Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania in a press statement has strongly demanded the formation of a dedicated Himalayan Regiment for the hill states, especially Himachal Pradesh. He accused the Union Government of continuously ignoring the unmatched courage and sacrifices made by soldiers from the region.
He said that Himachal Pradesh was known as Veer Bhoomi. From the first Param Vir Chakra awarded to Major Somnath Sharma to the heroic martyrdom of Captain Vikram Batra and many others, the people of our state have displayed extraordinary valour in every war and conflict faced by the nation.
Despite this, the Central Government has failed to recognise the need for a dedicated regiment representing the hill states. Pathania expressed concern over the reduction of army recruitment quotas based on population, terming it unjust for a state like Himachal, which has historically contributed a large number of soldiers to the Indian Army.
He said that Himachal was a small state in terms of population, but number one when it comes to gallantry awards. He said that the Centre must not measure bravery by population. He said that he also met Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and held a discussion and urged to take up this matter with the Union Government.
He said the formation of a Himalayan Regiment would open more opportunities for the youth of the region and utilise their natural ability and readiness for mountain warfare. He said that whether it was the 1962 war, 1971 war, Kargil conflict, or counter-insurgency operations, Himachali soldiers have always been among the first to respond and sacrifice. The Central government must honour this spirit and reward them by forming a separate regiment of the state.
Pathania slammed the Union Government for its weak stand on ceasefire violations and said that the central leadership must act firmly in national interest. While the Himachal government was ensuring safety and security in border areas, the Centre must also fulfil its responsibility.
Calling a recent statement by a Madhya Pradesh minister unfortunate and divisive, Pathania said,The national flag belongs to all 140 crore Indians. No one needs a certificate of patriotism. Gandhi ji’s India is one, where all are equal.
Pathania made a humble yet firm appeal to the Prime Minister and Defence Minister to seriously consider the long-pending demand for the Himachal Regiment. He said that four Members of Parliament elected from Himachal must also raise this issue with full strength at the national level.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
