Minister hails ITBP for rescuing pilgrims

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 14

In wake of several natural disasters in the present monsoon season in Kinnaur, Minister of State for Home affairs Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday visited the 17th Battalion, ITBP at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district, and appreciated the efforts of the ITBP soldiers who rescued approximately 600 Kinner Kailash pilgrims.

He said the prime reason to visit Kinnaur was that it was a border area and as several natural disasters had occurred in the region, he wanted to enquire about the situation in the district.

“Strengthening the forces deployed in the border areas is the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, he said. Rijiju was welcomed by 60-70 locals, mostly women, led by BJP leader Tejwant Singh Negi.

Interacting with mediapersons, Rijiju said being the Minister of State for Home Affairs he was concerned about the activities in the border areas. Commandant of 17th Battalion Arjun Negi briefed him about the operations carried out in the recent past.

The minister also distributed dustbins and other sanitation products to the residents, including members of Mahila Morcha and NGOs under the Swachhta programme organised by the ITBP. The DGP, ITBP, officiating DC Kinnaur Dr Major Avninder Kumar and Sakshi Verma, SP, Kinnaur, were also present on the occasion besides other officials. The minister could not visit the border areas of Shipki La as per schedule due to inclement weather.