Amid renewed tensions between India and Pakistan following the high-stakes Operation Sindoor, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Sunday made a compelling pitch to uphold the sanctity of the Shimla Agreement and pressed for the creation of a dedicated Himachal Regiment in the Indian Armed Forces.   Agnihotri, speaking to media persons in Shimla, called the Shimla Agreement a cornerstone of Indo-Pak bilateral relations, warning against attempts to dilute its spirit and significance. The agreement, signed on July 2, 1972, remains as relevant today as it was over five decades ago. It clearly outlines that all disputes between India and Pakistan — especially Kashmir — must be resolved through peaceful, bilateral means, with no room for third-party intervention, he stated.   Taking strong exception to Pakistans recent assertion that it no longer recognizes the Shimla Agreement, Agnihotri said: This kind of denial is unacceptable. The Shimla Agreement is a binding commitment. Pakistan cannot conveniently disown it. It is this very agreement that has helped avert escalations and guided diplomatic engagement in difficult times. Even the recent ceasefire appeal from Pakistans DGMO after Operation Sindoor is proof that the framework of bilateralism continues to hold ground.   He urged the Union Government to categorically assert Indias adherence to the principles of the agreement and ensure that no deviation is made under any international pressure. There is absolutely no need for any third-party mediation. India must stay firm on its stance of bilateral dialogue under the framework of the Shimla Agreement, Agnihotri insisted.   Shifting focus to the states military legacy, the Deputy Chief Minister made a passionate case for the formation of a Himachal Regiment, echoing the sentiments earlier expressed by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania. Our state has given unmatched service and sacrifice to the Indian Armed Forces. Himachal Pradesh has produced four Param Vir Chakra awardees and countless other bravehearts who have brought glory to the nation, he said.   Referencing Operation Sindoor, Agnihotri said that soldiers from Himachal were once again at the forefront, with one martyr and several injured. This is a land of valour. From the icy heights of Kargil to UN peacekeeping missions, soldiers from Himachal have always stood tall. It is only fitting that we have a regiment bearing the name and spirit of this brave land, he asserted.   Acknowledging the Centres policy of not creating new regiments based on regional or caste identities, Agnihotri nonetheless urged a rethink. Policies evolve. Exceptions have been made in the past based on merit, legacy, and operational need. Himachals legacy is unmatched in terms of the proportion of soldiers we contribute to the Army per capita. We are not asking for favour — we are asking for recognition of service and sacrifice.   Calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to listen to the voice of Himachal, Agnihotri reiterated that the demand is not just emotional but justified. The people of this state carry a warrior tradition. A Himachal Regiment would not just be an honour but a tribute to generations of bravery, he concluded.

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