Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 29

The encroachment in the Himachal territory by residents of Jammu and Kashmir has led to tension in Lahaul-Spiti. Lahaul valley residents allege that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have encroached their land in Sarchu and Shinku La.

Those living in Leh and Kargil have set up temporary tents 35-km inside the state boundary from Shinku La and 20 km inside at Sarchu on the Manali-Leh road to run their business during the tourist season.

The Shinku La provides road connectivity to Kargil in the Zanskar valley of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, Sarchu is the central place between Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir.

Ravi Thakur, former MLA of Lahaul-Spiti, said, “The locals have informed me that the residents of Kargil and Leh have encroached further inside the Himachal territory this year compared to previous years. Earlier, the residents of Leh had encroached 14 km inside the Himachal boundary at Sarchu, but this year, they have gone 20 km further inside. Similarly at Shinku La, the Kargil residents have encroached 35 km inside the Himachal boundary, where they set up tents for business during the tourist season,” he said.

“The encroachment on the Himachal land by Kargil and Leh residents has sparked tension in Lahaul. Valley residents have also been conducting business at Shinku La and Sarchu for many years, but the latest development has instilled fear among them,” he added.

Ramesh Kumar Rulba, president of zila parishad, Lahaul-Spiti, said, “The encroachment by outsiders has become a major issue for those living in Lahaul. The dispute has been going on for a few years and the state government has not been able to solve it. I will ask the district administration to look into the matter until the matter is resolved.”

Ravi Thakur urged Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to demarcate the boundary at Shinku La and Sarchu on a priority. The pass and Sarchu fall under Darcha panchayat in Lahaul. Sonam Dolma, pradhan of Darcha gram panchayat, said, “We have raised the issue with Agriculture Minister Ram Lal Markanda, who represents this constituency, but so far no step has been taken to settle the issue.”

KK Saroch, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti, said, “I have asked the Conservator of Forest to conduct a survey of the area. The DC said he had not received any complaint from the local panchayat on the issue.”