Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the September 24 firing incident in Leh, where four civilians were killed, including a decorated Kargil War veteran, Tsewang Tharchin.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, Gandhi sharply criticised the BJP-led central government, accusing it of “betraying the people of Ladakh” and using force to suppress legitimate democratic demands.
He highlighted Tharchin’s military service, stating: “A father and son who both served the nation, yet one was gunned down for demanding his rights.”
Calling for accountability, Gandhi said the Modi government must engage in dialogue instead of resorting to what he described as “politics of violence and fear.” He insisted that those responsible for the killings be prosecuted under a fair and transparent judicial process.
The violence erupted after protesters clashed with police during demonstrations demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Officials claimed the crowd torched a CRPF vehicle, vandalized government property, and attacked the convoy of the Ladakh police chief, prompting a curfew across Leh.
Authorities have since detained prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA), alleging he incited violence. He has been transferred to Jodhpur Jail in Rajasthan. The move has triggered further outrage among locals and civil society groups.
In response, the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have suspended talks with the Centre, citing an environment of fear and mistrust. They are demanding the immediate release of Wangchuk and dozens of detained youths, blaming the administration for escalating tensions rather than defusing them.
Meanwhile, curfew in Leh continues in a staggered form, with a four-hour relaxation on Tuesday passing off without incident.
