Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 30: Congress leader and Lok Sabha Opposition head Rahul Gandhi has called for a judicial investigation into the September 24 firing incident in Leh that left four people dead, including Tsewang Tharchin, a highly respected Kargil War veteran and retired soldier of the Ladakh Scouts.

Taking to social media platform X, Gandhi condemned the incident in strong terms, accusing the BJP-led government of killing a patriotic citizen simply for speaking up for his rights. “Father a soldier, son also a soldier — those whose blood runs with patriotism. 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,” he wrote. He demanded the government ensure a fair judicial inquiry and said those responsible must be punished with the “strictest possible” action. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, Gandhi said, “Modi ji, you have betrayed the people of Ladakh. They are demanding their rights, engage in dialogue — stop the politics of violence and fear.”

The incident occurred when security forces opened fire on a crowd in Leh town during a protest that turned violent. According to the Ladakh administration, the mob engaged in arson and stone-pelting, including an attempt to torch a CRPF vehicle with personnel inside. Protesters also allegedly burned down local BJP offices, vandalized the office of the Leh Apex Body, and smashed the vehicle of the Ladakh DGP, who escaped with minor injuries.

The violence led to the imposition of an indefinite curfew in Leh, which is now being relaxed gradually. On Tuesday, movement was allowed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and officials reported no incidents during the window.

Meanwhile, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and transferred to Jodhpur jail in Rajasthan. Authorities claim he played a role in inciting unrest, a charge his supporters strongly deny. The detention has fueled further anger among local groups, who see it as an attempt to silence dissent.

The Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have since withdrawn from talks with the Centre, stating that no dialogue is possible until the “atmosphere of fear, grief, and anger” is addressed. Both groups are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Wangchuk and detained youths, holding the Ladakh administration responsible for the current breakdown in law and order.