Opening of Galwan Valley for tourists on 5th anniversary of India-China troops clash delayed

SRINAGAR: Plans to open Galwan Valley hot springs in Ladakh for tourists on the fifth anniversary of the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops have been delayed, as construction of the war memorial needs further work.“We have deferred the official opening of the Galwan Valley until the memorial is completed in perfection, as that will be the main attraction. It is about to be completed, but needs a finishing touch,” Tashi Gyalson, chief executive councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), told TOI.Gyalson said LAHDC was also working on amending permit regulations to allow visitors without special permission.

“It is just a matter of a few days before Galwan Valley is opened to tourists,” he said.The Ladakh administration, in collaboration with the Indian Army, is at present working to build supporting infrastructure in the area.The Galwan Valley hot springs near the Line of Actual Control were set to open on June 15 as part of a battlefield tourism initiative. The date was meant to mark the fifth anniversary of the 2020 clash between Indian and PLA troops.

Twenty Indian soldiers, including a commanding officer, and an unspecified number of PLA men were killed in the hand-to-hand combat, which was one of the most serious military confrontations between the two countries in decades.Meanwhile, the Army on Monday paid tribute to soldiers who died in the Galwan clash with China. In a post on X, Ladakh based Fire and Fury Corps “paid heartfelt tribute to the valour and supreme sacrifice of our bravehearts who stood resolute in the face of adversity”. “The indomitable courage in Galwan Valley forever resonates in the hearts of every Indian. Nation honours their families with deep respect. Their sacrifice continues to inspire generations,” it added.