Srinagar: Local shepherds from Ladakh recently exhibited remarkable courage when they confronted Chinese soldiers attempting to prevent them from grazing sheep near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The confrontation, captured in a widely shared video on social media, showcased the shepherds firmly asserting their presence on Indian territory despite pressure from PLA troops.
This incident marked a significant shift as, following the 2020 Galwan clash, nomads in eastern Ladakh had refrained from grazing animals in several areas near the LAC. However, for the first time in three years, these shepherds stood up for their grazing rights, compelling the PLA soldiers to retreat without resorting to violence.
Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin commended the bravery of the local shepherds and lauded the support extended by the Indian army. In a social media post, Stanzin emphasized the positive impact of the Indian army in facilitating the assertion of grazing rights by nomads along the north bank of Pangong, expressing gratitude for the strong civil-military relations and the army’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of border area populations.
In another post, Stanzin shared a link to the Instagram video of the incident, which occurred earlier in the month, highlighting the resilience of the local population in defending their land against PLA intrusion.
The video depicts a standoff between the shepherds and PLA troops, with Chinese armored vehicles and soldiers present on the scene. Despite warnings to leave, the shepherds remain steadfast, asserting their claim to Indian territory. While tensions escalate at times, the situation does not escalate into violence, with the shepherds ultimately standing their ground.
According to Stanzin, the shepherds’ ability to confront PLA troops courageously stems from the unwavering support of the Indian forces, who actively engage in resolving grazing issues with the Chinese military.
The boundary dispute between India and China along the LAC has frequently resulted in skirmishes, including the deadly clash at Galwan Valley in 2020. However, recent statements from Army Chief General Manoj Pande indicate efforts to maintain stability through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of ongoing talks to prevent further escalation along the border.
It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA
in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers & nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong.
I would like to thank #IndianArmy for such strong… pic.twitter.com/yNIBatPRKE— Konchok Stanzin (@kstanzinladakh) January 30, 2024
Read More:
