‘Hamare Tax Se Sabko Salary Jaati Hai’: Ladakh Tourist’s Viral ‘GenZ’ Rant Draws Strong Backlash; Omar Abdullah, Army Veterans React

Last Updated:August 20, 2026, 11:18 IST

The viral video has drawn reactions from Omar Abdullah and several former Army officers, with the “We are Gen Z” remark becoming the biggest talking point.

‘Everyone gets salary from our tax’: Ladakh Tourist’s Viral ‘GenZ’ Rant Draws Strong Backlash; Omar Abdullah, Army Veterans React

A heated confrontation between a female tourist and security personnel at a checkpoint in Ladakh has gone viral on social media, with her repeated assertion, “We are Gen Z, and we are not going to tolerate this nonsense”, drawing criticism online. The incident reportedly took place at the Minimarg check post in the Kargil region, where traffic was halted for several hours.

According to the details available with the viral videos, tourists and other travellers were reportedly stopped for nearly five hours. The woman can be heard questioning the security personnel about the prolonged delay and asking why tourists were being stopped. She alleged that the road had been closed because a VIP convoy was expected to pass through the area.

“We are Gen Zs, and we are not going to tolerate this nonsense,” she said while recording the confrontation on her phone. She also urged people to start their cars and leave the location. In another part of the video, she said, “Hum log paise deke ghumne aate hai ya ye sab tolerate karne aate hai? Taala laga diya inhone (We come here for a trip or to tolerate such things? They have put up a lock here),”

The woman also appeared to object to the lack of information being provided to tourists. In another clip, she said, “Hamare Tax se sabko salary jaati hai, ye hamare se upar hogaye ab? Jayenge toh saare jayenge otherwise no one will go” She later staged a dharna at the checkpoint and, according to reports, refused to move until officials intervened.

Also Read: ‘We Are GenZs’: Woman’s Heated Exchange With Security Personnel Over Road Closure In Ladakh Goes Viral

Army Veterans, Omar Abdullah React To Ladakh Viral Video

After the video went viral, former Army officer KJS Dhillon criticised the woman’s comments and addressed her directly on X. “My dear lady, Soldiers pay their taxes in advance, even before they get their pay. You can go for vacation to such areas bcoz our soldiers are guarding it day & night, even at the cost of their lives.” He added: “Your Language is the reflection of good parenting & schooling. Be respectful always. Learn to be a good law abiding citizen before asking for entitlement.” He ended his post with: “And lastly …. ‘Get Well Soon’ Jai Hind.”

Lt Gen DP Pandey said the episode had broader implications, particularly because of the reference to Kashmiris and the use of “Gen Z”. “Don’t want to shame a lady who created scene in Ladakh. She did few damages that our country should know,” he wrote. He said the incident “Tried to create a divide with Kashmiris who are equal partner and citizens of India and had to go through the challenges of security checks. No government or security force enjoys it.” Pandey also wrote: “She has let down and framed Gen Z quite negatively,” while praising the way the uniformed personnel handled the confrontation.

Lt Gen Satish Dua too reacted to the controversy, particularly to the comment about Army salaries. “‘Army salaries are paid from our taxes,’ said a female tourist in Ladakh where traffic was being regulated,” he wrote. Adding that he did not know all the details of the incident, Dua said: “Don’t know more details but this comment is a degradation of the soldiers sacrifice.” He also pointed out: “Army personnel also pay taxes. Being border area, Ladakh has security sensitivities.”

Former Army chief and former Union minister Gen VK Singh also weighed in, saying: “India’s armed forces stand between our nation and those who seek to harm it,” and describing the incident as a reminder of the “courage, sacrifice and vigilance” of soldiers. “Whatever the circumstances, unfairly blaming or disrespecting our soldiers is wrong. Criticism should be based on facts, not emotion or sweeping accusations,” he added. Singh concluded: “We stand with those who serve and sacrifice for India.”

Yesterday, the confrontation had also drawn political attention. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared the video on X and took aim at the “Gen Z” remark. “This ‘we are Gen Z’ has become the new ‘jaantay nahin ho mera baap kaun hai’. The quickest way to erode any Gen Z goodwill is to start using it as a threat at the slightest perceived affront.”

Social Media Reacts

The controversy has also triggered a wave of reactions from social media users. One person wrote, “At this point some other generation needs to adopt me cause I’m getting second-hand embarrassment for sharing the same generation as these clowns.” Another commented, “Entitled and brat are written all over her personality.” A third user said, “So many others are standing there; not one shouted back at her for this specific line. Shows what idiots we have,” while another wrote, “Punishable offence!! Interfering with national security,”.

What Happened At The Ladakh Checkpoint?

The confrontation reportedly took place on July 25, when traffic was stopped along the Zojila-Gumri route amid the movement of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth. According to reports, bad weather affected the officials’ travel plans, after which they travelled by road from Gumri towards Kargil. Tourists and other travellers were consequently held up for several hours.

The exact reason for the road restriction was not independently established from the viral footage, and it was also not immediately clear whether the personnel being addressed in the video were Army troops or members of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). However, security restrictions, road closures and regulated movement can be imposed in sensitive border areas for operational, convoy, weather and safety reasons.

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The incident has triggered a wider conversation about how tourists interact with security personnel and local authorities, particularly at checkpoints. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned that such confrontations could potentially affect the goodwill that Gen Z has built with the armed forces.

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About the Author

Mallika BhagatDeputy News Editor

Mallika Bhagat is a Deputy News Editor at News18, where she leads the Lifestyle and Viral desks. A seasoned journalist and content strategist, she brings a decade of high-impact experience from India’…Read More

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