Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta Rejects China's Shaksgam Valley Claim
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta on Tuesday strongly rejected China's recent claim over the Shaksgam valley. He asserted that the entire region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to India. Gupta warned that no expansionist attempts would be tolerated by the Indian government.
China's Reaffirmed Claims and India's Response
China on Monday reaffirmed its territorial claims over the Shaksgam valley. This came despite India's clear objections to such assertions. Chinese authorities maintained that their infrastructure projects in the area are completely legitimate and beyond reproach.
Gupta addressed reporters in New Delhi with a firm message. The whole of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is ours, he declared. We do not know what Pakistan has traded with China in this matter. China should understand clearly that nothing will be achieved through its expansionist policy.
India is capable today, Gupta emphasized. This is not the India of 1962. This is the India of 2026. Any such attempts will be foiled decisively. The Ministry of External Affairs is taking proper cognisance of this situation.
Historical Context and Current Strength
Gupta reminded everyone that China had earlier laid claims on parts of Arunachal Pradesh as well. China must realize that India today is far stronger than it was in the past. Our nation has developed significantly over the decades.
The Lieutenant Governor also took aim at Pakistan during his remarks. He alleged that the neighboring country has failed its own people completely. Pakistan is engaging in questionable dealings that compromise its sovereignty.
Pakistan is a state kept on sale, Gupta stated bluntly. It has no concern for its sovereignty or its own people. Voices are being raised in Balochistan, Sindh and Karachi against the authorities. Atrocities are being committed by the Pakistan Army in those regions. Those areas are virtually being run by the Army alone.
Parliamentary Position and Provocative Statements
Gupta cautioned against making provocative statements on sensitive territorial issues. He noted that there is a clear parliamentary position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir that everyone should respect.
Such statements should not be made which are provocative in nature, he advised. There is a Parliament resolution of 1994 which clearly states that the entire PoK belongs to India. This resolution provides the official stance on this matter.
Support for Armed Forces and Development in Ladakh
Reacting to a recent statement by the Army chief about ongoing operations, Gupta expressed full support. The entire country stands with the Army, he affirmed. The Army chief has given a responsible statement and I welcome it completely. The armed forces enjoy complete national support in their duties.
Responding to allegations by some regional leaders about unrest in Ladakh, Gupta dismissed these claims firmly. He asserted that the region is actually progressing rapidly in all aspects.
Ladakh is moving at a fast pace on the path of development, Gupta stated. Ladakhis are united, fully nationalistic, and they fully support the government in all development work being undertaken.
Budgetary Allocations and Progress
Highlighting the significant increase in budgetary allocations, Gupta shared concrete numbers. I want to convey to those leaders to mind their own business, he said directly. This is not the Ladakh of the past, which was given a budget of just 150 crore rupees.
Today, Ladakh has a budget of around 6,000 crore rupees. This represents a massive forty-fold increase in funding for development projects. The sharp rise demonstrates the government's commitment to Ladakh's progress.
Background of the Territorial Dispute
India last Friday criticized China's infrastructure development projects in the Shaksgam valley. Officials stated that India reserves the right to take necessary measures to safeguard its interests. The area is legally Indian territory according to our position.
Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 square kilometers of Indian territory in the Shaksgam valley to China in 1963. This transfer occurred from areas that Pakistan had illegally occupied previously. The dispute has historical roots going back decades.
The current statements from Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor reinforce India's consistent position on these territorial matters. The government remains vigilant about protecting national interests in all border regions.
