Shivaji statue at Pangong Tso sparks backlash from Ladakhi locals, army veterans
Ladakh: The Indian Army's installation of a Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh has drawn criticism from local residents and military veterans, raising concerns about political symbolism and its historical relevance to the region.
The statue, unveiled on 26 December by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Leh-based 14 Corps, was funded by voluntary contributions from personnel of the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI). The Army described the statue as a tribute to Shivaji's "unwavering spirit and legacy," which it claimed inspires generations.
Local leaders and veterans questioned the decision, pointing out Shivaji’s lack of historical connection to Ladakh. Retired Major General Birender Singh Dhanoa criticised the move, remarking, “Are all fixed-class units now erecting statues of their ancestral notables in Corps Zones?” He also called the publicity surrounding the installation unnecessary.
Retired Colonel Sanjay Pande suggested installing a statue of Zorawar Singh, the Dogra general who led Himalayan conquests in the 19th century, instead of Shivaji. Other critics expressed concerns about setting a precedent for similar installations across the country.
However, some veterans defended the initiative, citing its potential to boost troop morale. Brigadier (Retired) Hardeep Sohi argued that Shivaji’s legacy provides inspiration to infantry units engaged in high-stakes combat.
This controversy follows recent efforts by the government to incorporate Shivaji into military traditions, including changes to naval insignia. Critics argue that such moves politicise the armed forces, with some veterans fearing repercussions for openly opposing these initiatives.
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If Bumrah is not fit then a score of around 200 also might not be enough: Gavaskar
Sydney, Jan 4: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar feels India will struggle to defend even 200 in case premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unable to bowl at full throttle on the third day of the fifth and final Test against Australia here on Sunday.
Bumrah had left the field for scans during the second day's post-lunch session after bowling just one over, having experienced some discomfort. However, he returned to the dressing room after undergoing precautionary scans for an unspecified niggle.
India pacer Prasidh Krishna said his skipper had suffered back spasm.
The medical team was monitoring him as India ended the day 145 runs in front with four second innings wickets left on a SCG track which is aiding the bowlers.
"Look, if India scores 40 more runs or they put 185 on the board then they have a great chance but it all depends on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. If Jasprit Bumrah is fit then 145-150 might be enough. But if Bumrah is not fit then a score of around 200 also might not be enough," said Gavaskar on Star Sports on Saturday.
Gavaskar also said maintaining secrecy around Bumrah's status is not going to help the Australians, who have so far struggled to counter the threat posed by the Indian pace spearhead.
"One thing that I liked was when he came back after the scan, obviously it took a lot of time because the hospital is a bit far, but he looked in good shape and his body language was such that there was no indication of the Australian team and it is very important to maintain the secrecy.
"Because, tactically you do not want to announce whether Bumrah will be available for bowling or not, and even if he is not available and this news goes across the opposition dressing room because till now Australian batsmen haven't found out a way to counter him, they don’t know whether they should attack, defend, or whether they should play on front-foot.
"So to execute this plan it is important to maintain secrecy, so Bumrah and the Indian team management managed it quite well," Gavaskar said.
The pacer has already taken 32 wickets in the series, and had figures of 2/33 in 10 overs before leaving the field, having removed Marnus Labuschagne in the morning session and Usman Khawaja on the last ball of the first evening.
