Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state government will soon approach the Union Government to propose the commencement of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki-La in Kinnaur district.
The Chief Minister made the announcement during a meeting in Shimla with General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, Lucknow, and Lt. General Anindya Sengupta. He emphasised the spiritual importance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for followers of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, stating that the Shipki-La route offers a viable entry point into Tibet for pilgrims.
During the meeting, Sukhu also said that the state would request the Centre to establish a Himachal Scouts Battalion, modeled after similar units in Sikkim, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh. This battalion would include a special quota for residents of border areas, addressing a long-standing demand of the local population.
In addition to religious and security matters, the Chief Minister discussed steps to boost tourism in border regions up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) along the Sino-Indian frontier.
He called for greater cooperation with the Indian Army and paramilitary forces to ease travel restrictions by eliminating inner-line check posts, which currently create permit-related challenges for tourists. Simplifying travel procedures, he said, would enhance the overall visitor experience.
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To further promote tourism and strengthen the local economy, Sukhu proposed the construction of an airstrip at Rangrik in the Spiti valley that could accommodate large aircraft. He also requested that surveys be conducted for setting up heliports in Sangla, Neesang, Thangi, and other strategic locations.
The Chief Minister underlined tourism as a priority sector for the state and emphasised that close coordination with the Army was essential for developing border tourism infrastructure. He also suggested exploring the establishment of a Military School in the region and announced plans to set up a milk processing plant in the border areas.
Highlighting the strategic significance of road connectivity in the region, Sukhu urged the Ministry of Defence to maintain key roads that serve as lifelines for the state. These roads include Kiato-Tackling La-Nurbo Sumdo, Wangtoo-Kafnu-Mud-Atargoo, Leo-Chango, Giu-Pang, Khana Dumti-Nithal Thach, Harsil, and the Jeori-Wangtoo stretch on the right bank leading to Shipki-La.
The Indian Army expressed strong support for these initiatives and agreed to collaborate with the state government across multiple sectors, including water supply, power, and sports, to improve facilities in the border regions. Lt. General Anindya Sengupta announced that the Army would construct an all-weather ice skating rink and an indoor stadium at Kaza.
He also confirmed plans to organise an eye health check-up camp in Kaza, which would include provisions for surgical procedures.
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