Haryana Man Draws Criticism for Defacing BRO Milestone at Fotu La Pass in Leh

A Haryana-based tourist has sparked widespread outrage after a video surfaced showing him defacing an official Border Roads Organisation (BRO) milestone at Fotu La Pass in Leh by pasting a “Gurjar” sticker on it.

The incident took place at an altitude of 13,479 feet, a high-altitude and strategically sensitive location. In the viral clip, the man is seen arriving in a Mahindra Thar SUV, smiling for the camera while sticking the label on the BRO milestone — an act many online users described as vandalism and irresponsible tourism.

The video, which clearly shows the vehicle’s registration number, has triggered sharp criticism on social media platforms. Users condemned the act as a blatant display of poor civic sense and disrespect towards public property, especially infrastructure built and maintained in harsh conditions by BRO personnel to connect remote border regions.

“BRO signboards are not selfie props. They symbolise the hard work and sacrifice of those who build roads in extreme terrain,” one user commented, while another wrote, “The real enemy of India is Indians themselves,” expressing anger over the man’s apparent pride in the act.

Several users demanded exemplary punishment, including a heavy fine, public apology and community service. “The man could be asked to clean the BRO road signs in the entire region for a month,” said one of the comments, with another suggesting “a penalty of at least ₹50,000, please!” 

What added to the controversy is that the vehicle involved was said to have at least 18 pending traffic challans on social media. The Leh Traffic Police Department and the Border Roads Organisation have been tagged in the online posts with calls for prompt action regarding the public property involved.

This incident has rekindled the discussion regarding responsible tourism, especially in ecologically sensitive regions along the borders of countries, because any act of vandalism is deemed to be an insult to institutions and staff members in such countries.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Haryana Daily (@theharyanadaily)