PM's proposed visit to Shimla called off

Shimla, Sep 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's proposed visit to Himachal Pradesh on September 30 has been called off, official sources said today.

Mr Singh was to address a public meeting at the historic The Ridge Maidan, here on September 30 besides other engagements, the sources said.

The sources said the visit has not been cancelled and has only been postponed for the moment and the next dates of his visit to the state would be announced later.

Unofficial sources, however, said Mr Singh, who had recently undergone surgery, had cancelled the tour on health grounds as he has been advised rest by the doctors.

Besides addressing a rally, the Prime Minister was to officially launch a national insurance scheme and the ruling state Congress was expecting liberal financial assistance from him with the state assembly elections only a few months away.

The famous Ridge Maidan here had also been dug up as part of the preparations for his visit, while restoration work of the historic Gaiety Theatre had also been speeded up.

UNI