BEIJING, October 13 (ANI) — China on Tuesday objected to India’s decision to identify and standardize the names of 28 strategic locations and geographical features in the Union Territory of Ladakh for official mapping.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the central government, in consultation with the Union Territory of Ladakh, formally identified 28 locations, including peaks, passes, land areas and water bodies, by their standardized names for inclusion on the official map of the Survey of India.
“Identifying them formally on the Survey of India map of UT of Ladakh is aimed at facilitating their accurate recognition and better awareness among the public at large,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement earlier this month.
Reacting to New Delhi’s move, Beijing reiterated its objections. According to The Global Times, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Tuesday that India’s decision was illegal.
“China has never recognized the so-called ‘Union Territory of Ladakh’ unilaterally and illegally established by India and firmly opposes India’s announcement of so-called standard names. The move is illegal and invalid and cannot change the fact that the relevant areas in the western sector of the China-India boundary have always belonged to China,” Mao said, as quoted by The Global Times.
India has rejected such claims and repeatedly asserted its sovereignty over the region, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country.
“The entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India, and no amount of repetition of politically motivated propaganda can change this reality,” India has stated.
The 28 locations identified encompass several geographical features across the region.
The peaks and mountains are Atisha Giri, Kanishka Peak, Karun Pir, Martand Giri, Drak Karpo, Jolmori, Rinchen Zangpo, Sakyasri Giri, Marpa Lotsava Ri, Milarepa Kangri, Shiva Ri, Zorawar Peak and Maheshvara Ri.
The passes and glaciers are Chapchingal Pass, Shachmirk Pass, Parpik Glacier and Skamri Glacier.
The designated land areas are Brangsa Land, Kuksel, Dehra Compass, Gogra, Kumarayana Point, Panglung and Shamal Lungpa.
The valleys and water bodies include Shkorga Valley, Guru Rinpoche Lake, Yangpa River and Hot Spring.
By standardizing the names and incorporating the 28 locations into the Survey of India’s official map, India aims to improve geographical identification and public awareness of the region. (ANI)
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