Ladakhis slam Shivaji statue installation at Pangong Tso, call it ‘cultural invasion’
Leh: The installation of a statue of 17th-century Hindu king Shivaji on the banks of Pangong Tso, a pristine lake in eastern Ladakh region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, triggered strong reactions from local politicians and activists. They raised concerns over cultural imposition and the potential impact on environmental preservation in this sensitive Himalayan region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the 30-foot tall bronze statue, was unveiled last week by the Indian Army at an altitude of 14,300 feet near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the Indo-China border.
Sajjad Kargili, a senior activist and politician from Kargil, strongly criticizing the move labeled it an example of “cultural domination.” Kargili emphasized that while Maratha warrior may have made significant contributions to Maharashtra, he was not politically relevant to Ladakh. “The local stakeholders were not consulted, and it’s concerning that such a decision was made without considering regional sensibilities,” Kargili said. “Imposing symbols that are not part of Ladakh’s history is not acceptable. The Army should respect the local culture and prioritise initiatives that genuinely reflect the region’s heritage.”
Kargili further argued that the focus should be on preserving Ladakh’s unique history and environment. “It’s more important to preserve the history of Ladakh. Having the statue of those who are relevant to our history would have been more appropriate. Moreover, placing statues in an environmentally sensitive area like Pangong Tso, which requires careful preservation, is a questionable decision,” he added.
Opposing the installation of the statue, Konchok Stanzin, the councillor of Chushul in Leh, expressed his concerns on social media. Stanzin, a former executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), questioned the relevance of the Maratha warrior in the context of Ladakh’s unique culture and environment.
“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 prioritise projects that truly reflect and respect our community and nature,” Stanzin said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Environmentalists and local groups have also raised alarms over the impact of such developments on the delicate ecosystem of the Pangong Tso area, which is home to several species of migratory birds and other wildlife. They warn that large-scale constructions in the region could exacerbate environmental challenges and disturb the fragile landscape. KMS-5S
