Tsewang Tharchin is a Kargil War veteran who recently passed away during a protest in Ladakh, sending shockwaves through the region, find out more below.
The former soldier, who once fought in the Kargil war, was among four protesters killed in police firing in Leh.
Who is Tsewang Tharchin, Kargil War veteran killed during Ladakh protest after being shot dead in Leh
In response to his death, his family members are now demanding a fair and transparent investigation.
Kargil War veteran Tsewang Tharchin killed in Ladakh protest
Kargil War hero and ex-soldier Tsawang Tharchin was given his final farewell in Ladakh. 🇮🇳
But his father’s words leave one shaken—he alleges the police intentionally took his son’s life.
This broke me completely 💔 pic.twitter.com/pfHbEKOnld
— Amoxicillin (@__Amoxicillin_) September 30, 2025
A tragic incident took place on September 24 as Kargil War veteran Tsewang Tharchin was shot and killed during protests in Ladakh. Tsewang was among the protestors demanding Ladakh’s statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. He had been taking an active part since September 10 as part of the Leh Apex Body movement. As demonstrations turned violent on September 24, police opened fire on the crowd, and a bullet struck Tharchin in the back and exited through his chest, killing him on the spot.
Tharchin’s family seemingly panicked after losing contact with him during the protest, and just hours later, they received the devastating news of his death. Following the news of his tragic death, hundreds have gathered to pay their respects, with his body now in his home village of Saboo. Tharchin was among four people who were killed during the incident.
लद्दाख में सरकार की गोली से मरने वाले को जान लीजिए
इनके पिता कहते है – “पाकिस्तान की गोली से नहीं मरा, अपनी सरकार की गोली से मरा”
👉🏼पाकिस्तान से कारगिल की लड़ाई लड़ी
👉🏼पिता भी फौज में पाकिस्तान से लड़े
👉🏼बच्चे आर्मी स्कूल में हैं
👉🏼46 वर्ष के Tsewang Tharchinइनसे बड़ा… pic.twitter.com/g4ZyEgroY6
— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) September 29, 2025
Tsewang Tharchin’s father speaks out
Tsewang’s father, 74-year-old Stanzin Namgyal, who is also a decorated Kargil War veteran himself, spoke out about his son’s tragic death, saying:
“My son was a patriot. He fought bravely in Kargil for three months at Dah Top and Tololing. Pakistanis couldn’t kill him, but our own forces did.”
Namgyal further added:
“He fought at Siachen four times. He helped retake the Dhalungba post from Pakistan and raised the Indian flag there. Army service runs in our blood. Even his children study in the Army school because he wanted them to follow in his footsteps. Is this how the government treats its patriots?”
Family demands fair enquiry
Tsewang Tharchin’s family is now demanding a fair inquiry, claiming that they found baton marks on his body, proving that he was beaten before being shot. They have demanded accountability from the authorities, with his wife questioning:
“There must be a fair inquiry. Who gave the order to fire? Who shot him? Why didn’t they use tear gas or rubber bullets?”
Meanwhile, Tsewang’s younger brother, an engineer, stated:
“Ladakhis have always stood by the Army — as soldiers, porters, guides, and caretakers. Our women feed the soldiers. And now we’re being labelled anti-national? All people are asking for is the right to protect their land, culture, and economy. But the government responds with bullets and arrests.”
The family strongly believes that Tharchin’s death should mark a turning point in the struggle for Ladakh’s rights, with his father firmly stating:
“My son has sacrificed himself for Ladakh. The government must listen now.”
Tsewang Tharchin biography and age
Tsewang Tharchin was a 46-year-old Kargil War veteran who lived in Saboo village near Leh with his wife and four children. After serving in the Army for over two decades, he had retired and run a garment shop in Leh up until his tragic death. Locals described Tsewang as a warm and approachable man, and a mentor to many young men in Saboo and his native Skur Buchan. He was a renowned weapons instructor and left a lasting impression on many aspiring soldiers in the community.
Military career
Tsewang Tharchin enlisted in the Indian Army back in 1996 and served as a Havildar in the Ladakh Scouts, which is a regiment specially trained for high-altitude warfare. Tsewang played a crucial role in the Battle of Tololing during the 1999 Kargil War and completed four postings in Siachen.
Wife and children
Tsewang Tharchin leaves behind his wife and four children. There is currently no information publicly available about the identity of his wife and children. However, following his tragic death, his wife has been very vocal in demanding justice, questioning why authorities did not use non-lethal methods during the protest.
