Shipki-La pass on Indo-China border opens for tourists
Negi, known for his vocal criticism of the central government, urged the Centre to take concrete steps to resolve the long-standing border dispute with China.
'This issue cannot be left hanging forever. The Government of India must engage in dialogue and resolve the matter. Trade and the Mansarovar Yatra can be used as tools of diplomacy,' he said. 'We can send a message of friendship to China from here.'
Calling it a proud moment, he said, 'For the first time since independence, people of the country will get a chance to see the beautiful valleys of Shipki-La. This day will be remembered in the history of Kinnaur.'
Negi also recalled how, in earlier times, locals from Kinnaur braved extreme conditions to trade with Tibet and supported the Indian Army even when there were no roads.
'Till 1968, there was no road connectivity. Our elders helped the army by carrying ration and water on foot. Even Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Chief Minister Dr. YS Parmar had to reach this border on horseback and foot.'
He appealed to the Army and ITBP not to be overly strict with tourists and demanded that the HRTC bus service, currently running up to Namgya, be extended to Shipki-La.
He also sought the construction of a parking facility at the border and installation of an ATM of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank for locals and visitors.
Negi added that Shipki-La offers the shortest and most convenient route for the Mansarovar Yatra and should be considered as a new corridor for this pilgrimage, similar to those in Pithoragarh and Arunachal Pradesh.
With the heatwave sweeping across northern India, hill stations like Kinnaur are witnessing a sharp increase in tourist arrivals. The state government is actively promoting border tourism and high-altitude destinations like Shipki-La to boost local economy and national integration, he added.
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