Enroute Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through HP: Dhumal

Shimla, Jun 26 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today requested the Centre to enroute Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Himachal Pradesh.

"Himachal Pradesh route is safe, convenient, short and easy in comparison to the present route adopted to enroute the Kailash Mansarovar yatris by the Indian as well as Chinese authorities," said Mr Dhumal while flagging off Jatha of Kailash Mansarovar yatris in Sindhu Darshan Festival in Leh.

"In ancient times most of the Kailash Mansarovar yatris used to prefer Himachal Pradesh route and it was the normal route of network between India and ancient Tibet," he said.

Mr Dhumal said the state government would vigorously take up the matter with Central Government to declare Himachal route as alternative route for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.

The Chief Minister also advocated the connecting of Leh through rail network by Jogindernagar-Manali-Keylong route saying that it is in the strategic interest of the country from defence point of view keeping in view the expansion of rail network by Chinese authorities from Tibetan side.

He said the Centre should take effective steps to link borders areas of the Lahaul Spiti, Leh Ladakh with effective rail, road and telecommunications network to strengthen defence network and meet any exigencies in the future.

He said that this rail network will cover the tribal belt of the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir which is most sensitive border areas adjoining China.

Mr Dhumal also pleaded for opening the old silk route between India and Tibet for trade and added that it will boost the traditional crafts, handloom, dry fruits and ancient herbs business across the borders and people of mainly tribal areas will be benefitted from this route.

MORE UNI XC PS MMS1936