Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people of Ladakh, demanding an impartial judicial inquiry into the deaths of four protesters killed in police firing on September 24. The protests, centered on demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory, turned violent, resulting in the tragic deaths, including that of Kargil war veteran Tsewang Tharchin. Gandhi, currently on a four-nation tour of South America, expressed his outrage via a post on X, highlighting the patriotism of Tharchin and his father, both of whom served in the Indian Army.

In a poignant video shared on X, Gandhi drew attention to the grief of Tharchin’s father, questioning whether such loss is the reward for serving the nation. He condemned the BJP-led government’s response to the protests, alleging that the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators was unjustifiable. Gandhi called for the harshest punishment for those responsible and urged Modi to engage in dialogue with Ladakh’s people, criticizing the government’s reliance on “violence and fear” to suppress dissent. The Congress leader emphasized the need for transparent communication to address the region’s longstanding demands.

The protests in Ladakh escalated on September 24, when demonstrators, advocating for greater autonomy and constitutional protections under the Sixth Schedule, clashed with security forces. The situation deteriorated as protesters reportedly set a local BJP office ablaze and pelted police and CRPF personnel with stones, prompting the fatal police response. Four lives were lost, and scores of others were injured in the violence. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with the Congress party labeling the killing of Tharchin, a decorated ex-serviceman who served at Siachen Glacier and fought in the 1999 Kargil War, as particularly egregious.

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Adding to the controversy, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent voice in the agitation, was detained under the National Security Act on September 26 and lodged in Jodhpur jail. The Congress party, through General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, condemned the government’s actions, calling the deaths a matter of “deepest anguish and outrage.” Ramesh highlighted Tharchin’s service and the peaceful nature of the protests, underscoring the demand for Sixth Schedule status to protect Ladakh’s unique cultural and environmental identity.

The incident has intensified political tensions, with the Congress accusing the Modi government of neglecting Ladakh’s aspirations. As calls for justice grow louder, Gandhi’s demand for a judicial probe aims to ensure accountability and address the grievances of Ladakh’s people. The situation remains volatile, with the nation watching closely for the government’s response to these tragic events and the broader demands for autonomy in the region.

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