Dipender Manta
The dispute between Himachal and J&K on the Manali-Leh Highway near Sarchu is a cause for concern for the residents of tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti.
Last year, the residents of Leh and Kargil had entered into a scuffle and pelted stones over the right to use the land in Sarchu, which otherwise is claimed by Himachal Pradesh.
For Himachal, Sarchu is a part of Lahaul-Spiti district. Residents of the district said the people of Ladakh, including the J&K police, had intruded 17 km into Himachal’s territory by setting up a police post at Sarchu last year, which worried them. Sarchu is around 222 km away from Manali.
Lahaul-Spiti residents provide tents and run eateries and other businesses at Sarchu every year during the summer season, when the Manali-Leh highway is opened for vehicular activity in May or June. The area receives heavy rush of tourists during the summer season, when a majority of tourists visit Leh-Ladakh.
Residents fear that they will lose their livelihood during the summer season at Sarchu. J&K residents, who run eateries and other business at Sarchu, had reportedly threatened the residents of Lahaul-Spiti and asked them to go back to Lahaul last year.
They fear that the same situation may arise this year after the Manali-Leh highway opens because the state government had failed to solve the issue.
Ramesh Kumar Rulba, chairperson of Zila Parishad Lahaul-Spiti, said: “The residents are concerned about the border dispute with the neighbouring state of J&K, as people have intruded 17 km into Himachal’s boundary at Sarchu. It is a growing threat for those who want to continue with their business on their own land. We had submitted a memorandum to the government several times, but in vain.”
Former Lahaul-Spiti MLA Ravi Thakur said: “The Surveyor General of India had visited the spot for demarcation, where DC Lahaul, DC Ladakh and DC Kargil were also present. The Geological Survey of India had asked both governments to deposit some nominal amount to conduct the final demarcation of land, but it failed to do so. Due to that, the matter is still hanging fire,” he said, adding: “The demarcation of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is final, which cannot be challenged even in the Supreme Court. The government should deposit the money to the GSI for the demarcation of the boundary at Sarchu and Shinkula pass with the J&K state. The J&K authorities intruded into 35 km at Shinkula pass, inside Himachal territory, which is a matter of concern.” Sarchu is a mid-point between Manali and Leh at 14,000 feet above sea level. The plateau is a popular camping site for thousands of tourists travelling between Manali and Ladakh. Various dhabas and shops come up here during the summer season.
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