H I M A C H A L   P R A D E S H

Cong to adopt tough posture in House
SHIMLA, Aug 15 — Armed with sensitive issues like desecration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Hamirpur and handling of situation in the wake of unprecedented flash flood. The Opposition Congress is likely to give a tough time to the government during the six-day monsoon session of the Himachal Assembly beginning, here, on August 17.

Karmapa’s followers plan meeting
DHARAMSALA, Aug 15 — Prompted by the inordinate delay on the part of the Indian government in deciding the status of the 17th Karmapa, followers of the 15-year-old boy, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, from all over the world, will be meeting here on August 18, for three days, to request New Delhi, to formally resolve the matter and decide the future course of action.

Pak balloon in HP
DHARAMSALA, Aug 15 — The Kangra police found a balloon, measuring 24 feet in length and 9 inch in width, with an embossed image of Mohamad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, at Kotla village in Kangra district last evening, the police said here today.

Amended land Act comes into force
NURPUR, Aug 15 — The new amended Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act will come into force from tomorrow.

Floods announcement creates panic
KULU, Aug 15 — Panic was created in the low-lying areas along the Beas on Monday night when the district fire services authorities made an announcement around 11 pm asking the people to shift to safer places. Due to a cloud burst in the upper areas beyond Manali the water had risen, the announcement said.

No virus in polio drops : Chauhan
BILASPUR, Aug 15 — The Himachal Pradesh Director of Health Services, Dr Sukhram Chauhan, has denied reported statements that HIV, virus causing AIDS, had been found in some polio drops and hepatitis-B vaccines. He also allayed fears that the use of iodised salt resulted in impotancy.

Fires break out in HP offices
MANDI, Aug 15 — Fires broke out yesterday almost simultaneously in the offices of the Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer and the Regional Transport Authority located 3 km apart from each other.

Project equipment washed away
SHIMLA, Aug 15 — Machinery and equipment of a hydropower project worth Rs 35 lakh was washed away in a cloud burst at the Ruskat nullah near Manikaran in Kulu on the night of Sunday, delayed reports received here said.

Make nation powerful, Dhumal urges people
From Tribune Reporters

GOHAR (Mandi), Aug 15 — Addressing a state-level function held here today, the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, while conveying greetings on the 54th Independence Day urged the people to take pledge for making vigorous efforts to make the country “powerful and prosperous”.

He said thousands of people had made supreme sacrifices to attain freedom and “we inherit a big responsibility to safeguard it ”.

He lashed out at Pakistan for aiding and abetting terrorism in the country. “Pakistan is now adopting cowardly and inhuman tactics by exploding bombs and killing innocent people. This sort of undeclared war had isolated Pakistan in the world. No one approved such savage acts in the world”, he said.

He said Himachal had always been in the forefront to safeguard the freedom of the country. Its people had made supreme sacrifices whenever the enemy had invaded the country. Over 1.12 lakh serving soldiers and about one lakh ex-servicemen hailed from the state.

The Chief Minister said a relentless drive had been launched against illiteracy, poverty and backwardness. Himachal had emerged as a pioneer in the sphere of literacy with only two states above it. The state was spending largest per capita amount on education and it would be soon at the top.

The Chief Minister said despite the fact that the state was currently reeling under financial crisis, it was poised to become one of the most prosperous states in the country by 2010. He said Himachal had vast hydel potential of 25000 mw of which only 39000 mw had been harnessed so far. He claimed that by 2010 additional 10000 mw of hydel power would be exploited. The work on a number of power projects had been taken up which include 2051 mw Parbati, 800 mw Kol Dam, 300 mw Chamera II, 100 mw Uhl Stage III, and 86 mw Malana hydle project. He said the 1500 mw Nathpa Jhakri project was likely to be completed by 2002. The 22 mw Ghanvi project was nearing completion, he added.

Mr Dhumal said top priority was being given for rural development and the Prime Minister had announced a package of Rs 5000 crore for the development of the rural areas in his Independence Day speech.

Mr Dhumal said for the first time genuine efforts were being made for the realisation of the dream of Mahatma Gandhi to usher in gram raj or rural autonomy. He, however, asked the villagers to carefully elect their representatives or else undesirable elements, if returned to panchayats, were likely to betray the people.

The Chief Minister said an ambitious plan had been drawn up to strengthen the network of primary and higher education as and to introduce computer education. In the first phase, 100 senior secondary schools had been selected for computer education. It would be introduced in 500 schools next year, he said.

DHARAMSALA: Heavy rain and inclement wether conditions forced the district administration to change the venue of the Independence Day celebrations from the police ground to the Zila Parishad Hall, here on Tuesday.

The Speaker of the Himachal Assembly, Thakur Gulab Singh, regretted that under normal circustances the nation forget its freedom fighters and martyrs, and it was only incidents like Kargil, which makes us remember those who had made sacrifices for the country.

In the absence of sufficient space near the Zila Parishad Hall, the parade by the contingents of the police, Home Guards and the NCC could not take place. 

Cong to adopt tough posture in House
From Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Aug 15 — Armed with sensitive issues like desecration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at Hamirpur and handling of situation in the wake of unprecedented flash flood. The Opposition Congress is likely to give a tough time to the government during the six-day monsoon session of the Himachal Assembly beginning, here, on August 17.

After lying low for about two years, the Congress has of late adopted an aggressive posture. It has not only been attacking the government on the issues of corruption, “saffronisation” of institutions and financial mismanagement but is also preparing a charge sheet to expose the acts of commission and omission of the BJP-HVC coalition.

The Congress and the ruling combine are already on a course of confrontation over the desecration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and the issue will generate much heat in the House. The Congress had launched a stir and its top leaders, including Mr Virbhadra Singh, have been camping in Hamirpur. The ruling party will, however, try to blunt the opposition attack by pointing out that preliminary investigation by the police indicated the hand of a congress leader behind the demolition of the statue and a case had already been registered against him.

The issue of corruption and financial crisis are also likely to dominate the session. The Congress is all set to train its gun on the Public Works Department by focussing on the collapse of important road bridges at Mangladh and Sataun, just before inauguration. The government had already ordered an inquiry by the Additional Chief Secretary but Mr Virbhadra Singh, the Leader of the Opposition wants a CBI probe into the matter.

The party is likely to launch an unsparing attack on Mr Mohinder Singh, the PWD Minister, by highlighting the condition of roads and extensive damage suffered by roads constructed from Nabard funds.

The issue of unemployment would also come into sharp focus and the Congress is all set to link it with the suicide by a jobless youth, Raj Kumar, in front of the residence of the Health Minister. Mr Virbhadra Singh has already demanded a CBI probe into the case.

The financial position of the state will also be discussed in the light of the report of the 11th Finance Commission. Mr P.K. Dhumal, the Chief Minister, is likely to make a suo motu statement on the report.

The maximum time was, however, likely be devoted to the havoc wreaked by frash flood. The government plans to move a resolution to thank the Centre for immediate release of Rs 100 crore for the relief measures and seek more funds for the restoration of bridges, roads and other infrastructure washed away by the flood. The Congress, on the other hand, will focus on the adequacy of relief measures and inept handling of the situation.

There will be four sittings in all. One day has been set apart for private member’s business. The Bill to amend the State Municipal Act to debar those with more than two children from contesting elections to urban bodies is likely to be passed during the session. The legislative parties of both the BJP and the Congress are meeting here tomorrow to finalise their respective strategies for the session. 

Karmapa’s followers plan meeting
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA, Aug 15 — Prompted by the inordinate delay on the part of the Indian government in deciding the status of the 17th Karmapa, followers of the 15-year-old boy, Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, from all over the world, will be meeting here on August 18, for three days, to request New Delhi, to formally resolve the matter and decide the future course of action.

According to sources, anguished over the delay in deciding the political status of the Karmapa, who heads the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, at least 400 of his followers from all over the world will meet at the Gyuto monastery, where the Karmapa has been residing.

“The followers of the Karmapa are meeting to repose faith in New Delhi and request the Indian authorities to formally resolve the matter”, revealed a close Karmapa aide. Even after the passage of over seven months , since the Karmapa’s sudden arrival here in McLeodganj, on January 5, a decision on granting him political asylum or refugee status by India, has not been taken.

The followers of the Karmapa, will be making a plea to New Delhi, to allow the Karmapa to shift to the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim and if that was not possible, he be allowed to at least move to the Sherabling monastery at Bhattu near Baijnath. Apart from this they will request the Indian authorities to allow free movement for the Karmapa so that he can travel to different parts of the world.

A close Karmapa’s aide said the participants at the meeting will pass a resolution condemning a move by certain sections to separate the Karmapa from a senior regent, Tai Situ Rimpoche. A memorandum will be submitted to the Dalai Lama, in this regard.

It is being expected that the Karmapa, will address the opening session of the three-day meeting. Senior monks of the Kagyu sect, including Tai Situ Rimpoche, Gyalsab Rimpoche, Thrangu will attend the meeting.

Ever since his illegal entry into India, the Karmapa has not been allowed free movement, and his request to visit Rewalsar in Mandi and the Sherabling monastery at Bhattu near Baijnath, were turned down by the Indian authorities.

Sometime back, the Dalai Lama, had made a personal request to the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister, to resolve the issue as early as possible as this was giving an opportunity to some people to rake up the issue of the “genuine” Karmapa and creating rift within the sect.

The Tibetan government-in-exile, has been maintaining that as soon as a decision is taken on the issue, the Karmapa will be shifted to Rumtek monastery in Sikkim, as it was his legitimate and rightful seat. However, officials in the Tibetan government are sceptical about the Indian authorities grant permission to the Karmapa to go to Sikkim, but they say that he should be allowed to move to Sherabling monastery as this will enable him to undertake his studies properly, including transmission powers.

Pak balloon in HP

DHARAMSALA, Aug 15 (UNI) — The Kangra police found a balloon, measuring 24 feet in length and 9 inch in width, with an embossed image of Mohamad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, at Kotla village in Kangra district last evening, the police said here today.

The district police chief, Mr Prithvi Raj told UNI today that the balloon landed in the courtyard of Mr Rattan Singh in the village. The balloon with pro-Pakistan slogans written on it carried a photograph of Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Mr Prithvi Raj said that pro-Pakistan slogans, “Jaishin-i-Azadi Zindabad”, “Jaishin-i-Azadi Mubarik”, “Dil Dil Pakistan”, “Jaan Jaan Pakistan”, Baliay Baliay Pakistan” were written on the balloon in Urdu. The balloon had green, white and yellow colours with manufacturing mark of Pakistan, the SSP said. The balloon was brought here from Kotla for further investigation, he added.

The SSP, however, said the balloon might have been thrown into the air in Pakistan in connection with its independence day and landed at Kotla at 7 p.m yesterday.

Amended land Act comes into force
From Our Correspondent

NURPUR, Aug 15 — The new amended Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act (LRA) will come into force from tomorrow.

The amended Act which is the brain child of the Revenue Minister, Mr Rajan Sushant, has brought radical changes in the existing act of 1954. The amended LRA would ensure a check on the increasing encroachments on the government land. The illegal structures on the encroached land would be vested in the government. A penalty and imprisonment could be awarded to habitual encroachers.

Farmers would get kisan pass books which would be valid legal documents and would assist them to solve their revenue-related problems.

Meanwhile, lawyers are up in the arms against Sections 37 and 46 of the LRA. They are on strike and abstaining court work since August 4.

They allege that these amendments would virtually deprive the litigants of the judicial check on the orders of the revenue officials.

Earlier whenever, a person felt aggrieved by the order of a revenue official he had a right to approach the judiciary to get it rectified. But after the enforcement of the new LRA, the aggrieved person would be deprived of this right. The agitating bar association members also submitted memorandums to the state government demanding the immediate revocation of the amendments of Sections 37 and 46 of the LRA.

Floods announcement creates panic
From Our Correspondent

KULU, Aug 15 — Panic was created in the low-lying areas along the Beas on Monday night when the district fire services authorities made an announcement around 11 pm asking the people to shift to safer places. Due to a cloud burst in the upper areas beyond Manali the water had risen, the announcement said.

The people, along with women and children, were seen vacating their houses. Rumours spread in the towns of Kulu, Patlikuhal and Bhuntar and the areas of Mohan Coma Bhutti Colony, Shamshi, and Industrial Area, Shamshi. The Fire Officer said the instructions for the announcement were given by the police chowki, Akhara Bazar, Kulu. The Superintendent of Police said he had received phone calls from Manali about the heavy floods.

An announcement contradicting the exaggerated floods reports was made at around 1 am after which the situation become normal. The police station and fire station in Manali were totally unaware of the floods reports. They said they had received the information of floods from Kulu.

No virus in polio drops : Chauhan
From Our Correspondent

BILASPUR, Aug 15 — The Himachal Pradesh Director of Health Services, Dr Sukhram Chauhan, has denied reported statements that HIV, virus causing AIDS, had been found in some polio drops and hepatitis-B vaccines. He also allayed fears that the use of iodised salt resulted in impotancy.

Addressing media persons here yesterday, Dr Chauhan said there was no evidence for the reports. It could spread panic among people and cause harm to the progress of health programmes which have resulted in an improvement of overall general health.

Dr Chauhan said polio-vaccination was being carried out in Himachal Pradesh since 1982 and the programme was being monitored and implemented by the Health Department. Every month samples of the vaccine were tested in the Central Research Institute, and no traces of any kind of virus, be it HIV or hepatitis-B, had been found in them.

He emphasised the fact that the use of iodised salt was vital for good health. He appealed to the people not to listen to the misrepresentation of established scientific facts.

Fires break out in HP offices

MANDI, Aug 15 (UNI) — Fires broke out yesterday almost simultaneously in the offices of the Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer and the Regional Transport Authority located 3 km apart from each other.

Important files pertaining to private bus operators against whom taxes over Rs 10 crore are oustanding were reduced to ashes.

In the Excise and Taxation Office at Magwain it was found by the police that petrol had been sprinkled from the window adjoining the enterance gate. An empty petrol bottle has also been recovered from the spot.

The police was investigating into the incidents, meanwhile, the Excise and Taxation authorities maintain that they were fully in a position to reconstruct the record from the material available with them.

Project equipment washed away

SHIMLA, Aug 15 (PTI) — Machinery and equipment of a hydropower project worth Rs 35 lakh was washed away in a cloud burst at the Ruskat nullah near Manikaran in Kulu on the night of Sunday, delayed reports received here said.

There was no loss of life according to the reports and the exact loss to property was being assessed, official sources here said.