NEW DELHI: Ladakh councillor Konchok Stanzin has questioned the relevance of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji’s statue, installed by the Indian Army on the banks of Pangong lake.
Criticizing the lack of local input in its construction, Stanzin, a local resident, called for a shift in focus towards projects that better reflect and respect the 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,” the Chushul councillor said.
The statue was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla on Thursday to mark “the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler.”
“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,” Fire and Fury Corps, Indian Army said in a post on X.
The unveiling of the Shivaji statue comes just weeks after India and China completed the disengagement process at the last two friction points, Demchok and Depsang, bringing an end to the nearly four-and-a-half-year-long border standoff.
The region has witnessed protests this year with thousands, including Sonam Wangchuk, demanding greater autonomy for Ladakh. The protest aimed to draw attention to the harm caused by industrialization to the fragile ecology and glaciers of the Himalayan region.