Pathania renews call for Himalayan Regiment to honour hill states’ valour

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania has renewed the long-standing demand for the formation of a dedicated Himalayan Regiment in the Indian Army to honour the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers from Himachal Pradesh and other hill states.

In a strongly worded statement issued here on Friday, Pathania accused the Centre of continually overlooking the remarkable contributions made by soldiers from the region. “Himachal Pradesh, known as Veer Bhoomi, has produced several gallant warriors, including Major Som Nath Sharma and Capt Vikram Batra, both recipients of the Param Vir Chakra — India’s highest gallantry award,” he said.

Despite this proud legacy, he lamented that the Centre has yet to recognise the need for a regiment that represents the hill states. Pathania appealed to the Prime Minister and Defence Minister to seriously consider this long-pending demand. He also urged all four Members of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh to take up the issue forcefully at the national level.

Expressing concern over the recent reduction in Army recruitment quotas based on state population, Pathania said such a policy was unfair to a state like Himachal, which, though small in population, leads the nation in gallantry awards. “Bravery should not be measured by population. Himachal’s contribution to the armed forces is unmatched and it deserves recognition,” he asserted.

He added that he had already raised the matter with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and urged him to take it up with the Centre. Pathania said establishing a Himalayan Regiment would not only acknowledge the state’s martial heritage but also create new opportunities for local youth, who are naturally suited for mountain warfare due to their geography and resilience.