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Chinese army cuts off 13 Ladakh villages from winter pastures; Top officials monitoring situation

Last Updated on December 3, 2020 at 11:43 am

Leh: Shepherds from at least 13 villages in Ladakh situated along Line of Actual Control (LAC) are facing threats from Chinese army in the wake of which they are unable to reach the winter grazing grounds leading to death of several Pashmina goats.

The 13 villages lie in Nyoma and Changthan where the shepherds are facing problem in reaching the winter pastures with their goats and Yaks because of presence of Chinese army along LAC.

Divisional Commissioner Ladakh, Saugat Biswas made a visit to Nyoma Sub-Division and interacted with the villagers and elected representatives of Tsaga, Muth, Dumti, Koyul, Chumur and Demjok villages, he met with the Sarpanches, Councillors of LAHDC, various departmental officers and officers from the army ITBP and Police.

Also Read: China makes emergency purchase of clothing for troops deployed on LAC

Chushul and Chumur produce fine quality of Pashmina wool that fetches high price in the market.

The Sarpanches of these 13 Gram Panchayats of Nyoma Sub-Division put forth the various issues confronted by the villagers specially during the winter months. Divisional Commissioner was also apprised of the requirement of telecommunication facilities, electricity, medical facilities, accessible roads, requirement of ambulances, fencing of cultivated areas, portable water etc.


The villagers and the officers from the ITBP and Army discussed the issues faced by the shepherds in the winter grazing grounds which borders with China. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for grazing activities were discussed and it was decided that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nyoma will be the Nodal Officer for coordinating grazing activities of the people with the security forces at the border.

The Sarpanch of Nyoma, Tashi Dawa, said that the shepherds were facing problems as they were not being allowed to go beyond Point 36 that is far behind the pastures. The shepherds along with their cattle-head used to go to point 37 before the tensions between Indian and Chinese army started in Ladakh.