HP govt against shifting of ARTRAC, CM to meet Modi

SHIMLA: After reports that the army is contemplating to shift its training command headquarters from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said he will raise the issue with the Prime Minister.

Replying to the issue raised by leader of opposition Mukesh Agnihoitri after the question hour of the ongoing state Budget session, the CM informed the House that he has so far not received any official information from the Indian Army regarding the proposal to shift the Headquarters of the Army Training Command (HQ ARTRAC) from Shimla to Ambala in Haryana.

“I will definitely raise the issue with central government. If needed, we will also send a communique to them,” the CM said.

He informed that a delegation comprising locals and retired army veterans had called him and expressed their concern over the issue.

“ARTAC headquarter in Shimla is of immense strategic importance and historically significance. Defence has its own internal strategic planning but I am personally of opinion that the headquarters should not be shifted from Shimla,” he said.

He said Himachal Pradesh has largely contributed to the defence services of the nation. During the Dharamshala rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had widely appreciated state’s contribution to the services.

Leader of opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said efforts should be made to stop the shifting as Headquarters of the Western Command had already been shifted from Shimla to Chandimandir in Haryana in 1985.