HP not evacuating villages along China border for now

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government does not plan to get the six villages within 10 km of the border with China evacuated for now, but it has stepped up vigil in the area after the recent faceoff of Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh that claimed the lives of 20 soldiers.

Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur reviewed the situation in the state’s regions along the China border in tribal Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts. Thakur, who also holds the state home portfolio, met Himachal director general of police Sanjay Kundu and the Indo Tibetan Border Police commandant besides central intelligence officials in Shimla, to take stock of operational preparedness on Friday.

During the review meeting, it was decided that villages along the border will not be evacuated for now.

VILLAGERS WORRIED

Villagers have been worried due to escalating tensions between the two countries. Namgia, Pooh, Tashigang, Sumdoh, Shalkar and Dubling are located within 10km of the border.

Meanwhile, DGP Kundu has asked superintendents of police in Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts to monitor the situation in border villages.