Kargil war veteran killed in protests, father asks: Is this how we treat patriots

A Kargil war veteran, who served in the Ladakh Scouts as a Havildar between 1996 and 2017, Tharchin had been running a garment shop in Leh after retirement. His distraught family is unable to come to terms with the nature and circumstances of his death.

“My son was a patriot. He fought the Kargil war and was at the front for three months. He fought Pakistanis at Dah Top and Tololing. Pakistanis could not kill him, but our own forces have taken his life,” says his father Stanzin Namgyal, 74.

A Kargil war veteran himself, Namgyal retired in 2002 as Subedar Major and Honorary Captain. “My son and I had fought together during the Kargil war. I was in the 3 Infantry Division while Tharchin was in Ladakh Scouts. Tharchin has served four times in Siachen. I have received a commendation card from the Chief of Army Staff for my services. It is in our blood to join the Army. Even Tharchin’s children are studying in Army school and he wanted them to join the Army. Is this how the government treats its patriots?” says Namgyal.

Tharchin is survived by his wife and four children, two sons and two daughters, the eldest son just 16 years old. Relatives and neighbours remember him as an affable man who had good relations with everyone. “He was also a weapons instructor in the Army and was an inspiration in Saboo and his native village Skur Buchan for youngsters,” a relative recalls.

Calling his death a “murder”, Tharchin’s family alleges there are baton marks on his body, suggesting he was also beaten up before he died.

Tharchin’s wife is now demanding a thorough probe into the whole incident. “There should be a fair inquiry. Who ordered the firing? Who did the shooting? Why couldn’t they manage the crowd with tear gas and rubber bullets? We are shocked that our own people have killed him,” she says.

Tharchin’s younger brother, an engineer, is busy attending to visitors. “Whenever there is a war, it is we Ladakhis who provide all the support to the Army. We become their porters and guides apart from giving our young men as soldiers. Our women cook food and feed soldiers. And now we are being called anti-national,” he says.

He said it is the government’s apathy towards genuine demands of the Ladakhis that has caused his brother’s death. “What are people demanding? A right over their land and economy? Powers to administer themselves, right to preserve their unique culture. But how do you respond to that, by firing bullets at us and jailing our most prominent voice Sonam Wangchuk?” he says.

Tharchin is likely to be cremated Sunday. “My son has sacrificed himself for Ladakh. We hope the government will listen to us,” says Namgyal.

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