Himachal Pradesh governor suggests airstrip, army mountain division along India-China border

SHIMLA: Amid tension along India-China border, Himachal Pradesh governor Bandaru Dattatraya has suggested to Union defence minister Rajnath Singh to construct an airstrip urgently in Spiti and to raise the Independent Mountain Division in Kinnaur. He said that means of communication and road transport in remote border areas of state should be strengthened. Dattatraya said that Himachal Pradesh is strategically located vis-a-vis Tibet and China borders and that two of its tribal districts – Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur share 260 km boundary with Tibet and China therefore, there is a need to be suitably prepared for any eventuality.
Sources said that before sending his suggestions to Union defence minister, Himachal Pradesh Governor had held meetings with intelligence and army officials to know about the requirements along the borders and had also interacted with people of Kinnaur and district administration there through video conference.
Bandaru Dattatraya, in a letter written to Rajnath Singh, said that presently, only one Independent Brigade of Indian Army is deployed at Pooh in Kinnaur and it is suggested that in future deployment of Indian Army may be increased to an Independent Mountain Division.
He said that adequate arrangements should be made to tackle drones from China side as and when required.
“There is urgent need of an airstrip in the Spiti area in the Lahaul & Spiti District for prompt deployment of forces in the border areas in case of need. This airstrip will act as advanced landing ground,” he added.
Governor said that Himachal Pradesh Police is trying its best and District Superintendent of Police of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti have visited villages in the border areas and interacted with the people to build their confidence and ensure their safety. However, similar continuous efforts need to be undertaken by the Central Intelligence Agencies, Indian Army and ITBP to instil sense of security and confidence among the people living in the border areas.
He said that Atal Tunnel under Rohtang pass 3978 metres, connecting Manali in Kullu District with Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district is likely to be completed in the near future. The commissioning of the tunnel will allow year round traffic on the Manali-Leh axis, thereby significantly increasing road traffic. He said that on account of its strategic importance, adequate arrangements for intelligence, security and maintenance of this axis round the year need to be made in advance.
He said that suggestions once implemented will strengthen India’s position on the Indo-Tibet/China border and will also generate confidence amongst local people.