Ex-Serviceman Tsewang Tharchin Killed in Leh Protests: Family Mourns Kargil War Veteran

The family of Tsewang Tharchin, a retired Army soldier, is mourning after the 46-year-old was fatally shot by security forces amid violent protests in Leh on September 24. Tharchin, a Kargil War veteran who served with the Ladakh Scouts, died as he was attempting to participate in a hunger strike organized by the Leh Apex Body, which is advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for Ladakh.

According to eyewitnesses and family members, the initially peaceful protests escalated into clashes with police, leading to at least four fatalities, including Tharchin's, and approximately 70 injuries. The unrest also included incidents of arson, with protestors targeting the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Secretariat and the local BJP office, as well as setting several police vehicles on fire.

Tharchin's family remembers him as a dedicated patriot and active community member. His younger brother, Konchok Ishley, stated, “He joined the Army in 1996, served as a hawaldar in the Ladakh Scouts, and survived glaciers during Kargil. He sacrificed his life for the nation twice — first in war, and now while standing up for his people.”

After retiring as a captain in 2002 following 22 years of service, Tharchin had returned to his hometown of Skurbuchan village, where he lived with his wife and children. His father, Stanzin Namgyal, also a Ladakh Scouts veteran with 32 years of service, expressed deep sorrow: “He fought the war, but died by police bullets. Is this how we repay those who serve the nation?”

The protests have drawn participation from both young people and retired servicemen. Among those who lost their lives were Jigmet Dorjay (25), Stanzin Namgyal (23), and Rinchen Dadul (20). Authorities have detained several ex-servicemen in connection with the clashes, and activist Sonam Wangchuk has been charged under the National Security Act (NSA).

In Leh, a region with a strong tradition of military service spanning generations, the community is in mourning. Buddhist monks and villagers have gathered at Tharchin’s home to offer prayers for his soul. The incident has sparked renewed debate over the treatment of protestors and ex-servicemen involved in civil activism, raising concerns about the use of force and accountability in the area.