Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Stands Firm Against China's Claims on Shaksgam Valley

Strong Rejection of Chinese Claims

Jammu: Kavinder Gupta, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, firmly dismissed China's assertions regarding the Shaksgam valley, emphasizing that the entirety of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part of India. He made it clear that any attempts at expansionism would not be tolerated.

On Monday, China reiterated its territorial claims over the Shaksgam valley, despite India's objections, claiming that its infrastructure initiatives in the region are "beyond reproach."

"All of (Pakistan-occupied) Kashmir is ours. We are unaware of what Pakistan has negotiated with China. China must realize that its expansionist agenda will yield no results. India is not the same as it was in 1962; it is now 2026. Any such endeavors will be thwarted. The Ministry of External Affairs is aware of the situation," Gupta stated to reporters.

He further asserted that China must recognize India's current strength compared to the past, recalling that China had previously laid claims to parts of Arunachal Pradesh as well.

In a pointed remark towards Pakistan, Gupta accused the neighboring nation of failing its citizens and engaging in dubious dealings. "Pakistan is a state for sale, showing no regard for its sovereignty or its people. There are rising voices in Balochistan, Sindh, and Karachi, where the Pakistan Army is committing atrocities. Those regions are essentially controlled by the Army," he remarked.

Gupta also warned against making provocative remarks on sensitive matters, highlighting that there is a clear parliamentary stance on PoK. "Statements that provoke should be avoided. A parliamentary resolution from 1994 clearly states that all of PoK belongs to India," he added.

In response to the Army chief's recent comments about the ongoing 'Operation Sindoor', Gupta expressed that the armed forces have the full backing of the nation. "The entire country stands united with the Army. The Army chief's statement is responsible, and I commend it," he noted.

Addressing claims made by some regional leaders regarding unrest in Ladakh, the governor categorically rejected these assertions. "Ladakh is progressing rapidly in terms of development. The people of Ladakh are united, nationalistic, and fully support the government's development initiatives," he stated.

He also pointed out the significant increase in budget allocations for the region. "I urge those leaders to focus on their own matters. This is not the Ladakh of the past, which had a budget of Rs 150 crore. Today, Ladakh's budget stands at approximately Rs 6,000 crore," Gupta concluded.

Last Friday, India condemned China's infrastructure projects in the Shaksgam valley, asserting its right to take necessary actions to protect its interests, as the area is recognized as Indian territory.

In 1963, Pakistan unlawfully ceded 5,180 sq km of Indian territory in the Shaksgam valley to China from regions it had illegally occupied.