Urges Army to set up airstrip at Rangrik

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu presides over a meeting with GOC-in-C, Central Command, Lucknow, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta.

Himachal Pradesh will soon take up with the Union Government the issue of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki La in Kinnaur district along with the abolition of inner line posts to promote tourism. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this at a meeting with General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, Lucknow, Lt General Anindya Sengupta here today.

“The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists and every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar. The pilgrims can make entry into Tibet through Shipki La, as it offers a viable route for them,” he added.

Sukhu said that the state government would also urge the Central Government to establish a Himachal Scouts Battalion on the analogy of Sikkim, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh with a special quota for the people of the border areas of the state. .

The Chief Minister also sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other paramilitary forces for the promotion of tourism up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) on the China border. “The state government will also urge the Central Government for the abolition of inner line check posts of various military and paramilitary forces that at present pose permit-related hurdles to tourists. The travel-related procedures must be relaxed to promote tourism,” he added.

Sukhu asked the Army to set up an airstrip at Rangrik in the Spiti valley, facilitating the landing of large aircraft to promote tourism in the area. He also asked Lt Gen Sengupta to conduct a survey for the construction of heliports in Sangla, Neesang, Thangi etc.

He said that these measures would go a long way in promoting tourism in these areas vis-à-vis strengthening the economy of local people. He added that tourism was a priority sector for the state government and coordination with the Army was essential for its promotion in border areas as well. He also urged the Army to explore the possibility of establishing a military school in the area. He said that the government would set up a milk processing plant in border areas.

Sukhu said that the Union Ministry of Defence should maintain roads, which were the lifeline of the state, such as Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pang, Khana Dumti-Nithal Thach and Harsil, Jeori-Wangtoo on the right bank to Shipki La.

The Army assured of cooperation in these initiatives and also evinced keen interest to converge in water supply, power and sports sectors with the state government to provide better facilities to people residing in border areas.

Lt Gen Sengupta said that the Army would construct an all-weather ice skating rink and an indoor stadium at Kaza. Besides, it would also organise an eye check up camp at Kaza. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi attended the meeting.