Dharamshala, Oct. 26 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday urged the Union government to raise a dedicated Himachal Scouts Battalion on the lines of the Ladakh Scouts, Sikkim Scouts and Arunachal Pradesh Scouts. This would strengthen the defence preparedness along the Sino-Indian border, particularly the Line of Actual Control, while enhancing operational capabilities in the region's difficult mountainous terrain, he said.

The proposed battalion will provide a dedicated recruitment opportunity for local youth, particularly those from border areas such as Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, who are familiar with the challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions of high-altitude regions, he said.

Sukhu said Himachal Prade...