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Ladakh bids goodbye to 2 killed in 24 September violence -- a batsman & an engineering student

Ladakh is currently under a tense lockdown. Security barricades choked the roads to the cremation grounds and the homes of two men in their early 20s -- Stanzin Namgyal and Jigmet Dorjay -- Sunday, when their last rites took place. As media vehicles stood idle at the barricades, civilians wanting to offer condolences at the funeral ground were stopped by the security forces. A strict protocol remained in place, allowing the presence of "not more than 30-40 people". At home and at the cremation ground, their families and relatives, cloaked in grief, refused to speak to the press. Those who dared whisper, on the condition of anonymity, were fearful; they anticipate more security crackdowns. Soon after Stanzin Namgail and Rinchen Dorjay had stepped out Wednesday, the quiet air of the noon had given way to violence. What began as a peaceful hunger strike and demonstration, demanding the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh, erupted into chaos as security forces and youth clashed on the streets. Four lives ended that day, including three men in their 20s and a 46-year-old former serviceman. More than 80 others were injured. Later, activist Sonam Wangchuk was slapped with the stringent National Security Act, and over 40 others were arrested. The region remains under an Internet shutdown and total curfew. On 24 September, Ladakh experienced an escalation for the first time after 1989, as well as since Article 370 was revoked, with Ladakh granted the status of Union Territory. While the last rites of Stanzin Namgyal (24) and Jigmet Dorjay (25) took place Sunday, the final ceremonies for Rinchen Dadul (20) and 46-year-old ex-serviceman Tsewang Tharchin are to be held Monday noon. A condolence message for Stanzin read, "A brave heart's silence will echo forever in the mountains of Ladakh. He gave his today so that the children of tomorrow may rise stronger, freer and unafraid -- STANZIN NAMGYAL IGO. Martyred on 24 September 2025." "Stanzin died trying to save Rinchen [Dadul]. They were both friends," a neighbour said, refusing to be named. "I can't give you my name; they will identify us." At Stanzin's home, women mourned as others arrived to offer their condolences. A left-handed opening batsman, Stanzin played for the Tip Top Sports and Culture Welfare Society. He would have taken part in an upcoming tournament, which was cancelled after the fateful 24 September. "He was so lightning fast," said his uncle, who too did not wish to be named, adding, "...they shot him in the chest. If this isn't brutality, what is? They could have been shot in the legs too". The 24-year-old Stanzin worked in a travel and tourism firm. He has left behind two younger brothers and his parents. While Wangchuck and others were on a hunger strike at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) stadium, a gathering of 5,000, led by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), took out a procession. Several LAB members, who surrendered before the court Saturday, were in the crowd. Stanzin's last rites took place near the same NDS stadium, where he played cricket. As the clock struck 1 pm, 25 Lamas arrived to bless his soul. Men and women cried as they carried his body wrapped in sheets. Back at the Devachan cremation ground, situated high up in the mountains, some 20 Lamas, followed by barely 35 relatives, arrived in buses. Soon, they started chanting and praying for 25-year-old Jigmet Dorjay, who was pursuing his diploma in engineering. As his elder brother deboarded one of the buses, another relative grabbed him by the arm to stabilise him. Jigmet Dorjay's body was laid on the ground near the pyre, and relatives took rounds around him, offering their final prayers and respect.

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