Shanta's mother passes away

Dharamshala, Oct 9 (UNI) Former union minister Shanta Kumar's mother Kaushalia Devi passed away this afternoon at her residence at Palampur in Kangra district of the state after a brief illness.

She was 96, family sources said.

She is survived by four sons, including Mr Kumar.

Kaushalia breathed her last at 1400 hrs with former union minister by her side.

Her cremation would be held at Palampur tomorrow, the sources said.

People from across a wide section of the society visited her residence to convey their condolences.

Former state chief minister P K Dhumal, state BJP president Jai Ram Thakur and several legislators and party leaders have also expressed grief and sorrow over the death.

UNI