HP CM seeks additional grant to check 'spillover terrorism'

Apprehending a spillover of terrorism from the neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir into Himachal Pradesh, chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today sought additional grant from the Centre to contain the terror activities in the state.
Speaking at the Inter-State Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said Himachal Pradesh was facing a "serious challenge" and "future possibility of spill over of terrorism" in the districts of Chamba and Lahaul Spiti.
"We request Centre to support us in containing the terror activities by giving more grants," he said.
His remarks come amid the state of turmoil in Kashmir Valley where 39 people have died and over 3,100 left injured in the violence since last week following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

Singh also urged the Centre to provide subsided helicopter services in Himachal Pradesh so that all parts of the state remain connected throughout the year.
Besides, the chief minister asked the Union government to allow state to "utilise wasteland for creating infrastructure for essential economic activities" like road infrastructure and power projects.

Stressing that there has been "inordinate delay" in granting permissions for critical infrastructure projects under Forest Conservation Act, he called for relaxation for the state in granting such approvals.
He also asked Centre to grant 'Green Bonus' to hill states for maintaining their forest cover.
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Stating Himachal Pradesh has been implementing Forest Conservation Act in "letter and spirit", Singh urged Centre to relax "stringent" forest laws for execution of developmental and socio-economic upliftment of the people in the state.
"Unutilised waste lands upto 5 hectares, may be permitted, for creating, infrastructure for essential economic activities.
"Under Forest Conservation Act, state government may be empowered to grant approvals for diversion of forest land upto an area of 5 hectare for critical infrastructure projects, which get delayed owing to cumbersome processes of Ministry at Centre," he said.
The Chief Minister also called for 'special products' category for apple crop as safeguard mechanism to increase tariff in case of surge in its import.

He also sought timely and "as approved" release of funds from Centre for Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan and Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.
He also requested Union Government to revive the scheme for modernisation of police forces to meet the emerging challenges in internal security.