SHIMLA, 3rd September, 2010(Bharatsandesh news) Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, has requested the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Kamal Nath, to intervene   to give land compensation for the land acquired by Border Roads Organisation for construction of Sansari Nallah-Killar-Thirot road during 1982-83 in village Madgram in Udaipur Sub-Division of Lahaul and Spiti District.  In a request made to the Union Minister, he informed that the matter had also been raised by the local tribals of the area of the Staet before the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes which had passed  the  necessary  directions  for  payment  of  land  compensation valued at  Rs. 7,16,81,292 to the stakeholders in Madgram village.

Chief Minister said that Sansari Nallah-Killar-Thirot road stretch was constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) keeping in view its strategic importance to connect the valley with Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the winter months when the valley remains cut off due to heavy snow from rest of the world.  He said that it was well known fact the cultivable land in tribal areas was very limited and people were emotionally attached to it.  He said that to save their precious land possessions there had been several social and traditional practices prevalent in the tribal areas of the State.  He said that since the tribals had parted with their most valuable possessions to pave the way for the construction of the strategic road link with the valley and deserved to be compensated adequately.  He said that the issue had been pending since the time BRO traced the road through the village when villagers were assured of suitable compensation by the authorities.  He said that intermittently the issue was raised at various forums and before higher dignitaries but it could not reach a logical conclusion which forced the stakeholders to approach the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes on whose directions the State Government had to carry land acquisition process which amounted to be Rs. 7,16,81,292 as per provisions under Land Acquisition Act, 1994.

SHIMLA, 3rd September, 2010(Bharatsandesh news) Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, has condoled the demise of Bhole Baba Shri Rattan Muni Jee Maharaj, who passed away at Ludhiana yesterday.

In a message to the Members of Atam Kul Divakar Mahashraman, Ludhiana,  Chief Minister said that  Baba jee dedicated his life to spread the message and teachings of Jainism which he had adopted in the year 1939. 

 He said that Bhole Baba Shri Rattan Muni Jee Maharaj was born in village Jaganmanvi in district Hamirpur on August 15, 1917,  joined Jainism at the young age of 22 years and served the community for over 72 years by contributing significantly towards spreading the teachings of Lord Mahavir Jain to make society pious of the social vices. 

He said that the contribution made by Baba jee would ever be remembered by his followers.  He prayed the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to his followers to bear the irreparable loss.