Dhumal for rail link to Ladakh

Manali, Jun 21 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal called for construction of railway line to connect Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir bordering China.

"It is strategically important for the nation to maintain connection with the border areas and transport manpower and material required to develop and protect the national boundaries," Mr Dhumal said while addressing a gathering after flagging off the Sindhu Darshan Yatra organised by Himalaya Parivar Himachal Pradesh here last evening.

Mr Dhumal said that railway line would also boost the tourism activities in the area benefiting people with more income generation activities.

"China has already achieved the target of connecting Lhasa city and border with all weather railway line, which is an example of modern technology." He said that keeping in view the strategic importance of the railway line, the matter had been raised at the highest level for initiating required steps to achieve the objective.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister welcomed the participants of the Yatra and hoped that they would disseminate the message of good will, friendship, universal brotherhood and communal harmony. He said that the pious Yatra would go a long way in promoting rich cultural heritage of the country.

Mr Dhumal honoured the participants of the Yatra on behalf of the Himalaya Pariwar.

UNI XC PS BP1614