Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging he had “betrayed” the people of Ladakh. Gandhi called for an impartial judicial probe into the tragic incident where four protesters died from police firing in the union territory.
Among those slain was Tsewang Tharchin, a Kargil war veteran who served the nation valiantly during the 1999 Kargil War. The emotional impact of this incident is profound, with Tharchin’s father, also an army veteran, expressing heart-wrenching grief over the loss.
Posting on X, Gandhi shared a poignant video featuring Tharchin’s father. He remarked, “Father in the army, son in the army – patriotism runs in their blood. Yet the BJP government shot and killed this brave son of the nation, simply because he stood up for Ladakh and his rights.” The Congress leader questioned the values of the government, asking, “Is this the reward for serving the nation today?”
Gandhi’s outcry was strong as he stated, “We demand that an impartial judicial inquiry be conducted into these killings in Ladakh, and the culprits be given the harshest punishment.” He urged Modi to engage with the people of Ladakh, emphasizing the need to end the “politics of violence and fear.”
Earlier, Congress emphasized the outrage over Tharchin’s death, calling it unacceptable that a decorated soldier fell victim to police firing during a peaceful protest for the Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader and general secretary for communications, emphasized the plight of Tharchin, recalling his history of service at Siachen and his dedication to the nation.
“It is a matter of deep anguish and outrage that Tsewang Tharchin, while protesting peacefully for their rights, was killed along with three others,” Ramesh stated, highlighting the tragic consequences of the recent unrest.
The violent protests erupted on September 24, during which police fired upon demonstrators advocating for statehood for Ladakh. As tensions escalated, protesters vandalized the local BJP office and clashed with the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), leading to a flurry of injuries among demonstrators.
In response to the unrest, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faced detention under the National Security Act on September 26, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding the demonstrations. He currently remains imprisoned at a facility in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The situation in Ladakh grows increasingly complex as demands for statehood and political representation intensify. Many residents express frustration at what they perceive as the central government’s neglect and call for urgent solutions.
As public sentiments run high, Gandhi’s call for a judicial probe reverberates among supporters in Ladakh and across the nation. The Congress party’s determination to bring justice to the victims and accountability to the officials involved remains steadfast.
