Veer Bhoomi Calls for Himachal Scouts to Boost Border Defense & Jobs

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Union Government to establish a dedicated Himachal Scouts Battalion on the lines of the Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Scouts. The proposed force aims to recruit local youth from high-altitude border regions like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, leveraging their natural resilience and deep familiarity with the harsh terrain to strengthen India’s defense along the Sino-Indian border and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s identity as both Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi, the Chief Minister noted that over one lakh youth from the state are currently serving in the Armed Forces, supported by an equal number of ex-servicemen. He underscored the state’s glorious military legacy—symbolized by four Param Vir Chakra recipients, including India’s first recipient, Major Som Nath Sharma—emphasizing that the new battalion would both honor this tradition of sacrifice and generate vital employment for border youth.