Piru Ram dead
SHIMLA, July 4 — Mr Piru Ram, a former President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, died here yesterday at the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 79.

Temple funds in a mess
JWALAMUKHI, July 4 — With increasing political interference and unplanned expenditure the financial position of the famous Jwalamukhi shrine has deteriorated over the years.

Medical college teachers condemn govt decision
SHIMLA, July 4 — The state Medical and Dental College Teachers Association has condemned the reported move of the Punjab Finance Department to "reverse" the notification of new pay scales to the medical and dental college teachers.

SFI for removing political nominees
SHIMLA, July 4 — The Students Federation of India (SFI) has demanded that political nominees should be immediately removed from the Executive Council (EC) of H.P. University.

War jagir amount at doorstep
SHIMLA, July 3 — The Kangra district administration has decided to deliver war jagir amount to its recipients at their doorstep.

Nathpa-Jhakri crisis

CPM to seek Centre's intervention
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, July 4 — The CPM will seek the intervention of the Centre in resolving the crisis created in the Nathpa-Jhakri project due to the workers' strike and press the demand for a judicial inquiry into the Manglar firing in which one worker was killed and several were injured.

This was stated here today by Mr Nilotpal Basu, Chief Whip of the party in the Rajya Sabha, who visited the project area, including the site where the firing took place, along with Mr A. Dakshi, all-India secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions. He said workers told him that private security men of the Nathpa-Jhakri joint venture company resorted to "unprovoked" firing, whereas the company and the administration had their own version.

In such a situation only a judicial probe could bring out the truth. He said he would meet the Union Power Minister and, if required, also the President of India to get a judicial inquiry instituted into the firing incident.

The incident had raised many questions like whether the company could deploy private security and why the state police remained a mute spectator when the private security personnel resorted to firing.

Besides, the principal employer, the Nathpa-Jhakri Power Corporation, in which the Centre and the state were partners, also did not make any effort to help work out a settlement between the workers and the company's management over the past four months.

The company had assured the subcommittee of the Parliamentary Committee on Power, headed by Mr Vasudev Acharya, that it would settle the issue to the satisfaction of the workers. However, it failed to do so and instead "illegally" retrenched a large number of workers.

He expressed surprise that the state government had been defending the obstinacy and "illegal" actions of the company, ignoring the interests of the workers and the state. The company had been "violating" various labour laws with impunity. He said the other company, the Continental Foundation joint venture, had already accepted similar demands.

Mr Basu lamented that the reference made to the labour court regarding the "illegal" retrenchment of the workers and other demands was also not being decided expeditiously.

He said work on the project had been affected due to the workers' stir and it would further delay its commissioning. The situation would not have come to such a pass had the NJPC management played its role as a principal employer in right earnest.

He alleged that he was stopped by the Subdivisional Magistrate, Rampur, while he was proceeding to Shah village, and while returning the police stopped their vehicle for a long time on the pretext of a security check. Such treatment was not meted out to MPs anywhere, he said.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Basu said India should not fritter away the diplomatic advantage it had gained by not crossing the Line of Control and fight the battle at Kargil until the last intruder was pushed back.

He said: "We should not do anything to lose the high moral ground we have acquired by sticking to the LoC". The government should continue its diplomatic efforts and explain the position to all major countries and at international fora, including the Organisation of Islamic Countries, to expose Pakistan. However, he cautioned that it should not seek third party intervention as it would internationalise the Kashmir issue, the main objective of Pakistan.

He said an exclusively military decision could not be taken to cross the LoC. A decision had to be taken on behalf of the country and this could be done only by taking all political parties into confidence in the present situation.

Mr Basu said a Rajya Sabha session was essential to show to the world that all parties were united on the issue and to compliment the brave soldiers who were fighting the aggressors.

Besides, an indepth discussion and debate was required to remove the chinks in the security set-up which led to the present crisis and to ensure that such lapses were not repeated.

The country would have to look beyond the intrusion and find a permanent solution. By merely beating back the intruders, it would only restore the status quo at a very high cost in terms of precious lives lost in the battle. Something would have to be done to discourage Pakistan from undertaking such misadventures in future.

HP to augment water schemes

SHIMLA, July 4 (UNI) — The Himachal Pradesh Government proposes to undertake the augmentation of water supply schemes in Shimla and 10 other towns under the "accelerated urban supply" programme in the state.

Under this programme, four towns of Sarkaghat, Chopal, Palampur and Dalhousie have already been approved by the Government of India, according to an official spokesman here.

A sum of Rs 22.28 crore had been sanctioned to augment the water supply scheme of three towns, namely Kulu, Ghumarwin and Bilaspur during 1999-2000.

The water supply schemes for nine towns — Shamba, Dharamsala, Rewalsar, Rohru, Nalagarh, Santokhgarh, Mehatpur, Nahan and Solan had already been completed at a cost of Rs 112 crore.

The spokesman said the state government was laying emphasis on the improvement of the water supply systems and giving priority to towns of tourist importance for augmenting their water supply schemes.

In 1971 when the state of Himachal Pradesh came into existence safe drinking water was available only in the towns of Shimla, Nahan, Dharamsala, Kangra, Chamba, Dalhousie, Bilaspur, Mandi and Kulu. But today the scenario was different as all 55 towns had safe drinking water facility.

According to the 1971 census, of a total 16,916 census villages only 1900 villages had drinking water facilities. But today, 100 per cent villages had been provided with drinking water facilities, the spokesman said.

He said as 92 per cent population of state lived in the rural areas, emphasis had to be laid on the water supply schemes of these areas. During 1991-93, a survey was conducted regarding the status of the rural water supply schemes in the state which showed that although most of villages had the facility of potable drinking water, yet people living in a large number of habitations and hamlets lacked this basic facility.

This shifted the focus from census villages to habitation. In this survey, 45367 habitations were identified in the state, of which 8054 were categorised as not covered, 15065 partially covered and 22480 fully covered.

The spokesman said the state government accorded the highest priority for the coverage of these "not covered" habitations and today, 28025 habitations were fully covered and 13592 partially.

During the Ninth Five-Year Plan the proposed target was to cover 2500 habitations under the state sector plan. In addition to this, 2000 handpumps would also be installed.

The spokesman said more than 217 handpumps were installed all over the state during the last year.

Priority was being given to repair and maintain the natural water sources in the villages. For this, liberal financial assistance was being given by the state government.

Police steps up vigil on J&K border
From Our Correspondent

CHAMBA, July 4 — The Himachal Pradesh Police, the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and the Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) have intensified round-the-clock surveillance and patrolling in the border areas in the district adjoining Doda and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The step has been taken to keep a close watch on the activities of anti-national elements, infiltrators or Pakistani militants in the wake of Kargil situation.

Stating this here today, Mr R.M. Sharma, SP district Chamba, said the check-points set up by the security forces in the areas adjoining J&K had been put on high alert.

The S.P. said officers of the state police, IRB and ITBP were camping in the district to undertake special patrolling, combing and other search operations to check activities of suspects from across the border.

He said constant contact with the Jammu and Kashmir police was being maintained. Even in Chamba sector the vigil had been stepped up by the security forces in view of the forthcoming historic Minjar Fair, scheduled to start from July 25 to August 1.

The residents of the border areas have been urged to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the security officials.

The SP said while taking stock of the situation in the border areas, the police had decided to organise police-public interaction to boost the confidence of the people especially those belonging to the minority communities.

Temple funds in a mess
From Our Correspondent

JWALAMUKHI, July 4 — With increasing political interference and unplanned expenditure the financial position of the famous Jwalamukhi shrine has deteriorated over the years.

It may be recalled that the state government had taken over the shrine through an ordinance Bill 15 years back. Ever since the state government has claimed that there is considerable improvement in the management of the shrine. However, the real situation is very different. It is alleged that political considerations govern the nomination of the Trustees of the Temple Trust. Moreover, several lakhs of rupees are spent on the reception of VIPs coming to temple.

The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, has, however, made tall claims that considerable improvement has been made during his rule.

The temple receives lakhs of rupees as offerings annually but a large share of these allegedly goes into the pockets of baridars and employees. Alongwith this the absence of effective policies has allegedly put an end to all development work in the temple.

Resentment also prevails against the provision, under which traditional baridars have been entitled to get 40 per cent of the offerings. Certain baridars are also on the payrole of the Temple Trust, simultaneously and are getting double benefit. Thus suitable amendment is required to be made in the Hindu Religious Places Endowment Act on the pattern of Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Martyr's proud widow
From Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service

DHARAMSALA: For others life goes on normally in the tiny village of Tanda Massal, near Nagrota, but 27-year-old Seema, oblivious of the outside world, is still trying to come to terms with the harsh reality of life. Her blissful life, with a soldier husband and two children, came crashing down when as Ramesh Chand (34) fell victim to artillery shelling by the Pakistanis in the Turtuk sector of Kargil area.

Ramesh's son Rahul, a class I student in Central School, Yol Cantt, is too young to understand what really happened to his father. When asked what he will become when he grows up, pat comes the reply — a "fauji." His sister Meenakshi, a class IV student, is a little submissive, understanding the tragedy that has struck the family.

Seema, married at the young age of 18, never knew what tragedy meant, till the coffin carrying the body of her husband was brought to the village. "I am proud to be the widow of a valiant soldier who laid down his life fighting the enemy, but I still can't imagine a life without him," she says with tears swelling up in her eyes. When asked if she will still let her son join the Army, as per his wishes, she says she will never come in the way of her son's dream of joining the forces.

Seema's brother-in-law, Naik Surjeet Kumar, who is at present posted at Alwar, is here on leave to see the family through these tragic moments. "It has been barely four months since we lost our parents, on February 4 and 16, this year, and now the news of Ramesh's death has shattered us," he laments.

Seema and her husband had spent the past three years at Alwar, where he had been posted in the 9 Mahar Regiment prior to being sent to Kargil. He made a brief visit to the village for the last time in April for two days, before going to the front. Ramesh had joined the Army in 1983, after studying at Government High School, Malan. One of Seema's uncles is an ex-serviceman and her younger brother, Dilbagh Singh (Punjab Regiment), is still undergoing training.

Seema, most uncertain of what the future holds for her, says she will continue living in the staff quarters in Yol for the sake of her children's education. She is yet to decide whether she will take up a job being offered by the state government or prefer a job in the Army at Yol.

On its part the government has extended complete honour and financial assistance to the family. However, Seema, wants that the government instead of adding two new rooms to the High School, Massal, in her husband's memory, should first make the rooms in the Primary School, in their village, Massal, to which her husband belonged and loved the most.

Gunner's parents honoured
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, July 4 — Mr Ram Sein and Mrs Vimla Devi, parents of gunner Yashwant Singh, who sacrificed his life while fighting intruders in Kargil, were honoured here yesterday.

The Governor, Mrs V.S. Rama Devi, and the former Chief of the Army Staff, Gen V.N. Sharma, honoured the parents of the brave soldier who belonged to the Rohru area of Shimla district.

The Public reception was jointly organised by Ashadeep an NGO, and the Red Cross Society.

Besides, the parents of the soldier, his grandmother and sister, Ms Maneka, were also present.

The Governor and the former Army Chief appreciated the efforts of non-governmental organisations in involving themselves in the happenings in Kargil.

General Sharma criticised Pakistan for adopting double standard by first signing peace agreement with India and then stabbing the country in the back.

He regretted that the soldiers were remembered only during the war. The promises made for their rehabilitation were forgotten during the peace.

He said it was painful that about 90 per cent of the soldiers, who were disabled in the battle, did not get any assistance from the government. The administration also did not pay any attention to the problems of such soldiers.

He said Army personnel were maintaining high standards of efficiency although there was a shortage of about 15,000 officers. The defence forces in the country were disciplined whereas the situation was different in Pakistan.

The former Army Chief asked journalists to expose corrupt politicians and show the right path to the new generation. The common people should also face the corrupt leaders boldly and not allow indiscipline in public life.

The Governor said that the government would make all efforts for rehabilitation of dependants of those soldiers who had lost their lives on the battlefield.

The Governor stressed the need for discipline, particularly among the students who were the future of the country. She was worried about the students indulging in politics rather than pursuing their studies.

The Student Central Association (SCA) elections were worse than the general election and it was because of this reason that these had not been held for the past about three years, she said.

Earlier, a play, "Toba Tek Singh", was staged.

Sepoy cremated with honours 
From Our Correspondent

MANDI, July 4 — Sepoy Hira Singh (22) of Jhal village was cremated here at Hanuman Ghat on the bank of the Beas with full civil and military honours.

Martyr Hira Singh, who belonged to the 3rd Punjab Regiment, who laid down his life in the fierce hand-to-hand fight in the Batalik Sector in Kargil region on June 30.

His body was brought to his native village, 7 km from here, last night. This morning it was kept at the historic Seri pavilion where hundreds paid homage.

Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Mr Sukh Ram, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Thakur Kaul Singh, Forest Minister Thakur Rup Singh, Minister of State Mohan Lal, MLAs of the district officials of the district paid tributes.

Wreathes were placed on the body on behalf of the Governor and the Chief Minister.

Mandi town remained closed as a mark of respect to the martyr.

Sepoy Hira Singh was the eldest son of Mr Rattan Singh. His two younger brothers Fateh Singh and Chaman Lal, are school students. He had joined the Army 22 months back.

Hamirpur loses another son
From Our Correspondent

HAMIRPUR, July 4 — One more Army personnel from Hamirpur district sacrificed his life while fighting against Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector. He is Havaldar Swami Dass Chandel of Samlehara village of the Bamsan area.

As is survived by his wife and two sons. His body will be brought here tomorrow morning from Rajauri via Jammu and cremated with full military honours, according to Mr Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Deputy Commissioner.

He told reporters here today that Hamirpur had so far lost four jawans in the Kargil operation and all belonged to the Bamsan area of the district.

Mr SDM, Hamirpur, Mr Balbir Singh Badalia, visited the house of martyr and consoled the bereaved family. He also inspected the site where the cremation will take place tomorrow.

Piru Ram dead
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, July 4 — Mr Piru Ram, a former President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee, died here yesterday at the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 79.

The Pradesh Congress Committee expressed deep sorrow over his demise. Mr Sat Mahajan, President of the PCC, expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.

Born on March 1, 1920, at Dhaban village in Mandi, Mr Piru Ram was an institution in himself and synonymous with the Congress and the Independence movement. He joined the Congress in 1938 and became a member of the Tehsil Congress Committee in 1948. He took active part in the freedom movement and greatly contributed towards checking communal riots during Partition. He participated in the land reform movement in 1953-54.

He was elected to the Vidhan Sabha in 1952 and again to the Territorial Council from Chachiot in 1957 and from the Balh constituency in 1967 and 1982. He was re-elected in March, 1985, and was inducted into the Council of Ministers as Minister of State Welfare. His contribution towards the welfare and upliftment of Dalits was commendable. A gandhian to the core, he courageously followed the path laid down by the Father of the Nation. Though a simple and humble man, he stood his ground on matters of principles.

The cremation of Mr Piru Ram took place at Mandi and was attended by Mr Virbhadra Singh, former Chief Minister, leader of the C.L.P., Mr Kaul Singh Thakur, General Secretary, HPCC, Mr Natha Singh, and a large number of Congress workers.

Medical college teachers condemn
govt decision
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, July 4 — The state Medical and Dental College Teachers Association has condemned the reported move of the Punjab Finance Department to "reverse" the notification of new pay scales to the medical and dental college teachers.

The association warned the state government to refrain from taking any decision which could be detrimental to the medical and dental college teachers. It further decided to resort to direct action if needed, without any prior notice to the government.

SFI for removing political nominees
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, July 4 — The Students Federation of India (SFI) has demanded that political nominees should be immediately removed from the Executive Council (EC) of H.P. University.

In a statement here yesterday the SFI said these nominees had no right to be in the highest decision-making body of the autonomous institution which was to be governed democratically.

The nominees, Mr Suresh Chandel, BJP state president, and a BJP MLA, Mr Vipin Parmar were responsible for lowering the academic standards of the university, the SFI alleged.

The SFI said the ratification of appointments in the departments of physics, economics, MTA and physical education by the EC had made it clear that proximity to the RSS, the ABVP and the Bajrang Dal was the sole qualification.

It alleged that the entire EC was guilty of having been party to the lowering of the academic standards.

War jagir amount at doorstep

SHIMLA, July 3 (PTI) — The Kangra district administration has decided to deliver war jagir amount to its recipients at their doorstep.

A spokesman of the administration said the holders used to walk a long distance to collect the amount from the tehsil headquarters. In certain cases, aged persons had to come along with an attendant to receive the amount granted to them for meritorious services rendered by their children.

He said in Himachal Pradesh war jagir was awarded to those whose children had served the armed forces during the Emergency declared on October 26, 1962, December 3, 1971, and during World War II.