Pangi delegation meets Sukhu, demands separate constituency

A delegation from the tribal Pangi Valley in Chamba district, under the banner of Pangwal Ekta Manch, met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the state secretariat on Friday to present their demands.

The delegation, led by Pangwal Ekta Manch chairman Trilok Thakur, sought the Chief Minister’s intervention on various pressing issues concerning the region.

One of the primary demands was the restoration of Pangi as a separate Assembly constituency during the delimitation process in 2026.

They also urged the state government to advocate for the Chehni Pass Tunnel construction project with the Centre; to ensure the posting of an IAS Resident Commissioner in Pangi; and to expedite the stalled construction of the Pangi Bhavan in Kullu.

Responding to their demands, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that efforts would be made to seek a separate Assembly constituency for Pangi whenever the Delimitation Commission was notified. He also directed officials to take up the Chehni Pass Tunnel project with the Central Government, issue orders for the posting of an IAS Resident Commissioner in Pangi, and commence the construction of Pangi Bhavans in both Kullu and Chamba.

The Chief Minister took note of the electricity supply challenges in Pangi, where only 700 kV was available against the demand of 1,400 kV.

Sukhu announced plans to visit Pangi in April and lay the foundation stone for a 2-MW solar panel battery storage project, which was expected to address some of the valley’s energy concerns. The Pangwal Ekta Manch expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving their concerns a patient hearing and issuing immediate directives for action.

Earlier, on Thursday, the delegation had also met Chief Electoral Officer and Secretary (Election) Nandita Gupta, and submitted a detailed memorandum seeking the restoration of Pangi as an Assembly constituency.

During the meeting, Gupta, who has her roots in Pangi, assured the delegation that the matter would be examined. She assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with the Election Commission, Pangwal Ekta Manch chairman said.