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Feelings run high over Olympic relay
Tibetan crises hits tourism in Dharamsala
Idols stolen from Shoolini temple
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1 killed, 16 hurt in accident
The ill-fated vehicle that fell into a khad near Kharkoli village on the Dadahu-Sangrah-Haripurdhar road, around 51 km from Nahan, on Thursday.
Photo by S.R. Pundir
Bajjreshwari Temple
Subsidised ration to continue
Dhumal lays stone of hospital
Students can be ‘brand ambassadors’: MLA
Tourism Next
Wakf Properties
19 villages to get potable water
Executive training firm plans new centres
Two youths held on murder charge
Requisite measures to monitor Sutlej: CM
Tests postponed
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Feelings run high over Olympic relay
Shimla, April 17 The protesters marched through the streets of the city and held a rally at which speakers condemned the recent Chinese crackdown on peaceful agitators at Lhasa. The Tibetan Solidarity Committee, which organised the march, termed the “Torch of Tibet” as a celebration of the non-violent struggle of the Tibetans for securing their fundamental rights and pressing for a lasting solution to the problem. It asserted that the protest was not against the Olympics. The objective was to highlight the fact that China that had been violating all democratic norms and rights of the people did not deserve to host such an event. The committee appealed to the people to extend support to the cause of the Tibetans, who had been reduced to a minority in their own homeland, to help build pressure on China for holding talks with the Dalai Lama. It demanded independent international bodies to investigated the situation in Tibet. Dharamsala:
Hundreds of Tibetans organised 10-km march from McLeodganj to Dharamsala district administrative complex. The march was organised under the aegis of the Tibetan Solidarity Committee that was spearheading the protests. The protesters carrying banners in support of freedom for Tibet and demanding free access to the media in Tibet started their march from McLeodganj around 11 am. After covering 10 km on foot, they organised a dharna in front of the district administrative complex. They raised slogans demanding support of the Indian Government on the Tibetan issue and freedom from China. They also said prayers for the welfare of Tibetans who are carrying out the struggle in their homeland. Some foreigner and Indian tourists also joined the march. Later, the protesters handed over a memorandum of their demands to the deputy commissioner. Speaking at a press conference in the morning at the main temple here, committee’s president Ven Geshe Thubten Phegye said the Dalai Lama had been steadfast in seeking meaningful autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the constitution of the People’s Republic of China. He said the Indian government had the responsibility to maintain security for the smooth passage of the Olympic torch in India and the Tibetans should honour the laws of the host country. The committee has called for an early resumption of dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership, and an immediate end to the repression and release of Tibetan detainees. Demand was also made for medical assistance to injured Tibetans and letting international media to visit Tibet freely. A exhibition of photographs showing Chinese crackdown on Tibetan protesters in Tibet was also on organised. Nahan:
More than 300 Tibetans and organised a march in protest against the Olympic relay run at Paonta today. They were wearing black clothes and supporting black ribbons on their heads. The protest started from Badripur and went up to the Paonta municipal sports ground after passing through Vishwakarma Chowk and the main bazaar. The protesters were also carrying on their shoulders effigies of 16 Tibetans killed in Lhasa. They raised slogans against the Chinese crackdown on Tibetans. Several local and Tibetan leaders addressed the protesters. |
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Tibetan crises hits tourism in Dharamsala
Dharamsala, April 17 Pankaj, who runs a restaurant at McLeodganj while talking to The Tribune, said generally the season for tourists starts here from March with the celebration of Losar, the annual Tibetan festival. However, now it is mid-April but the tourist influx, especially foreign tourists is very low and occupancy in hotels and guesthouses is just about 50 per cent. The drop is phenomenal in terms of foreign tourists. The hoteliers here attribute the drop in number of foreign tourists to the Tibetan crises. They alleged that the media had spread an impression by that the Tibetans are carrying out agitation at McLeodganj and so the establishments here have closed down. Others while speaking on the condition of anonymity said the Indian government’s recent policy had affected tourism here. The tourists from Israel used to spend maximum time here. However, now the Israel tourists who are coming here have told hotelier’s that their visa time limit is being limited to just three months by the Government of India. Earlier, the foreign tourists after the expiry of their visa limit used to get it extended from Nepal. After getting it extended in Nepal they were free to roam in India also. However, the Indian government was even checking this practice. Presently most of the foreign tourists residing at McLeodganj were either people from international media of researchers studying Tibetan culture, the hoteliers said. The members of hoteliers association here rued the lack of support from the Centre and the state government for promoting tourism in Dharamsala and its surrounding areas. The Jammu and Kashmir Government just has one religious shrine Vaishno Devi and they were promoting and managing it in such a manner that it draws about 60 lakh tourists every year. Kangra district and its surrounding areas have about four to five prominent religious places, including Chintpurni temple, Jawalamukhi temple and Chamunda Devi temple. Every year lakhs of tourists visit these places. However, since there is no facility to retain them they return back after paying obeisance at these temples. The Tourism Department of the state can sell package tours to high-end tourists coming to these religious shrines. Moreover, while the Department of Tourism organises fairs at Shimla and Manali to promote tourism no such program is organised at Dharamsala. Some of the hoteliers have also complained that the high-end Indian tourist was also deserting Dharamsala due to failure of local administration in controlling hooligans who throng the area on weekends and disturb the tourists. McLeodganj, Palampur, Naddi and Dal Lake areas have tremendous potential of attracting tourists if the government concentrates or provides private investors an opportunity to develop the area. |
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Idols stolen from Shoolini temple
Solan, April 17 The theft was discovered around 4 am today, when the temple priest Ram Swaroop Sharam, who resides nearby, entered the temple to offer his morning prayers. Attempts were also made to break into another Shitla Mata temple, from where the cashbox was stolen. The locks were found broken and an idol of Lord Ganesha from yet another temple in the Khaleen area was also found missing this morning. The priest of Shoolini temple found the locks of the main temple housing the deities broken and the idols along with crowns missing. He immediately informed the police, who soon arrived there. According to DIG (southern range), Pradeep Kumar, who arrived here this morning to take a stock of the situation said, “ We have arrived upon some leads after conducting preliminary investigations and police teams have been sent to Delhi to catch the culprits.” He added that a team comprising additional SP S.R. Rana, DSP Rajgarh Virender Kalia and SHO Brajesh Sood had been constituted to investigate the two thefts. A dog squad was also pressed into service from Shimla to gather leads about the theft. A team of forensic experts also arrived later in the day to lift samples. Devotees also visited the temple soon after the theft. With both SP and the additional SP being on leave, the DIG had to rush from Shimla to oversee investigations. A similar theft at Shirgul temple located at Rajgarh bordering Solan district also took place on Tuesday night, where costly idols and other valuables were found missing. The DIG said the two thefts appeared to be the handiwork of the same gang. As per the preliminary investigations it appeared that a professional gang had executed these thefts, which supposedly had a big network. The tools used in breaking open the locks made the police to believe that it was a professionally executed crime, though the presence of migrant labour indulging in crime too had not been ruled out. Though the Shoolini temple had been acquired by the state government about a year back, its security was at the mercy of two chowkidaars, who were deployed for the day hours. The DIG further said any laxity on the part of the beat patrol party would also have to be inquired into though he would take up the issue of providing adequate security to such temples after suitably identifying the vulnerable ones. The theft has evoked protest from the public. While the beopar mandal downed their shutters in the town in protest, they also organised special bhajans on the temple premises to pray for the recovery of the stolen items. Legend has it that the idols, which are estimated to be several-centuries old were found from a village near Jaunajee after the then local ruler had a dream. Old timers, who said it was a bad omen as once when the annual Shoolini fair was shifted from its original location at Gang Bazaar to Thodo ground without the deity’s assent, it had spelt doom, and chickenpox had allegedly afflicted the people of the area. Since June 20 has been fixed for the three-day annual Shoolini fair, the theft has drawn immense flak, putting a question mark over the security arrangements. It has led people to think as to how the fair will be held. Even a new idol would require to be consecrated first and it could take time. A battery of administrative officials, including the DC, ADC Rakhil Kahlon, local MLA and health minister Dr Rajiv Bindal, etc., also visited the temple after hearing of the theft. |
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1 killed, 16 hurt in accident
Nahan, April 17 The injured were rushed to the Dadahu referral hospital where Kali Ram, a resident of Panar village, was declared dead. Five persons were critically injured. They were Jaipal (driver), Suresh, Anuj, Amar Singh and Pinku. They were referred to the Nahan district hospital. Injured persons persons included four children. They belonged to Panar. Hemanand, Joginder Singh, Darshan Singh, Ram Chander, Sohan Singh, Ravinder, Deep Ram, Rajinder, Rinku, Balvinder and Sania Ram were under treatment at the Dadahu hospital. This ill-fated vehicle had started its journey with the marriage party at 7 am. It reached Dadahu around 7 am. Just a few minutes before the accident, the marriage party had a halt at a restaurant at Danoi village on the Dadahu-Sangrah road. The accident took place when the driver tried to avoid a head-on collision with a vehicle at a sharp curve. Nahan SDM M. Mohanti supervised the rescue operations. The administration gave Rs 10,000 each as immediate relief to the next of the kin of the deceased. Those seriously injured in the accident were given Rs 5,000 each, while other injured got Rs 1,000 each. |
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Residents resent delay in formation of temple trust
Our Correspondent
Kangra, April 17 The state government constituted the Trusts of Jawalamukhi and Chamunda temples but Bajjreshwari temple Trust could not be constituted due to a tussle between the two groups of the BJP. The Commissioner, temples, nominates the members, according to the direction of the government, but on the recommendations of the political party in power. Bajjreshwari temple had 23-member Trust, which included 11 official members, they were the assistant commissioner, who was the chairman and temple officer and remaining 12 were non-officio members. Following the change in the government, the new Trust was not constituted which resulted in halt of development work. According to sources, the BJP infighting was responsible for it. The sources said a list of 80 persons, 9 of them to be inducted in to the temple Trust was submitted by former agriculture minister Vidya Sagar and another was submitted by former zila parished chairman Rattan Jagat Amba and third by the BJP mandal to the party high command. It is learnt that there was no consensus on the names of the members .The Budget meeting, which was scheduled to be held before March 31, 2008, too could not be held. The last meeting of the Trust was held in February 2008. Temple officer R. S. Sharma said as per the amendment in the HP Temples’ Act, there would only be 20 members in the Trust now, which include 11 officio members. Regarding the delay in holding the budgetary and other meetings Sharma said he would seek directions from the Commissioner, temples. The residents here feel that the Trust should be formed in the larger interest of the town and not on the whims and fancies of political parties. The Assistant commissioner, temples, Pardeep Kumar Thakur, said the replacement of the previous Trust was awaited but added that the official members of the Trust had held a meeting in February. He confirmed that the budget meeting could not be held.
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Subsidised ration to continue
Shimla, April 17 An official spokesperson said the decision was taken in view of the complaints regarding the quality of “dal malka” and accordingly the state civil supplies corporation had floated tenders for procurement of “kala chana” and the Cabinet in its meeting held on April 11 approved the change. Further, as the Government of India had floated a scheme of supplying imported palmoline-refined oil to the states, it had been decided to supply it in place of the soyabean-refined oil under the scheme. Since the palmoline oil would not be available before June 2008, the government would continue to supply one litre of mustard oil and soyabean oil each as before. He said the ration cardholder would have choice to take either 2 litre of one type of edible oil or 1 litre of each type as before. The spokesman said the quantity of total wheat and rice to one family in a month had been restricted to 35 kg as per the direction of the Government of India in this regard. It had also been decided to restrict total food grain (wheat and rice) to 20 kg per month to a single-member family (single person having a ration card) to prevent misuse of food grains. He said that the scheme of providing wheat flour at maximum rate of Rs 8 per kg and rice at the maximum rate of Rs 9 per kg would also continue as before without any change.
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Dhumal lays stone of hospital
Shimla, April 17 The hospital would be constructed at a cost of Rs 4 crore. It would cater to the needs of workers, their family members and local people. Dhumal said Himachal Pradesh had a huge power potential of 20,376 MW out of which only 6,500 MW had been successfully taped. For rapid industrialisation and development of the nation, the state aimed to add 5,000 MW by 2012. He appreciated the nigam management for allocating a budget of Rs 125 crore for relief and rehabilitation schemes. However, he asked the company to address the problem of pollution caused by the dumping of muck. The project would be completed by 2012 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,047 crore. The state would get a revenue of Rs 264 crore from it by selling its share of 38 per cent (660 million units). Reacting to a demand of local MLA Kishori Lal, Dhumal asked the management to consider changing the name of the Rampur project, which was mainly in Kullu district while Rampur was in Shimla district. Earlier, chairman-cum-managing director of the nigam H.K. Sharma welcomed Dhumal. |
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Students can be ‘brand ambassadors’: MLA
Chamba, April 17 While addressing the students she said “Students coming for such camps from far away states can be brand ambassadors for Himachal Pradesh. They should carry back memories of the state’s natural beauty along with photographs. Once they will share their experiences with their friends and relatives in Karnataka, then that will promote tourist interest in Himachal and bring back more people to our state.” Participating in adventure activities increases the self-confidence in students, she said. The Youth Hostel has become synonymous with discipline. There is a qualitative improvement in the programmes organised by it, compared to the previous years, she said. Forty-eight students (17 girls and 31 boys) from 4 districts of Karnataka drawn from 21 schools participated in the camp, which consisted of river crossing and trekking. Sri Prasad Acharya was the leader of the group. The girl students presented a traditional Kannada group song. Master Kishen gave an account of the experiences of the camp. The winners of the essay competition, were: 1Kishan J.N. Rao - Christ School, Bangalore; 2 Naga Cinchun -Sri Balaganagadara Natha Swamiji School, Chikballapur; 3 B. Vidya-BGS School, Chikballapur. The winners of the painting competition were: 1Manikanta-S.A.M.School, Bangalore; 2. Rahul-S.A.M. School, Bangalore; 3. Arpitha - Maharishi High School. |
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Call centre for tourists
Tribune News Service
Shimla, April 17 This information was given by tourism commissioner and managing director of the State Tourism Development Corporation Ram Subhag Singh while addressing a meeting of private tour and travel operators in New Delhi today. He said the state government would also honour the travel and tour operators who provided maximum business to the corporation during the year. “It has also been decided to increase commission of travel and tour operators from the present 10 per cent to 15 per cent to make booking for corporation hotels more lucrative,” he added. The government had also decided to set up a tourism advisory council having prominent persons to help and guide the government on tourism-related issues. He said world-class conference facilities would be provided at hotel Peterhof and Holiday Home in Shimla to attract international clients. He said fitness centres had been set up in the corporation hotels at Shimla with facilities like steam, sauna bath and panchkarma. He announced that tour and travel agents would also be provided the facility of online booking of corporation’s hotels and major renovation work would be undertaken in all its complexes.
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Plea to probe encroachments
Our Correspondent
Nurpur, April 17 State president of the council K.D. Himachali said here today that the classification of hundreds of kanals of the prime land of the board at Nurpur had been altered by tempering with the revenue records following interference of a former minister. He said a large number of board properties had been sold by changing the nature as custodian properties in the state. Terming it a big land scam in the state during the Virbhadra regime, he urged the Dhumal government to order a high-level probe into it. He also demanded restoration of these properties to the board.
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19 villages to get potable water
Bilaspur, April 17 He said this drinking water supply scheme would cost the government Rs 2.58 crore and Rs 1.9 crore had already been sanctioned for it. Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of this water scheme for which the people had been clamoring for a long time. Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Badole Devi, about 40 km from here last evening, the Chief Minister said despite small land holdings with the farmers, their economy could still be made self-sufficient by diversification and also modernisation of agriculture for which the government would provide technical know-how, apart from soil testing facilities and maximum-crop produce advice, which would be provided to one lakh farmers during the current financial year. |
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Executive training firm plans new centres
Shimla, April 17 Managing director of the company Santosh Mangal said here today that new centres would be opened at Dharamsala and Shimla shortly. With this, the total number of centres in the state would increase to 10. The existing eight centres were functioning at Palampur, Hamirpur, Jogindernagar, Kangra, Solan, Banikhet, Sundernagar and Jawali. Some more centres would be opened in the next phase. |
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Two youths held on murder charge
Hamirpur, April 17 Rajesh Kumar (22), a resident of ward no 2, Sujanpur, was attacked by Nikhil Soni and Sanjeev Soni, while he was going to attend a jagran at
Sidh Chowk around 8.30 last night. On coming to know about the incident, sister of the deceased raised the alarm and he was taken to the community health centre from where he was referred to the Tanda government medical college. However, Rajesh succumbed to his injuries. A case has been registered against Nikhil and
Sanjeev. |
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Requisite measures to monitor Sutlej: CM
Shimla, April 17 Stating this while addressing a public meeting at Chagaon in Kinnaur, after paying obeisance in the local Maheshwar ji temple Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said adequate stock of essential commodities would stored in the area well in time and the district administration would be put on high alert. He said all out efforts would also be made to maintain the communication lines in the valley.
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Tests postponed
Hamirpur, April 17 A press note of the board said the tests scheduled to be held between April 21 and May 1 would now be held in the last week of May. |
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Two ancient metallic idols of Goddess Shoolini priced in lakhs in the international market, seven crowns, including two gold-plated ones, were stolen from the local Shoolini temple here late last night.
Nahan, April 17
