CHANDIGARH: The high-altitude Shipki La pass on the India-China border in the tribal district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh was thrown open on Tuesday to the public for the first time since independence in 1947. The motorable mountain pass at a height of 3,930 metres in one of the most closely-guarded border zones in the country was earlier open only for traders, although even this was stopped in 2020.
Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, "At the border, we have eased restrictions for tourists so that they can enjoy the beauty of Shipki La. Boosting tourism in the region would also strengthen the local economy." He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval was received, the border tourism initiative has been launched.
Sukhu said that the state government would also raise the issue of starting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Shipki La with the central government. He added, "I will meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki La will be the easiest route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra."
The possibility of restarting the centuries-old trade between India and Tibet through this pass would also be raised with the central government, he said.
Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Centre to establish the Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state.
The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued with the Union government, he said. Further, the state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates obstacles for tourists, he added.
Sukhu said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction which would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km.
He said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote regions.
Sukhu said he has also recently discussed an action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) by using various helipads of the paramilitary force. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the public through the health institutions of the ITBP.
He said that the country is proud of the valour of the Army and paramilitary forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point.
Sukhu became only the second Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to set foot at Shipki La, following in the footsteps of the first Chief Minister of the state Yashwant Singh Parmar and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had trekked to the pass in 1968, long before a road was even built here.