National
CM Sukhu Unveils Border Tourism at Shipki-La and Proposes Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route through Himachal
Speaking to the gathered crowd, the Chief Minister announced the easing of tourist restrictions in the border area, inviting visitors to explore the breathtaking scenery of Shipki-La. This step is expected to enhance local tourism and invigorate the economies of nearby communities.
The Chief Minister revealed that the state government has sought approval from the Ministry of Defence to open border areas—Lepcha, Shipki-La, Giu, and Rani Kanda—for tourism, and with the Ministry’s permission granted, the initiative is now officially underway.
Sukhu expressed intentions to advocate for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to commence via Shipki-La, stating, “I will discuss this matter with the Prime Minister. Shipki-La offers the most accessible route for the Yatra.”
He also highlighted Shipki-La’s historical importance as an ancient trade route between India and Tibet, which has been closed since 2020, expressing optimism about its potential reopening for trade and cultural exchange, and assured that this matter would be taken up with the central authorities.
Additionally, the Chief Minister proposed establishing a Himachal Scout Battalion with a dedicated recruitment quota for locals in border regions. He also committed to pursuing the development of an airport to enhance tourism in these areas.
He called on the Centre to eliminate the Inner Line Check Post, which currently complicates travel for tourists. To facilitate a smooth travel experience, the state plans to collaborate closely with the Indian Army and paramilitary forces.
Furthermore, he announced that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road, linking Lahaul-Spiti with Kinnaur, has been cleared by the National Wildlife Board. This project will significantly cut the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 kilometers.
The Chief Minister emphasized the dual strategic and developmental importance of border roads, stating that they would not only enhance national security but also improve connectivity to remote areas.
Plans were also discussed for promoting tourism in conjunction with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), utilizing ITBP helipads and healthcare resources to support tourism and local communities.
During the event, he inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited the Indira Gandhi Point. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister, expressing appreciation for the launch of border tourism and advocating for an on-demand bus service in the region, ensuring further infrastructure improvements at Shipki-La soon.
Local Gram Panchayat Pradhan Baldev Negi also welcomed the Chief Minister, and vibrant cultural performances were presented by local Mahila Mandals to celebrate the occasion.
National
MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel
New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.
According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.
The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.
The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.
Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.
In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.
National
8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
National
75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.
The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
