Veteran Congress leader passes away

Saini, 94, breathed his last yesterday night at a city hospital where he was admitted with heart related complications.

He is survived by six sons and three daughters.

His last rites will be performed at Rishikesh tomorrow, family sources said.

A senior Congress leader, Saklani represented the Mussoorie Assembly constituency from 1984 to 1989.

In his condolence message, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said Saklani's death was an irreparable loss to the party.

Saklani's contribution to the creation of Uttarakhand can never be forgotten, he said.