Himachal Pradesh deserves a separate regiment in Indian Armed Forces: HP Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 17 (ANI): The speaker of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, has advocated a separate regiment in the Indian Armed Forces.
'The people of Himachal Pradesh have made immense contributions to India's military efforts. It's time our state had its regiment in the Indian Armed Forces,' said Kuldeep Singh Pathania, while speaking with ANI in Shimla on Saturday.
Pathania was speaking following the inauguration of a blood donation camp organised at the Himachal Pradesh Assembly complex by the Sports and Cultural Association.
Praising the patriotic spirit and service ethos of the people of Himachal Pradesh, Pathania reiterated the long-standing demand for the formation of a separate regiment in the Indian Armed Forces exclusively for Himachali soldiers.
'Himachal Pradesh's Legacy of gallantry must be recognised with a dedicated regiment'
Citing the historical and continued contributions of Himachali soldiers, Pathania said that the soldiers from Himachal Pradesh have proved in war and tough times in the Indian armed forces.
'Himachal Pradesh has always stood at the forefront during times of war and national crisis. Our soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice and won numerous gallantry awards from the Param Vir Chakra to the Vir Chakra and the Kirti Chakra. It is only fitting that the Indian Armed Forces establish a special regiment representing Himachal Pradesh.' He said.
Pathania emphasised that soldiers from the hill state have consistently played a vital role, whether it was the 1962 war, the 1972 war, the Kargil conflict, or modern-day operations like Sindhur. He pointed out that Himachal is known as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), but it is also the land of valiant warriors who have tirelessly served the country.
Acknowledging Operation Sindhur Pathania said that it was a testament to India's military prowess.
In a detailed statement, Speaker Pathania lauded Operation Sindoor, a recent military success by Indian forces, calling it a clear demonstration of India's growing technological and strategic capabilities.
'Operation Sindoor has sent a strong message to the world's major military powers. Even countries like the United States, known for their advanced arsenal and military technology, have been effectively matched by India's armed forces. In fact, our capabilities are not just comparable but in many ways ahead,' said Pathania.
'The success of Operation Sindoor is a matter of pride for the entire nation, and especially for us in Himachal Pradesh. A brave soldier from my very own Assembly constituency laid down his life during this operation. His sacrifice is a reminder of the selfless service Himachali youth continue to render to the nation.' He added.
Earlier in the day, Speaker Pathania inaugurated a blood donation camp on the Assembly premises, expressing his gratitude to the organisers and participants.
'I am happy that the Bharat Evam Cultural Association has organised this blood donation camp at the Assembly premises. Almost all our staff members have participated. Blood donation is the greatest form of service; it saves lives and is a deeply noble act,' he said.
Pathania congratulated all the officers, employees, and organisational members who came forward for the cause.
'I hope this spirit of service continues. Through such acts, we serve society in a meaningful way.' Said Pathania.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania's strong advocacy for the Himachal Regiment reflects a broader sentiment in the state that its decades of military contribution deserve distinct recognition. As India continues to modernise its forces and celebrate regional pride, the proposal for a dedicated regiment representing Himachal Pradesh could gain further traction. (ANI)

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Hans India

22 minutes ago

• Hans India

311 more Indian nationals return home, 1428 evacuated from war-hit Iran so far

The Indian government continues to bring back Indian nationals, including students stranded in the war-torn Iran, under the Operation Sindhu. The latest batch of 311 Indians arrived in the national capital via a special flight from Mashhad, even as the tensions escalated to a new high in the Middle East region following the bombing of key Iranian nuclear facilities by the US bomber planes. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to X on Sunday to share an update on India's evacuation drive from Iran under the Operation Sindhu, and also gave exact numbers of evacuees from the war-hit zone. 'Operation Sindhu continues. 311 Indian nationals arrived in New Delhi on a special flight from Mashhad at 16:30 hrs on 22nd June. 1428 Indian nationals have now been evacuated from Iran,' said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, in a tweet. Kashmiri students comprise a large portion of the contingent, being evacuated from the Gulf state. J&K Students Association also thanked the government for the sustained evacuation drive from the conflict-torn zone. 'The Mahan Air flight (W50071A) from Mashhad, Iran, carrying over 280 Indian students, including 200+ from Kashmir, has safely landed in Delhi. A moment of immense relief and joy for families who waited with anxious hearts,' said the J&K Students Association on X. It further said, 'We thank the Ministry of External Affairs, Government authorities and all those officials engaged in the operation for their swift response, tireless coordination, and support in ensuring the safe evacuation of our students from Mashhad, Iran. Your efforts brought our students home.' Meanwhile, the Indian government has taken up the task of evacuating the Nepalese and Sri Lankan nationals from the Gulf nation, being hit by Israeli and US strikes. The Embassy of India in Tehran announced on Saturday that citizens of Sri Lanka and Nepal would be evacuated by the Government of India, as per the requests from respective governments.

India.com

27 minutes ago

• India.com

No Nukes For Iran...: US Defence Secy Hails Spectacular Military Success After Airstrikes

Israel-Iran Conflict: After the United States struck Iran's nuclear sites in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, amid tensions with Israel, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated that the strikes were "an incredible and overwhelming success." He also added that United States President Donald Trump has consistently said for over a decade that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon. "Last night, on President Trump's orders, US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordeau, Natanz, and Isfahan, in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran's nuclear program. It was an incredible and overwhelming success," Hegseth said. "The order we received from our commander in chief was focused, it was powerful, and it was clear that we had devastated the Iranian nuclear program. It's worth noting the operation did not target Iranian troops or the Iranian people..." he added. #WATCH | US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth says "Last night, on President Trump's orders, US Central Command conducted a precision strike in the middle of the night against three nuclear facilities in Iran, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in order to destroy or severely degrade… — ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025 Trump On Iran's Nuclear "For the entirety of his time in office, President Trump has consistently stated for over 10 years that Iran must not get a nuclear weapon, full stop. Thanks to President Trump's bold and visionary leadership and his commitment to peace through strength, Iran's nuclear ambitions have been obliterated. Many Presidents have dreamed of delivering the final blow to Iran's nuclear program, and none could until President Trump," the US Secretary of Defence said. On the other hand, in his first public remarks since the 'precision' strikes in Iran, Trump warned that he could order further action if Tehran does not agree to a satisfactory peace agreement. In his address to the nation from the White House on Saturday (local time), the US President said, 'There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we've witnessed over the last eight days.' Trump thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said, 'I want to thank Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.' Top brass of the US political leadership stood beside US President Trump as he delivered the remarks, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth. Trump's announcement comes just two days after saying he had opened a two-week window for diplomacy. Israel-Iran Conflict The conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth day on Saturday, with the US launching strikes on the latter. The conflict started after Jerusalem, on June 13, launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, codenamed 'Operation Rising Lion.' In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale drone and missile operation, 'Operation True Promise 3', targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. On Saturday (local time) US bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities, after which several world leaders have weighed in on the continued tensions.

Time of India

31 minutes ago

• Time of India

Definitely no politics, but open to coaching India: Sourav Ganguly

Former skipper Sourav Ganguly has categorically ruled out entering politics, but says he is not averse to coaching the Indian team. Ganguly, who will turn 53 this July, was the Team Director of Delhi Capitals between 2018-19 and 2022-24. "I never really thought about it because I got into different roles," Ganguly told PTI in a free-wheeling podcast interview when asked if he would like to coach the Indian team. "I finished (competitive cricket) in 2013 and then became Board (BCCI) President," said Ganguly, noting that his biggest contribution to Indian cricket in that role was to promote women's cricket. When suggested that he could have contributed more by becoming India coach, Ganguly said: "We'll see what the future holds. I'm just 50 (53), so let's see what happens. I'm open to it. We'll see where it goes," the veteran cricket. Live Events One thing he is not getting into is politics. Asked if he would like to join a political party ahead of West Bengal assembly elections in 2026, Ganguly said with a smile: " I am not interested." What if he is promised the state chief minister's post? "I am not interested," he repeated. Asked which party he would like to join if he has a choice, Ganguly said he has never thought about that. "It's not as easy as you say. I get the opportunity (to enter politics) every year but I don't think that's my cup of tea. I have no interest in politics, I just observe because a country and a states' progress is directly attached to people who run it." Ganguly was all praise for incumbent coach Gautam Gambhir , who he feels, has picked up pace as coach since Champions Trophy victory in Dubai earlier this year. "Gautam (Gambhir) is doing a good job. He started off a little slow, losing to Australia and New Zealand, but he picked up with the Champions Trophy. This is going to be a big series (vs England)," Ganguly said. Asked how astute a tactician Gambhir is, Ganguly praised the southpaw's passion and his ability to express his opinions in a straight forward manner. "I haven't seen him from very close in this role, but I know he is very passionate. I haven't observed his strategies closely because I haven't worked with him as a coach. "He's very straightforward, he sees things clearly, and he's very open about what he feels, about the team, players, people, everything. From the outside, you can tell he's a very transparent person - what you see is what you get." Ganguly recollected his playing days when he found Gambhir to be very respectful towards senior. "I've played with him. He was a great guy with a lot of respect for me and the senior players. Even now, I can see he is extremely passionate about his job." Ganguly also feels that with just a year into the job, Gambhir should be allowed time to grow as a coach and learn with passage of time. "I wish him all the best. He's just a year into the job, and this will be an important (England) tour. He struggled a bit in Australia, but just like everyone else, he'll learn, he'll grow, and he'll become better." Ganguly revealed that by the end of 2026 his biopic will release and Rajkumar Rao will be the protagonist. "The shooting will start in January, the pre-production, scripting and story writing takes a lot of time, shooting does not take much time," he said.