Date:01/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/01/stories/2008110155000800.htm

National

Dhumal shown black flags

Staff Correspondent

Bungling in DTH dish distribution alleged

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal was shown black flags as a mark of protest by villagers in the tribal district of Kinnaur during his official visit to the district.

The protestors, led by local Congress leaders, were alleging bungling in the distribution of DTH dishes. Mr. Dhumal faced the tribal dissenters in Rekong Peo during his four-day visit for the ‘Kinnaur Mahotsav’. He was accompanied by local BJP MLA Tejwant Singh Negi.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dhumal announced development projects worth Rs.12.70 crore on Friday to the tribal district.

Addressing people at Ribba, Jangi, Lippa and Rarang, he said the government was leaving no stone unturned in providing facilities to the agriculturists here. All the farm produce has been transported by road or airlifted to various markets in the country and required subsidy has been given to the farmers.

He said it was the State government’s endeavour to carry out need-based, speedy and balanced development of the entire tribal area. He claimed that there would not be any financial constraint to carry out developmental activities. “All the tribal areas were being accorded top priority in terms of development and separate funds were being made available for their development,” he added.