SRINAGAR: Congress Leader and Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi Friday said that Ladakh is a strategic place and China has taken away the Indian land in the region.
Addressing a gathering in Kargil, Rahul Gandhi, accused PM Modi of lying in the opposition meeting by saying that not a single inch of Indian territory had 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 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 said that after the conclusion of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Srinagar , the yatra couldn’t be conducted in Ladakh due to unfavorable weather conditions.
“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)
