M A I N   N E W S

More temples may be targeted: PM
Our Correspondent

Solan, December 1
Asserting that India will not bow to terrorism, the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, today said India was prepared to give a befitting reply to terrorism being perpetuated by its neighbouring country.

He was addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stone of a Rs 100-crore Heritage Park being set up under the aegis of Mohan Meakin Breweries at Harat village, 14 km from here.

Expressing concern that terrorists were targeting religious places, he stated that this would not deter India from its fight against terrorism. The government had specific information that the militants would further target such places in a bid to inflame communal passions amongst various groups. The two attacks on Raghunath Temple in Jammu were aimed at creating a communal divide, besides affecting tourism.

Elucidating on the Centre’s plans to help Himachal, he stated that the Central Government had chalked out a special plan for Himachal and a decision in this regard would soon be taken by his government. With a view to attracting industrial investment, the government had decided to grant excise exemption to industrialists investing in backward areas of Himachal and all necessary help would be provided by the government to the investors.

Stressing on the need to bring about economic development in the country, the Prime Minister stated that it was a matter of pride that despite recession in the South Asian region, our country had progressed and the achievement noticed by the entire world. He lauded the agrarian community for having grown ample foodgrain, despite the drought in as many as 14 states.

The production was not only sufficient to meet the requirements of our country, but also enough for export. The economic development of a country was directly related to good roads and his government endeavoured to provide good connectivity of roads by spending crores.

He lauded the valiant soldiers of the state and exhorted the youth to avail of job opportunities in the IT sector in Himachal, which was emerging as an important centre. Stressing the need to preserve cultural heritage, the Prime Minister stated that Himachal was a land of gods which had a rich cultural heritage which needed to be preserved.

In addition, there was the need to encourage the ancient Indian system of medicine and preserve our cultural heritage. Steps should be taken to undertake research and encourage scholars in this field.

While praising the efforts of Brig (Retd) Kapil Mohan for having undertaking this Rs 100-crore project, he stated that it would become an important tourist attraction centre of this region in years to come. Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister, Prof P.K. Dhumal, stated that this heritage centre, was poised to develop as an important world-level centre of naturopathy, religion, ayurveda and yoga, would be well-connected by a network of roads, which would also facilitate the locals in transporting their agriculture produce to markets.

The Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr Shanta Kumar, also spoke. People from villages had turned up in good numbers to listen to the Prime Minister who arrived here for a brief visit in a special chopper.

Others present on the occasion were Brig Kapil Mohan, ministers, the local MLA and chairmen of various boards.

Disappointing ministers and locals, the much-awaited visit of the Prime Minister proved to be damp squib as no package or special aid was announced for the state. The locals, who had turned in good numbers were left high and dry when the Prime Minister returned announcing nothing for the state.