Clashes mar New Year celebrations
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 1 — Foot-tapping music and popular Hindi songs echoed in the hills all night as thousands of dancing and singing winter revellers accorded a noisy welcome to the year 1999.

The Ridge and the Mall was virtually transformed into a huge dancing floor as revellers, who had converged on the hill resort to ring in the New Year occupied every inch. The lack of a snowfall failed to dampen their spirits and the non-stop dance party under the sky continued till the wee hours. The administration had arranged bands at several places for the bid day.

The celebrations were marred by an incident of stabbing and minor clashes among groups of tourists, most of whom were under the influence of liquor. There were a few instances of rowdyism and the police has to resort to a mild cane charge to restore order.

A youth was stabbed in the Middle Bazar when two groups of youth from Chandigarh clashed. In all about 25 persons were rounded up for indulging in rowdyism. They were later let off.

The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, along with some of his Cabinet colleagues, also had a round of The Mall and The Ridge during which he exchanged New Year greetings with people.

KULU: New year eve was celebrated with great fanfare at Manali, Kulu, Bhuntar and other parts of the valley.

However, many tourists felt disappointed for want of snowfall on the New Year eve. According to the police no untoward incident was reported.

Himachal transfers, appointments
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Jan 1 — The Himachal Government today ordered the transfer of Mr Rahul Anand, IAS, Assistant Commissioner (Development), Theog to Una in the same capacity.

Posting orders of 11 HAS officers were also issued.

Mr Ashwani Kumar, Assistant Commissioner (Development), Una, has been shifted to Hamirpur.

Mr Dorjee Cheering, has been appointed Assistant Commissioner (Development)-cum-BDO, Theog.

Mr S.P. Negi, has been posted Under Secretary, HP Backward Classes Commission.

Mr B.S. Attri will be Secretary HP Ex-Servicemen Corporation, Hamirpur.

Mr B.S. Dehal, Land Acquisition Officer, Public Works, Mandi goes to Chachiot in Mandi district as Sub-Divisional Officer(Civil).

Mr Vidhan Chand has been appointed AC to DC, Hamirpur on completion of his training.

Mr Sanjeev Pathania is AC to DC, Shimla.

Mr D.K. Gupta has been recalled from training in HIPA and has been posted as SDO (Civil), Nichar.

Mr S.C. Pal has been appointed Under Secretary, revenue.

Mr V.S. Negi, has been recalled from training in HIPA and appointed SDO (Civil), Ani in Kulu district.

The transfer of Mr Moti Lal, AC to DC Mandi, has been cancelled and he has been asked to continue. He was earlier posted as SDO (Civil), Nichar.

Work on link road to end by March
From Our Correspondent

SOLAN, Jan 1 — The Public Works Minister, Mr Mahinder Singh Thakur, while addressing a public meeting yesterday at a village fair in Sairi Ghat 60 km form here, said the Mamlig-Dumehar via Garoo link road would be completed by end of March this year "thus fulfilling a longstanding demand of the people of the area".

He lauded the role played by the President of the Himachal Vikas Congress, Mr Sukh Ram and Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, in accelerating the pace of development in the state and added that required funds for the developmental activities would be provided on a priority basis.

5 die as tanker falls in khud
From Our Correspondent

SOLAN, Jan 1 — Five persons died on the spot when an oil tanker, in which they were travelling, fell in a 100 metre deep khud, near Biran village on the Arki-Kunihar road, about 35 km from here, last night.

The truck No. PB 11 J-4657, was on way to Kulu from Ambala.

Four of the dead have been identified as Des Raj, Hari Chand, Raju and Sanju, all from Jahoo area of Hamirpur district.

The SDM, Mr P.D. Chaudhry, who rushed to the spot on receiving information, sanctioned an ex-gratia grant of Rs 5,000 to the next of kin of each of the dead.