Raj Bhavan to extend full support to ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ programme in Sikkim

GANGTOK, January : Major General MS Rathore, the GOC of 17 Mountain Division, paid a courtesy call on Governor Om Prakash Mathur at Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.

During the meeting, the 17 Mountain Division GOCbriefed the Governor about ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’, a unique initiative of Government of India to promote battlefield tourism across the country, a Raj Bhavan release informs.

Under Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, Nathu La Pass, Doka la and Chola Pass in Sikkim are shortlisted.In 1967, Nathu La witnessed a major clash between Indian Army with China and Doka La is another site of the 73-day stand-off between India and China in 2017.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor said: “Inclusion of Nathu La Pass, Doka La and Chola Pass in the list of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan programme is only possible because of the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which offers people of our country to explore historic battlegrounds while learning about the valor of the Indian Army. It is a matter of pride for us”.

The Governor also discussed about the development of Dichu village, first frontier village close to Doka La Pass.

The Governor recently visited DokaLa and stopped in Dichu village, where he spoke with the locals. During the interaction, villagers shared their concerns and needs with him. In this regard, the Governor directed the 17 Mountain Division GOC to address their grievances and needs, the release mentions.

The Indian Army, in association with the Ministry of Tourism, launched Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, which opened up 77 battleground spots, including those in Siachen, Kargil and Galwan. To honour the memory of the martyrs and create greater awareness about the numerous sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers over the course of the history, on January 15, Indian Army Day, the Defence Minister of Defence launched the historic initiative, Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan.

The Governor also assured that the Raj Bhavan will extend full support for the implementation of ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ programme in the State, the release mentions.