Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ‘betrayed’ the people of Ladakh and is demanding a thorough judicial probe into the fatal police firing that resulted in the deaths of four protesters in the union territory. On September 24, a protest advocating for statehood in Ladakh turned violent, resulting in tragic casualties.
Among the deceased was Kargil war veteran Tsewang Tharchin, highlighting the poignant intersection of military service and local rights advocacy. Tharchin’s devastating loss stirred emotions as Gandhi shared a heart-rending video of Tharchin’s father on the social media platform X, portraying the deep military legacy in the family.
“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,” Gandhi remarked, underscoring the tragedy with a personal touch. He emphasized that Tharchin’s father, a veteran, represents the sacrifice many families endure while serving the country.
Demanding accountability, Gandhi stated, “We require an impartial judicial inquiry into these killings in Ladakh, and those responsible must face the harshest punishment. Modi ji, you have betrayed the people of Ladakh. They are rightfully demanding their rights. Communicate with them—stop the politics of violence and fear.” His passionate words resonate with the sentiments of those seeking justice and recognition for their cause.
The Congress party reacted strongly to the incident, condemning the police actions in Ladakh. General Secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed his outrage, particularly noting the loss of a decorated war veteran. He stated, “Tharchin served at the Siachen Glacier and valiantly fought in the 1999 Kargil War.” Ramesh lamented the fact that despite such valorous service, Tharchin met his end while peacefully protesting for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh—an essential demand for many local residents.
The tragic events unfolded when protesters, advocating for statehood, clashed with police forces. Eyewitness reports indicated that during the unrest, militants set fire to a local BJP office and engaged in stone-pelting against police and CRPF personnel. This violence escalated swiftly, leading to a government crack down that resulted in the four fatalities and scores of injuries.
In the aftermath, the situation in Ladakh remains tense, as protests call for justice and greater autonomy. The detention of noted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act only added fuel to the fire of dissent among the people. Wangchuk was subsequently relocated to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, raising concerns about freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
The demand for a judicial inquiry reflects a broader call for accountability and justice in a time of unrest, as citizens question the government’s dedication to addressing their grievances and rights. The stirring words of Rahul Gandhi aim to amplify these calls, pushing the narrative of justice for those who valiantly stood not just for their region, but for the principles of democracy.
