Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having ‘betrayed’ the people of Ladakh. This statement came following the death of four protesters during a police firing incident that occurred during a rally advocating for statehood in the union territory.
Among the deceased protesters was Tsewang Tharchin, a Kargil war veteran whose tragic death has outraged many. Rahul Gandhi, currently on a four-nation tour in South America, shared a heartfelt video on social media. He expressed deep condolences over Tharchin’s death, highlighting his family’s military legacy. Tharchin’s father served the nation in the army, and Gandhi questioned the government’s motives: ‘Is this the reward for serving the nation today?’, he stated.
Gandhi further emphasised the need for an impartial judicial inquiry into the police actions that led to these casualties. ‘We demand that an unbiased investigation into these killings be conducted, ensuring that those responsible face the harshest punishment,’ he said. His statements come as part of a larger criticism of the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation in Ladakh.
The former Congress president also alleged that the Prime Minister’s government is failing to communicate effectively with the people of Ladakh. ‘Modi ji, you have betrayed the people of Ladakh. They demand their rights. It is time to stop the politics of violence and fear,’ he asserted.
On Monday, the Congress party described the incident as ‘outrageous’ especially given that Tharchin was an ex-serviceman who bravely fought in the Kargil Conflict of 1999. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh characterised Tharchin’s death as a moment for ‘deep anguish and outrage’, stating he was peacefully demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh when he was killed.
The tragic incident took place on September 24, when a protest for statehood escalated into violence, resulting in the police firing on demonstrators. Witnesses reported that protesters had set fire to a local BJP office and faced retaliatory attacks from police and paramilitary forces.
The unrest surrounding Ladakh’s political status is ongoing, with prominent leaders and activists calling for drastic changes to the rights of the region’s inhabitants. As tensions rise, the government faces growing pressure to address these issues.
In a controversial turn of events, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and is currently in a Jodhpur jail. His detention also sparked criticism about the government’s approach to dissenting voices in regions like Ladakh.
As demands for justice and accountability escalate, the people of Ladakh await the government’s response to the matter of their rights and aspirations.