Himachal court notice over public property safety

Shimla, May 13 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notice to the state regarding safety and security of government property and seeking a reply by June 30, the next date of hearing.

Taking suo motu cognisance of a newspaper report, a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan passed the order that was made available to the media Tuesday.

It was reported in the newspaper that over 10,000 primary and middle schools are without watchmen as the government has no provision for this post. As a result, hundreds of thefts have been reported in the recent past.

Similar is the condition of hundreds of primary health centres, 'patwar bhavans', veterinary hospitals and temples. Old temples and monasteries in the state are being robbed easily and frequently with idols and ornaments worth millions of rupees have being stolen.