Former Congress president and Member Parliament Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that China has taken away major chunk of Indian land in Ladakh region and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi lied in the Opposition meeting, saying that not a single inch of land has been taken away.
Addressing a gathering in Kargil, Rahul Gandhi, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that PM Modi lied and every individual of Ladakh knows that China has taken away the land.
“Ladakh is a strategic place and China has taken away the Indian land in the region. But unfortunately, the Prime Minister in the Opposition meeting said not a single inch has been taken away. It is a lie every individual of Ladakh knows that China has taken away our land but the Prime Minister isn’t being honest about it,” he said.
He also said that people of Kargil have always been with India whenever there were border concerns, not only once rather multiple times.
“We are thankful for all the support over the years. We all remember the sacrifices of the people of Kargil,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He also assured them that he will be their representative in the next parliament session and will raise all the concerns and demands of the people of Ladakh in the parliament
He also said that he concluded the Bharat Jodo Yatra recently in Srinagar but couldn’t come to Ladakh due to winter season and due to the suggestion of the authorities.
“In connection with Yatra I came to Ladakh. It was aimed to stand against hatred and strengthen the bond of brotherhood and love. I wanted to have the same yatra in Ladakh and I did it but on motorcycle and met people in every corner of the region,” he said.
He said that he talked to people and tried to listen to their hearts. “I wanted to listen to your Mann Ki Baat instead of sharing my own. People of Ladakh are very empathetic and share love. Labourers from different parts of the country work here, who met during the ride praised Ladakhi people.”
He said that people talked about political representation and said that their voice is being suppressed, the rights are not given after UT status and the promises about employment opportunities were a lie.
“I talked to the youth here during the ride, they are very concerned about themselves. Youth are now calling this place the epicentre of unemployment. Communication system is not available. Airport is available but air services are not available. The Congress party stands with people for the protection of their land, employment, culture, language and other concerns bothering them,’’ he said.
Rahul Gandhi said that Ladakh has a great potential in natural resources.
“This place has great potential for solar energy, but BJP doesn’t want to give Ladakhis political representation because of the land. They want to keep the land and give major projects to people like Adani and give direct benefits to them. But the Congress party won’t let it happen,” he said.
Talking about the demands of the people of Ladakh raised by KDA and Leh Apex Body, he said that all their demands are welcomed and agreed by the Congress—(KNO)