Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ‘betraying’ the people of Ladakh, demanding a comprehensive judicial probe into the deaths of four protesters during a recent police firing incident in the Union Territory.
The tragic event, which occurred on September 24, resulted in the loss of lives, including Kargil war veteran Tsewang Tharchin. Gandhi’s remarks resonate deeply, especially as Tharchin’s father is also a retired army personnel, highlighting the ongoing sacrifice families make for the nation.
While on a four-nation tour in South America, Gandhi shared a poignant video on X, showing Tharchin’s grieving father, reflecting on the deep-rooted patriotism in their family. He stated, “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’s post raised critical questions about the government’s treatment of those who serve the nation. He further emphasized, “We demand that an impartial judicial inquiry be conducted into these killings in Ladakh, and the culprits be given the harshest punishment.”
He continued to address PM Modi directly, asserting, “Modi ji, you have betrayed the people of Ladakh. They are demanding their rights. Communicate with them – stop the politics of violence and fear.”
The Congress Party expressed outrage following the incident, particularly given Tharchin’s background as a hero who fought valiantly in the 1999 Kargil War. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, emphasized the injustice of targeting a peaceful protester like Tharchin, who sought Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.
Ramesh stated, “Tsewang Tharchin was protesting peacefully for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. His killing, along with three others during the protest, is a matter of profound anguish and outrage.” He reiterated Tharchin’s esteemed military history, noting his service at the strategic Siachen Glacier.
The police firing triggered severe unrest, leading to injuries to dozens more when protests for statehood for Ladakh escalated. Reports suggest that demonstrators resorted to arson, setting fire to a local BJP office, and clashing with police and CRPF personnel.
In the wake of these protests, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faced detention under the National Security Act; he was later confined to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan, adding to the already charged political atmosphere.
The aftermath of the police firing has ignited discussions across India regarding the handling of peaceful protests and the rights of the people within Ladakh. Experts agree that the demand for statehood has intensified due to ongoing regional tensions.
This flare-up demands immediate attention and accountability from the Central Government to prevent such tragedies in the future. Congress leaders continue to bat for justice, asserting that the people’s voices in Ladakh deserve to be heard without fear of retribution.
