Teachers threaten stir
SHIMLA, April 4 — Dr Rajinder Singh Chauhan, President, Himachal Pradesh University Teachers Association, has criticised the Government for delaying the UGC pay scales to the teachers and threatened to resort to agitation if the scales were not released by April 18.

TYC to resume fast in Geneva
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, April 4 — The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) will resume its fast which it had deferred last year in May.

Addressing a press conference here today, the President of the TYC, Mr Tseten Norbu, said even after a long wait of over nine months the international community and the UN had failed to end the human rights abuse in Tibet. "We will ensure that this time our demands are accepted as they are very simple and what is required is only little will power," he asserted.

He stated that the fast would be resumed outside the UN office in Geneva by the Vice-President of the TYC, Mr Kaema Yeshi, the General Secretary, Mr Pema Lhundup, and a former political prisoner in Tibet, Mr Reting Tenpa.

Mr Norbu said despite tremendous support from the international community, various NGOs and intellectuals from all over the world, the situation continued to deteriorate in Tibet and China was not showing any positive signs.

The TYC leader regretted that even today some governments were reluctant to raise the issue of Tibet at international forums. "On the contrary the Chinese authorities have taken the accommodative initiatives of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in-exile as weakness, rather than considering them genuine measures", he said.

When asked if the TYC would once again succumb to pressure to call of the strike, he said they had chosen Geneva as the venue to ward off as much pressure as possible.

Heliports for Chamba likely
From Our Correspondent

CHAMBA, April 4 — The Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to construct heliports at Salooni, Khundi Mural, Satrundi and Bhanjraru in Chamba district with a view to combating militancy in the area.

Stating this over the phone, Mr Kishori Lal, Himachal Industries Minister, said the state government had earmarked Rs 12.8 crore for the state Civil Aviation Department under the state annual plan for airports and airstrips in the state.

The minister said the government had accorded sanction to the tune of Rs 2.10 crore for widening the Jubbarhatti airport area. He added the state government had got sanctioned Rs 36 lakh from the Centre for widening of Kulu airport.

For promoting tourism a sum of Rs 9.32 crore would be invested in the government sector. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) had been assigned the promotional role. He added that a 'wholly owned subsidiary' would be set up to manage the hotels run by the HPTDC. A safe and luxurious coach service would be provided for tourists.

60 leprosy cases detected in Kangra
From Our Correspondent

PALAMPUR, April 4 — Under the nationwide leprosy elimination campaign launched by the Himachal Government 60 cases of leprosy were detected in Kangra district.

The District Leprosy Officer, Dr Naresh Mehta, said during the campaign 12,51,624 persons were enumerated and out of these 60 cases were confirmed by experts.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr B.K. Agarwal, said 1,000 Anganwari workers and number of NGOs participated in the campaign. All confirmed cases would be reconfirmed after a week.

In Chhota Bhangal and Bara Bhangal areas of the district, a survey would be conducted from May 7 to 14 this year.

Murder case solved
From Our Correspondent

SOLAN, April 4 — The police has solved the mystery surrounding the murder of a 50-year-old man whose body was found in Baddi on March 28.

According to information available here, the victim was identified as Mithu Yadav, an employee of a factory at Baddi.

The police has registered a case of murder against the victim's wife and her alleged paramour, both of whom had confessed the crime.

Teachers threaten stir
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, April 4 — Dr Rajinder Singh Chauhan, President, Himachal Pradesh University Teachers Association, has criticised the Government for delaying the UGC pay scales to the teachers and threatened to resort to agitation if the scales were not released by April 18.

In a statement issued here yesterday, Mr Chauhan said the Government was legally bound to implement the scales, grant other demands of the teachers.