Ladakh villagers raise denial of access to grazing land after 2020 border clash with China at Parliamentary panel meeting

The people of Ladakh informed the parliamentary panel at Pangong

Residents of villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh told a parliamentary panel visiting the Union Territory that they have lost access to their traditional pastures following border tensions with China in 2020.

A 15-member delegation representing the border villages of Maan Pangong A and B, Leh, Ladakh, requested that nomadic herders be allowed controlled access to traditional Indian pastures in coordination with security agencies, stressing that the continued presence of local communities in these border areas contributes significantly to national security, said Konchok Stanzin, a former Chushul councillor.

“Nomads in the border villages depend on these pastures to graze their cattle. Whenever they go there, the army stops them. We are not even allowed to bring loose soil from these restricted zones to build our huts, and collecting firewood is also not allowed. Before May 2020, we had free access to these areas,” Mr Stanzin told The Hindu Parliamentary Panel.

As of April 2020, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has amassed large numbers of troops and weaponry in eastern Ladakh and other areas along the 3,488 km LAC. The PLA moved into Indian territory and built fortified structures and defenses in an attempt to permanently change the status quo on the ground. While there are differences in perception of the LAC alignment, the two sides have made a number of agreements over the years to maintain peace on the border and a moratorium on patrolling was imposed after violent clashes in Galwan where 20 Indian soldiers were killed. Earlier, on 5 May 2020, clashes broke out on the northern bank of Pangong Tso, in which over 70 Indian soldiers were injured.

Prior to April and May 2020, Indian troops regularly patrolled the area, which is said to be within India’s perception of the LAC. By 2023, at least 26 out of 65 patrol posts in eastern Ladakh were not manned by Indian troops from April to May 2020.

The parliamentary panel has assured that it will look into their problems, Mr. Stazin said.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism, Transport and Culture is headed by Janata Dal-United (JD-U) member Sanjay Jha.

In the memorandum, the delegation highlighted the invaluable contribution of border residents who have consistently served as the nation’s second line of defense by supporting the Indian Armed Forces during the 1962, 1971 and 1999 wars as well as during the India-China border dispute in 2020. The delegation demanded that the border sacrifices and the memorial be officially reflected in the regional communities.

They also raised concerns about the challenges residents face in developing tourism due to restrictions imposed within the cold Changthang Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. It was urged that proper relaxation and better access to government incentives, financial assistance related to tourism and youth development programs to promote sustainable livelihoods be given to the genuine border dwellers.

The strategically important Phobrang-Tsogtsallu road was also discussed. The delegation requested that the road be transferred from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to the Union Ministry of Defense to ensure adequate funding for its maintenance and upgradation considering its strategic importance for both defense logistics and civilian connectivity.

Published – 15 Jul 2026 22:19 IST