Pak Wakf board disallows SGPC to collect donations
AMRITSAR, Nov 7 — The Pakistan Wakf Board, managing the Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan did not allow the SGPC to collect donations made by the Sikh pilgrims from India and foreign countries who had gathered at Nankana Sahib and other Sikh shrines there to celebrate Guru Nanak's 529th birth anniversary, according to information received here today.

• SGPC seeks nod to study books in Pakistan

Sikhs abroad moving away from tenets: Takht chief
AMRITSAR, Nov 7 — Bhai Ranjit Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht has said that the new generation of Sikhs especially in western countries was not interested in leading life in accordance with the tenets of Sikhism.

Kapurthala EO suspended
CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — The Executive Officer of the Kapurthala Municipal Committee, Mr J S Thind, has been suspended for not complying with the government instructions on redressal public grievances.

Wildlife dept lacks facilities
BATHINDA, Nov 7 — With the Punjab Wildlife Department lacking proper infrastructure, the hunting of protected animals and birds is going on unchecked in the state.

AIBEA for merger of Gramin banks
SANGRUR, Nov 7 — The All-India Bank Employees Association has recommended to the Union Government to merge all 196 Gramin Banks in the country with their respective sponsoring banks to ensure these existed to serve the rural sector.

Ambala-Nangal Dam rail link revived
CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — With a view providing a direct rail link between Ambala and Anandpur Sahib, Northern Railway has revived a Ambala-Nangal Dam train that was suspended during the height of militancy.

‘Ram jyoti’ found in warden's room
PATIALA, Nov 7 — A Health Department team deputed to inquire into the ‘installation’ of a ‘Ram jyoti’ in a ward of Mata Kaushalya Hospital here, while not finding the ‘jyoti’ in the ward during its visit yesterday, has reported that there was a ‘jyoti’ in the ward sometime ago.

Congress to celebrate birth of Khalsa
CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — Mrs Sonia Gandhi, President of the All-India Congress Committee, has approved the programme prepared by the Punjab Congress for celebrating the 300th birth anniversary of Khalsa.

Half-day dharna by insurance staff
JALANDHAR, Nov 7 — As part of countrywide protest action insurance employees working here and in nearby centres staged massive dharna for half-day today to protest against the government's move to open-up insurance sector to private sector with permission to foreign equity.

Plan for US varsity branch
PATIALA, Nov 7 —The Punjab Government plans to set up a branch of Wisconsin University in the state.

"India has largest number of TB patients"
JALANDHAR, Nov 7 — The 18th National congress on Respiratory Diseases started with eminent consultants in respiratory medicine reading papers on latest therapeutic, clinical, diagnostic and research and epidemiological trends.

Pak Wakf board disallows
SGPC to collect donations
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Nov 7 — The Pakistan Wakf Board, managing the Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan did not allow the SGPC to collect donations made by the Sikh pilgrims from India and foreign countries who had gathered at Nankana Sahib and other Sikh shrines there to celebrate Guru Nanak's 529th birth anniversary, according to information received here today.

This has climaxed simmering 'conflict' between the SGPC and the Pakistan's Wakf Board over putting up "Golaks" (coffers) at the shrines on the occasion of visits of the Sikh pilgrims there four times in a year. The conflict began last year when the Wakf board put up its own 'golaks' besides the 'golaks' of the SGPC. The matter was however settled as the Wakf Board withdrew its 'golaks' with a warning that they would not allow it at the time of the visit of the pilgrims on Guru Nanak's birthday.

According to information from Pakistan received by SGPC sources the Wakf board had not allowed the SGPC staff which accompanied the Sikh jatha to collect money other than by "golaks" contrary to the old practice.

Sources said that Wakf Board action was based on the directions of the Pakistan government which had been pro-Khalistanis" led by Ganga Singh Dhillon and wanted to hand over the control of Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan to a body formed by Mr Dhillon.

The proposal could not mature even at the repeated attempts made by the Mr Dhillon, who is supposed to be a close friend of Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. Under stiff opposition both from the SGPC and the Pakistan Wakf Board, the board reported to have succumbed to the Pakistan government's pressure and in this move it had replaced all old officials of the board at the time of the visit of the Sikh pilgrims there in April last on the occasion of Baisakhi.

The move is, however, being opposed by certain "Khalistani" organisation leaders staying in Pakistan, the Dal Khalsa reported to have opposed the control of the gurdwaras being entrusted to the "Khalistanis" led by Mr Dhillon.

According to Dal Khalsa International sources here its chairman, Mr Gajinder Singh strongly resented the Wakf Board's action and was trying to prevent Wakf board to start conflict with the Sikh body of the SGPC which is considered as the sole Sikh representative body. The sources said that Mr Gajinder Singh met Pakistani officials and trying to impress upon them not to have any conflict with the Sikh body. An amicable settlement might be reached before the return of the Sikh 'jatha' to India tomorrow.

Meanwhile Indian embassy in Pakistan's reported to have lodged a protest with the Wakf board. The Nankana Sahib administration and the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan over its allowing Khalistanis to indulge in anti-Indian propaganda on the occasion of celebrations at Nankana Sahib. The Khalistani also criticised the Akali government led by Mr Parkash Singh Badal in Punjab for playing in the hands of the BJP and its failure to safeguard the interests of the Sikhs.

As usual the Khalistani organisations functioning from Pakistan namely the Dal Khalsa International. The Babbar Khalsa, the Khalistan Commando Force and the International Sikh Youth Federation had put up its banners Khalistani flags, posters all over the gurdwara complex at Nankana Sahib.

They also distributed literature and Khalistani currency notes. The Dal Khalsa displayed posters both in English and Punjabi and distributed a 10 point policy statement. The statement said that Sikh freedom was the only solution to all unending problems of the Sikhs.

The Dal Khalsa opposed to caste system and wanted to root out such tendencies among Sikhs. Another point dealt with women's right and resolved that considering the woman as inferior in relation to man and excuses committed on women were the issues for which it was raising its voice against social injustice to Women.

The Dal Khalsa also resolved to stand against discrimination with anyone on religious grounds and favoured an open market economy.

Sitting in Pakistani land the Dal Khalsa wanted a nuclear-free world and particularly nuclear free South Asia and was against the development or storage of nuclear warheads.

Contrary to earlier actions. The Khalistanis did not capture the stage set up by the SGPC on the occasion of celebrations on the night of November 4, but put up its own separate stage from where Khalistani leaders from the UK Germany, Canada and the USA delivered fiery speeches.

The Sikh Jatha comprising nearly 1750 pilgrims from all over India besides celebrating guru's birth anniversary at Nankana Sahib also visited the Sikh Shrines of Panja Sahib. Sacha Sauda and Dera Sahib Lahore.

SGPC seeks nod to study books in Pakistan
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Nov 7 — The SGPC has urged the Pakistan Government to allow Sikh scholars to study the books and manuscripts in Punjabi and Hindi lying locked in boxes at Lahore in several libraries since 1947, and to prepare a catalogue of available manuscripts and books for research purposes.

In a communication to the Minister for Minorities’ Affairs, Pakistan, and Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, the SGPC President, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, stated that a lot of books and manuscripts on Sikhism in Punjabi (Gurmukhi) and Hindi (Devnagri script) had been gathering dust at Lahore in the Central Public Library, Dayal Singh College Library and Punjab University Library since August, 1947. The SGPC should be allowed to either buy these books or manuscripts or to prepare their microfilms.

Mr Tohra has also written a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, to take up this matter with the Pakistan Government during the next foreign secretary-level Indo-Pakistan talks.

Sikhs abroad moving away
from tenets: Takht chief
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Nov 7 — Bhai Ranjit Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht has said that the new generation of Sikhs especially in western countries was not interested in leading life in accordance with the tenets of Sikhism mainly under the influence of western culture. Their parents also were responsible for this to some extent as they failed to familiarise the new generation with their rich religious, historical and cultural heritage, he said.

In an interview with the BBC for its documentary film on the tercentenary of birth of Khalsa at Darshani Deorhi here yesterday, Bhai Ranjit Singh observed that the infamous Operation Blue Star was the biggest tragedy for Sikhs in 529 years old history of Sikhs.

He said the Sikhs had suffered a colossal loss of life and property during the Mughal regime and in 18th century. But for the first time religious sentiments were grievously injured. He alleged that Mrs Indira Gandhi ordered "storming of the Golden Temple" with a view to suppressing the Sikhs and to winning the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, which after her death, were won by her son, Mr Rajiv Gandhi. The "Army attack" was also planned to thwart the programme given by the 'dictator' of Dharam Yudh Morcha and the then SAD chief, Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, not to allow foodgrain move from Punjab from June 2 onwards.

When pointed out that the Government of India had branded Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who had collected weapons at Akal Takht, as "terrorist", Bhai Ranjit Singh said that hardly one week before this 'operation', Mr Rajiv Gandhi had described him the sant as a "religious personality."

To a question, Bhai Ranjit Singh said that Mrs Gandhi and General A.S. Vaidya were assassinated to "avenge" the "Army attack" on the Golden Temple.

Responding to another question, he alleged that the Sikhs were "massacred" under a well-planned conspiracy by the Congress. The pattern and method of killing of the Sikhs was same in Delhi, Kanpur, Bokaro and few other places. The mischievous elements were provided with petrol and weapons by the Congress. And they were also helped to escape after committing "brutal" killings.

PM’s Punjab visit on November 13
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, will visit Punjab on November 13, according to Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Punjab Local Bodies Minister.

Mr Tandon told TNS this afternoon that he had talked to the Prime Minister on the telephone this morning in connection with his visit to Punjab. Mr Tandon said that the Prime Minister told him that he would be visiting Punjab on November 13. Earlier, the Prime Minister was scheduled to come to Punjab on November 11. The visit has been postponed for two days, perhaps, due to the scheduled meeting of police chiefs of all states in Delhi on November 11 which will be addressed by the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of an oil refinery on November 13 near Raman Mandi in Bathinda district. The Punjab Government will also organise a public meeting at Raman which will be addressed by the Prime Minister.

Most Punjab cops admit mental stress
From A.S. Prashar
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA: A vast majority of Punjab Police personnel experiences excessive mental stress which affects every aspect of their life and leads to the development of undesirable traits in their behaviour.

This has been brought out in a study of stress in police conducted by Dr D.J. Singh, Deputy Director of the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur.

The study, presented at the 30th All-India Police Science Congress held at Chennai recently, covered 1100 police personnel drawn from different districts of Punjab and dealt with three categories i.e. gazetted officers (SP and Dy SP) 100, non-gazetted officers (Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors) 400 and other ranks (head constables and constables) 600.

An analysis of the data received shows that 70.8 per cent of the police personnel examined admitted that they experienced frequent mental stress whereas 29.2 per cent denied excessive mental stress. Those experiencing excessive mental stress say that it affects every aspect of their life leading to the development of undesirable traits in their behaviour like excessive worry, weakened memory, sleep disorders, erratic work habits, etc. These behavioural disorders led to mental complications like anxiety disorders, alcoholism, depression and other ailments.

"Professional worry" is identified as a major area of excessive mental strain by the police personnel. As many as 51.5 per cent of the policemen indicate this as the source while 35.5 per cent quote "family problems" and 10.5 per cent attribute "personal reasons" as the major cause of their stress. About 2.46 per cent did not respond.

Ten professional conditions of the working environment were identified as the causes of excessive mental stress among the police.

As many as 60.3 per cent of the police personnel have quoted round-the-clock duty schedule as the major cause of their professional stress, whereas 19.2 per cent did not agree. It shows that majority of the police force experiences excessive mental stress on account of length and uncertain duty hours.

In response to the query on lack of sufficient financial support, 18.2 per cent of the policemen felt this was an important reason, 18.1 per cent did not agree, whereas 2.82 per cent preferred to be non-committal.

As many as 77.7 per cent of the police personnel expressed the absence of proper food and refreshment arrangements as one of the major reasons for excessive stress. However, 20.6 per cent did not subscribe to this viewpoint while 2.19 per cent did not respond. For normal functioning, it is essential to have meals at the proper time. Medical experts are of the opinion that food taken at the wrong time is harmful to the body. It has been observed that most ranks in the police force perform long hours of duty and guards are not in a position to move away from their post for short periods. This is not only harmful to their body functioning but equally damaging to them psychologically as well.

With regard to threat perception, 73 per cent of the police personnel deny this factor as a possible reason for mental stress. Only a small section (23.6 per cent) of the force, however, believe perception is one of the reasons for their perceptual mental stress, whereas 2.64 per cent keep mum.

About 65.3 per cent of the personnel feel highly disturbed by the absence of some merit-based policy regarding postings and transfers. In the process, many capable police personnel get sidetracked, which not only upsets them but also affects their morale.

Almost an equal number of police personnel view favouritism and corruption from two different angles — about 48.5 per cent hold these factors to significantly contribute to the mental agony of policemen, whereas 48.3 per cent did not agree and 3.01 per cent did not say anything.

As regards inappropriate attitude of seniors, 46.8 per cent agreed whereas 49.3 per cent disagreed and 3.82 per cent did not respond.

At least 65.4 per cent of the police personnel felt that there was no timely appreciation for good work by the authorities which led to demoralisation. But 32.6 per cent of the respondents did not agree with this viewpoint whereas 2.46 per cent were silent.

When they experienced stress, most of them sought advice on how to cope with it. Most of them also denied the use of any intoxicant during stress while 59.5 per cent say they avoided alcohol, whereas 35.5 per cent admit taking liquor moderately.

Kapurthala EO suspended
By Sarbjit Singh
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — While the Executive Officer of the Kapurthala Municipal Committee, Mr J S Thind, has been suspended for not complying with the government instructions on redressal public grievances. Explanation has been sought from 40 employees for various lapses on their part by the Punjab Local Bodies authorities.

Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Punjab Local Bodies Minister, told TNS here this evening that the Executive Officer of the Phagwara Municipal Committee had been given additional charge of the Kapurthala Municipal Committee with immediate effect.

Mr Tandon said he was shocked to see a long list of complaints against the Executive Officer of Kapurthala. Everybody, including president of the Municipal Committee and Municipal Commissioners were not satisfied with the way Executive Officer was functioning.

Mr Tandon said a detailed circular was issued a few months ago to all municipal committees in the state. The circular directed executive officers and the other staff concerned to fix hours for listening to public complaints. The executive officers were asked to display the timing for the purpose.

But the Kapurthala Municipal Committee didn't do any such activity. Even Executive Officer failed to locate the circular which was sent to him by the Local Bodies authorities. Mr Tandon said although a cleanliness drive was started in the state on November 1, but at Kapurthala there was no such drive in the town. He said the EO's reply in this connection was not satisfactory.

Following an inspection of the office of the Executive Officer, Mr Tandon said several lapses were found. Several employees came late to the office and authorities concerned were told to seek their explanation.

He said he had inspected the civic body offices at Amritsar, Ludhiana and Morinda. He had given instructions to authorities concerned to pull up staff coming late or doing unsatisfactory work.

Mr Tandon said entries would be made in the annual confidential reports (ACRs) of all those whose explanation found unsatisfactory. He said such entries in the ACRs would also be considered while promoting the employees concerned.

AIBEA for merger of Gramin banks
Tribune News Service

SANGRUR, Nov 7 — The All-India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has recommended to the Union Government to merge all 196 Gramin Banks in the country with their respective sponsoring banks to ensure these existed to serve the rural sector.

Talking to reporters at the fourth biennial conference of the All-India Gramin Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) general secretary Tarakeshwari Chakraborthy said this was essential as at least 150 Gramin Banks were perennially running in losses.

He said as it was clear that these banks could not be made profit making ones by injecting capital into them due to their constraints of catering to the poorest of the poor. These should be merged with their sponsoring banks. He said this step would be most logical as already the government had vested the powers of operation and administration of Gramin Banks with their sponsoring banks.

Mr Chakraborthy said though a tribunal had ruled that the salaries of employees working in Gramin banks would be equivalent with those working in the sponsoring banks. The government was yet to implement this ruling. He said this had caused widespread discontentment among Gramin Bank staff.

Mr Chakraborthy said the government must take a decision in the matter as there were 14,000 branches of Gramin Banks spread across 350 districts in the country and employing a work force of 75,000 persons.

Speaking about the strike called by the AIBEA along with other trade organisations, the AIBEA general secretary said the strike was being observed against high prices, new economic policies and bid to privatise banks and other public sector undertakings.

Mr Chakraborthy said the real problem of Indian banking system was huge accumulated bad loans. He said according the government itself bad loans accounted for Rs 43,500 crore. Out of this amount 90 per cent was due from the private sector, he said adding that legislation was required to ensure speedy recovery of bank loans. He demanded publicly a list of defaulters above Rs 10 lakh. Making wilful default of loans a criminal offence and allowing banks to attach properties of borrowers the moment a company went sick.

The general secretary, while calling for the establishment of an independent banking audit commission on the lines of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), called for depoliticising the banking system. He alleged the bane of Indian banking was an unholy nexus between politicians, captains of industry and top-level bank management.

Around 150 delegates from Gramin Banks all over the country are participating in the conference.

Ambala-Nangal Dam rail link revived
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — With a view providing a direct rail link between Ambala and Anandpur Sahib, Northern Railway has revived a Ambala-Nangal Dam train that was suspended during the height of militancy.

A train which now runs between Ambala and Sirhind has been extended upto Nangal Dam, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Ambala Railway Division, Mr Boota Singh said yesterday.

The train, rechristened as 2URS/4USN, was to be formally flagged off by Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra and Ms Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, both MPs.

The train will start from Sirhind at 8: 10 p.m. and reach Nangal Dam at 10: 45 p.m. On its return journey the train will leave Nangal Dam at 5 am, arrive at Sirhind at 7:40 a.m. to and reach Ambala at 9:05 a.m.

Meanwhile booking of tickets for Swarn Shatabdi between Amritsar and Delhi have started at Ambala Cantonment. Now tickets are available for Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, New Delhi and return.

The Railways is also working on new coach christened as Shivalik Queen which is under preparation at Kalka workshop and will be put on service on the Kalka-Shimla section. As an additional facility at Barog station, a mountain top cottage has already been designed. The foundation stone for this will be laid next week. The Shivalik Queen and Shivalik Cottage are being projected as Honeymooners Paradise, are targeted to attract a particular class of passengers who want to have high class facilities.

The Railways has also improved the menu of Shivalik De-luxe Express by providing non-veg options in meal onboard.

‘Lack’ of facilities to protect wildlife
From Chander Parkash
Tribune News Service

BATHINDA, Nov 7 — With the Punjab Wildlife Department lacking proper infrastructure, the hunting of protected animals and birds is going on unchecked in the state.

As many as 225 cases of killing of wild animals and birds by grey hound, and with the use of netting and firearms have been registered in the current financial year by the State Wildlife Department, official sources said.

Talking to TNS, Mr Gurmit Singh Director, Wildlife, Punjab, admitted that with the department not having proper arrangements to protect wild animals and birds, hunters were free to strike anywhere in Punjab.

He alleged that some VVIPs were also involved in hunting protected animals and birds, but the department could not take any action against them owing to their 'high connections'.

The Wildlife Department was protecting 11 sanctuaries and several mini zoos with only one four-wheeler and a few motor cycles at its disposal. The staff deployed for the protection of wild animals had no guns with them in case of an emergency, he added.

Jackals and vultures were fast disappearing from Punjab and the authorities concerned had not launched any scientific study for the preservation of these species.

The Director said that the Amritsar and Ludhiana mini zoos had been closed as they were not meeting the conditions laid down by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The third mini zoo in Ludhiana, being run by the municipal corporation, would also be closed.

He alleged that as the CZA was not giving money to the Wildlife Department due to which the latter was facing difficulties in maintaining its deer parks and mini zoos.

Mata Kaushalya Hospital
‘Ram jyoti’ found in warden's room
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Nov 7 — A Health Department team deputed to inquire into the ‘installation’ of a ‘Ram jyoti’ in a ward of Mata Kaushalya Hospital here, while not finding the ‘jyoti’ in the ward during its visit yesterday, has reported that there was a ‘jyoti’ in the ward sometime ago.

The three-member team — consisting of the Assistant Civil Surgeon, Dr Rakesh Gupta, the Deputy Medical Commissioner, Dr SK Sharma, and the District Training Officer, Dr MR Chhabra — has reliably learnt to have submitted a report stating that during its visit to the hospital it found a ‘Ram jyoti’ installed in a room allotted to the warden of the nursing hospital situated across Mata Kaushalya Hospital. It said inquiries made by the team revealed that a ‘Ram jyoti’ was placed in a ward of the hospital sometime back.

The Director of Health Services had directed the Civil Surgeon to hold an inquiry into the installation of a ‘Ram jyoti’ in the hospital. The Assistant Civil Surgeon headed the team in the absence of the Civil Surgeon, who was on leave. Earlier, the Minister of State for Health, Mr Inderjit Singh Zira, had ordered the Civil Surgeon to conduct a probe in this regard.

Meanwhile, during a visit to the hospital yesterday, this correspondent found a ‘flame’ in the duty room adjoining the surgery ward. It was enclosed in a glass cupboard and surrounded by religious photographs. The hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Prem Lata Sood, asserted that this ‘flame’ was not a ‘Ram jyoti’ and that the probe team had seen the ‘jyoti’ in the nursing hostel during its visit yesterday.

Dr Lata asserted that the ‘flame’ seen in the duty room was a ‘routine matter’ and that such flames used to be placed in the room earlier also before she joined as Medical Superintendent in May this year.

However, the Mata Kaushalya Hospital Bachao Committee Convener, Dr MS Randhawa, said the ‘flame’ in the duty room had been lighted from the flame brought by the committee from Gharam, the reported birthplace of Mata Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Rama. He said the main flame had been put in the room of the warden in the nursing hostel on request after being taken around in a procession in the city. He said the committee would not let either the ‘Ram jyoti’ installed in the nursing hostel or the flame in the duty room to die down. "I will myself keep the flames lighted if needed", he added.

He said the committee had written to the Punjab Government demanding that a religious place for all faiths should be built where a new building of the judicial complex was coming up. The committee maintains that the complex is coming up on land belonging to it.

Independent enquiries revealed that the ‘jyoti’ had earlier been installed in a room adjoining the hospital store before being shifted to the surgery ward. Dr Randhawa, however, denied any knowledge about this.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Viswajit Khanna, said that he had written to the Secretary, Health, to take departmental action against the leaders of the bachao committee for ‘raking up’ unnecessary issues. He also said there was no controversy over building of the judicial complex as the Health Department had given its nod for it.

Mata Kaushalya Hospital was earlier known as lady Dufferin Hospital. Its name was changed during the chief ministership of Giani Zail Singh.

Congress to celebrate birth of Khalsa
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 7 — Mrs Sonia Gandhi, President of the All-India Congress Committee, has approved the programme prepared by the Punjab Congress for celebrating the 300th birth anniversary of Khalsa.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar, who has been appointed Convener of the celebration preparation committee by the party, said that two meetings had been held with Mrs Sonia Gandhi in recent days in this connection.

Mrs Gandhi had directed all party leaders concerned to celebrate this event in all states in a big way by involving the countrymen to spread Guru Gobind Singh's message of humanism, sacrifice and creating casteless society in every nook and corner, Mr Brar added.

All Pradesh Congress Committee would set up committees for celebrating the occasion and guidelines for celebrations would be provided to all such committees by the committee headed by Mr Brar. Already, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has set up a committee, Mr Brar added.

He said that an open invitation would be sent to all 11 crore Punjabis the world over to participate in the celebrations. Besides, important religious, socially and political personalities in the country and some from abroad would be invited to attend the celebrations. Even invitation would be sent to the SGPC chief, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, and the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal, he added. He said the Congress party was having no objection of any sort as far as celebrations by Akalis were concerned. But it was regrettable that the Akalis had limited this big event to themselves by ignoring parties like the Congress, a national entity.

People help police bust gang of thieves
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, Nov 7 — The police here has smashed a gang of criminals by arresting two persons involved in stealing Rs 45,000 from the side box of a scooter around 2.00 pm when Mr Harwinder Singh withdrew Rs 45, 000 from a bank. The criminals who were keeping a watch on the bank started following him.

Mr Harwinder Singh parked his scooter near Partap Chowk to go to a shop. During this time one of the accused broke open the box of the scooter and took the cash out. He was spotted by some passers-by while doing so. They raised an alarm. All five persons started running in different directions. Police party nearby chased them. Public also joined hands and started running after the accused. After a long and hot pursuit two of the accused persons entered the narrow Saban Bazar area. The police in the city had already been put on red alert.

A home guard jawan on duty in Saban Bazar noticed two persons with a bag in suspicious circumstances and confronted them. He grappled with him and caught him. Meanwhile public joined the police and got hold of the second person also. Two arrested are Khem Raj s/o Rikhi Ram r/o VPO Khasria, PS Aneka district Behraich (UP) and Sanjay Kumar s/o Kamleshwar Sharma r/o VPO Baikam Badalia, PS Samastipur (Bihar). A sum of Rs 9500 was recovered from the bag with the accused.

During interrogation they revealed that gang of 20-25 persons is based in cities and towns of Punjab and Haryana like Jalandhar, Amritsar, Moga, Ambala etc. The present gang landed up in Ludhiana yesterday by train. They usually hang around near banks, select a target and follow him on scooters. When the person parks the scooter they open the box and take out the money. The gang also snatches the cash bags and purses from businessmen. They generally move around on scooters which they park at the parking lots of public places like railway stations and bus stands. Police parties have been sent to arrest the remaining accused as per the information provided by the arrested persons.

Gang of vehicle thieves busted
From Our Correspondent

ROPAR, Nov 7 — The district police has busted an inter-state eight-member vehicle thieves gang by arresting seven of them at Morinda. It has also recovered from them 11 Maruti cars, one Tata Sumo, three scooters, a mobile phone, a single barrel .12 bore rifle, a .315 bore pistol and cartridges.

Addressing a press conference at Morinda on Thursday the district police chief said the police had assessed the total value of the recovered vehicles at Rs 50 lakh. He also said that the cars and scooters were stolen from Naina Devi (HP), Chandigarh and SAS Nagar.

The SSP added that the eight-member gang included six members from alone Morinda while one each belonged to Panchkula and Meerut district. He identified the alleged thieves as Mandip Kumar alias Mintoo, Jagdish Kumar alias Lovely, Umesh Kumar alias Lovely, Varinder Singh, Jugal Kishor and Jatinder Singh (all from Morinda); Mukesh Kumar from Panchkula and Vinod Kumar of village Chantam Kherri in Meerut district. Another gang member is yet to be arrested.

The district police chief said that the police had also recovered from them six fake rubber stamps of transport officers of Patiala, Ropar, Ballabhgarh (Faridabad), Rajpura and Kharar. Besides this, it had also recovered three fake driving licences in the name of Gurjeet Singh of Rangian village and Varinder Singh.

The district police chief also stated that the gang was also involved in procuring vehicles from finance companies by supplying them wrong names and fake addresses. He said that Mukesh Kumar (Panchkula) along with another accused, who had already been arrested, got kothis on rent in Chandigarh and SAS Nagar and had telephones connections on fake names.

Mahant killed
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, Nov 7 — Around five unidentified assailants attacked a dera in Dandrala Khroud village near here last night and killed its head mahant Mast Gir by beating him with iron rods and lathis.

The assailants also seriously injured one of his followers Kala besides four others, including a school chowkidar and vendors who were sleeping in the government high school building after a sports function held there yesterday.

The assailants entered the dera known as Hinglaj Baroti, which is situated around 1 km from Dandrala Khroud around midnight. After murdering the mahant and seriously injuring his follower they decamped with a photo album and certain documents belonging to the mahant. After coming out of the dera the assailants waylaid three vendors — Mukesh, Amarnath and Pappu Ram — who were beaten up after being relieved of their money. All the three have been admitted to the Civil Hospital at Nabha. The school chowkidar was also attacked and beaten up.

Kala, the mahant’s follower disclosed that the assailants had food in the dera kitchen before leaving. Kala and the chowkidar of the nearby school have been shifted to Rajindra Hospital.

The mahant was apparently held in high esteem by residents of the village as well as nearby areas. Hundreds of villagers descended on the dera this evening to pay their last respects to the mahant when his body was brought from Nabha after a post mortem. The mahant was later buried in the dera complex.

The motive of the murder could not be known. Villagers disclosed that Kala had identified one of the assailants.

Plan for US varsity branch
From Our Correspondent

PATIALA, Nov 7 —The Punjab Government plans to set up a branch of Wisconsin University in the state.

Stating this here yesterday while addressing a gathering at Rakhra village on the occasion of the second death anniversary of Mr Katar Singh Dhaliwal, Lt. Gen B K N Chhibber Governer, Punjab said opening of the branch of the university in state would give a boost to higher education and also help the economy of the state.

He said that the government proposed to set up the branch after seeing the success of student exchange arrangement between Guru Nanak Dev University, under which nearly 20 students are undergoing higher education courses in USA.

Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, SGPC president, and MP said as part of the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa nearly 300 students from the state would be sent for higher studies in the USA. The family of Mr Darshan Singh Dhaliwal of Rakhra. Would sponsor all students Mr Tohra announced.

A blood donation camp was also organised in the village. Doctors examined nearly 500 patients and nearly 50 operations were performed. About 100 person donated blood.

Half-day dharna by insurance staff
Tribune News Service

JALANDHAR, Nov 7 — As part of countrywide protest action insurance employees working here and in nearby centres staged massive dharna for half-day today to protest against the government's move to open-up insurance sector to private sector with permission to foreign equity.

Hundreds of employees of the LIC and the GIC including members of their family participated in the dharna and raised slogans against privatisation/opening up of insurance sector.

Addressing the gathering Mr SS Kooner, divisional secretary of the Employees' Association asserted that the opening up of the insurance sector will be against the interests of the country as the LIC and the GIC were providing huge funds for development activities and for building infrastructure.

Mr JR Jassal, president, Chandigarh region, General Insurance Employees Union declared that the insurance employees would participate in the nationwide strike on December 11 to protest against the "anti-people" policies of the government. Comrade Balwant Singh, president, Punjab CITU also addressed the gathering and extended full support and cooperation to the struggle of the insurance employees. The rally was also addressed by Mr HS Minhas, Technical Services Union (PSEB), Mr LR Virdi. Bank Employees Federation of India and Mr DL Verma, secretary Insurance Pensioners Association.

"India has largest number of TB patients"
Tribune News Service

JALANDHAR, Nov 7 — The 18th National congress on Respiratory Diseases started with eminent consultants in respiratory medicine reading papers on latest therapeutic, clinical, diagnostic and research and epidemiological trends.

With India having the largest number of tuberculosis cases coupled with increasing incidence of HIV infection the doctors are deliberating on a strategy at the congress, on how to control these two diseases which in doctor's parlance are "close cousins".

Talking to The Tribune after his lecture, the president of the Indian Chest Society Dr S. Chandrasekharan said that, unfortunately incidence of TB had increased, and because of TB the AIDS was also on the increase. Reasoning that since the past 20 years no new drug as effective as the five standard drugs available to the medical world had been developed. He advocated that the government and voluntary health organisations should propagate health awareness and speed up the effort providing quality medicare.

Speaking on the AIDS he said that in south Chennai at the government hospital for thoracic medicine, immoine modulation with Siddha drugs was doing good work for patients and society.

Dr Rajbir Singh of Apollo Hospital and Dr Mohan Kumar of Coimbatore feel that easy access of medical facilities to all segments of society would help in slowing the spread of TB and HIV. Wrong dosage and over-the-counter sale of drugs is responsible for drug resistance, they feel.

While Dr Rajbir Singh feels that programmes on combating TB need to be re-evaluated and formulated taking into consideration different socio-economic status of people and the infrastructure.

But the Superintendent of Government Hospital, of Thoracic Medicine, Prof C N Deivanayagam feels that the society and the family will have to play a major role as by the next two years nearly nine to 10 million people in the country will be infected with HIV. While the government should provide quality drugs like rifamipicin and pyrazinamide, to all main medical centres in rural parts of the country as the diseases are more prevalent among the poor.

However Dr P S Manni, an orthopaedic surgeon, specialising in bone and joint TB feels that the bacteria have changed their pattern, and is affecting the affluent segments also". The incident of TB has increased since the 80. While it had tapered off in the 70s. The reason: Environmental changes, pollution and hazardous chemicals. The onus is now on the state to activate and improve the medical infrastructure. As the doctors will be there only to treat patients who come to hospitals, which is a very small population. Poverty and sub-human living conditions needed to be improved, if we wanted to control this epidemic, he said.