Shimla, May 7 -- The Horticulture and Revenue of Himachal Pradesh, Minister Jagat Singh Negi, on Thursday said the state government has begun assessing losses to apple orchards and other horticulture crops caused by hailstorms and erratic weather conditions, while also raising concerns over national security incidents and what he termed as "threats to democracy" in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Shimla, Negi said the exact extent of crop losses was yet to be determined, but teams from the Revenue and Horticulture Departments were carrying out ground assessments.

"Right now, we do not have the exact data regarding the losses caused by hailstorms and adverse weather conditions. The Revenue Department and Horticulture Department are...