Surjeet hospitalised; condition serious

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) The condition of veteran CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who was hospitalised a few days ago for respiratory problems, was serious, the party said today.

''Mr Surjeet is in a serious condition due to respiratory problems. He is under intensive care,'' the CPI(M) said in a statement here.

However, the party said his conditions was stable.

Mr Surjeet was admitted to the Metro Heart Hospital in Noida some days ago following respiratory problems.

Ninety-two-year-old Surjeet was the CPI(M) General Secretary for 13 uninterrupted years from 1992 to 2005.

CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat and politbureau member S Ramachandran Pillai visited the hospital today to enquire about the health of the nanogenarian leader. They also met the doctors treating him.

The party said the doctors were hopeful that his condition would improve.

UNI KSA/AG SB RN1658