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In a major move to boost spiritual tourism and border development, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the state’s intention to push for the commencement of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the historic Shipki-La pass in Kinnaur. The CM highlighted this during a high-level meeting with Central Command GOC-in-C Lt. General Anindya Sengupta.
“Shipki-La offers a viable and spiritually significant route for pilgrims. It’s time to revive and facilitate this age-old journey,” said CM Sukhu.
Key Announcements from the Meeting:
- Push for Himachal Scouts Battalion: Like Sikkim and Ladakh, Himachal seeks its own Scouts Battalion with recruitment priority for border locals.
- Tourism up to LAC: State to collaborate with Indian Army to promote tourism right up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- No More Permit Hassles: CM demands abolition of inner line check posts to make travel easier for tourists and adventurers.
- Airstrip & Heliports in Spiti: Proposal to set up an airstrip at Rangrik and heliports in Sangla, Neesang and Thangi to open up remote areas.
- Boost to Infrastructure: Request to Defence Ministry to maintain critical border roads like Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo and Kiato-Takling La-Nurbo Sumdo.
- Military School & Milk Plant: Proposal for a military school and milk processing plant in the border belt to support local youth and economy.
Army Responds with Full Support:
Lt. General Sengupta assured full cooperation and announced an all-weather Ice Skating Rink and Indoor Stadium in Kaza, along with a specialized eye health camp for locals.
This visionary partnership between the State and Indian Army is expected to redefine border tourism, uplift local communities, and reconnect spiritual India with its Himalayan roots.
