Tearful goodbye to Kargil war veteran, youth killed in firing

Ladakh on Monday bid farewell to two of the victims killed in CRPF firing during recent violence in Leh, including a Kargil War veteran and a 23-year-old youth. Their cremations were held amid a strict curfew, days after the deadly clashes on September 24 that left four people dead and nearly 100 injured.

The last rites took place under heavy security and restrictions. A day after the cremation of two others, authorities imposed stringent curbs across Leh town on Monday, sealing roads leading to the cremation ground. Security personnel were seen checking identity cards of even government officials, while police deployed checkpoints on the city’s outskirts to inspect all vehicles.

Those cremated on Monday were 45-year-old former Army soldier Tsewang Tharchin, a veteran of the Kargil War, and Rinchen Dadul, a young travel company employee who was the sole caregiver for his specially-abled mother.

Relatives of the deceased said the cremations were conducted quietly, with only close family members, relatives, and villagers in attendance. “The cremation took place in the afternoon. Only family and close relatives were allowed,” said a relative of Tharchin.

For the second consecutive day, media personnel were barred from covering the funerals. The Leh Apex Body called the media blackout “unfortunate,” accusing the government of attempting to “hide the truth.”

Tharchin and Rinchen were among the four civilians killed when security forces opened fire during a violent protest in Leh on Wednesday. Rinchen, the youngest of six siblings, was described by his family as a vital support system for his mother.

“His mother is unable to walk and was entirely dependent on Rinchen. She is devastated by his death,” said his maternal uncle.

As of Monday, curfew remained in place across Leh for the sixth consecutive day, with no relaxation granted. Officials stated that since the cremations were conducted peacefully, limited curfew relaxation may be announced on Tuesday. Mobile internet services also remained suspended.

On Saturday, a brief curfew relaxation had allowed locals to rush to markets to stock up on essential items.