But, some defended the decision to install the Shivaji statue citing not just the Maratha warrior king’s valour but also the beliefs of the army unit deployed in the area
The recent installation of a statue of Maratha warrior king Shivaji, on the banks of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh has sparked a debate among army veterans and local residents on social media.
The Chushul councillor along with other local voices questioned the “relevance” of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said it was erected without consulting those living in the area. Several veterans also raised concerns, asking if the Indian Army could have chosen a local figure or leader instead.
But, some defended the decision citing not just Shivaji’s valour but also the beliefs of the army unit deployed in the area. “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,” wrote Konchok Stanzin, councillor of Chushul, on social media platform ‘X’.
Similarly, a veteran, Col Sanjay Pande (Retd), said Dogra general Zorawar Singh fought for the region. “He died fighting in Tibet. Leh Fort is called Zorawar Fort. Why is Shivaji’s statue there? I am Maharashtrian from a (pure) Dogra unit, the first unit of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Why not another Shivaji statue in Lal Chowk Srinagar? Or in Dras? Or in Kargil? Zorawar Singh fought wars 180 years back in the same weather conditions as today. He deserves to be there,” he wrote.
Social media users criticised the army for imposing its beliefs rather than considering local preferences. Defence sources, however, provided reasoning for the installation.
Senior defence officials said the statue had not been installed under orders from headquarters or any policy, but by the army unit deployed in the area. “A Maratha unit deployed in the region decided to install the statue of the much-celebrated Maratha ruler. People should not have a problem with it as they contributed to the statue and chose a place within their area of responsibility,” the official said.
Questioning the relevance of Shivaji at Pangong Tso, several veterans and others suggested that Zorawar Singh would have been an apt choice.
Sajjad Kargili, a political activist who contested for Parliament from Ladakh in 2019, said Shivaji has no cultural or historical relevance in Ladakh. “While we respect his legacy, imposing such cultural symbols here is misplaced. We would appreciate the installation of statues honouring local historical figures like Khree Sultan Cho or Ali Sher Khan Anchen and Seenge Namgyal. However, even these should not be placed in environmentally sensitive areas like Pangong, which require careful preservation,” he wrote on X.
This is not the first instance. In November 2023, a 10.5-foot-tall Shivaji statue was unveiled by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district. The statue, which was transported from Mumbai, was installed at the headquarters of 41 Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha Light Infantry).
“We have units following different beliefs and traditions. Every time a unit arrives in an area, they establish temples or statues according to their beliefs and traditions. It is also a source of motivation. Controversies over paintings and statues should not be given importance,” the official said.
“In infantry units, where hand-to-hand combat chances are more, heroes associated with the units are given a high pedestal by commanders to boost morale. Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji by a Maratha unit on the banks of Pangong Tso is a step in that direction,” wrote Brig (Retd) Hardeep Singh Sohi on X.
The statue in Ladakh was inaugurated on the banks of Pangong Lake on December 26. This is located at an altitude of 14,300 feet (above sea level), as announced by the army’s 14 Corps.
