The Indian Army has unveiled a statue of 17th-century Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji at an altitude of 14,300 feet at Pangong Tso in Ladakh, near the India-China border.
The inauguration ceremony was on Thursday (December 26) and was led by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, the General Commanding Officer of the Fire and Fury Corps, and the Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry, the army said in a statement.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt General Bhalla highlighted the relevance of Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of valor, strategy, and justice in today’s military operations.
The photo was revealed amid ongoing developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Pangong Tso district, which became the epicenter of the 2020-21 conflict following the Galwan Valley conflict, also saw subsequent disengagement efforts.
The development followed recent developments in bilateral talks between India and China, which saw a standoff in the Demchok and Depsang plains, paving the way for peace in the region.
The military said they have strengthened their positions, and the Fire and Fury Corps are playing an important role in ensuring the integrity of the area.
“His (Chhatrapati Shivaji’s) installation at Pangong Tso serves the military and is a testament to India’s historical and modern military strength,” an army statement said.
Notably, Pangong Tso’s statue is now installed in the Indian Army Chief’s resting place, replacing the famous 1971 surrender statue of Bangladesh. “This move, aimed at emphasizing India’s contemporary challenges and priorities, reflects the military’s focus on the northern borders,” he said.
“The unveiling marks an important moment in the modern history of Ladakh, which combines the timeless spirit of a legendary ruler with the strong determination of a nation protecting its borders,” the army added.
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