Army’s big step in East Ladakh
The statue was unveiled on Thursday by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the 14th Corps, also known as ‘Fire and Fury Corps’. The Corps informed on ‘X’ that this huge statue of bravery, foresight and steadfast justice was unveiled by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla. The unveiling of Shivaji’s statue comes weeks after India and China completed the withdrawal of troops from Demchok and Depsang, the two last standoff sites.
Impact of changing relations with China visible
Following the agreement reached on October 21, both sides completed the withdrawal of troops from the remaining two conflict sites. The standoff on the eastern Ladakh border began on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area. After several talks at the military and diplomatic level, both sides completed the process of withdrawal of troops on the northern and southern banks of Pangong Lake in 2021.
Shivaji statue at a height of 14,300 feet
According to media reports, this statue, which is more than 30 feet high, was built to honor the legacy of the Maratha warrior. They are respected for their military prowess, administrative skills and their efforts to promote a just and egalitarian society. Located in the breathtaking and strategic landscape of Pangong Lake, the statue has been installed as part of a larger effort to celebrate India’s rich cultural and historical heritage in the remote and high altitude areas of the country.
Why unveil the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji?
Known for its stunning beauty and strategic importance, Pangong Tso is now home to this monumental tribute to the great king. The tall statue reflects the country’s pride and strength in defending its sovereignty, especially in the challenging terrain of the northern border. The establishment will be a major attraction for tourists, military personnel and history buffs, further cementing the importance of the area on the map of India’s cultural and military heritage.
