'War' Over: India, Pakistan Agree to Ceasefire; DGMO Talks Set for May 12 - HimbuMail

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Kuldeep Chauhan Editor-in-Chief www.himbumail.com

New Delhi/Shimla, May 10:
Bringing a sudden end to days of escalating tension, India and Pakistan have agreed to halt all military action across land, air, and sea.

The ceasefire comes into effect from 5 PM (IST) today, following a crucial conversation between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the announcement at a brief press conference held at the National Media Centre in New Delhi at 6 PM. “The Director General of Military Operations of Pakistan called his Indian counterpart at 15:35 hours. It was mutually agreed that both sides would cease all firing and military activity effective 17:00 hours today,” Misri said.

He added that both nations have issued immediate instructions to their respective forces to implement the ceasefire in full spirit. “The DGMOs will speak again on May 12 at 1200 hours to review the situation,” Misri stated.

A detailed military briefing is expected to follow shortly, to shed light on the next steps and reinforce the ceasefire protocols.

This surprise breakthrough has raised hopes for de-escalation in the region, though both sides remain on alert.

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Tourists Explore 14000 ft High Shipki La In Kinnaur Near China Border

Reckong Peo/Kinnaur:

In a major step to boost border tourism, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu formally inaugurated the much-anticipated tourism circuit at Shipki La—a high-altitude Indo-China border pass in Kinnaur district—on Wednesday.

Calling it a historic moment for the people of Kinnaur and the entire state, the CM flagged off the first batch of visitors to the newly identified Shipki La tourism belt, which will now be developed with upgraded roads, eco-friendly stays, and cultural exposure to tribal life.

Gateway to Frontier Tourism

Shipki La, situated at over 14,000 ft, has so far remained under tight security due to its proximity to the sensitive international border.

The area was previously off-limits for tourists. With this symbolic opening, the state hopes to tap into adventure seekers, heritage lovers, and those drawn to remote Himalayan landscapes.

CM Sukhu said, “We’re not just opening a tourist spot—we're opening doors to economic opportunities, homestay ventures, and local employment in this remote frontier.”

Local Tribes, Army to Coexist in Development

Authorities clarified that all security protocols and permits will remain in place, and tourism will be regulated in coordination with the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The initiative also aims to showcase Himachal's unique tribal culture, apple farming, and Buddhist heritage of Kinnaur.

Part of a Larger Plan

This move is part of the state government’s broader vision to promote border tourism in districts like Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba.

A senior tourism official confirmed that similar plans are being worked out for Nako, Chitkul, and Sumdo, with infrastructure development already underway.

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Trek Turn Tragic for a Maharashtra Trekker in Rohru

Trek Turns Tragic: Maharashtra Man Dies During Hike in Rohru

Shimla/Rohru:

A peaceful Himalayan trek ended in heartbreak after a 39-year-old man from Maharashtra, identified as Nitin Abhivant, lost his life while trekking in the Janglik–Buran Ghati region of Shimla district on Tuesday.

Nitin, part of a trekking group exploring the scenic high-altitude trail near Janglik village in Rohru subdivision, reportedly collapsed mid-way during the ascent.

Fellow trekkers and local guides immediately called for help.

Rushed to Health Centre, Declared Dead

The unconscious trekker was brought down with the help of locals and transported to a nearby Primary Health Centre (PHC). Despite all efforts by medical staff, he was declared dead on arrival. Authorities suspect a cardiac arrest, but a post-mortem has been ordered to confirm the cause.

Tough Terrain, Sudden Weather Shifts

The Buran Ghati trek, known for its rugged trails, sudden weather changes, and steep elevation gains, is popular among adventure enthusiasts.

However, experts caution that proper acclimatization and health checks are essential before attempting such demanding routes.

“This region is breathtaking but not easy on the body, especially for those coming from sea-level cities without acclimatising properly,” said a local medical officer in Rohru.

Safety Calls Renewed

The incident has reignited concerns over safety protocols in high-altitude tourism.

Local authorities have appealed to trekking organizers to ensure medical screening and provide trained guides, especially on less-monitored trails like Buran Ghati.

The family of the deceased has been informed, and arrangements are being made to airlift the body to Maharashtra.

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Israeli Trekker Goes Missing from Triund In Kangra Valley

Israeli Trekker Goes Missing Near Triund, Massive Search Launched

Dharamshala/Kangra:

A solo trekking adventure has turned into a high-stakes rescue operation in the Dhauladhar mountains, as a 30-year-old Israeli-American tourist, identified as Samuel Vengrinovich, has gone missing near the Triund-Indrahar Pass route.

Samuel, who had arrived in McLeodganj earlier this month, embarked on a solo hike towards Triund Ridge around June 6.

He had reportedly left his mobile phone, passport, and belongings at the base camp and did not return. When local hosts noticed his prolonged absence, they informed authorities.

Multinational Effort Underway

The situation quickly escalated, prompting the involvement of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and officials from the Israeli Embassy.

In a rare move, even a special Israeli rescue team has arrived to join the search, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the case.

Rescuers are combing through the treacherous Indrahar Pass area, a popular but demanding trekking trail known for its sharp ridges, unpredictable weather, and dangerous terrain. Drone surveillance, sniffer dogs, and satellite communication tools have been deployed.

Rescue Teams Battling Odds

Despite the combined efforts, search teams are facing difficulty due to thick fog, slippery rocks, and early evening darkness in the high-altitude zone.

“The terrain is not forgiving. Any misstep can be fatal,” said a senior police officer coordinating the search.

Locals and trekking guides believe the hiker may have either strayed off-path or met with an accident near a ridge or glacier-fed nullah.

“Triund is safe till a point. But the route to Indrahar is not meant for solo or inexperienced trekkers,” said Lobsang Tashi, a veteran guide from McLeodganj.

Embassy Issues Appeal

The Israeli embassy in New Delhi has issued an urgent public appeal, requesting anyone who may have spotted Samuel in recent days to come forward.

His family is reportedly on their way to India and are in touch with officials on the ground.

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Heatwave Tightens Scorching Grip on Himachal , Apple Farmers Worry as Fruit Suffer Sunburn

Shimla/Una:

A searing heatwave has swept across Himachal Pradesh, leaving even the cooler mid-hill towns reeling under unusually high temperatures.

Una on Wednesday recorded a staggering 44.2°C, the hottest in the state and among the highest ever for June, while Neri (Hamirpur) followed close behind at 43.3°C.

Even in areas usually considered weather havens—like Mandi (39.5°C) and Kangra (40.2°C)—the mercury continued to defy expectations.

The capital Shimla wasn’t spared either, with the thermometer touching 30.5°C, which is nearly 5 degrees above normal.

Tourist hotspots such as Dharamshala (35.1°C), Kasauli (31.8°C), Manali (29°C), and even Chamba saw an unexpected spike in temperatures, disrupting travel plans and causing discomfort for visitors and locals alike.

The Health Department has issued advisories urging people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours and keep hydrated, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Dry Spell, No Respite Till June 13

According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, there is no immediate relief in sight.

The heatwave is expected to continue through June 12, with a possible change only around June 13, when isolated pre-monsoon showers could hit parts of Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba districts.

Climate Experts Concerned

Experts are raising red flags about this persistent pattern of early and intense heat in Himachal, which they say reflects deepening climate stress in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

"Such prolonged hot spells in June are not just rare—they're a warning. The traditional buffer that our altitude offered is thinning," said Dr. Nikhil Bhardwaj, a climate scientist at HPU.

Meanwhile, apple growers in mid-hills have started worrying about sunburn on fruits, a condition triggered by extreme heat, especially in areas like Kotkhai, Rohru, and Theog.

News

Renuka Dam gets Forest Clearance

Forest Nod Given to Renuka Dam; Construction to Start

RENUKA: The ₹6,947 crore Renuka multipurpose dam on the Giri River (Sirmaur district) has cleared a major hurdle with Stage-II forest clearance granted on June 4.

The project will divert 909 hectares of forest area and aims to supply drinking water to Delhi‑NCR by 2030.

Construction will include diversion tunnels and a 148 m-high rock‑fill dam. It will affect 1,508 hectares of land and 41 villages, requiring relocation of 346 families .

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