Leh continues to reel under tension as curfew remained in force for the sixth consecutive day on Monday following the tragic killing of four protesters, including Kargil War veteran Tsewang Tharchin, during a violent confrontation with security forces last week. Tharchin, who had served at the Siachen Glacier and fought valiantly in the 1999 Kargil War, was among those agitating peacefully to demand the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh and full statehood for the region. His death has triggered widespread anguish and outrage, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stating that it should deeply disturb the conscience of the nation that a decorated soldier lost his life while standing up for the rights of his people. The protests were organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been at the forefront of the movement pressing for constitutional safeguards and greater autonomy for Ladakh. Following the violence on September 24, the administration imposed a curfew to restore order. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting to review the overall security situation in the Union Territory. The loss of a war hero in these circumstances has intensified the debate over Ladakh’s future and the Centre’s approach to addressing the long-standing demands of its people.
