The Indian Army successfully compelled the Chinese troops to dismantle four tents that they had positioned in the Table Top Area of Gurung Hills in Chushul, which has been designated as a buffer zone along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. Concurrently, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted permission for foreign tourists to visit Hanle in the Changthang area, specifically for the upcoming Ladakh Nomadic Festival. Additionally, plans are underway to open more tourist spots in the vicinity of Pangong Lake with the involvement of the Army and civil administration.
Recently, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China erected four tents in the Table Top Area of Gurung Hills, which falls within the buffer zone in Eastern Ladakh. Local residents detected this installation and promptly alerted the troops. In response, Indian Army officials swiftly arrived at the location and compelled the Chinese troops to dismantle the tents without incident.
Konchok Stanzin, Councillor of the area, confirmed that all four tents installed by the Chinese army have now been removed. The local community commended the Indian Army for their decisive actions, restoring the status quo in the area within a short period.
Meanwhile, a noteworthy development occurred as the Union Home Ministry granted foreign tourists permission to visit and stay in Kanle, located in the Changthang area, specifically for the upcoming Ladakh Nomadic Festival scheduled on July 15 and 16. This decision is expected to significantly boost tourism in Ladakh, eliciting positive responses from the local population.
Tashi Gyalson, Chairman-cum-CEC of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), expressed gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Ladakh Brig. (Retd.) BD Mishra for their support in allowing foreign tourists to visit Hanle for the Ladakh Nomadic Festival. He also extended his appreciation to Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and Advisor Dr Pawan Kotwal for their contributions.
Hanle village, situated at an elevation of 14,764 feet above sea level, is home to the Hanle Observatory, also known as the Indian Astronomical Observatory. The region’s exceptionally clear skies and minimal pollution make it an ideal destination for stargazing and astronomical observations.
According to sources, the Army and civil administration of Ladakh have engaged in a series of discussions regarding the opening of additional tourist spots, including those in close proximity to Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh. The Chand Chenmo sector, situated north of Pangong, is one of the areas under consideration. Initially, tourists may be allowed access to Marsimiklal Pass up to Tosgtsalo, with the potential for further extension up to Hot Springs based on the success of the initial phase.
In response to the strong demand from the local community, the Union Territory of Ladakh Administration aims to open more tourist spots, further enhancing tourism in the region.