CM raises demand for Himachal regiment

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 19

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today urged Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to create a Himachal regiment in the Army to recognise the gallant services of the soldiers of the state.

The Chief Minister met Sitharaman in New Delhi today. He urged her to develop Kangra airport for both defence and civilian purpose.

Thakur said more than 1,200 soldiers had laid down their lives and 1,100 gallantry awards, including four Param Vir Chakras, had been given to the soldiers from the state.

He apprised the Defence Minister that armed forces was the most preferred career choice for the youth of the state. He said the recruitment quota for the state had been reduced after the implementation of the recruitable male population concept and urged her to increase the recruitment quota.

“If the Kangra airport is expanded, it can be used for defence purposes like landing of fighter planes, heavy aircraft and can be an alternative to the Pathankot airport as the second line of defence on account of its safe distance from the border and its strategic location,” he said. The Chief Minister said this would require acquisition of additional 571 acres.

He asked her for assistance in shifting war equipment to the War Memorial at Dharamsala. Thakur said the ministry should put the case of Manali-Leh railway line on fast-track as it was strategically important to the country. Sitharaman assured Thakur that she would give every possible assistance.