Is a Judicial Investigation Needed for the Leh Firing Incident?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi calls for a judicial probe into the Leh firing incident.
- Four protesters, including a war veteran, were killed in the incident.
- The Ladakh administration has imposed a curfew in response to the unrest.
- Dialogue is crucial to address the concerns of the people of Ladakh.
- Concerns over law and order continue as tensions rise in the region.
Srinagar, Sep 30 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has called for a thorough judicial investigation into the tragic firing incident that occurred on September 24 in Leh, claiming the lives of four individuals, including a retired war veteran.
Tsewang Tharchin, a distinguished Kargil War veteran and former soldier of the Ladakh Scouts, lost his life due to security forces firing on demonstrators in Leh on September 24.
In a post on X, Gandhi expressed, “With a father and son both devoted to service—those infused with patriotism—how could the BJP government take the life of a brave son of the nation just for advocating for Ladakh and his rights? The sorrowful eyes of the father ask one question: Is this the price for serving our country today?”
“We demand a fair judicial inquiry into these murders in Ladakh, and that those responsible face the harshest penalties. Modi ji, you have betrayed the residents of Ladakh. They are asking for their rights—engage in conversation and cease the politics of violence and intimidation,” he continued in his statement.
On September 24, four demonstrators were fatally shot when security forces responded to an unruly crowd that was engaging in arson and throwing stones in Leh.
The administration of Ladakh reported that the mob aimed to set fire to a CRPF vehicle, intending to harm the personnel inside. Protesters also targeted local BJP offices and the apex body in Leh, while the vehicle of the Ladakh DGP was vandalized, resulting in his escape with injuries.
An indefinite curfew was instituted in Leh on September 24, with gradual relaxations being implemented.
On Tuesday, the curfew was eased from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with officials noting that this period passed without incident.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, as authorities alleged he incited violence.
The Leh apex body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have withdrawn from discussions with the Central government, asserting that dialogue cannot proceed until the atmosphere of fear, sorrow, and anger is addressed.
These representative groups have demanded the unconditional release of Sonam Wangchuk and the youth detained following the protests in Leh, attributing the unrest to the Ladakh administration's handling of law and order.