Resolve boundary issue with J-K: MLA

Tribune News Service

Mandi, April 28

Lahaul-Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur urged the state and Central governments to resolve the boundary issue with Jammu and Kashmir, which was encroaching on Himachal areas on bordering area of tribal district of Lahaul Spiti.

Talking to The Tribune Ravi Thakur said after intruding 14-km inside Himachal boundary at Sarchu pass, now he got information from Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officer that there was interference from Jammu and Kashmir side at Shinkula pass in Lahaul Spiti, where posters were put on signage claiming the area part of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said, “When I was the vice-chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), I had taken up the matter with the Centre and state governments to find out a permanent solution but due to laxity on the part of the state government, there was a delay in reaching any conclusion.”

“Last year, the Border Roads Organisation Authority had connected 39.6-km long stretch between Darcha village of Lahaul to Shinkula pass and installed a signage with description of road and mountain pass, which was now having posters claiming it to be a part of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.

“After NCST direction last year, a survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India team had indicated that the Jammu and Kashmir Police had intruded 14 km inside Himachal near Sarchu pass,” he added.

When contacted Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul Spiti, Deva Singh Negi said at present the area was not approachable because of heavy snow in region and as soon as the road would be cleared for movement, the authority would visit the area to review the actual position.