Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 30: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he had “betrayed” the people of Ladakh after four protesters were killed in police firing last week, including war veteran Tsewang Tharchin.

Taking to X, Gandhi wrote, “Modi ji, you have betrayed the people of Ladakh. They are demanding their rights. Communicate with them – stop the politics of violence and fear.”

He also posted a video of Tharchin’s father, stating, “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. His father’s pain-filled eyes ask one question – is this the reward for serving the nation today?” Gandhi demanded an impartial judicial inquiry into the killings.

The Congress slammed the government, expressing anguish that Tharchin, who served in Siachen and fought in the 1999 Kargil War, was among the dead. “He was protesting peacefully for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. It is a matter of deepest outrage that he was killed along with three others in firing on agitators,” said Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh.

Tensions remain high in Ladakh with curfew and internet suspension imposed last week. Protests turned violent after the incident, with demonstrators setting the BJP headquarters on fire and pelting stones at police and CRPF personnel.

Meanwhile, noted activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 and shifted to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan.

The developments have sparked widespread anger in Ladakh, with opposition parties demanding accountability from the government.