The State Government has received an inquiry report from pisional Commissioner, Mandi on the Beas tragedy with certain recommendations and the same has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary for necessary action, said the Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, here today.He said that the report has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary to look minutely into all aspects and take necessary measures in this regard. However, the rescue operations would continue till bodies were found, said he.While talking about the kidnapped Himachalis in Basra and Mosul townships of Iraq, Chief Minister said that the State Government has asked the district administration to ascertain the exact number of Himachalis who had been held as hostages, from their respective districts, adding that as per the newspapers reports, there were around 23 Himachalis in various cities of Iraq and as per information of Government of India all the hostages were safe. He said that the issue had been taken up with Government of India and the State Government was in regular touch with the Union Government in this regard. He said that the GoI was in touch with the Iraqi Government and was exploring all avenues to get the hostages released.
“Good days are proving to be worse” said the Chief Minister while giving his reaction on rail fare and freight hike. “Not only the prices of all the essential commodities would increase but the hilly States like Himachal Pradesh would be the worst sufferers” said he . This would affect the common man adversely and increase in freight charges would spiral the prices of all commodities and articles. Taking jibe at the slogan of ‘good days’ of BJP, Chief Minister said that such good days will make the people reel under the weight of rising prices.