Congress Criticizes Government Following Kargil Hero’s Death in Ladakh Protests

The Congress party has expressed profound shock and outrage over the killing of Tsewang Tharchin, a Kargil War veteran, during a violent clash between security forces and protesters in Ladakh. The incident, which occurred five days ago, has intensified tensions in the region, with curfew measures still in place in Leh as authorities grapple with the fallout.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications, took to X to highlight Tharchin’s heroic service. A decorated ex-serviceman, Tharchin served on the treacherous Siachen Glacier and fought bravely in the 1999 Kargil War. His father, too, was an Indian Army veteran, adding to the family’s legacy of service. Ramesh condemned the use of lethal force, stating, “It is utterly outrageous that a peaceful protestor like Tsewang Tharchin, who served our nation with valor, was killed alongside three others during the agitation for Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule status.”

The violence erupted on September 24 when the Leh Apex Body (LAB), a prominent local group, called for a shutdown to press demands for statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special protections to tribal areas. The protests turned chaotic, resulting in a violent confrontation with security forces. Over 150 people were injured, including 80 policemen, and more than 60 individuals, including two councillors, have been detained.

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Leh remains under a strict curfew for the sixth consecutive day as Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta prepares to chair a high-level meeting to assess the security situation. The unrest has drawn widespread attention, particularly following the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act on September 26. Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the statehood movement, is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail, Rajasthan, further fueling public anger.

The Congress party has called for a thorough investigation into the killings and urged the government to address the demands of Ladakh’s people with urgency. “The loss of lives, especially of a Kargil War hero like Tharchin, is a tragedy that demands accountability,” Ramesh said. “The government must engage in dialogue to resolve the grievances of Ladakh’s residents and prevent further escalation.”

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the use of force against peaceful protests and the long-standing demands for greater autonomy in Ladakh. As the region remains on edge, all eyes are on the administration’s next steps to restore calm and address the underlying issues driving the agitation.

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