Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ‘betraying’ the residents of Ladakh and is calling for a comprehensive judicial inquiry into recent police shootings that resulted in the deaths of four protesters. This accusation, made on Tuesday, follows the tragic incidents in the union territory where civilians called for greater autonomy.
Among the deceased, Tsewang Tharchin, a Kargil war veteran, has garnered significant attention. His tragic death resonates deeply within the community as it symbolizes the larger grievances of Ladakhi citizens. Gandhi highlighted this sentiment during a recent post on X, where he shared a video of Tharchin’s father mourning the loss of his son.
Gandhi expressed, ‘Father in the army, son in the army – patriotism runs in their blood.’ He pointedly addressed Modi, condemning the use of violence against those who seek their rights, stating, ‘Modi ji, you have betrayed the people of Ladakh.’ He urged the Prime Minister to engage in communication with local leaders and halt the politics of intimidation.
The Congress party’s position included criticism of the government’s response to the peaceful protests demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, remarked on social media that Tharchin’s death illustrated a profound injustice, stating that he valiantly served at Siachen Glacier and participated in the Kargil War.
‘It should be a matter of the deepest anguish that he was killed along with three others,’ Ramesh asserted, reflecting the sentiments shared among the citizens affected by this event. His call for a thorough investigation into these fatalities has echoed throughout political discourse.
On September 24, a protest demanding statehood for Ladakh escalated into violence, leading to police firing that killed the four individuals and injured many others. Former soldiers and local leaders have openly expressed their sorrow and outrage over this incident.
As tensions rise in the region, Gandhi and other opposition party leaders have intensified calls for accountability from the central government. They emphasize a non-violent approach to resolving the concerns of Ladakhis, urging that open dialogues should replace the historical neglect often faced by the region.
Provocative actions during the protest, including the burning of a local BJP office and clashes with police forces, have contributed to heightening tensions in the area. As authorities investigate these events, many in Ladakh hope for a peaceful resolution and renewed attention to their long-standing demands.
The situation has prompted discussions not only about local governance but also about larger questions of autonomy and rights that many indigenous populations within India face. Addressing these issues in an empathetic and constructive manner is crucial to restoring peace and trust in the region.
Meanwhile, on September 26, notable climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act amid this turmoil. His detention has sparked widespread dialogue regarding freedom of expression, particularly in circumstances involving sociopolitical unrest.
