Formation of Himalayan regiment sought

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, December 14

The Himachal Assembly today passed a resolution with a voice vote seeking increase in quota for Himachal youth in armed forces and to raise Himalayan regiment.

The resolution was moved by Minister for IPH Mohinder Singh. Bringing in the resolution Mohinder Singh said that there were 1.15 lakh ex-servicemen in Himachal Pradesh. Besides, Himachal has four Param Vir Chakra awardees, 2 Ashoks Chakra awardees, 10 Maha Vir Chakra awadees and 2 Kirti Chakra awardees.

This speaks volumes about the contribution of state in the defence forces of the country.

Joining the Army was the main occupation for the youth of the state. The Government of India in a period ranging from 1980-85 brought a policy stating that recruitment of youth in the Army from states would be done as per the percentage of population. This has reduced the employment opportunity for youth of Himachal who traditionally joined the Army.

He also said that a separate Himalayan regiment would give identity to hill people serving in the Army.

Rakesh Pathania, BJP MLA from Nurpur, said that such resolutions had been passed time and again by the Himachal Assembly since 1996 but nothing has been achieved. He proposed that a committee of the entire house, including ruling and the Opposition, should be formed that should go and lobby for the cause with the Union government.

Jagat Singh Negi, Congress MLA, expressed apprehension that the government seems to have brought the resolution keeping in view the forthcoming parliamentary elections. In case the government was serious why it did not take up the issue earlier, he said.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur rejected the allegation of Jagat Singh Negi as unfortunate. He said that the resolution had not been brought with any political motive and Negi should have restrained from making such comments. Ram Lal Thakur, Col Inder Singh and Rakesh Singha spoke supporting the resolution before it was passed witha voice vote.