 |
Monday,
July 23, 2001, Chandigarh, India  
|
Dhumal begins pre-poll exercise Fierce polemics at CM’s meeting Lobbying on for Chief Secy’s post Dehar power plant on verge of closure Himachal’s own Amul revolution |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Lahaul, Spiti still in grip of drought Plea for 2nd instalment
of relief Labour panel for NGOs’ help to enforce laws 1 cr given to martyrs’ kin, disabled Committee to check female foeticide Two die of enteritis Man washed away 4 shops washed away Summit broke ice, says Mahajan Five robbers arrested Caught with 2.75 kg of charas
|
|
Dhumal begins pre-poll exercise Shimla, July 22 This is being described as a pre-election exercise of Mr Dhumal by his supporters. He launched this exercise nearly 18 months ago. He has been touring various parts of the state, holding meetings with the workers and other cells of the party. A meeting of the state executive was recently organised here in which the Union Minister, Mr Shanta Kumar, also participated. The legal cell of the BJP has also been activated to carry forward the policies and programmes of the party of the people. His recent tour of Kangra where a training camp for the party workers was organised is also being seen as a step towards this direction. However, those close to Mr Dhumal, claim that there was no question of his opting for a snap poll although the Shanta camp and his alliance partner, Mr Sukh Ram, were hitting him hard on one or the other issue. On the other hand, Mr Kumar is camping at Kangra and the Dhumal supporters suspect that he was also preparing to fight the next Assembly election in a bid to return to the state politics. Mr Dhumal has started personally meeting block-level BJP leaders to discuss the election strategy. His detractors point out that the elections will be an uphill task for Mr Dhumal as the graph of the government has started sliding at a considerable speed.The government has succumbed to the pressure of the bureaucracy on major issues. In a bid to keep the Dhumal faction on tenterhooks, the Shanta supporters have been spreading rumours that the BJP high command might replace the Chief Minister and appoint Mr Kumar in his place a few months before the elections as was done in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. |
|
Fierce polemics at CM’s meeting Arki (Solan), July 22 The tone for the meeting was set by Mr Dharam Pal, who utilised the opportunity for mounting a verbal attack on the state government’s policies and achievements. Mr Dharam Pal alleged that all development work, particularly that of construction of roads, had come to a standstill during the present regime, specifically mentioning two important road projects, which had been got cleared by him during the Congress government’s tenure, the Opposition MLA accused the BJP led government of stalling the construction on political considerations. He said whenever he approached the authorities concerned in this connection, he was told that the construction of these roads could not be taken up for wants of the mandatory no-objection certificate from the Department of Forest, “as their construction entailed felling of some trees”. He wondered whether the Indian Forest Act was meant to be invoked in the constituencies of opposition MLA’s only, adding that the road construction work in the BJP-held constituencies seemed to be going on smoothly. Mr Dharam Pal also claimed credit for the sitting up of the local government college, saying that the work on the building of the blocks, which had been inaugurated by the Chief Minister today, had long been completed and that their inauguration was delayed as the Chief Minister was busy. The Education Minister, Mr
I.D. Dhiman, tried to make light of the harsh criticism by Mr Dharam Pal but it was left to Mr Dhumal to counter it. Mr Dhumal said the Indian Forest Act was enacted during the regime of Indira Gandhi and his government was making all out efforts to persuade the Centre to make certain provisions of the act, which came in the way of construction of roads in backward hill states, non applicable in such states. He said his government could not be held responsible for any for any delay in the construction of those roads for which no-objection certificate from the Forest Department was not available. This was followed by a lengthy diatribe in which the Chief Minister gave data about the development projects during his and the previous Congress regime, which showed that development work as initiated by Mr Dhumal was significantly speedier and larger in terms of expenditures incurred and projects completed. Former PWD Minister N.C. Paul, also spoke. Excise and Taxation Minister Parveen Sharma, Town and Country Planning Minister
H.N. Saini, Mr Virendra Kashyap, Chairman of State Marketing Board and Solan MLA, Rajiv Bindal were also present. |
|
|
Lobbying on for Chief Secy’s post Shimla, July 22 Mr Goswami, who got the posting yesterday, is likely to relinquish charge within a week and search for a new Chief Secretary has become the top priority of the government. It has to take an immediate decision. While Mr Harsh Gupta, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board, and the senior most officer serving in the state, is considered to be the natural successor to Mr Goswami, some other officers are also in line. In fact, he was a strong contender for the post even when his batchmate Mr Goswami was elevated to the coveted post. However, he had to contend with the position of Additional Chief Secretary. He is followed by two 1967 batch officers — Mrs Rajendera Bhattacharya, Financial Commiss-ioner, Labour and Employment, and Mr Arvind Kaul presently holding the not-so-important post of Financial Commissioner, Training and Foreign Assignments. While they seem to be nowhere in the reckoning, Mr Shamsher Singh, a 1968 batch officer currently posted as Financial Commissioner, Irrigation and Public Health, is considered a hot contender for the post. He has the distinction of occupying the hot seat of the fund-starved state’s Finance Secretary for over eight years. He was the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, the home district of then Chief Minister, Mr Shanta Kumar, who picked him for the post of Finance Secretary during his second term as Chief Minister in 1990. Mr Shamsher Singh continued as the Finance Secretary during the Governor’s rule and also held the post during the four-year term of the Virbhadra Singh regime. He was retained by Prof P.K. Dhumal, the present Chief Minister, for sometime and later given the important assignment of Secretary, Public Works Department. However, Mr Harsh Gupta, has all along held key positions under the present Dhumal regime.As the Additional Chief Secretary, he had the charge of the important Industries Department and later became the Chairman of the state electricity board. Not only that, he had accomplished the unpleasant task of conducting an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in appointments during the previous Congress regime and the charges against the Vice-Chancellor of the agriculture university, at Palampur. He also inquired into the collapse of two major road bridges last year. His stint as Chairman of the board has been full of achievements and there is apparently nothing against him, which could come in the way of his elevation to the top position. Above all he has a good equation with the Chief Minister. |
|
|
Dehar power plant on verge of closure Mandi, July 22 Unfortunately, the problem of disposing the huge quantity of silt had not been conceived while designing the project. The BBMB had allegedly been evading the permanent solution of the menace for the past 24 years as a result of which a large area of the valley had turned into a desert. The problem had been examined by various agencies from time to time and raised in Parliament and state Vidhan Sabha also. The National Engineering Research Institute of Nagpur had been assigned to submit a report suggesting a permanent solution to the problem about two years ago. It submitted interim report last year and subsequently released the final report suggesting a 14-point solution. It was admitted that silting was causing huge loss to the valley. The institute has reportedly recommended that the lasting solution to the problem was construction of a tunnel to carry the silt from Pungh to Sutlej. An official of the BSL project said the process of the implementation of the recommendation had begun but it would take time. He agreed that ultimately the BBMB would have to construct a tunnel as suggested by the Nagpur institute. |
|
Himachal’s own Amul revolution Mandi With the break of dawn, villagers make a beeline before the milk collection centre daily carrying their containers. This small village contributes nearly 2000 litres of milk daily which is transported to a modern dairy plant at Chakkar set up with the launch of an Indo-German agriculture project in September, 1972. The 10-year-long Indo-German project had introduced for the first time mixed farming in this district which meant that besides growing foodgrains and pulses, farmers were made to opt for animal husbandry, poultry, piggery, horticulture, etc to supplement their income. When Master Hira Lal launched the Jagdamba Milk Production Cooperative Society in 1985 (selling milk was considered a taboo then), only seven persons came forward to become members of the society, says Tajender Sharma, the society chief. The society grew from strength to strength just like the Amul revolution in Gujarat. The society has today emerged as a pioneer. The daily collection which was a mere eight litres in the beginning, has crossed 2000 litres now as a result of vigorous efforts made jointly by villagers. The strength of the society has gone up to 256 members. An ancillary Sianj milk production society has also been set up in view of the tremendous response from milk producers. All this had transformed the economic life of the people and ushered in prosperity. Maya Ram, secretary of the society, says that the society has raised its building on its own. In recognition of the efforts made by the villagers of Sianj the state milk federation provides 750 quintals of animal feed to milk producers of the village. The officials of the Chakkar dairy plant also extend cooperation to the villagers from time to time. The Himachal Pradesh Government has modernised animal husbandry over the past four decades. About half a dozen liquid nitrogen plants had been set up under the Indo-German project. The Indo-New Zealand livestock improvement project has been launched to carry out artificial insemination to improve the cattle breed. As many as 4.12 lakh cows and buffaloes had been inseminated to upgrade their breed. Mandi district has pioneered the white revolution in the state. The two cattle farms in this district at Kamand and Bhangrotu have proved a boon for farmers. The Department of Animal Husbandry is giving a package of incentives and subsidies to cattle breeders. A network of 302 veterinary hospitals, 1433 veterinary dispensaries and 25 central veterinary units have been set up in the state to ensure animal health care and disease control. Besides, 14 mobile dispensaries are also operating to control the outbreak of epidemics and treat animal ailments on the spot. |
|
|
Docs not evenly distributed: report Kangra, July 22 Dr Walter Soellner, project manager of the GTZ, giving details of the survey here today said it was recommended that the deployment of the manpower should be need-based and in line with the availability of the other services like x-ray, laboratory, etc. The survey conducted by the GTZ investigated among other issues the utilisation rates of out patient and in patient care. Dr Walter stated that the study covered 19 institutions at all levels in Una, Bilaspur and Shimla districts. He said the study found that some facilities were overburdened with patients’ number reaching 200 per day, while some other facilities were under
utilised. The survey further revealed that with regard to the in patient (IPD) care it was found that although the primary health centre and secondary-level facilities were supposed to be provided to the patients but most of the beds were not-functional and the average utilisation rate did not exceed 75 per cent. The survey has given the reason for this the low occupancy as mainly the non availability of the specialities like surgeons, gynaecologists, etc, in hospitals. If surgery and obstetric services could be provided it would attract more patients and would thus increase the utilisation rate, the report indicated. |
|
|
Shortage of docs
hits IGMC Shimla, July 22 The Tanda medical college has become a thorn in the flesh of the state government as it is trying its best to get the 50-seat institute recognised under political compulsions. In the process, many faculties at the IGMC have run short of doctors as they are being forcibly deployed at Tana by rotation for a year and that too on out-of-turn promotion. The scheme has benefited many middle-rung doctors whereas the senior ones are annoyed at being dislodged from here. Some doctors’ are learnt to have brought the matter to the notice of the MCI. They fear that the institute may receive some setback in the process of promotion of the medical college at
Tanda. It is being pointed out that the number of appointed doctors was not in conformity with the norms of the MCI. Patients and post-graduate students are also suffering. Some leaders of doctor’ association have alleged that IGMC has fallen prey to the Kangra politics. The Tanda medical college was established during the Congress regime, but it remained virtually defunct as it has received recognition of the MCI recently. |
|
|
HP schemes for empowering women Shimla, July 22 Women power is slowly coming of age with their assured participation in Panchayati Raj institutions. Their status as producers of goods, providers of services and as rightful claimants of social security is being recognised. The state government is providing financial assistance in the form of grants up to Rs 2500 to those women whose annual income does not exceed Rs 7,500 and who have been trained in some trade. Besides, a grant of Rs 2500 is being provided for the marriage of girls whose parents’ annual income does not exceed Rs 7500. Widows and destitute women, with annual income from all sources not exceeding Rs 6,000 are being given a monthly pension of Rs 150. At present, 45025 widows and destitute women are being given this pension, taking the amount to Rs 83.46 lakh. The government has launched the “Matri Shakti Bima Yojna” for the women living below the poverty line and belonging to IRDP families. The government would bear the entire premium of each ensured women. As many as 5.76 lakh women in the age group of 10 to 75 would be covered under this scheme across the state. A “women commission” has been set up to ensure their welfare and uplift of women. The commission is also keeping a watch on crime against women and ensuring equal wages and opportunities to them. An innovative scheme, “Indira Mahila Yojna” has been launched in the development blocks of
Rohru, Baijnath and Chamba. Under this scheme, self-help groups of rural women have been constituted at the anganwari level to take up income-generation activities. There are 271 women self-help groups in the state, which have made savings up to Rs 17.73 lakh. The ongoing Integrated Child Development scheme has also given a big boost. More than 4372 groups have been formed and through these groups more than 80,000 rural women are participating in the process of development. The state government has provided hostel facilities for working women at 13 places all over the state. The women are not only provided accommodation but also meals at highly subsidised rates. Four Nari Seva Sadans are functioning in the state at Chamba, Mandi, Mashobra and Nahan. Destitute women are being provided food and lodging facilities in these sadans free of cost. The inmates are also being provided vocational training in tailoring and embroidery so that after leaving the sadan, they could earn their livelihood. They are provided a financial assistance of Rs 6,000 for taking up self-employment ventures on leaving the sadan. During the year 2000-2001, Rs 28.94 lakh was spent on these
sadans. |
|
|
Woman’s death: SP told to file report Kangra, July 22 The Registrar-General of the high court directed the Superintendent of Police to submit the report within 30 days of the receipt of the court letter. Salochna Devi had sought justice from the Chief Justice in connection with the death of her daughter. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary and sitting MLA from Nagrota
Bagwan, Mr G. S. Bali, demanded a judicial inquiry into the death of
Meena, who was allegedly tortured, and murdered by her in-laws on June 13 at Thaid Sadhu Salian village under Nurpur police station in the district. He circulated a letter written by Meena to her mother narrating her pathetic condition at her in-law’s place. Mr Bali said she was forced to starve and beaten up six or seven times during four months of her married life. In her letter dated May 18, received by her mother on May 29, Meena feared that she would be killed. Meena was found dead before her mother could meet her. The police has already arrested her husband Sanjay Kumar, father-in-law Dewan Chand and mother-in-law Asha Devi in this connection. |
|
|
Mayor, 13 others boycott DCC meeting Shimla, July 22 The absence of the Mayor, Mrs Jenny Prem, and the Deputy Mayor, Mr Shashi Shekhar, along with other councillors of the Virbhadra Singh faction has left the Stokes camp fuming with anger. Only nine of the 23 Congress councillors in the house of 25 took part in the meeting. The general secretary of the PCC and Stokes loyalist, Mrs Viplove Thakur, has sought explanation from the councillors who boycotted the meeting and has warned that such persons might not be given the party ticket for the coming elections of the corporation. The meeting was reportedly convened to settle the rivalry among the councillors which has further sharpened following the manhandling of a former Mayor, Mr Majoj Kumar, by a Stokes loyalists during a meeting of the corporation. The councillors of the Congress clashed among themselves following which Mr Vijay Chauhan was suspended from the house by Mrs Prem. Mrs Thakur, who presided over the meeting in the DCC, has said the issue of absence of a section of councillors will be referred to the disciplinary committee in case they did not reply to the showcause notice within a week. The participants of the meeting allegedly indulged in mudslinging on the absent councillors whom they accused of being hand in glove with the ruling BJP. |
|
|
Compensation for killed sheep hiked Shimla, July 22 This was announced by the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, while presiding over a meeting of the Gaddi Kalyan Board here. He said the ex-gratia for killing of human beings by wild animals has also been enhanced from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh and for serious injuries it was Rs 33,000. He said the state government had prepared an action plan to remove “lantana” from 1.30 lakh hectare of forest land and 6,293 hectare of horticulture areas to benefit the sheep grazers. The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government had taken up the matter with the Centre to declare Gaddis and Gujjars of merged areas as scheduled tribes to remove the disparity between the peoples of the committees within the state. He said the state government had recently increased annual income limit criteria for creamy layer of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh so that maximum number of people of the committees could avail benefits of the schemes. With the assistance of the Centre, four new hostels at a cost of Rs 3.34 crore were being set up for Scheduled Tribe students in the state during the current financial year. The Chief Minister said the state government gave a scholarship for Rs 10,000 each to 2000 meritorious plus one and plus two students of OBCs and Rs 11,000 each to 200 meritorious students of scheduled tribes every year. Mr Mansa Ram, Welfare Minister, said the state government was implementing various schemes for scheduled tribes, other backward classes and scheduled castes adding that the Social and Woman Welfare Department was spending Rs 22.11 crore on different schemes during current financial year. On the demand of members, it was decided that the main office of the state Wool Federation be shifted to Palampur to facilitate the Gaddis of the state. The Chief Minister directed the Animal Husbandry Department to organise training camps for shepherds and also ensure availability of medicines for sheep. |
|
|
Workshop held on horticulture schemes Shimla, July 22 The workshop was a step towards generating awareness about the agriculture and horticulture development schemes launched by the Centre. The schemes being implemented by the NHB are aimed at achieving high quality commercial production, creating post-harvest infrastructure and cool chain facilities. The Capital Investment Subsidy scheme for the expansion and development of commercial horticulture through production and post-harvest management, technology development and transfer of promotion of horticulture, horticulture promotion services, strengthening capabilities of the NHB were discussed at the workshop. State-level functionaries from agriculture department, representatives of the state agriculture and horticulture universities, ICAR institutes, farmers organisations and progressive farmers participated in the workshop. Ten senior scientists from the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Department of agriculture and Cooperative discussed the schemes and programmes. The Agriculture, Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Mr Vidya Sagar and Horticulture Minister, Mr Narinder Bragta, were the chief guests at the workshop. The minister said the budget for the development of agriculture has been enhanced from Rs 106 crore to Rs 113 crore. He said Rs 8.66 crore would be spent on development of agriculture and various schemes would be introduced for growers. Eleven laboratories, including two mobile ones, had been set up for soil testing he added. |
|
|
Inquiry into death of worker sought Kangra, July 22 Mr Ravinder Kumar and Mr Madan Lal, panchayat pradhans of Patialkar and Dhaloon villages, along with ward panches, Geeta Devi, and some villagers, alleged at a press conference here today that Parash Ram, who died in the factory during working hours, was murdered and demanded a high-level inquiry by a senior police officer. They alleged that Geeta was told by three factory employees that her husband was in a serious condition at Nagrota hospital. However, Mr Ravinder Kumar, Mr Madan Lal and a ward panch, Mr Pati Ram, were not allowed to accompany Geeta to the hospital. They also alleged that Geeta, instead of being taken to the hospital, was taken to the factory where her husband was lying dead and the police was present at the scene. The two pradhans said they had approached the ASP, Mr Ram Lal, for ordering an inquiry into the case but in vain. They threatened to gherao the Nagrota Bagwan police station and the factory on July 30 if no action was taken till then. Meanwhile, Mr G.S. Bali, MLA, Nagrota Bagwan, demanded a CBI inquiry into the death of the worker. Mr Jatinder Sodhi, managing director of the herbal factory, denied the allegations. He said Parash Ram was sick and was found dead by factory workers. The district police chief, Mr Prathvi Raj, said according to the post-mortem report, the death was due to hanging. However, he said a senior police officer would enquire into the worker’s death. |
|
Lahaul, Spiti still in grip of drought Shimla, July 22 The tribesmen there are concerned as most of the natural springs have dried up and the water flow into others has declined appreciably. Lack of fodder has added to their woes. They want the government to provide them adequate relief to face the current situation and also the winters when the area gets cuts off due to snow. A delegation of tribesmen led by Col H. Dogia, president of the Tribes Advisory Council, here today met Mr P.K. Dhumal, and urged him to send relief immediately. It underlined the need for sending adequate stocks of essential commodities, cattle feed and fodder before the closure of Rohtang Pass. The delegation also urged Mr Dhumal to introduce sprinkler irrigation in the cold desert areas. It expressed resentment that tribesmen were not availing facilities at the Himachal Bhavan in Chandigarh for the construction of which a substantial amount was allocated from the tribal sub-plan. It demanded that some rooms be exclusively reserved for tribals who came for medical treatment or seek admission in different educational institutions or appearing in various competitive examinations.  |
|
|
Plea for 2nd instalment
of relief Shimla, July 22 The Block Development Committee chairman, Mr
M. L. Verma, pointed out that the sum of Rs 7.65 lakh released by the district administration was meant for only 20 panchayats and no funds had been received for the 25 worst-affected panchayats. The first instalment of Rs 9.30 lakh had been released for all 45 panchayats. It also drew the attention of the government to the fact that out of the Rs 6 lakh placed at the disposal of the SDM,
Theog, for supplying water fodder, only Rs 1 lakh had been spent. Mr Verma urged the government to allocate this amount for the maintenance of traditional sources of water and construction of storage tanks to effectively deal with water shortage. |
|
|
Labour panel for NGOs’ help to enforce laws Shimla, July 22 Stating this at a press conference here on Friday Mr B.R. Sabre, a member of the commission, said providing legal protection to the workers of unorganised sector, which accounted for 92 per cent of the country’s workforce, was not an easy task and some practical ways would have to be devised to ensure that the laws framed for their welfare delivered the goods. He said the commission was considering various proposals like involving the non-government organisations in the implementation. The labour welfare boards set up in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerela had been found quite effective. The commission would examine if this experiment could be replicated for the entire country. The commission hoped to submit its report by the end of December, though its term would end in October. It already had visited 27 states and union territories and Himachal Pradesh was the last. The commission had been set up after a gap of almost 40 years and had huge task to suggest amendment and restructuring of old laws, particularly in the wake of the India joining the WTO, and the impact of globalisation. It had set up five study groups headed by professional experts to look into the various aspects like restructuring and rationalisation of existing laws, suggesting a new legislation to cover workers of unorganised sector, social security and issues connected with women and child labour. They groups would submit reports over the next two months. He said the issue of child labour was not merely a legal one but had social implications, which needed to be taken care of. The commission had found that people had devised ways to bypass the act. Since laws are not applicable in case of domestic labour. It had been observed that parent took work on contract and later used their children as workers at home. The scheme to set up special schools and encourage such children to study by giving stipend, had not really worked. The commission had, in all, received response to its questionnaire from 236 organisations. The commission had settings here over the past two days during which it heard. The views of the employees, workers organisations, professionals and the labour administrators. As many as 24 organisations and individuals made submission before the commission. |
|
|
1 cr given to martyrs’ kin, disabled Shimla, July 22 Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bhan paid rich tributes to the martyrs and underlined the need to inculcate the spirit of patriotism, valour and sacrifice among the youth. He said literature concerning patriotism should be included in textbooks, besides making television serials. He said 542 soldiers sacrificed their lives in Kargil, out of which 52 were from Himachal Pradesh. Later, also about 1,200 soldiers sacrificed their lives protecting the borders. The role of Himachalis in the freedom movement and various battles had earned the state the title of “veer bhoomi”. The Governor emphasised the welfare of sainik families and said family members of the martyrs should be treated with respect and honour. We should take care of them with a feeling of pride and dignity as our social and moral responsibility,” he said. Dr Suraj Bhan exhorted people to follow the ideals of martyrs, adding that gains made in battle should not be surrendered on negotiation tables. He also suggested the setting up of a welfare fund in various regiments for providing assitance to the families. This fund could be made viable if serving soldiers contributed one day’s salary in a year towards it. Mr A.K. Goswami, Chief Secretary, said the state government was committed towards the welfare of the families of martyrs and ex-servicemen. He said families of all 52 Kargil martyrs had been provided with a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each. Soldiers had been given an assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh in case of more than 50 per cent disability and Rs 1 lakh each in case of less than 50 per cent disability. Mr Goswami said children of Kargil martyrs would be provided free education up to graduation level. Dependents of 35 martyrs had been provided with jobs and 14 had been given guarantee letters, assuring employment on the completion of education and attainment of the required age. He said the government had taken various steps to ensure that the families of martyrs did not face difficulty in availing facilities and benefits offered by the government. A cell had been constituted in the Chief Minister’s office in this regard. |
|
Committee to check female foeticide Dharamsala, July 22 The Chief Medical Officer, Dr G.D. Mehta, said the committee would keep a watch on the activities of the government and private clinics and hospitals which had ultrasound machines. Dr Mehta said 17 private and 5 public sector clinics in Kangra district had ultrasound machines. The owners directed to get their clinics registered or else they would face action. He said the clinics had been asked to display outside their place that pre-natal sex determination was an illegal act. The test was permissible only if the woman was above 35 years of age and had undergone two or more spontaneous abortions or foetal loss or the family of the woman had a history of mental retardation or deformities, he added. |
|
Two die of enteritis Shimla, July 22 According to Mr Rajneesh
Kimta, secretary of the state Youth Congress, Gulabi Devi and an eight-year-old girl died due to the epidemic in Shapra village of Nanihar panchayat. He said three more persons were suffering from gastroenteritis in the village. Many in the villages of
Pulbahal, Jheena and Keran were also in the grip of the gastroenteritis. |
|
|
Man washed away Nurpur, July 22 In another incident, Rajinder Singh of Rehan, succumbed to his injuries when his scooter collided head on with a tourist bus (HP-01-1799), near Chhatrolli yesterday evening. The police has registered a case under Sections 279 and 304A of the IPC. |
|
|
4 shops washed away Shimla, July 22 According to reports reaching here, a cloudburst in a tributory of the Sainj river caused the flash floods. The cloudburst lasted about an hour after which the water receded. |
|
Summit broke ice, says Mahajan Shimla, July 22 Talking to newspersons here, he said some ice had been broken with the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Pakistani Pesident, Gen Pervez Musharraf, having a one-to-one interaction for 10 to 12 hours and the latter extending an invitation to the former. He said the joint declaration could not be signed as there was a major difference of opinion between the two countries. When asked to comment on reports emanating from Islamabad that the Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, blocked the signing of the declaration, Mr Mahajan said besides Mr Vajpayee a team of five ministers, including Mr Advani and Mr Jaswant Singh, was involved in the negotiations and it was a collective effort. |
|
Five robbers arrested Solan, July 22 The ASP Mr Sundar Lal, in a press note Jaswant Singh of Datyar village, near Parwanoo, Ram Bahadur of Gilu Pujarli of Rohru tehsil, Shimla, Naresh Thakur Barola in Karsog, Judesh Negi of Chajli in Kinnaur and Rup Lal of Sunni village, Shimla were wanted by the Parwanoo police in a case of robbery registered against them on July 10. The accused were hiding in a house in Parwanoo. A police party surrounded the house forcing the accused to surrender. A countrymade pistol, some cartridges and a sword were seized. The accused were produced before a magistrate who remanded them in police custody today. Investigations revealed that the gang had been operating across the state borders also. |
|
Caught with 2.75 kg of charas Chamba, July 22 According to a press note, the Police Department on a tip-off sent a police party led by DSP Padam Chand and intercepted the accused travelling in the bus. The accused was arrested and a case against him registered. |
 |
| Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Editorial | | Business | Sport | World | Mailbag | In Spotlight | Chandigarh Tribune | Ludhiana Tribune 50 years of Independence | Tercentenary Celebrations | | 121 Years of Trust | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
