Virbhadra Singh summoned by oracle of deity

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has reportedly been asked to be present before a village deity to help break the deadlock over the construction of a private hydel project in the state.

The message was conveyed by a man who claims to be the oracle of the deity in Chagaon village, 225 km from here, to the Kinnaur district magistrate, according to local media reports Saturday. The oracle is said to be the medium of communication between the deity and the villagers.

The oracle refused to talk to local government officials and said he was ready for divine talks only with the chief minister, who was the king of Kinnaur in his youth.

"I will not hold talks with anyone less than the chief minister to resolve this issue as it affects the locals," the oracle was quoted as saying.

The message has reportedly been conveyed to Singh's office here.

Villagers are objecting to the construction of the 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo hydel project in the district. However, Jaiprakash Associates has been given permission and environmental clearance to build the Rs.77.6 billion project over the Sutlej river.

According to the tribals, the large scale blasting at the proposed project site would disturb the fragile mountains and dry up drinking water sources.

(IANS)

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