Leh: Martyrs’ Day was solemnly observed at the Martyrs Memorial Park, Skyatsags, on August 27 to honor the supreme sacrifices of Ladakhi martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause and identity of Ladakh.
The commemoration was attended by His Eminence Khamtak Rinpoche; Hon’ble Executive Councillor for RDD, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; Hon’ble Councillors of LAHDC Leh Tsering Namgyal, Tundup Nurboo,Karma Namdak, Lobzang Sherab,Konchok Stanzin,Dr.Morup Dorjey;Smanla Dorjey;Lhundup Dorjai & Hon’ble Nominated Councillor, Ven. Konchok Tsepel;Founder SECMOL Sonam Wangchuk; President, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Chering Dorjey Lakrook; Senior Vice President LBA, Rigzen Dorjey; President, Anjuman Imamia Leh, Ashraf Ali Barcha; President, Anjuman-e-Moin-ul-Islam, Dr. Abdul Qayoom; LBA Women Wing President, Kunzes Dolma; LBA Youth Wing President, Jigmet Raftan, besides officials, representatives of religious and community organizations, and members of the public.
The gathering paid heartfelt tribute to Nawang Rinchen, Tsering Stobdan, and Tsewang Dorjey, who sacrificed their lives during the 1989 agitation that paved the way for Ladakh’s Union Territory status. Their courage and sacrifice were recalled with deep respect, as their struggle became a turning point in Ladakh’s political journey. Homage was also offered to Ven. Lobzang Tsondus and Tashi Angchuk, who laid down their lives in the 1981 agitation for Scheduled Tribe status, their contribution remembered with equal reverence on the occasion of the 36th Martyrs’ Day.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee reflected on the unparalleled courage of the martyrs. He stressed that the younger generation must never forget the sacrifices of their forebears and must continue to draw inspiration from their struggles. Executive Councillor Yakzee recalled how the people of Ladakh stood united in their fight for ST status and later for UT status. He emphasized that Martyrs’ Day should not be reduced to politics but should serve as an occasion for intellectuals and leaders to come together, reflect, and deliberate on Ladakh’s issues with wisdom and foresight. He also reminded how leaders of Ladakh had actively engaged with the central leadership to project Ladakh’s aspirations at the national stage.
President, LBA, Chering Dorjey Lakrook, in his address, remembered the martyrs with deep respect and emphasised that their sacrifices must remain a guiding light for Ladakh’s future. He called upon the gathering to rise above differences and to utilise such platforms not merely as occasions of remembrance, but as opportunities to reaffirm commitment towards safeguarding the identity, dignity, and aspirations of Ladakh.
Leaders of various religious and community organisations and leaders including Ashraf Ali Barcha, Dr. Abdul Qayoom, Kunzes Dolma, and Sonam Wangchuk, also spoke on the occasion, paying heartfelt tributes to the martyrs. They stressed the need for unity and reflected on the aspirations of the people of Ladakh, urging that these must guide the region’s path forward. LBA Senior Vice President, Rigzin Dorjay, also spoke on the occasion and echoed these sentiments.
The solemn commemoration concluded with collective prayers and offerings in memory of the martyrs, reaffirming the resolve of the people of Ladakh to preserve their legacy and uphold their vision for a just and dignified future.
