The Indian Army has installed of a 30-foot bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj near Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and activists. While the Army hailed the statue as a “towering symbol of valour, vision, and unwavering justice,” many locals and veterans have questioned its relevance to the Himalayan region.
The statue was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding Fire and Fury Corps, at an altitude of 14,300 feet along the Line of Actual Control. In a post on X, the Corps described the event as a celebration of Shivaji’s legacy as an inspiration for generations.
Local leaders, however, voiced their opposition. Konchok Stanzin, Councillor of Chushul, stated, “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.”
Sajjad Kargili, a senior activist and politician, called the move a form of “cultural domination” and criticised the Army for not consulting local stakeholders. “Imposing cultural symbols on Ladakh is not acceptable. It’s more important to preserve the history of Ladakh. A statue of local historical figures like Khree Sultan Cho or Ali Sher Khan Anchan would have been more appropriate,” Kargili argued, as reported by The Wire.
Former JK minister Naeem Akhtar also weighed in, sarcastically saying, “I hope Shivaji will keep the dragon away the same way he killed Afzal Khan,” referring to the Maratha ruler’s historical military campaigns.
Other critics suggested that figures like General Zorawar Singh, known for his role in merging Ladakh with the Dogra kingdom, or Ladakhi heroes like King Skilde Nimagon, would have been more fitting choices.
The controversy comes amid broader tensions in Ladakh over cultural and constitutional issues following the region’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir and its reorganisation as a Union Territory.
