PU student leader booked; strike by SOPU supporters
 Incident preplanned: PUSU
Office-bearers can’t take charge: SOPU
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — In less than 48 hours after being elected the president of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council, Bhupinder Singh Bhuppi, was booked along with two others by the Chandigarh Police today for causing hurt to a person.

A first information report against Bhupinder, Haminder Singh and Karamvir Singh was registered under Sections 325 and 34 of the Indian Panel Code late in the evening after an x-ray of the nose of Vikram Singh Chaudhry showed that it had a hair-line fracture. Chaudhary was allegedly attacked by the accused with a key-ring knife yesterday. The UT Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr Sagar Preet Hooda, said further investigations were on.

Bhuppi said he had been falsely implicated in the case. When contacted on his mobile telephone after the registration of the case, he said the allegations had been levelled against him due to political vendetta. He said he had contacted the Vice-Chancellor and had informed him of the situation.

Earlier in the day, PU students observed a strike in responce to a call given by the Students Organisation of Punjab University. This was to condemn the alleged attack on its supporter, Vikram.

Vikram is a second-year MA students of Sanskrit and head of the Haryana Students’ Union. He had earlier alleged that he had been attacked yesterday in a hostel with a key-ring knife. He had also said that he had been pushed to the floor and beaten up by Bhuppi and two of his friends.

“Another PUSU activist, Robin Singh, was also with them, but he did not attack one,” Vikram Singh told the TNS in a university hostel today. “His two friends came to my room after 9 p.m. and abused me. Later, I met my friend Bhupinder Singh Beniwal, who was also a candidate in the campus elections, downstairs. He was in the toilet when I was attacked. He pushed these three persons away after be came out. Beniwal and I then went to Hostel Number 5 to contact our press secretary, Bobby. We wanted to contact the Press and report the incident.”

He said, “From there, I was taken in the car to the Sector 11 police station to lodge a report. From there, I was taken to the Sector 16 hospital. I was there till midnight, after which, I came back to my room in the hostel.”

Beniwal narrated the same story. “I called up Bhuppi on the mobile telephone yesterday after the incident, but he told me that he had not visited Hostel Number 3 and was at Hostel Number 2,” he said.

Bhuppi told reporters that he was not involved in the incident. Meanwhile, at a press conference organsied by SOPU, Vikram was presented before reporters and he narrated the incident.

Dayal Pratap Randhawa, president of the council, said SOPU would organise strikes if the police did not take action in this case. He said SOPU would not let the new office-bearers of the council to lake charge on September 30 if justice was not done.

At another press conference organsied by the PUSU-HSA-ABVP combine, the three parties condemned the incident, but said the issue was being politicised. Surat Negi of the ABVP said the decision to go on strike and disturb the academic environment of the university should also be condemned. Munish Anand of PUSU said this was a preplanned act to create trouble in the university. “It is well known that Vikram is often involved in some or the other incident on the campus. A case was also registered against him for using unfair means in examinations in 1997,” he said. Chaand Singh Madan of the HSA also explained the position of the students against whom the warden of Hostel Number 5 had lodged a complaint for misbehaviour yesterday.

“The students have given a written explanation to the Dean Students Welfare in this regard along with signatures of 113 hostel residents who support our claim,” he said. 

Artistes bring evening to life
By Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — If there is bliss in performance, it is here, it is now — this feeling kept gripping the mind all the way through the delectable show which came to the view of thousands who had gathered in the precincts of the Chandigarh Press Club today. And thanks to the wonders which South India’s music queen Usha Uthup and the Sufiana son of India Hans Raj Hans worked on the stage, the level of satiation this night was high ...very high.

The only part of the programme which could have possibly bred a little boredom was the one in which the organisers had arranged to award a host of artistes, apart from the galaxy of stars which had descended in the town today. Among those artistes who were honoured tonight were music director Jawahar Wattal, singers Usha Uthup, Shanker Sahni, Hans Raj Hans, the budding star from SAS Nagar, Karan Jasbir and Hema Sardesai (who could not make it to the performance due to sudden illness of her mother). The only odd man out was the reputed theatre artiste M.K. Raina who has recently produced a play titled “Manto”. The conferring came at the hands of Adviser to the Administrator Ms Vineeta Rai, Commissioner Income Tax, UT Mr Ashwani Luthra and UT IGP Mr B.S. Bassi.

About the thrill of the performance, the lesser said the better. For words seem to fail when it comes to describing the zest and zeal with which Usha Uthup took on the stage in front of a purely Punjabi audience. She commanded the gathering with the beats of her hot favourites which included her runaway success of the 70s — Kaali teri gut te paranda tera lal ni (the song by Asa Singh Mastana), the Surinder Kaur number Pichhe pichhe aunda meri chaal ... mera laung gwacha. And the thrill was that each man was found clapping, including the elder lot.

Usha set the pace with her all-time rage, the Hare Ram Hare Krishna number pictured on Zeenat Aman Dum maro dum, and then went on to keep the beat alive with Ramba ho and also recreated the Kishore Kumar magic with Haal kaisa hai janaab ka. Mast nigahon ka suroor and Unchi atariya tori piya, the two numbers from her latest albums which have been directed by Jawahar Wattal complimented the mood of the audience with powerful rhythm.

Handing over the stage to Hans Raj Hans, Gurpreet Guggi, the compere who just suited the show, hailed Usha’s attempt at sending the message of love through her music (Usha kept stressing upon the unity in diversity aspect of the Indian music during her performance). The magic stayed on with Hans singing the Jawahar Wattal composition — Jawaab nahi gori usda and then his latest hits including Chorni and Tote tote ho gaya (film Bicchoo) which he gave with Shweta Shetty.

The night also saw Jawahar Wattal’s new find Karan Jasbir performing before the home crowd. Shivalik Public School and the then Punjabi University pass-out Karan Jasbir was the first performer of the day, and he was able to manage a convincing applause.

The second in the line was another Jawahar Wattal find, the Yaari Yaari man from Delhi, Shanker Sahni, who had Preity Zinta smiling away on his song — Kudi kurmuri haye oye. He also sang a number of Punjabi folk songs and surcharged the atmosphere with some kind of a nostalgic fervour. And as he sang, Sunder munderiya, the entire crowd seemed to be singing along. 

Police to launch Neighbour Watch scheme
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — Neighbour Watch — a welfare scheme by the Chandigarh Police for enhanced security — is going to be launched in the city soon.

“Very soon,” says the UT Inspector-General of Police. Mr B.S. Bassi, “The idea is to pool in the resources of people and the police for preventing incidents of crime and for effective communication between the residents and the cops.” “The scheme will function through resident welfare associations”.

The police, the IGP disclosed, had already identified 20 public spirited volunteers, including a retired Colonel, residing in Sector 19-D.

“The volunteers have offered not only to meet the senior citizens residing in their locality quite frequently but also to help them out by paying their electricity, telephone and other bills,” he said.

The volunteers, the IGP added, had mooted the proposal following a recent attack on an old lady, putting up in Sector 19, by a house maid with a belan.

The police was also planning to expand the scheme by including more voluntary organisations, the IGP claimed. “We hope to involve more groups known for their efforts to help the aged. We hope to identify 10 such organisations so as to ensure the well-being of about 200 senior citizens living in the same area”.

Pollution check for vehicles soon
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — A fortnight from now, and a special drive to check pollution levels of automobiles being used in Chandigarh will be carried out jointly by the State Transport Authority and the Chandigarh Traffic Police.

Three-wheelers, trucks, transport vehicles, private cars, two-wheelers and buses will be checked, said Secretary, STA , Mr Gurmail Singh, while adding that the idea was to forewarn city residents before starting the challaning drive.

The STA has asked members of the public to ensure that their vehicles have the “Pollution Under Control” certificates from the authorised pollution centres. A period of 15 days, starting from today, is given to the public to ensure the compliance of the above provisions under the Motor Vehicle Act and Rules. The vehicle, which will be detected without the Pollution Under Control certificate, will be challaned and action taken as per the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act and Rules , said the STA.

Though the STA and the traffic police have been challaning vehicles in a random manner, a drive like this has been lacking for the past few months. The special drive will mean that several people, who have been driving around with expired pollution control certificates, will be forced to get their vehicles inspected.

This will be more effective in case of three-wheeler drivers and also various small tempos deployed by local traders for ferrying goods.

House burgled in Sector 46
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — Even as the UT police is planning to launch a welfare scheme for the aged, the house of a couple residing in Sector 46 was burgled this afternoon. The burglars walked away with Rs 7000, an imported cordless phone, three wrist watches, several sarees and a bag containing some documents.

Mr. R.R.S. Rathore (58) and Ms Sarla Rathore (45) live alone on the third floor of the house. Ms Rathore as usual returned home this afternoon only to find the door of her house slightly ajar. It took her few minutes to realise that her house had been burgled.

Ms Rathore, who is a teacher at Shivalik Public School, Sector 41, said “On seeing the door half open, I thought my husband had returned and I jokingly shouted “who is inside. I stepped inside to see the bedroom doors ajar and all trunks and cupboards open”.

“It was only then that I realised that my house had been burgled”, said Ms Rathore. “I had never kept servants or maids fearing this type of things only”.

Mr Rathore said, “My one son is in England and the other one is in the Army. The thives also took along with them a bag containg documents like insurance policies, cheque books, share certificates etc.”

Most kids say no crackers this Divali
By Monica Sharma

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — Kids have planned to celebrate Divali in their own ways. Children revealed their plans for the big day to Chandigarh Tribune. Surprisingly, most kids said they would not play with crackers this time.

Bipandeep Singh (14) says, “I am not going to play with crackers this year on Divali. I believe it is a wastage of money and time to play with crackers. Crackers can be harmful for the skin, too. I will exchange greetings with my relatives and friends.”

Jyotdeep Kaur (12) says, “I am going to celebrate Divali with enthusiasm and plan to spend Rs 2,000 on crackers. I will call all my friends to my place and enjoy with them on the day. I will take care not to burst powerful crackers. I will also wear cotton clothes while playing with crackers.”

Abhishek Pahwa, a class VI student, says, “I will not pollute the environment by playing with crackers. Playing with these can lead to accidents. Teachers in my school have advised all students to stay away from crackers as these are not safe. My family will gather for the puja and we all will enjoy chatting with each other.”

Harlin Kaur (13) says, “I will donate some money for the disabled. I will play with only light crackers. The heavy ones are dangerous and costly. I will exchange gifts with my relatives. Some cultural event will be organised by members of the Nature Club.”

Mrityunjay (4) says, “I will do all possible naughty things on Divali. I will play with crackers and phuljhadi. I will have a lot of chocolates and sweets, too,” he said.

Nishant Arora, a class III student , says “I will be free to do anything on the day. My family and I will distribute gifts and sweets to our near and dear ones. At night, we will burst crackers and enjoy ourselves.”

Mannat Kang (4) says, “I will stay away from crackers because these make a deafening sound and it is not easy for me to play with these. I will have fun with my relatives and family and enjoy eating sweets.”

Kirandeep Kaur (7) says, “My family will visit the Gurdwara early in the morning to offer prayers and light lamps there. We will play with crackers and have a bonfire at night. Different eatables will be made and we will have a good time the whole day.”

Malika Basin (6) says, “I will play with crackers, but with utmost care. It will be in the company of some elder person and I will wear cotton clothes. I will get a lot of chocolates from my family that I will share with my friends. We will buy gifts for ourselves for the festival.”

Simran Walia (4) says, “I will rejoice with my family and get naughty. We have collected a lot of crackers and we are going to burst these on Divali. However, we will take all the necessary precautions.”

Some precautions for Divali

• Handle crackers with utmost care and light these from a distance.
• Bombs and rockets should not be ignited in hands.
• Don’t wear synthetic or silk clothes while playing with crackers.
• Used crackers should be kept in a bucket, but should not be left smouldering.
• Clothes for drying should not be kept in the open.
• Children should not be allowed to play alone with crackers.
• Play with only good-quality crackers.
• Wear cotton clothes while playing with crackers.

On Divali, Emergency Departments of all hospitals will remain open round-the-clock. Treatment for all injuries will be available in the city hospitals on October 25 and 26.

COMMUNITY

Ex-servicemen, war widows allotted houses
Tribune News Service

Earlier, Ms Neeru Nanda, CHB Chairperson, gave an overview of the scheme. Ms Varsha Joshi, CHB Chief Executive Officer, proposed a vote of thanks.

Nada shopkeepers get no cheque
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Oct 23 — After the clash of the task force with the shopkeepers near the entry of Gurdwara Nada Sahib on October 1, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee, today, failed to handover compensation cheques to the aggrieved parties here.

Today’s deadline for the handover had been fixed by the district administration after meetings with both parties. A two-member committee had fixed the compensation amount after consulting the Gurdwara Committee and the shopkeepers.

While 20 persons received compensation of Rs 8,000 each, seven kiosk owners were given Rs 43,000 each. Two persons were given Rs 1.90 lakh each and the case of one shop owner is yet to be settled.

A representative of the villagers, Mr Rattan Singh, said shopkeepers had been waiting to hear from the SGPC for the entire day, but they had no information so far. We were told that the SGPC would handover the cheques of compensation to the Deputy Commissioner, who in turn, would give these to us. However, nothing has happened so far and we will meet the DC in this regard.”

He said shopkeepers were eager to return to work as Divali was near. “The compensation can be delayed for sometime, but we can’t afford to suspend work for any longer,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.K. Monga, and the Manger of the gurdwara, Mr Bhupinder Pal Singh, were not available for comments.

Tibetan market may be removed
Tribune News Service

PANCHKULA, Oct 23 — The Haryana Urban Development Authoritiy (HUDA) has decided to pass the orders to remove the Tibetan market that is being set up in Sector 8 here.

After the decision today, a pall of gloom descended on the 20 families who were preparing to receive customers at their specially set up booths. They knew that resentment was brewing among the local business community over the allotment of site to them. However, they believed that HUDA would not cancel the allotment after having granted the permission to set up the booths.

Members of the Vyapar Sangh led by Mr Shyam Lal Gupta, president of the body and Mr Manoj Aggarwal, its vice-president, met the HUDA administrator, Mr Shrikant Wadgal, and presented him their demand that had been approved by the Deputy Commissioner at a khula darbar.

They said the Tibetans had nothing new to offer to residents and were trading in whatever was already being sold in the other local shops. The said this would be bad for their business.

Meanwhile, the Tibetans said they were shocked at the decision as they had already paid the security for the land Ms Tsering Yungden, one of the Tibetan shopkeepers, said “We have already purchased all stock that would be kept in the shops. Having spent so much, we will not even have anything to buy two square meals a day if the market is removed.”

Another such shopkeeper, Mr Dorjee, said they had spent a fortune on shifting their business here from Kasauli. “Who will pay for the loss? The refund of security will hardly compensate for it. The HUDA Administration should not act in this manner,” he said.

Dr Inderjit Singh award for Patnaik
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — The eight-day fourth annual exhibition of “Fairs and Festivals” hosted by the Bank of Punjab culminated here today with a Delhi-based artist Asit Kumar Patnaik bagging the prestigious Panth Ratan Dr Inderjit Singh award carrying a prize of Rs 20,000.

The bank will also sponsor talks by distinguished artists of the country which will form part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the College of Art.

Prepaid greeting cards
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — The Department of Post has launched a new scheme under which greeting cards with colourful designs and prepaid postage charges will be sold at different post offices of the city. The cost of greeting cards is Rs 12 and Rs 15 including postage of Rs 3 each, said the Senior Superintendent Post Offices, Mr S.P. Jain.

Mr Jain further said that a special arrangement has been made to face the rush of greeting cards. Different bags for different destinations are placed in front of the sorting office of the GPO in Sector 17. Members of public are requested to use the bags instead of the letter boxes for the purpose of posting greeting cards.

Postal employees on fast
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — Acting on a joint call of the All India Postal Employees Union Class III and the National Union of Postal Employees Group ‘C’, the Postal Employees Union Class III of Punjab Circle, started a two-day fast in front of the General Post Office Building in Sector 17. The employees are demanding immediate implementation of the agreement signed on May 1 in the presence of the Union Communications Minister.

Protest rally by footpath workers
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — Thousands of workers of the Footpath Workers Rozgar Bachao Samiti held a rally at the Municipal Corporation office, Sector 17, to protest against the dilly-dallying policy of the Chandigarh Administration and the indifferent attitude of the municipal authorities in implementing the already accepted demands of the workers, here today.

The workers comprising barbers, cycle mechanics and cobblers raised slogans against the administration and the corporation. Later, they blocked traffic for about an hour at the Matka Chowk, Sector 17.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the samiti met Lieut-Gen (retd.) J.F.R. Jacob and submitted a memorandum. The demands of the samiti include issuing of identity cards to the roadside workers and providing them with “pucca” booths as per the decision of the Advisory Council meetings held on January 19, 1999 and May 23 this year. This was stated here by Mr H.S Gambhir, president of the samiti.

According to him the Administrator heard their demands and assured them of a prompt action in this regard.

Save your eyes this Divali

MOST people erroneously think that playing with fireworks or having a fireworks display at home at the time of festivals or occasions like marriage functions is great fun. But the fact is fireworks are extremely dangerous to your health, especially your eyes.

Never handle, light or play with fireworks of any kind at all, says Lakshmi Chand, sitting in the darkness of permanent blindness of his both eyes. He had a ‘bomb’ exploded in his face, last Divali in Chandigarh while his grandson was displaying fire power of crackers. For this family, and many more like them, on whom the curse of darkness descended from nowhere, the festival of lights would never be the same. Others have to learn a lesson or two. Why not to celebrate Divali and other happy occasions as ‘firework safety festivals’, instead of converting each home/street as a ‘bomb blast yard ?’

The best way to avoid injury is not to use crackers or fireworks.

Fireworks are unstable. Injury can happen to anyone, anytime, even if you are being careful.

If you handle or play with fireworks, you are putting yourself at risk for permanent blindness, hearing loss, loss of hands and fingers, and second and third degree burns to the face and other parts of the body.

The eyes are especially vulnerable to firework injuries. Fireworks, and the debris from fireworks, can burn the eyes, cause loss of one or both eyes, or blindness.

Sparkles are not safe for children or adults! They burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold (1,800°F).

Many people injured by fireworks are innocent bystanders.

The most dangerous type of fireworks is the “bottle rocket”. A bottle rocket will fly erratically and explode without warning, flinging glass, metal and other material into bystanders.

Almost half of those treated for firework injuries are children under age 15.

Just because crackers and fireworks are being sold under licence from the administration, it doesn’t make them safe. All fireworks are dangerous and should not be handled at all.

Certain big crackers/bombs are available in the market, though banned as illegal, fireworks, and are highly dangerous.

Peer pressure can influence children and teenagers not to use fireworks. Talk to your children and family the dangers of handling fireworks and persuade them to desit from this self-destructive game.’

Pets are also at risk from fireworks. The noise associated with firecrackers and other devices can frighten your pet and cause him to run off. Keep pets indoors on Divali.

While Indian figures are not available, US fireworks statics show: 72 per cent of the victims are males, 50 per cent of them below 15 years of ago; The greatest number of eye injuries are associated with rockets; sparkles anaars are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries, requiring trips of the emergency room. Sparklers can heat upto 1800°F; misuse and negligence or casual attitude cause 60 per cent of injuries; bystanders are more often injured by fireworks than operators themselves.

What if an accident does occur?

The following actions can help save your child’s sight:

Do not go to quack. Go to an eye specialist, if an eye injury has occurred.

Do not delay medical attention even for seemingly mild injuries. “Mildly” damaged areas can worsen and end in serious vision loss, even blindness, that might not have happened if treatment and taken place immediately.

Stay calm, do not panic; keep the child as calm as possible.

Do not rub the eye. If any eye tissue is torn, rubbing might push out the eye’s contents and cause more damage. Trying to rub the eye is an automatic response to pain, but pressure will only do more harm. Take the child’s hand away from his or her face.

Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging.

Shield the eye from pressure. Tape or secure the bottom of a foam cup, milk carton or another shield against the bones surrounding the eyebrow, cheek and bridge of the nose.

Avoid giving aspirin or ibuprofen (or other non-sterodical anti inflammatory drugs, called N-SAIDS”) to try to reduce the pain. They thin the blood and might increase bleeding. Acetaminophen is the over-the-counter drug of choice. Unfortunately, non-prescription painkillers will not be of much help. It is better to get to the emergency room right away.

Do not apply ointment or any medication. It is probably not sterile. Also, ointments make the eye area slippery. This could slow the doctor’s examination at a time when every second counts.

What the government can do?

The government has to take a bold decision to put a complete ban on the sale and use of crackers in houses/streets/public places of all kinds. Instead, the government can arrange display of fireworks by professionals under its’s own supervision, in an absolutely safe environment, away from residential/commercial areas.

Professional firework displays are entertaining and spectacular. Not only do they offer a much safer environment, they are more affordable too.

— Dr R. Kumar (President of the Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society)

Doctors against use of fireworks
From Our Correspondent

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — To mobilise the public against the use of fireworks during Divali celebrations, about 100 doctors organised a public awareness rally at the Sector 17 piazza here today. The rally was organised by the National Integrated Medical Association, Chandigarh branch.

The doctors advised the public to celebrate Divali without crackers. They informed the public about the harmful effects of fireworks. The doctors said the fireworks can cause burns, permanent disabilities and many allergies to skin and eyes.

According to Dr Ashwani Malhotra, treasurer of the association, crores of rupees are lost on fireworks every year. The doctors also warned the public about the harm fireworks cause to the environment.

Virtues of sankirtan emphasised
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — “Out of the various ways of worshipping, chanting is the most appropriate way as far as the modern lifestyle is concerned.” These are the words of Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami, the President Acharya of Sree Chaitanya Gaudia Math.

He says since meditation is not possible for all human beings, the best way is to follow the style of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to seek the ultimate. He says modern man is very much involved with the worldly objects and he has no control over his senses. So sankirtan is prescribed for him.

He further says that association of a sadhu is essential for those who seek God, irrespective of the religion or the cult. He says all the religions are directed by the same force and the purpose of every religion is to foster love among one living being.

But today, political interference has increased in religious matters and this phenomenon has created dissensions. Goswami further says that the need of religion is to propagate love and peace." If I love you how can I think of injuring you? This is the relation between love and peace.” he adds.

The saint also says that there should be no gender discrimination. “No form of life can be inferior to other form. Moreover, atman cannot be a male or a female.” he adds.

CRIME

Home Guard volunteer held
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — A Home Guard volunteer, posted at the police control room here, was arrested by the Chandigarh Police from near Sector 17 police station for allegedly carrying 550 gm of charas. The accused, Om Parkash, of Barwara village in Kangra district, was subsequently booked under Section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Youth assaulted

In a complaint before the police, Uttam Singh of Sector 19 alleged that his 20-year-old son Vicky was attacked with glass after four persons entered the house. He also alleged that Rs 11,00 was taken away The police has registered a case under Sections 394 and 34 of the IPC. 

Shopkeeper arrested

A Sector 27 resident was arrested by the police for not pulling down the shutters of his shop in Burail village till “late hours”. According to sources, a case under Section 188 of the IPC has been registered as he had disobeyed the orders of UT District Magistrate.

Scooter stolen

The theft of a scooter from outside Hotel Shivalik View in Sector 17 was brought to the notice of the police by Sector 46 resident Lalit Kumar Gupta. A case under Section 379 has been registered.

Car stereo stolen

A Sector 38 resident, Bhushan, has alleged that his car stereo, along with cassettes and a spare wheel were stolen from the vehicle parked outside his residence. The police has registered a case under Section 379 of the IPC.

Liquor recovered

The police recovered 69 pouches of liquor after arresting two persons in different cases. According to sources, 19 pouches were recovered from Jagan Nath of Naya Gaon, while 50 pouches were recovered from Moti Lal of Mauli Jagran. 

Suicide bid by 2 city residents
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 23 — Two city residents were today admitted to the Sector 16 General Hospital here after they reportedly tried to end their lives.

According to sources, a 26-year-old married man Naresh tried to commit suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling. Family problems are being cited as the reason behind the attempt.

Sources add that a Sector 35 resident Gurmeet Singh also tried to commit suicide by consuming some insecticide. The reason behind his taking the extreme step was not known till late evening.