Leh, September 25: The bodies of four individuals who were killed during police firing amid protests in Leh on Wednesday were handed over to their families today at Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital. Apex Body Chairman and former Member of Parliament Thupstan Chhewang, along with Co-Chairman Chhering Dorjay Lakrook, were present on the occasion.

According to sources, the bereaved families have requested that the last rites of the deceased be performed in Leh instead of their native villages. Due to the prevailing curfew, the administration has allowed only one member of the Apex Body to accompany each body. Co-Chairman Lakrook assured the families of all possible support and assistance.

The incident occurred during the 15th day of the ongoing hunger strike at NDS Ground in Leh, led by environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk. The protest, demanding statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, had drawn thousands of participants. Tensions escalated when the condition of two hunger strikers deteriorated, leading to their hospitalization. Public anger surged, turning the peaceful demonstration violent, prompting police action that resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to dozens of others.

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The deceased have been identified as Tharchin of Skurbuchan, Jigmet Dorjay of Kharnakling, Stanzin Namgyal of Igoo, and Dadol of Hanou. Their deaths have cast a shadow of grief and mourning across their respective communities, while the situation in Leh remains tense.