Four year old inter-state boundary dispute between Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in the Leh region remains unresolved, with state government awaiting for the report of Surveyor General of India to settle the issue.
” Yes, it is a fact that there exists a boundary dispute between J&K and Himachal Pradesh in Leh-Ladakh region,” reads a written reply by the revenue minister, A R Veeri in recently held legislative assembly to a question raised by Congress MLA from Ladakh region NawangRigzinJora.
Boundary dispute between Himachal Pradesh and J&K at Sirchoo from Leh side has deepened as both sides are claiming that their boundary is deeper inside each other’s territory. While Lahaul-Spiti is claiming its boundary is 14-18kms inside J&K, the latter is claiming its area to be 7kms inside Himachal Pradesh.
A senior revenue department official informed that “it has been four years and the issue of boundary dispute between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir at Sirchoo and Shinkula is still unresolved.”
Sirchoo is an important tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh where during peak summer season people from Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu-Manali set up their tents for tourism purpose. Sirchoo remains open for vehicular traffic till September-October from where tourists travel on their way to Leh.
“The actual quantum of occupied land on both sides has not been ascertained as yet as both sides have different claims and interpretations. The Surveyor General of India was requested to provide a map to the revenue department for its authenticity which is awaited,” Veeri said.
“The matter is under consideration of both the state governments and in this regard a delegation from JK comprising deputy commissioner, Leh and Deputy commissionerKargil held a meeting with a delegation of Himachal Pradesh represented by Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and SP Lahaul on 10.8.2016 at Sirchoo. The meeting was also attended by additional surveyor general of India,” he added.
It may be recalled that Himachal Pradesh took up the land dispute issue with Jammu and Kashmir at the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting held in Chandigarh last year. While raising the issue of boundary dispute HP revenue minister had underlined the need to resolve such inter-state issues at the earliest.
Himachal Pradesh shares its borders with Jammu and Kashmir to the north and northwest.
“It may further be mentioned here that besides Himachal Pradesh, there is a boundary dispute between Leh and Kargil district administration over Kahcharai rights of village SamadRokchan and the issue is under consideration between all the stake holders including Himachal Pradesh,” Veeri stated.
“Since the issue is between three stakeholders – Leh, Kargil and Himachal Pradesh – efforts are being made to resolve the same amicably. The inter-state dispute is also being examined at the state level for redressal besides holding negotiations between Leh and Kargil district administration after taking into confidence the nomadic people of both the side, who claim Kahcharai rights in the said area.”