Yash Khajuria
Leh, July 02: The long-standing boundary dispute between Zanskar and the Forest Department of Lahaul and Spiti has resurfaced following a recent incident at Zanskar Sumdo. The local community is calling for the immediate intervention of Lieutenant Governor Dr. B.D. Mishra to address the escalating tension.
The dispute reignited when Lobsang Chosphel, the owner of the Zanskar Sumdo Camping & Tea Stall, reported threats and harassment directed at his campsite on June 27, 2024. According to Chosphel, villagers from Chika and Rarig confronted his son and staff, issuing menacing threats. Chosphel, who operates his campsite on his own property and in compliance with a High Court order, promptly submitted an online application to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Keylong Police Station on June 28, 2024. He expressed gratitude for the swift protection provided to his son and staff by law enforcement.
Despite the immediate police response, the underlying land dispute remains unresolved. Determined to pursue legal recourse, Chosphel has decided to bring the matter to the High Court. On June 29, 2024, he informed all relevant officers of the Lahaul-Spiti Administration about the ongoing situation during a meeting at Zanskar Sumdo.
Chosphel emphasized that according to the Survey of India Map, the Zanskar boundary begins at the Zanskar Bridge, followed by Zanskar Nalla, Zanskar Sumdo, and Zanskar River. He pointed to significant evidence supporting his claims, including the Zanskar Sumdo Bridge, built by the PWD Department of Zanskar over 40 years ago, and the road from Ramjak to Shinkhur-La, constructed by Ven Chultem Jonjor from Zanskar. He also noted that until 2014, no individual from Lahaul had visited the area, casting doubt on the historical claim that this land was part of Lahaul before that year.
In response to this dispute, residents and representatives from Zanskar, Ladakh, have called for immediate action from Lt Governor Dr. B.D. Mishra to address the ongoing encroachment and boundary dispute involving the Forest Department of Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
In a letter submitted to Lt Governor Mishra, with copies sent to MP Ladakh, DC Kargil, CEC Kargil, EC Zanskar, Councillor CHA, ZBA, ZGA, ZBYA, and SDM Zanskar, the signatories highlighted the critical issue of encroachment by the Forest Department of Lahaul and Spiti into the traditional territories of Zanskar. The residents assert that Zanskar’s historical boundaries extended up to Pal Lamo, with administrative activities reaching as far as Zanskar Sumdo. Key infrastructure such as the Zanskar Sumdo Bridge and passenger sheds, constructed by the Public Works Department of Zanskar, serve as evidence of this traditional boundary.
The letter emphasizes that permissions for camping and tea stalls up to Pal Lamo were issued by the tourist office in Padum, and taxes from seasonal shepherds were collected by the Forest Department in Kargil/Padum. Furthermore, several passenger sheds between Shingula and Zanskar Sumdo were built by the Public Works Department in Zanskar.
The rise in tourism-related activities has exacerbated the situation, with individuals from Lahaul and Spiti entering Zanskar’s territory for business and other activities, causing civic unrest among the residents of both regions. The encroachment disrupts the social and cultural fabric of Zanskar and threatens the livelihoods and security of its residents.
The letter, signed by representatives from various villages in Zanskar, urges Lt Governor Mishra to intervene and expedite the resolution of the boundary dispute. They stress the importance of preserving the integrity and sovereignty of Zanskar and ensuring the well-being of its inhabitants. The signatories include Stanzin Nyantak (Nambardar, Kargyak), Stanzin Etok (Village Member, Sking), Stanzin Thinlay (Village Member, Thangso), and Stanzin Noryang (Village Member, Kargyak).
