M A I N   N E W S

13 Attari coolies lose licences
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

ATTARI, Feb 14 — On the directions of the Union Home Ministry, the Railways authorities have cancelled the licences of as many as 13 coolies working at the railway station here. As per the report of the Home Ministry the coolies have been found indulging in “unfair activities”.

The Station Superintendent, Attari, has already seized licences of six coolies. Other coolies suspected to be involved in “illegal activities” are at large.

Mr Yogesh Aggarwal, Assistant Traffic Manager, Railways, confirmed that the number badges of six coolies had been taken away.

Those who have surrendered their licences to the Railways include Niranjan Singh, alias Nanjo (number 6), Jassa (122), Pappu (56), Jasbir Singh (33), Santokh Singh (91) and Chhinda (24). The absconding coolies include Amrik Singh (103), Angrej Singh (115), Resham Singh (95), Amrik Singh Dabarh (78), Karaj Singh (55), Balwinder Singh (11) and Darshan Singh (87).

There are as many as 102 coolies working at Attari railway station.

During a meeting of the various agencies, including Customs, intelligence, immigration and security, held on October 23 last year, the issue of “suspicious activities” of the coolies at Attari railway station had been raised. The meeting has decided “it was unanimously decided that entry of coolies will only be allowed from entry point towards the Lahore side of platform number three. No coolie shall be allowed from the Amritsar side on this platform.

It was also decided that a register will be maintained at the entry point and for recording exit time of coolies. Their frequent entry and exit will not be allowed. The coolies would also declare money they are carrying at entry point. It should not be more than Rs 500 in Indian currency”.

Ashok Sethi adds: The Home Ministry is contemplating to replace Punjab police personnel engaged in immigration work here by Intelligence Bureau men, according to sources.

The sources at the railway station reveal that Punjab police personnel have been found wanting in handling this technical job which requires proper familiarisation with travel documents.

The ministry was also planning to give IB men the charge of the road and airport here, it is learnt.