Gopal Sharma
LEH, Sept 7: Special Frontier Force Commando, Subedar Nyima Tenzin, a Tibetan brave heart, who sacrificed his life on the Indo-China border near Pangong Tso lake on August 30, 2020 was cremated with full military honours here today.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included BJP National general secretary Ram Madhav, Hill Council Chairman Gyal P.Wangyal, MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former MP Thupstan Chhewang, Tibetan CRO Chetan Angchuk, LBA President PT Kunzang, Political heads of Leh district and other prominent citizens.
JCO Nyima Tenzin served in Special Frontier Force (SFF) for the last 23 years. He is a resident of Tibetan Sonamling Settlement Camp near Choglamsar.
The funeral procession was taken early this morning from Tibetan Settlement Camp No. 1 to Dewachan where hundreds of bikers also accompanied the procession. Brave Army officer’s mortal remains were wrapped in National Flag and Tibetan Flag and given Military Guard of Honour.
Proud of their Tibetan and Indian identities, those attending the funeral hummed songs of Tibetan nationalism and also the national anthem of India.
There was an acknowledgment of the Special Frontier Force (SFF), a secret unit of the Indian Army, perhaps for the first time as the last rites were performed in full public display.
Subedar Tenzin is a hero not just to the Tibetans but all of India was the sentiment expressed by the Tibetan community. “He lived for the love of Tibet and died for the love of India,” read a poster.
“This is the first time a Tibetan’s sacrifice is known to all of India. It’s important for all of us to come together and recognise them. It’s our responsibility to let everyone know that nobody is forcing them to join the Army, they are doing it on their own,” Dawa Dolma, a journalist and social activist of Leh said.
Later, responding to the media query, Ram Madhav said that his scarifies will bring peace on the border and hopes that situation on the border will improve soon.
LBA president, PT Kunzang said that “Its our duty to pay rich tribute to the late officer and LBA have already written to Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh to compensate his family as per the provision”.
Tibetan Youth Congress president Kunzang Dechen said that this is for the first time in the history of Tibetan settlement where Tibetan soldiers serving in Special Frontiers Force received such honour from Indian Government and he expressed his gratitude to the Indian Government. He added that since 1971 Tibetan soldiers are participating in different wars on the Frontiers and feels proud to serve in Ladakh which is like home away from home for all the Tibetan refugees in Ladakh.
He said “China lies and people die and we all can jointly fight to protect” our motherland said Kunzang.” He added that nearly 1500 such soldiers from Tibetan Settlement in Ladakh are serving in Special Frontiers Force.
LBA Youth Wing President Konchok Ishey said that its a small gesture from Buddhist Association to hold candle light procession to pay tribute to late Nyima Tenzin.
In the evening Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing in collaboration with Tibetan Youth Congress held a candlelight procession in the town here.
To expressed their solidarity with the late Nyima Tenzin family Merchant Association Leh observed half day bandh today.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
