Exclusive: My great grandfather discovered Galwan Valley, China's claims are baseless, says Md Amin Galwan

At a time when China is making claims that the strategically important Galwan Valley in Ladakh is part of its territory, India Today TV spoke to Mohammad Amin Galwan whose great grandfather Ghulam Rasool Galwan was the person who discovered the Galwan Valley way back in 1890s.

Speaking about his family's link with the Galwan Valley and how the valley got its name, Mohammad Amin Galwan said the valley was named after his great grandfather Ghulam Rasool Galwan.

It was named by the British officials who were helped by Ghulam Rasool Galwan when they lost their way in the region.

Speaking to India Today TV, Mohammad Amin Galwan said, "My great grandfather Ghulam Rasool Galwan trekked with the British to the Galwan Valley in 1892-93. He explored the valley and helped the British who lost their way. He paved a new path from the Galwan nala and helped them reach their destination safely. It was after this discovery that the British named this valley after my grandfather."

Ghulam Rasool Galwan was part of the Sir Young Husband expedition to the region.

China claims that Galwan Valley comes under its territory. India Today has spoken to the man whose great grandfather actually discovered the Galwan Valley. Here is the entire truth.#IndiaFirst (@gauravcsawant)#RE pic.twitter.com/JmjDNASqR0 — IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) June 18, 2020

Asked about the territorial claims made by China over the Galwan Valley, Mohammad Amin Galwan said, "This valley has always been part of India's territory and it shall always stay so. Indian soldiers must push back the Chinese. China has no proof to substantiate its claim. We have proof. My great grandfather went there not once but multiple times and the valley was named after him."

'British-era gazette, revenue records are proof'

Meanwhile, also speaking to India Today TV, Ghulam Nabi Galwan, grandson of Ghulam Rasool Galwan, reiterated that his grandfather had discovered the Galwan Valley and it was named after him. Regarding China's claims over the valley, he said, "The fact is that Ladakh does not share any border with China. We share our border with Tibet."

"If you check the official gazettes prepared during the British Raj, you will find that Galwan Valley was part of India. Secondly, local revenue records in Ladakh also show that the Galwan Valley was always part of India," he said.

On Monday night, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent face-off with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. While China too suffered casualties, it has not officially put out the number of casualties yet. The violent face-off on Monday was the worst conflict between the two armies in over four decades.

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