Tsewang Tharchin | |
|---|---|
| File:Tharchin.jpeg | |
| Born | 1978 Skurbuchan, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Died | 24 September 2025 Leh, Ladakh, India |
| Rank | Hawaldar |
| Unit | Ladakh Scouts |
Tsewang Tharchin (1978 – 24 September 2025) was an Indian ex-serviceman and social worker from Ladakh. He was known for his military service and community work in the Ladakh region, and later became active in movements demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. He was killed during a protest in Leh in September 2025.
Early life and education[edit | edit source]
Tharchin was born as the first of seven children to his father Stanzin Namgyal in 1978 in Skurbuchan village of Zanskar, a remote valley in Ladakh.[1][2]
He grew up in a traditional Ladakhi family and was educated locally before joining the 3 Ladakh Scouts Regiment of the Indian armed forces.[3][4][1][5]
Tharchin's father Stanzin also served in the Ladakh Scouts for 32 years and participated in Kargil War, before retiring as a captain in 2002.[1][6]
Career[edit | edit source]
Tharchin joined the Indian Army in 1996 and became a hawaldar in the Ladakh Scouts until 2017, he served in the Kargil War in 1999 and later became active in ex-servicemen's networks in Ladakh.[1][7][6]
After leaving the Army, he returned to civilian life, he started a garment shop in Leh and engaged in social and community initiatives. He supported welfare activities for veterans and their families and worked to encourage education and youth participation in sports and public service.[8]
Death and aftermath[edit | edit source]
On 24 September 2025, Tharchin participated in a hunger strike organised by the Leh Apex Body in Leh. The protest, which had begun peacefully, escalated into clashes with security forces. Tharchin was among the four individuals killed during the unrest.[1]
His death prompted widespread condemnation from various quarters, including local political groups and human rights organisations.[9][10][11]
Tharchin's last rites were performed on 29 September 2025 in Leh town, under very high security and curfew. Only close relatives and a few members of the Ladakh Apex Body, were allowed to attend the final rite.[12]
He is survived by his wife and four children.[2]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Taskin, Bismee (2025-09-26). "'He fought in Kargil, but died by police bullets'—family mourns ex-serviceman shot dead in Leh stir". ThePrint. Retrieved 2025-09-27.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Narayan, Priyanjali (2025-09-29). "Pak couldn't kill him but...: Father on Kargil War veteran killed in Ladakh protest". India Today. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
- ↑ Raina, Irfan (2025-09-25). "Tense calm in Ladakh". Greater Kashmir. Retrieved 2025-09-27.
- ↑ Ashiq, Vijaita Singh & Peerzada (2025-09-25). "Leh remains tense a day after death of four persons". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-09-27.
- ↑ "Ex-Serviceman Tsewang Tharchin Shot Dead During Leh Protests; Family Mourns Hero Who Fought in Kargil". 2025-09-26. Retrieved 2025-09-27.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "लद्दाख हिंसा में मरने वालों में करगिल योद्धा भी शामिल, पिता बोले- 'पाकिस्तानी ना मार पाए, हमारी फोर्स ने मार दिया'". The Lallantop (in हिन्दी). 2025-09-28. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
- ↑ "From Kargil Hero to Government Victim: The Tragic Death of Tsewang Tharchin". indiaherald.com. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ "Kargil war veteran killed in protests, father asks: Is this how we treat patriots". The Indian Express. 2025-09-28. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
- ↑ Wani, Fayaz (2025-09-25). "Curfew continues in Leh, 50 detained; Kargil observes shutdown; Wangchuk rejects Centre's blame". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-09-27.
- ↑ India, Press Trust of (2025-09-29). "Congress slams killing of Kargil War veteran Tsewang Tharchin in Ladakh firing". India Today. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
- ↑ Excelsior, Daily (2025-09-29). "Kargil War veteran's killing in Ladakh matter of outrage, anguish: Congress". Daily Excelsior. Retrieved 2025-09-29.
- ↑ Ashiq, Peerzada (2025-09-29). "Last rites of two more protesters held in Leh amid restrictions, curfew continues". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-09-29.