Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people of Ladakh and called for an impartial judicial inquiry into the recent police firing that resulted in the deaths of four protesters. This incident took place during a protest demanding statehood for Ladakh.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday, September 24, when police opened fire to control a violent demonstration leading to the deaths of four individuals, including Kargil war veteran Tsewang Tharchin.
As the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi highlighted this grievous loss while on a four-nation tour of South America. He shared a poignant video of Tharchin’s father, expressing deep sorrow over his son’s death, stating, “Patriotism runs in their blood. Yet the BJP government shot and killed this brave son of the nation. Is this the reward for serving the nation today?”
In a message posted on X, he urged for immediate action: “We demand that an impartial judicial inquiry be conducted into these killings in Ladakh, and the culprits be given the harshest punishment.”
Further emphasizing Modi’s alleged betrayal, Gandhi addressed the Prime Minister directly, insisting, “Communicate with them – stop the politics of violence and fear.”
The Congress party, through its general secretary Jairam Ramesh, expressed outrage over the death of Tharchin, a celebrated figure known for his role in the Kargil War and his service at the Siachen Glacier. Ramesh condemned the violence, stating, “It is a matter of deep anguish that he was killed along with three others during peaceful protests for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.”
In the aftermath of the protest, police reported numerous injuries to both demonstrators and security forces, with protestors resorting to violence that included setting a local BJP office on fire and hurling stones at police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
The criticism surrounding the government’s handling of protests intensified further when climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act and subsequently placed in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan.
The incident ignites the longstanding issue in Ladakh regarding demands for greater autonomy and rights for its residents. As locals continue to express their frustrations, calls for accountability and justice grow louder amid the political turmoil.
