Last rites of two Leh firing victims held amid stringent curbs

Under strict restrictions and in the presence of a select gathering, the last rites of two of the four people killed in Wednesday’s firing in Leh were conducted on Sunday, away from the media and public glare. The last rites of the remaining two, including an ex-army personnel, are scheduled for Monday.

Ahead of the ceremonies, Ladakh Police intensified security measures in Leh town. The streets remained largely deserted, with only official vehicles and a few biker tourists seen moving around.

Authorities had placed barbed wire and sealed all roads leading to the homes of the two deceased — Stanzin Namgyal and Jigmet Dorjay — prohibiting anyone from approaching. Near Singay Namgyal Chowk, close to the location where one of the last rites was held, senior police and paramilitary officials were deployed, and no vehicles were allowed to pass further.

Stanzin was a sportsman with passion for both cricket and soccer and Jigmet was a student.

Media personnel were not permitted beyond the security perimeter, with instructions from higher authorities to restrict media coverage of the final rites, a senior official at the scene confirmed.

Nearby, a group of youngsters paid their respects from a distance, visibly emotional. As the funeral procession for 23-year-old Stanzin Namgyal moved through the area, many broke down in tears. “I came on my own to pay tribute to this young martyr who lost his life while protesting for this land and future generations,” said Stanzin Thinles, carrying a sacred white scarf intended to drape over the deceased.

“I wanted to pay my respects in person, but the authorities didn’t allow it. So I paid my tributes as the procession passed through,” he added.

Once the last rites were completed, restrictions were eased, and the concertina wire was removed from the area.

A member of the Ladakh Buddhist Association told The Tribune that only a select group, including relatives, villagers, members of the Apex body, and other selected groups, were allowed to participate in the ceremonies.

Officials reiterated that no relaxation had been granted in the ongoing curfew. The previous day, locals had thronged markets briefly after authorities eased the curfew following a week of tension that resulted in four deaths and nearly 100 injuries during clashes.

“All our focus is on ensuring the last rites of the two deceased on Monday are conducted peacefully. Once that is done, we will announce further relaxations in the restrictions,” said a senior Leh official.