Local shepherds in Ladakh exhibited courage when they confronted Chinese soldiers attempting to prevent them from grazing sheep near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Following the 2020 Galwan clash, the shepherds had refrained from grazing animals in the area. A compelling video capturing their exchange with PLA troops, affirming their presence on Indian territory, has gained widespread admiration on social media.
Nomads in eastern Ladakh had refrained from grazing animals in various areas near the LAC over the past three years. This marks the first instance where they asserted their grazing rights in the region, compelling PLA soldiers to withdraw.
The LAC serves as a demarcation line between Indian and Chinese territories, often leading to disputes due to differing perceptions. However, in this case, violence was avoided. Chushul councillor Konchok Stanzin praised the shepherds’ resistance and commended the Indian army for supporting them.
“It is heartening to see the positive impact made by @firefurycorps_IA in Border areas of Eastern Ladakh in facilitating the graziers and nomads to assert their rights in traditional grazing grounds along the north bank of Pangong,” Stanzin expressed in a post, thanking the #IndianArmy for maintaining robust civil-military relations.
In another post, Stanzin shared an Instagram video of the incident, emphasizing the bravery of local people in standing up to PLA forces. He acknowledged the ongoing struggle over differing perceptions but applauded the nomads for safeguarding their land.
The video depicts at least three Chinese armored vehicles and several soldiers attempting to signal the shepherds to leave. Undeterred, the shepherds assert their claim to Indian territory, engaging in verbal exchanges with PLA troops. Despite tensions escalating and some shepherds appearing to pick up stones, the video does not depict violence. Notably, the Chinese soldiers in the video are unarmed.
Stanzin attributed the shepherds’ courage to the support of the Indian forces, highlighting their role in resolving grazing issues with the PLA. The longstanding boundary dispute between India and China, often resulting in skirmishes along the LAC, reached a tragic peak in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. Despite multiple military and diplomatic meetings to maintain peace, the situation along the LAC remains “stable but sensitive,” according to Army Chief General Manoj Pande.”
