Rahul Gandhi slams BJP govt over Ladakh protests, demands judicial inquiry

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday strongly condemned the BJP government over the recent protests in Ladakh, where four people were killed in police firing. Gandhi questioned the government’s handling of the situation, saying that the people’s demands for rights were being met with violence and fear.

“Father a soldier, son also a soldier – those whose blood runs with patriotism,” Gandhi said in a post on X. “Yet the BJP government took the life of the country’s brave son by shooting him, just because he stood up for Ladakh and his rights. The father’s pained eyes are just asking one question – is this the reward for serving the country today?”

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Gandhi demanded a fair judicial inquiry into the murders and strict punishment for those found guilty. “Our demand is that there must be a fair judicial inquiry into these murders that took place in Ladakh, and the guilty must be given the strictest possible punishment,” he said.

The protests in Ladakh were sparked by demands for statehood and the inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The government has imposed curfews and restricted internet access in the region to maintain order.

The violence broke out on September 24, when protesters clashed with security forces in Leh. Four people, including a former serviceman, were killed in the firing, and over 80 others were injured. The government has blamed “vested interests” and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence.

Ladakh DGP SD Singh Jamwal defended the police action, saying that the force was used in self-defence and to prevent a larger flare-up. “Do you want the force personnel to die? That is not possible. Everyone has a life,” Jamwal said.

The Congress has demanded a judicial inquiry into the killings, with party leader Nawang Rigzin Jora writing to Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta to conduct a thorough investigation. “I am approaching you with a heavy heart and deep sorrow to demand a judicial inquiry into the unfortunate incident on September 24, which led to the death of four young men and injuries to others in police firing,” Jora said.

The situation in Ladakh remains tense, with restrictions in place and a heavy security presence. The government is expected to engage in dialogue with representatives of Ladakh to address the region’s demands.