PM Modi ‘Betrayed’ People Of Ladakh: Rahul
The mortal remains of 24-year-old Stanzin Namgyal, who was killed in the violence during recent protests for Ladakh statehood, being taken for his last rites amid curfew in Leh (Photo: Bilal Bhadur)
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people of Ladakh and called for an impartial judicial probe into the deaths of four protesters who were killed in police firing on September 24. Among those who lost their lives was Kargil war veteran Tsewang Tharchin, whose death has sparked widespread outrage.
Gandhi, currently on a four-nation tour of South America, shared a poignant video on X featuring Tharchin’s father. He wrote in Hindi, “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.” Reflecting on the father’s grief, Gandhi added, “The father’s pain-filled eyes ask one question, is this the reward for serving the nation today?”
Demanding justice, the former Congress president said, “We demand that an impartial judicial inquiry be conducted into these killings in Ladakh, and the culprits be given the harshest punishment.” He directly addressed Prime Minister Modi, stating, “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 had earlier expressed deep anguish over the killing of ex-serviceman Tharchin. On Monday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X, “Tsewang Tharchin was protesting peacefully for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. It should be a matter of the deepest anguish and outrage that he was killed along with three others.” The party condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters and called for accountability.
In the aftermath of the violence, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the stringent National Security Act. Reports indicate that he is lodged in Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan, though his exact whereabouts remain unclear, raising concerns among activists and supporters.
Meanwhile, the situation in Leh has shown signs of calm. Police officials announced that curfew relaxation in Leh has been extended from four to seven hours starting 10 am, reflecting a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Despite this, tensions remain high as the region grapples with the fallout from the protests and the demand for greater autonomy and rights.
The deaths of the protesters, including a decorated war veteran, have intensified calls for dialogue and justice. Rahul Gandhi’s statements underscore the political pressure on the government to address the grievances of the people of Ladakh and to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The demand for an impartial judicial inquiry remains central to restoring trust and peace in the region.
