzin Namgyal, himself a decorated Kargil War veteran, voiced his anguish over the loss. He remarked, “Pakistan could not kill him, but our own forces have taken his life.” Namgyal detailed that both he and his son had served the country with distinction, with Tharchin having participated in critical battles such as the recapture of the Dhalungba post from Pakistani forces. He called for an independent and thorough investigation, noting signs of physical assault on his son’s body, including baton marks, suggesting that Tharchin may have been beaten before being shot.

The killing of Tharchin has intensified demands for accountability and justice, both from his family and from local communities in Leh. Observers have expressed concern over the conduct of security forces during the crackdown, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to legal and human rights standards. The incident has also cast a shadow over the broader protests, which are rooted in longstanding demands for political recognition and protection of tribal rights in the region.

The death of a decorated military veteran in such circumstances has struck a deep chord in Ladakh, underscoring the tension between civilian protest movements and the state’s security apparatus. As calls for a fair and impartial probe continue, Tharchin’s death has become a rallying point for both justice and the ongoing struggle for Ladakh’s political aspirations.