INDIA’S NEW GOVT.

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30470, 18 June 1964, Page 10

INDIA’S NEW GOVT.

Punjabi Chief Resigns (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) NEW DELHI, June 16; The Indian Prime Minister’s Government was yesterday trying to solve its first crisis following the resignation of the Chief Minister of the strategic border state of Punjab. Sardar Pratap Singh Katron, aged 63, considered an efficient but iron-handed administrator, resigned on the basis of Indian press reports about findings by a one-man judicial commission which inquired into Opposition charges against him of corruption and mis-use of power. The commission’s report has not yet been published. Mr Kairon, Punjab’s Chief Minister since 1956, handed in his resignation today to the State Governor (Mr Hafiz Mohammed. Ibrahim), after submitting It to Mr Shastri and the ruling Congress Party President (Mr K. Kamaraj). Common Border The high command of the Congress Party and Mr Shastri were yesterday, trying to find a suitable successor to Mr Kairon acceptable to all. shades of political opinion in Punjab which, with its Common-border with West Pakistan and Chinese-ruled Tibet, is considered one of the most sensitive states in India.

Punjab, is also the home of India’s famous warrior Sikh community which three years ago launched a short-lived agitation demanding a separate Punjabi-speaking State. Mr Bhim Sen Sachar, who was Chief Minister of Punjab eight years ago, is likely to be Mr Kairoh’s successor.