The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

City police plans cell to thwart ISI activity
By Amarjit Thind
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh Jan 20 — To prevent the activities of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), the Chandigarh Police has initiated a familiarisation study on the pattern being followed in Jammu and Kashmir.

The department would soon depute some officers to study the set-up of various agencies operating in the valley and suggest measures which would act as a deterrent for ISI activities. This has been done in view of the nationwide spurt in such activities. The officers would set up a cell later on to monitor the movement of Pak backed mercenaries.

Elaborating on the need for initiating such a measure, Mr Parag Jain, SSP, said this was being done in view of the growing activities of the ISI and its affiliates in the country as a whole and the region in particular. The department should not be caught on the wrong foot if any untoward incident happens in the city. In fact, the department should have the feedback to prevent such incidents.

He said the officers would interact with those manning the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) in Srinagar. Besides this, they would also study and observe the techniques and standard operating procedures being followed by the various intelligence agencies operating in the troubled state.

Besides this, a close liaison would also be maintained with the intelligence wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, he added.

Sources alleged the department was ill equipped to deal with any such threats in the city. In fact, the department does not have any knowledge of the various ISI-sponsored militant outfits operating in the country, let alone knowing about the major players in the field in this region.

The ignorance of dealing with information about militants can be gauged from the fact that a confidential note written by the Western Command’s (WC) intelligence unit to the department in October about the presence of at least five known militant sympathisers in one of the labour colonies of the city was dealt with in a routine matter.

The reply to the WC reportedly stated that after investigations it was established that the five were not involved in any subversive activity and were not wanted in any case in the city. No effort was allegedly made to seek the help of the Jammu and Kashmir police, the sources added.

It is a known fact that these people are allegedly actively involved in arranging for the safe passage and shelter to militants. During a quick survey it was seen that that in the past few weeks alone the number of such people has crossed 100 and they are mainly living in colony number 4 and Bapu Dham colony, the sources revealed.

It has also been felt that role of the local unit of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), which is responsible for coordinating information between the state intelligence networks, in this context has been far from satisfactory. The information is seldom shared and no pointers about subversive activities are provided to the local force, the sources said

It has also been seen that certain political parties come to their rescue when people of a particular community are rounded up for even routine questioning. The leaders level allegations and pressurise the police to let them off. If this state of inaction continues, the city and its surrounding areas would become an ideal haven for subversives, the sources opined.

The need of the hour was to have an elaborate intelligence network as was set up in the days of Punjab militancy, the sources said.

Billa lambasts Punjab Govt
From Our Correspondent

SAS NAGAR Jan 20 — The President of the local Municipal Council, Mr Harinder Pal Singh Billa, today launched a scathing attack on the Punjab Government for failing to take action against certain councillors who were facing serious charges of corruption and fraud, while removing him from his post time and again on “flimsy” grounds.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Billa said the Government’s efforts to evict him had failed, with the High Court giving him justice. His five-year term ended today.

Mr Billa circulated copies of an FIR lodged in 1996 in Chandigarh against Mr Amrik Singh Mohali, Senior Vice-President, who remained acting president on two occasions in recent months. The FIR, he said, was lodged on August 4 under sections 452 (house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint) and 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft).

Mr Mohali was arrested and later released on bail in the case. The council wrote to the Government in this connection but no action was taken.

He said the proceedings of a council meeting held on January 11 under the presidentship of Mr Mohali had not been recorded till date, in violation of the rules. During the short period recently, when Mr Billa was not heading the council, a stretch of road was built overnight near Phase VII in an area which “fell in Chandigarh”. No tenders were called for the work, he alleged. An explanation had been sought from the SDO and the JE concerned and a complaint had been made to the Director, Local Government.

Exposing irregularities and corruption by government officials, he said there were 116 municipal safai karamcharis, out of which 46 had been “illegally” working in the houses of senior officials and politicians. Two council cars had been used “illegally” by officials of the Local Government Department and the fuel expenses were paid by the civic body and four drivers had been working with this department while being paid salaries by the council, he alleged.

He said a lot of development work had taken place during his five-year tenure. In 1995, when he took over, the civic body’s coffers were empty but now, even after development works had been undertaken, the fund position was comfortable at about Rs 7 crore.

Mr Billa said his achievements included the provision of adequate streetlights, laying of a premix carpet on almost all roads, development of a 10-acre park in phase X, development of the cremation ground, provision of funeral vans, construction of proper footpaths, fixing of railing round parks, and purchase of two fire engines and two skylifts. He criticised the PUDA for failing to provide a proper site for dumping the town’s garbage.

When Mr Amrik Singh Mohali was contacted, he said the proceedings of the January 11 meeting had been recorded. He had issued no wrongful order in connection with the building of the road near Phase VII and such work came under the Municipal Engineer and the Executive Officer. He alleged that Mr Billa had sought bribes for clearing various council payments.

Police remand for rape accused
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Jan 20 — Chandigarh Police commando Sarandeep Singh, accused of raping a Kharar resident after luring her, was remanded in police custody till January 21 by UT Chief Judicial Magistrate Sant Parkash after he surrendered before the court today.

The commando was earlier booked by the Chandigarh Police for wrongfully confining a person, kidnapping and rape under Section 363, 366, 376 and 342 of the Indian Penal Code after the victim was found unconscious at the Inter-State Bus Terminus here.

According to her statement, the commando had raped her in a hotel at Pinjore after luring her into accompanying him. She had added that the commando had left her near Mani Majra the next day.

Pronouncing the orders in the open court, the CJM observed: “Heard on the request of police remand. Accused has been arrested just now and thorough investigation is necessary for revealing the entire history of the present case. Finding justification, the accused is remanded to police custody till January 21”.

HUDA told to pay compensation
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA Jan 20—The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered the Haryana Urban Development Authority to pay Rs 36,725 charged in excess by it at a rate of 15 per cent from the date of deposit, not to charge an extension fee of Rs 20,720 from Ms Leela Jindal, wife of the allottee, pay Rs 20,000 for mental agony and Rs 200 towards cost of proceedings.

A note appended to the order added that since Rs 1,08,207 paid by HUDA is already lying with the complainant since November 1996 and the forum, in its order of 1998 asked Mrs Jindal to return the same along with interest and the matter is pending before the National Commission, HUDA was directed to comply with the order within 30 days of the decision of the National Commission.

The complaint filed by Mrs Jindal stated that Mr S. C. Bhatt in whose name the industrial plot in Phase II was allotted, sought permission from HUDA for the transfer of the plot in the name of the complainant by depositing the fee. Thereafter, in 1990, HUDA demanded Rs 94,455 and Rs 16,351 towards payment against the plot which was outstanding, whereby the complainant pointed out that an excess amount of Rs 19,668 had already been deposited in excess and appealed for a refund.

However, HUDA kept demanding Rs 16,351 which was deposited in 1990 and transfer of the plot was allowed. Further, a refund of Rs 36,019.24 in addition to interest was demanded but HUDA, instead, asked for Rs 707 towards balance payment, besides Rs 20,720 for extension and completion of the building.

This was followed by a representation by the complainant in which she claimed an amount of Rs 65,704.59. To this, HUDA stated that the amount had been charged on account of late deposit of the half yearly instalments. Meanwhile, the complainant submitted revised plans with a requisite fee of Rs 979. But HUDA raised objections, to which Mrs Jindal agreed to pay the compounding charges and extension fee. However, part occupation certificate was refused without application. Later, after the conclusion of arguments, District Forum, Ambala, allowed the complaint, directing HUDA to pay 65,704 at 18 per cent rate of interest and release the revised sanctioned plan in addition to issue part occupation certificate besides payment of Rs 500 as cost of proceedings.

Both parties appealed to the State Commission which set aside the order passed by the District Forum directing the forum to decide the matter afresh after considering the written reply filed by HUDA.

The Bench comprising Mr R. C. Taneja and Mr B. S. Badhran observed that the industrial plot was allotted in 1983 and the same transferred in the name of the complainant in 1990. The offer of possession was made in 1986 and excess amount charged by HUDA was clearly in contravention of terms and conditions of allotment which amounts to deficiency of service.

Also, the complainant during construction of the building submitted a revised plan with the HUDA in 1991 and furnished the requisite fee but HUDA failed to take proper action on the revised plan and raised objections only in 1992 which amounts to deficiency of service. So, HUDA is not entitled to charge any extension fee from the complainant and further directed to pay compensation.

COMMUNITY

Gender inequities continue despite law: Rai
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Jan 20 — Even though women constitute almost 50 per cent of the world's population and put in two-thirds of the total working hours, they earn not more than one-third of the world's income and have a command over just one-tenth of the total resources. This dismal picture of empowerment of women was sketched by the Adviser to the Administrator, UT, Mrs Vineeta Rai, today while inaugurating a two-day national seminar on 'Gender sensitivity', at Technical Teachers Training Institute (TTTI), Sector 26.

The seminar has been organised by the TTTI in collaboration with the British Council, New Delhi. The main objective of today's interaction was to highlight the special requirements of women faculty and girl students, both in the technical education system and industry. More than 50 persons working directly or indirectly in the area of women empowerment participated.

Mrs Rai said that there is now almost total international consensus that promoting gender equity and empowerment of women are essential for sustainable development and reaching population goals.

The Adviser also noted that despite having a gender sensitive Constitution and laws, gender inequities continue. Government and the non-government organisations in the region are addressing issues to remedy the situation through various measures, including affirmative actions, seminars on the issue can play an important role in initiating a process to change mind-sets, she further added.

In his presidential remarks, Mr Yash Pal Mahajan, Chairman, Board of Governors, TTTI, Chandigarh, highlighted the changing roles of women in society. He was of the opinion that the roles of women used to be considered somewhat inferior till the first half of the century.

Dr Margaret Foster, a gender and technology specialist from Rugby, UK, said that the removal of poverty and application of appropriate technology are crucial in today's context. She argued that the role of women is central in poverty alleviation programmes and sustainable development was as important as development itself.

Later, Dr Foster conducted a workshop with the participants that discussed gender as a "social construct" and not a "biological construct". She also discussed a manual that has been developed especially to sensitise people towards the issue of women empowerment.

Earlier, Dr S. Krishnamurthy, Principal, TTTI, Chandigarh, welcomed the chief guest and the participants. He gave a brief account of TTTI's involvement in generating awareness about importance of women empowerment.

Prof V. P. Puri, coordinator of the seminar, briefly described the methodology of the seminar.Mrs Rama Chhabra proposed the vote of thanks.

Meanwhile, the seminar today discussed the themes of status of women and gender differences in India, opportunities for women in technical education, promoting participation of women in technical education and industry, women and entrepreneurship and women empowerment in work place.

Gender issues are social constructs: experts
By Sonoo Singh
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Jan 20 — "It was not God who decided that men should construct bridges and women should push prams on those bridges. These are roles that have been constructed socially, and every society expects the same out of women — to cook, clean and reproduce — whether western or oriental," said Dr Maggie Foster, a gender specialist, who was one of the participants at a seminar on Gender Sensitivity at Technical Teachers Training Institute (TTTI), Sector 26, here today. In an exclusive interview with TNS, experts present at the seminar opined that gender-related issues were more of social constructs than simply being manifestations of biology.

Dr Foster, who works with the Schumacher Centre for Technology and Development, Warwickshire, UK, said, "It is interesting to note that when we collaborate reports from different countries, even those of Europe and South Asian countries, results on sensitisation towards gender issues always show the same results." She further said in some ways, the issues of male and female equality were better understood in poor countries than in developed countries.

Commenting on the propagation of ideas regarding dominance of males in society, she said, "These ideas came from Victorian England and were percolated down to its colonies. In my organisation, there is no woman director, so it is a myth that in western countries the idea of women empowerment is strongly embedded in society."

Dr S. Krishnamurthy, Principal of the TTTI, agreed that issues of male and female differences were based more on social hierarchies. He said, "Some changes with regard to emancipation of women can be seen today but this exercise needs to go further. What we need to talk about initially is equal opportunities for all. Only then can we progress further."

Outlining the fact that similar societies treat the two genders differently, he said, "In a state like Kerala, women are treated differently than maybe in Punjab. But the truth is that biases against women work everywhere even now. Even today, if both husband and wife are working, the wife is expected to look after the house and the family."

Ms Shelly Goel, a lecturer at the PUSA Polytechnic, New Delhi, who is an electrical engineer and is participating in this seminar, said, "I agree that in a family, it is the husband's role as the provider which is more important, even if the woman happens to be working." Citing her example, she said she had to leave her profession for a couple of years to look after her children and her house, as society expected her to do so.

"Something like being an electrical engineer or a mechanical engineer is not a sought after profession for most women, because most women have to face a lot of biases in this field. Those not getting into options like teaching sometimes face difficulties when they try to be entrepreneurs," she added.

She lauded the idea of holding such seminars. "Some constructive ideas are floated and even though this may be a drop in the ocean, it can still be a beginning," she said.

Talking to TNS, Mr Stanzin Dawa, Director of Rural Development and You, an NGO based in Ladakh, said, "As society in Ladakh is a very closed one, we try and reach out not only to families but also women, and teach them about issues of health care and sexuality. These are not only complicated matters but personal and confidential."

In the wake of increase in sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, he said his organisation was involved in the training of other NGOs, schoolteachers and health workers. "We try and explore the role of various genders and discuss gender related problems. The main area still to be tackled is that women are not quite expressive since they are culturally not taught to be so," he added.

Community booths lose purpose
From Gautam Dheer

PANCHKULA Jan 20 — Multipurpose booths which were set up in different sectors of the township to provide community services to the residents have lost their purpose.

Sites for these booths were allotted by the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA). These booths was supposed to furnish essential help with regard to routine maintenance needs of the houses such as plumbing, electrical repairs, masonry repair etc. The inception of the first booth of such kind in 1987 was welcomed largely by the residents who expected it to develop into a "model community service" programme of participation.

However, over the years, these booths have been used for purposes other than intended. The matter has been raised by the residents several times at forums like Tatkal Dwar and grievance committees, but to no effect.

The residents feel cheated and deprived of welfare and services. These booths have largely been sub-let, or given to others for use on a general power of attorney by the original allotees and the places are being put to different uses, defeating the purpose of the plan.

The President of the Citizens Welfare Association of Panchkula, Mr S.K. Nayar, said there had been an ongoing process of commercialisation of these booths and hardly any service was being provided.

As a result of the misuse, the residents are forced to bear the inconvenience of hunting for persons skilled in these routine maintenance works. The worst sufferers are senior citizens who find it difficult to run around for help. The booths were suppose to be managed by the sector welfare associations. However, most of the associations have no say in the functioning of these.

These essential services were to be rendered at reasonable rates and the workers were to be paid on a job-work basis. Not only does it add to the inconvenience, but has also made many persons pay excess money for the work as the market rates are largely unaffordable.

Travel agencies, railway booking counters, offices of taxi operators, sale outlets, courier companies are some of the businesses that operate from these booths. Residents also allege that some of these booths have become dens of tramps, who gather there in the evening, get drunk and create nuisance.

Ms Namrita Bhandari of Sector 16, said, '' it is miserable at times when you need urgent assistance at an odd hour and you fail to get it. Moreover, these persons exploit your urgency and dictate their terms." Barring a few southern sectors in the town, every sector has been provided with such booths. The President of the CWA has urged the authorities concerned to resume these booths or ensure adequate accountability in the interest of the people.

The Administrator of HUDA, Mr Abhilaksh Lekhi, said he had received complaints from the residents in this regard. He said all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the booths were not misused.

‘Literature unites people’
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Jan 20 — Literature has no boundaries. It cannot be restricted within any regional boundary, said Bhisham Sahni, renowned novelist, in a lecture at the Department of Hindi in Panjab University here yesterday.

He said that literature was a friend of humankind. It unites people. Political thought and theories were agents for creating differences. Quality literature remains united with the glory and times of its country.

Sahni said that after the first World War, there was an atmosphere of gloom. Old value system was under threat. Still the country saw valuable efforts from Munshi Prem Chand towards preserving national glory.

He also dwelt at length on various faces of literature during the changed times.

Last round of Pulse Polio on Jan 23
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Jan 20 — The last and the final round of the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation Campaign would be held on January 23. Mr Joginder Singh, Director Health Services of the UT, today flagged off a publicity truck and a school children's rally from the Sector 22 health centre today to spread awareness about the campaign.

The truck is fitted with public address equipment and will cover slums, villages and sectors of the city from January 20 to 22 and generate awareness about the polo-eradication drive. A magic show was also presented on the occasion.

The drive is being publicised so that the people do not take it to be a routine affair. Each dose was equally important, said Dr M.P. Minocha, Programme Coordinator of the Pulse Polio. He urged the residents of the city to visit the booths, government dispensaries and hospitals to get their children immunised against polio.

Meanwhile, UP, Bihar and Rajasthan, where a large number of polio cases have been reported, are going in for two additional rounds in February and March. These states will have six rounds of the drive instead of the regular four. A little less than 2,000 cases have been reported in India till November and more than half of these are from Uttar Pradesh. Of the three cases reported in the city, two have shown the polio virus in their faeces matter.

Multiple visas sought
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH Jan 20 — Col Partap Singh Gill (retd), former Lieut Governor of Goa, Daman and Diu and Chairman of the Jati Umrah Indo-Pak Pariwar Milap Trust, has in a letter to the Secretary Foreign Affairs (Pakistan), Government of India, requested that all Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims separated in 1947 from their families, both in India and Pakistan, be given multiple visas or at least be allowed to visit their families twice a year.

He has highlighted the case of woman named Mohinder Kaur (now Anwar Siddique), who with great difficulty was able to get a visa to meet her mother residing in Kurukshetra (Haryana). She has also requested the Prime Minister for a multiple visa so that she and her husband can visit her mother and sisters in other parts of Punjab when required. She had got separated from her family at the age of five during the Partition in 1947. While her family came to India, she was left in Pakistan and was brought up by a Christian family which taught her and got her a job also. She was married to Mr Khushi Mohammed in 1963 and got converted to Islam. She then began searching for her parents and after 35 years, she got to know in 1966 that her mother, Ms Dharam Kaur, was in India.

Man attacked by deer
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA Jan 20 — Gurbachan Singh, a resident of Saketri village, sustained serious injuries and was admitted to hospital, after some deer attacked him near the Sitaram Aashram while he was returning from Mani Majra to his village a few days ago.

He along with other villagers informed that every year they were suffering heavy losses on account of deer, neelgai and pigs straying into their field and spoiling their crops. They added that this year also maize and wheat crops had been destroyed.

They appealed to the Deputy Commissioner to grant them compensation for the destroyed crop. They also said that they would approach the Wildlife Department in this regard.

CRIME

Maloya resident killed in mishap
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh Jan 20 — A Maloya Colony resident succumbed to his injuries after he was hit by a jeep near Kajheri village late last night.

According to the police, Ram Dhani was riding pillion on the motorcycle of Mohinder Singh when a jeep, whose number could not be taken down, hit them and sped away. They were rushed to the PGI, where Ram Dhani breathed his last. A case under Sections 279, 337 and 304-A of the IPC has been registered.

Girl kidnapped

Rasheed Ahmad alias Kalu, a resident of Burail, complained that his minor daughter had been kidnapped by a person named Naeam Ahmad. A case under Sections 363 and 366 of the IPC has been registered.

Whisky seized

The police has arrested Baljot Singh and Rajesh Kumar, residents of Amritsar, and has recovered 60 bottles of whisky from them. They were stopped while travelling in a car (PB-02-H-0495) near Sector 31. A case under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act has been registered against them.

Cash stolen

Mr Khushwant Singh, a resident of Sector 19, said that some one stole his gold chain, wrist watch and household articles, besides Rs 10,000 in cash from his residence on the night of January 18. A case under Section 457 and 380 of the IPC has been registered.

DERA BASSI

Worker dies

Jan 20 — A labourer of an industrial unit here died of head injuries which he received while working in the factory yesterday.

Satta (30), hailing from Gurdaspur, was injured at about 7.30 a.m. and taken to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, where he died at about 2 p.m.

He had been employed in the factory for the past three years.

Stolen truck recovered

The Dera Bassi police has recovered a truck which was stolen form Industrial Area, Chandigarh, on January 14.

According to Mr H. S. Bhullar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, the truck (HR-01GA-0443) was signalled to stop by cops at a naka near DAV School, but the driver sped off. The truck loaded with tea, medicines, electric bulbs and other items worth Rs 2 lakh, was later found abandoned in Jawaharpur, near Ambala. A case under Section 411 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered.

ZIRAKPUR

Liquor seized

As many as 36 bottles of country made liquor were seized and two persons arrested while trying to smuggle the liquor from Chandigarh. Habhajan Singh and Baltej Singh, the two men arrested, are residents of district Moga.

The police has also impounded the scooter which they were using. A case under Sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act has been registered against them.

Caught gambling

Three labourers, Ramesh Kumar, Sita Ram and Mahesh Kumar, have been arrested for gambling.

According to the police, they were gambling on the Kalka-Ambala highway. A case under Sections 13, 3 and 67 of the Gambling Act has been registered.

PANCHKULA

Rash driving

A case under Sections 279, 337 and 338 of the IPC has been registered by the Kalka police, following a complainant by Jagmohan Lal which alleged that Rajender Kumar, driver of car (HR-49-061), drove rashly and hit him near the Housing Board Colony.

BUSINESS

Where does Siswan income go?
From Our Correspondent

SISWAN (Kharar) Jan 20 — Despite a "handsome" income from the annual auction of cuttings in the forest, Siswan village lags in development activities. Lack of roads, medical services and other amenities are the bane of this village that lies on the periphery of Chandigarh.

Situated about 10 km from the PGI, the village is surrounded by chos which restrict the movement of the residents even after a mild shower. According to Malkhan Khan, a teenager, they have to wade through the chos in the absence of any bridge over these seasonal rivulets.

The absence of roads makes it impossible for this area to have a bus service. The villagers have to walk more than 3 km to catch a bus.

They also complain of the scarcity of medical facilities. The nearest dispensary is about 4 km away. In case of an emergency, they face a great difficulty to reach the dispensary.

The villagers have also requested the authorities to depute a mobile medical team to visit the area on fixed days, but their representations have had no effect.

In the absence of any transport facility, it is difficult even to take a patient to a hospital. The village is also without a veterinary dispensary.

A number of villagers complain of the incompetence of the panchayat which derives a major part of its income from trees and grass in the shamlat land. Despite good income, the panchayat is indifferent and pays no attention to development, they allege.

A villager said that the panchayat has not been granted a telephone connection. "We need this facility, especially during the rainy season when our movement is restricted due to the flooding of the chos," he said. "None of the district officials or the elected representatives have ever visited the village," he added.