Leh, Sept 13: A week after he laid down his life in the line of duty, the final rites of Inspector Tsewang Namgail were carried out with full honours in Leh on Friday, marking the farewell of a brave and dedicated officer who laid down his life in the line of duty.
Inspector Namgyal of the Ladakh Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF) made the ultimate sacrifice while leading a critical search operation in the Indus River near Khaltsi on Saturday last.
Inspector Namgyal and his team were in the midst of an operation to recover the body of a 16-year-old girl who had drowned in the Indus River last week. Despite the dangers posed by the river’s swift waters, Inspector Namgyal pressed forward, leading his team with courage and resolve, as he had done countless times before. Unfortunately, the unforgiving currents left them with no chance to regain control when their boat overturned.
On Friday, his funeral procession was a solemn occasion, attended by his grieving family, colleagues, senior officers, and members of the local community.
His service to the nation, especially in combating militancy and protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, will never be forgotten, a police spokesperson said.
Draped in the national flag, Inspector Namgail’s body was accorded the traditional police honours. A guard of honour was presented, and a ceremonial gun salute was given in recognition of his supreme sacrifice.
The atmosphere was one of deep respect, gratitude, and sorrow, as friends, family, and officers paid their final respects to the fallen hero.
Local leaders and community members also paid tribute, recognizing the invaluable contributions he made to the safety and peace of the region. His fearless stand against militancy and his efforts to save lives in Ladakh will be cherished for generations, a statement said.
The entire community stands united in mourning his loss, while also celebrating the life of a man who lived for the service of others. His bravery, integrity, and devotion to duty will continue to inspire his fellow officers and future generations, it added.