'People have forgotten, but we cannot forget': PM Modi launches campaign to restore villages evacuated during Indo-China 1962 war

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that they have launched a campaign to restore the villages that were evacuated during the India-China war of 1962 and said that people have forgotten the time when it happened but he didn't.
At a public gathering in Harsil, PM Modi discussed two villages in Uttarkashi district that were evacuated in 1962. He outlined plans to transform these locations into prominent tourist attractions.
"People might know that when China attacked India in 1962, these two villages of ours were evacuated. People have forgotten, but we cannot forget. We have launched a campaign to rehabilitate those two villages and are moving towards making it a major tourist destination," PM Modi said.
He redefined border villages as the nation's first villages rather than last, stressing their importance and the need for special tourism benefits.
"Our effort is that the border areas of Uttarakhand should also get special benefits of tourism. Earlier, the border villages were called the last villages. But we changed this thinking, we said that these are not the last but our first villages. 'Vibrant Village' program was started for their development. 10 villages of this area have also been included in this scheme," the PM said.
PM Modi discussed the state's progress under the 'double-engine' government, referencing the Kedarnath and Hemkund Ropeway Projects.
"Our double-engine government is working together to make Uttarakhand a developed state. Chardham All-Weather Road, modern expressway, railway, aircraft, and helicopter services in the state have expanded rapidly in the last 10 years. Just yesterday, the Union Cabinet has approved the Kedarnath Ropeway Project and the Hemkund Ropeway Project. After the construction of the Kedarnath Ropeway, the journey which used to take 8 to 9 hours, will now be completed in about 30 minutes. This will make the Kedarnath Yatra easier for the elderly and children." PM Modi said.
Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated a trek and bike rally in Harsil after visiting Maa Ganga Mukhwa's winter residence for prayers, joined by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The state government has launched a Winter Tourism programme this year, with numerous devotees already visiting the winter locations of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This initiative aims to enhance religious tourism and strengthen local businesses, including homestays and tourism enterprises.