Himachal’s four districts on alert

SHIMLA : The Himachal Pradesh government has put four districts bordering Punjab and Haryana on alert as a precautionary move ahead of the CBI special court’s verdict on Dera Sacha Saud a chief G ur meet Ram Ra him Singh.

The four districts include Sirmaur, Kangra, Solan and Una.

Director general of police (D GP) So mesh Go ya ls aid ,“So far there is nothing to suggest that dera followers have started gathering anywhere in the state. We are prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Directions have been issued to all superintendents of police.”

“Officers have been directed to remain tolerant and maintain law and order situation in case there is a large gathering of dera followers,” said a senior police officer posted in Sir ma ur district.

Meanwhile, police sources said that responding to Punjab’s request, the state has provided riot control equipment to help it maintain law and order.

HOTELIERS FEAR IMPACT ON BUSINESS

Hoteliers and travel agents in the hill state are anxious about the verdict’s fallout.

Since the verdict will be announced on Friday, they are fearing that traffic disruption son the Delhi-Shimla highway may result in low footfall.

“We have been receiving fewer inquires for this weekend. It may be because of the dera verdict,” said Sanjeev Sood, a tour and travel agent.