New Delhi: Konchok Stanzin,a Ladakh councillor, has raised questions over the relevance of the Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji’s statue, that has been installed on the banks of Pangong Lake by the Indian Army. Pointing to the absence of local involvement in its creation, Stanzin, a local resident, underscored the need to focus on projects that better reflect and honour the community and nature.
The Chushul councillor said: “As a local resident, I must voice my concerns about the Shivaji statue at Pangong. It was erected without local input, and I question its relevance to our unique environment and wildlife. Let’s prioritize projects that truly reflect and respect our community and nature.”
As a local resident, I must voice my concerns about the Shivaji statue at Pangong. It was erected without local input, and I question its relevance to our unique environment and wildlife. Let’s prioritize projects that truly reflect and respect our community and nature. https://t.co/7mpu3yceDp
— Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) December 29, 2024
On Thursday, the Shivaji statue was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla to honour “the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler”.
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In a post on X, Fire and Fury Corps, Indian Army said: “On 26 Dec 2024, a majestic statue of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated on the banks of Pangong Tso at an altitude of 14,300 feet. The towering symbol of valour, vision and unwavering justice was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC **, SM, VSM, GOC Fire and Fury Corps and Colonel of The Maratha Light Infantry. The event celebrates the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler, whose legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations.”
SHRI CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ STATUE AT PANGONG TSO, LADAKH
On 26 Dec 2024, a majestic statue of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated on the banks of Pangong Tso at an altitude of 14,300 feet.
The towering symbol of valour, vision and unwavering justice was… pic.twitter.com/PWTVE7ndGX
— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) December 28, 2024
The inauguration of the Shivaji statue comes only weeks after India and China finished the disengagement process at the last two friction points, Demchok and Depsang, ending an almost four-and-a-half-year-long border standoff.
This year, the region has witnessed widespread protests, with thousands of people, including Sonam Wangchuk, calling for greater autonomy for Ladakh. The protests were aimed at bringing to fore the damage caused by industrialisation to the fragile ecology and glaciers of the Himalayan region.
