Himachal to urge Centre to commence Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki-La in Kinnaur

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

“Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has religious significance for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit Kailash Mansarovar — a tradition rooted in centuries of spiritual heritage. The pilgrims can enter Tibet through Shipki-La as it offers a viable route for them,” he said.

The CM said the state government would also urge the Central Government to establish Himachal Scouts Battalion, with a special quota for local persons from the bordering areas of the state. He said that this was a long-pending demand of the people of the border areas.

The CM also sought cooperation and collaboration with the Indian Army and other para military forces for promoting tourism up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Sino-Indian border. “The state government would also urge the Centre for abolition of inner-line checkposts of various military and para military forces that currently pose permit related hurdles for tourists. The travel related procedures must also be relaxed to promote tourism,” he said.

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

Sukhu 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 said that tourism was the priority sector for the state government and coordination with the Army was essential to promote this sector in the bordering areas as well.  He also urged the Army to explore the possibilities of establishing a military school in the area.

The CM said that roads must be maintained by the Ministry of Defence as it was the lifeline of the state. These roads include Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pang, Khana dumti-Nithal Thach, Harsil, Jeori-Wangtoo on the right bank to Shipki-La.

Expressing strong support, the Indian Army assured 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 for the people residing in border areas.

Lt General Anindya Sengupta said the Indian Army would construct an all-weather ice skating rink and an indoor stadium at Kaza. Additionally, it will organise an eye health check-up camp in Kaza, including facilities for procedures.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and other senior officers of the state government and Army also attended the meeting.

Himachal Tribune