Ultimatum to power staff

LUCKNOW, JAN. 22. The Uttar Pradesh Government today announced that it would not negotiate with the striking employees of the State Electricity Department if they did not resume duty by January 24. The Energy Minister, Mr. Naresh Agarwal, told newspersons that the Government might consider some of the workers' demands if they came for talks but would not listen to them after the deadline.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, is said to have sent his aide, Mr. Shiv Kumar, to study the situation in the State. Mr. Shiv Kumar met the Urban Development Minister, Mr. Lalji Tandon, who represented the Government in the talks with the striking employees.

Late last night, police arrested the convener of the Powermen Action Committee, Mr. Shailendra Dubey, and an office-bearer of the Engineers Federation, Mr. A. K. Singh.

- UNI, PTI

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