The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Domoria Bridge traffic chaos regulated
Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, December 4
To improve the flow of traffic in the problematic areas of the city and to bring about a qualitative change in its regulation, the local traffic police has chalked out a comprehensive action plan. The plan would envisage an optimum use of manpower at strategic points during the peak hours. The long-term measures would be finalised and appropriate recommendations made to the authorities concerned.

Sources in the traffic police disclosed that some of the major traffic bottlenecks in the city had been identified where the plan would be put into practice in the initial phase and depending on the available resources including manpower, it would be enforced in other localities.

It was a welcome change this morning when commuters found to their satisfaction that a steady flow of traffic on both sides of the Domoria Bridge was maintained with around six policemen regulating the vehicular traffic. What the traffic police had done was to take the cycle-rickshaws and other slow-moving vehicles out of the stream of vehicles as they crossed the railway underbridge and diverted them towards the Chhawni Mohalla lane which leads to the Old Sabzi Mandi chowk.

In routine, the stretch, a vital link between areas lying to the west of railway line and the old city is a virtual nightmare for the motorists and other road users. Particularly during the peak hours in the morning and evening, long queues of vehicles, stretching up to the old district courts and Kailash Cinema Chowk towards Civil Lines and Bhadaur House crossing towards Deepak Cinema Road, remain stuck in prolonged traffic jams.

The Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Mr Gurdial Singh, told this correspondent that for the time being, the traffic at Domoria Bridge road would continue to be regulated by an adequate number of traffic cops during the peak hours.

He said among many other proposals to reduce congestion on this section was restricting the movement through declaring the Old Sabzi Mandi Road and Deepak Cinema Road as ‘one way’ roads but it had to be dropped because the step would have led to unmanageable congestion both at Old Sabzi Mandi Chowk and Mata Rani Chowk.

It was further learnt that to check congestion and frequent traffic jams, a move had been initiated to regulate the movement of mule-carts and three-wheelers in many congested commercial and residential areas of the city.

Jubilations in BJP-Akali camp over poll victories
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 4
As the results of the Assembly elections in four states started pouring in jubilations and celebrations started in the Akali-BJP camp. The victory in the three states for the BJP could not have come at a better time for the beleaguered Akalis who were feeling upset and demoralised after the arrest of their leader, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, and his son, Mr Sukhbir Badal. Jubilant BJP and Akali workers took out a procession amidst beating of drums and distribution of sweets.

Reacting to the results, senior Akali leader and general secretary of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, said, “This is the prelude to the forthcoming parliamentary elections in the country.” He observed that the Congress will face more crushing defeat in the parliamentary elections. Mr Grewal said that the people in the country could not reconcile to the leadership of the Congress by a woman of foreign origin and they will never accept any foreigner as their Prime Minister.

Mr Grewal said that this was a clear verdict against the Congress and its policies and this will be reflected during the parliamentary elections also. Similar situation will emerge in Punjab also and Akali-BJP alliance will sweep the polls in the state. The countdown for the Congress had already started and the Congress leadership should see the writing on the wall.

Later in the evening a few hundred BJP workers held a procession through various areas of the city. They distributed sweets and were beating drums also. The procession culminated at Clock Tower where BJP leaders, including the district president Dr Subash Verma, congratulated its workers and the party leadership for the outstanding victory in three states.

He maintained that the victory was an endorsement of the policies of the BJP led by Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mr L.K. Advani. He asserted that the BJP was all set to return to power at the Centre with much more strength. He claimed that even in Punjab the Akali-BJP combine will sweep the parliamentary elections.

Senior BJP leader and Member Parliament Lala Lajpat Rai also congratulated the Prime Minister for the “outstanding” victory of the party in three states. He observed that right now there was no alternative to the BJP and its leadership and people in three states had endorsed this. He said, the BJP will perform “much better” in the parliamentary elections scheduled to be held next year.

Badal trying to win sympathy: Cong
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 4
It is unfair on the part of the SAD to equate party chief Parkash Singh Badal with Sewa Singh Thekriwala as the latter fought against the princely rule in the country while the former plundered the state during his reign and was now trying to win the sympathy of the people by juxtaposing crisis in his family as one facing the Panth.

This was stated by Ravi Inder Singh, president of the Akali Dal during a personal visit to the city here today. He was accompanied by former MLA Baldev Singh Khiala and other senior leaders of the party.

The former Speaker said Mr Badal was reaping what he had sown and the people were aware of the wrong doings of his family and coterie around him. Large sums of money were collected for doling out jobs and hardly any post during the five year rule of the Akalis was filled on merit. It was an open secret that anyone wishing to seek employment had to approach frontmen who would recommend the candidates name once the “fee” was submitted. The same was true for official appointments, he alleged.

Mr Ravi Inder Singh said the SAD chief had even failed on the religious front. He had betrayed the Panth by indulging in anti-panthic activities. In fact, he had damaged the community more than all the enemies of the Panth combined together. All sorts of godmen were allowed to flourish in the state and no action was taken against those who burnt birs.

Not only this, he used religious institutions for his personal gains and subverted the established practises and conventions. The SGPC was reduced to being a handmaiden of the Badals and its chiefs were foisted on the people ignoring merit and service of deserving candidates. “We will challenge him on all these fronts since he has become autocratic in his functioning and has not allowed an alternate leadership to emerge”, he stressed.

Welcoming the action taken by the Congress, he said Capt Amarinder Singh had done the right thing by unmasking the face of the Badals.

Teachers' protest in Patiala today
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 4
The Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) has given a call to teachers of non-government colleges of Punjab and Chandigarh to reach Patiala on December 5 where a protest is being held in favour of their long- pending demands. The top leadership of the union shall court arrest on this day outside the residence of the Punjab Chief Minister.

Disclosing this to the press, Prof Kamaljeet Singh, secretary, Punjab University Area, lamented that the staff of privately managed colleges had not received salaries regularly due to the 10 per cent yearly cut imposed on '95 per cent Grant in Aid Scheme'.

In almost all rural colleges, salaries ranging from 3 to 7 months are in arrears. Due to the "apathetic" attitude of Punjab Government, even the reduced grant did not reach the colleges well in time. He added that Congress government had gone back on its poll promise of implementing the pension and gratuity scheme of 1996. They opposed the shifting of plus two classes to schools as it would deprive the student of quality education available in colleges.

Kids portray dowry evil with dance
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 4
Students, staff and management of Nankana Sahib Public School, Kila Raipur, organised their annual day here today. The function was attended by sarpanches of the area and parents of the students. A cultural programme comprising a skit, bhangra, gidha and fancy dress show was staged by the students.

A choreography on dowry system and drug addiction won much applause. Earlier, Mr Surinder Mohan, Principal, welcomed the chief guest and parents. He read out the school annual report highlighting the achievements of the students in academics and sports. Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, additional secretary, Nankana Sahib Education Trust, gave away prizes to the meritorious students. Mr Sukhwinder Singh Grewal, also additional secretary, advised the students to work hard. Mr Kuldip Singh Grewal, president, Grewal Education Society, Kila Raipur, addressed the gathering and urged the students to head towards a career-based education.

Legal cell of PPCC hails action against Badal
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 4
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), legal cell, has hailed the action initiated by the Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, against the former Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, and his family members to expose their ill-gotten wealth during the tenure of SAD-BJP government in Punjab.

Presiding over a meeting of the cell here last evening, its president, Mr Dharamjit Singh Khera, observed that action against one of the top politicians should serve as a warning to others of his clan who misuse their political power to amass wealth rather than serve people and work for development of the state.

Mr Khera said the legal cell of the party had procured a detailed list of the properties of the Badal family which would be soon distributed among the members of the Bar to expose the real face of the Akali Dal functionaries. Among others, Mr T.S. Sood, Mr Kamaljit Sharma, Mr Sharwan Sehgal, Mr S.K. Pathak, Mr H.J.S. Hans, Mr S.S. Garcha, Mr H.S. Nagra, Mr Rajesh Bali and Ms Rupila Mohini attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Congress functionaries from the Kila Raipur Assembly segment have lauded the vigilance action against the Badal family and several other Cabinet colleagues of the erstwhile Chief Minister. According to Mr Dharamjit Singh Khera, who is also the general secretary of the District Congress Committee (Rural), both Mr Parkash Singh Badal and the Former Minister for Technical Education, Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha, who had contested the Assembly election from Kila Raipur were facing criminal charges for corruption and having assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

He said the residents of Kila Raipur and people at large were confident that political functionaries booked by the Vigilance Bureau would be awarded exemplary punishment by the judiciary.

Anti-pollution drive launched
Our Correspondent

Mandi Gobindgarh, December 4
“Mandi Gobindgarh is the most polluted town in the state and we are striving to improve the environment by plantation and through awareness of the people to keep the town clean and free of pollution”, said Gobindgarh council chief, Mr Joginder Pal Singla. He was addressing students, teachers and people of the town after planting a sapling in the local rose garden on Wednesday.

Mr Singla appreciated the anti-pollution campaign launched by the Nature Club of Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School Jalalpur near here. The campaign was inaugurated by the chairman Josekotta Ram. Director Principal R.D. Sharma spoke on the disastrous effects of pollution on human life. He stressed that every person should save environment from pollution. Mr Sharma stressed not to use polythene bags, plantation of more and more trees and protection of wildlife.

Mr Lachhman Singh Saini executive officer, Mr Deepak Sapra and among the students Gagandeep Kaur, Isha, Priyanka, Sonum and Gurmandeep spoke on air, water, land and noise pollution which brings respiratory ailments, skin allergy, TB, mental retardation and ear disorders.

Over 900 students along with their teachers in a fleet of 17 vehicles carrying play cards depicting demon of pollution covered the bazars of Mandi Gobindgarh, Amloh and Bhadson towns besides Jassran, Nasrali, Sounti, Anian, Bhadal Thua, Chahal, Bhamarasi, Mudariarn, Badali, Baronga, Jindalpur Tarkheri and Birh Bhamarasi villages. They raised slogans to save the environment.

PAU staff mourn death of Dass
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 4
Expressing shock over the demise of Punjabi poet, Dr Parmeshwari Dass ‘Dass’, the staff of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) held a condolence meeting here today. Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor, said the poet, who wrote poems related to scientific research, was no more. He said his poems pertaining to agricultural development were incorporated in the monthly journal ‘Changi kheti’ being brought out by the university.

A tribute was paid to the departed soul at the meeting attended by Dr Jaspinder Singh Kolar, Director of Extension Education, and Dr S.S. Sokhi, Additional Director of Extension Education. Dr Iqbal Singh Kang, Dr Ujagar Singh Walia, Prof Gurbhajan Gill, Dr A.P. Singh and other members of the staff were also present.

Dr Surjit Patar, president of the Punjabi Sahit Academy, Ludhiana, and Prof Ravinder Bhattal, general secretary of the academy, also expressed sorrow. Prof Gurbhajan Gill, who is also the Senior Vice-President of the academy, said the poet was close to Shiv Kumar Batalvi.

Scholars throw light on freedom struggle
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 4
A largely attended Seminar on “Gatha Sutantarta Sangram Di”, written by Sant Dalip Singh Namdhari, was held in the Seminar Hall of Panjabi Bhavan. Scholars and historians from all over Punjab participated in it. Three papers by Dr Kulwinder Kaur, Dr Swaranjit Kaur Grewal and Dr S.N. Sewak were read.

Discussion on the papers was initiated by Dr Prithipal Singh Sohi. Prof Mohinder Singh Cheema continued the discussion by bringing into the light the contribution of Kukas (Namdhari), towards the freedom struggle of India. “Sant Dalip Singh’s book has thrown light on many of the dark corners of History”, said Dr Surjit Pattar, who presided over the seminar along with Kirpal Singh Kasel , Dr S Tarsem, Karam Jit Singh Aujla and Waryam Singh Sandhu. Prof Kulwant Jagraon conducted the stage.

Punjabi writers Prof Niranjan Tasneem, Prof Gurbhajan Gill, Ravinder Bhathal, Jaswant Zaffar, Mohinder Deep Grewal, Sardar Panchi, Inderjit Hasan Puri, Harjit Singh Layal, Satinder Singh Nanda from Patiala and Jagdish Singh Waryam from Jalandhar congratulated Mr Dalip Singh for his efforts in highlighting the contribution of the heros towards the freedom struggle, who are still unsung.

Murder case registered
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, December 4
The Civil Lines police has registered a case under Section 302 of the IPC in the death of Mr Vipan Jindal who was allegedly poisoned on August 29, 2000 , after an inquiry was conducted by ADGP, Crime, Chandigarh.

The complainant in the case, Mr Raj Kumar, a resident of Civil Lines, had stated that Narinder Kapur, a resident of Tagore Nagar, had given a poison-laced drink to the deceased because of a money dispute and caused his death. However, no arrest has been made.

Girl kidnapped: On the statement of Ms Sunita Rani, a resident of Balmik Mohalla of Sunam in Sangrur district, the Division Number 3 police yesterday registered a case under Sections 363, 366 and 506 of the IPC against Vijay Kumar Chadha, who lives on the Noorwala Road. The woman had alleged that the accused had kidnapped her daughter Rekha Goyal, 17, on November 23. No arrest has been made.

Man killed: The Division Number 6 police yesterday registered a case under Sections 279 and 304-A of the IPC on the statement of Mr Raj Kumar, who lives in the Transport Nagar, against the driver of an unknown vehicle which hit and killed an unidentified person on Tuesday and fled the scene. No arrest has been made so far.

Fraud alleged: The Division Number 7 police has registered a case under Section 420 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Harbans Singh, a resident of Shankar village in Jalandhar district, against Gurnam Singh Sidhu and Jasbir Kaur Sidhu, residents of Mundian Kalan village. The complainant had alleged that he had paid Rs 30 lakh to the accused on the understanding that they would send him abroad. But the accused neither sent him abroad nor returned his money.

Forgery alleged: The Model Town police yesterday registered a case under Sections 468 and 120-B of the IPC on the statement of Mr Shammi Kapur, who lives on College Road, against Sarabjit Singh and Harvinder Singh, residents of Daba village. The complainant had alleged that the accused had sold away his plot on the basis of forged documents prepared by the accused.

Cases of theft: The Division Number 7 police yesterday registered a case under Section 380 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Sunil Chohan, a resident of Jamalpur, against an unknown person who stole a television set from his house on Monday.

Another case of theft was registered at the same police station under Sections 328 and 379 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Rajesh Kumar, a resident of New Madho Puri, against Anil Kumar , a resident of Panchkula and an other person accompanying him. The complainant had alleged that the accused had stolen a gold ring, a watch, Rs 1500 and an ignition key of a motorcycle.

The Haibowal police, on the statement of Mr Kulwant Singh, SDO, PSEB, registered a case under Section 379 of the IPC and Section 135 of the Electricity Act, against Mall Lal , a resident of Haibowal Kalan. The complainant had alleged that the accused was stealing power by way of a kundi connection.

The Koom Kalan police yesterday registered a case under Sections 379 and 427 of the IPC on the statement of assistant Executive Engineer, PSEB, Kohara, against an unknown person who stole one transformer on the intervening night of November 13-14 last.

The Model Town police yesterday registered a case under Sections 279 and 337 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Ashwani Kumar, who lives near the Post Office in Model Town, against Tirath Singh, a resident of the same locality. The complainant had stated that the accused, who was driving a bus , had hit and injured him. The police said today that the accused was arrested and released on bail.

Eve-teaser booked: The Haibowal police yesterday registered a case under Sections 294, 506 and 509 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Rajesh Thakur, a resident of Shakti Vihar in Haibowal Kalan, against an unknown person who telephoned his house and teased the family members by using obscene language. No arrest has been made so far.

Assaulted: The Sadar police yesterday registered a case under Sections 325 and 323 of the IPC on the statement of Mr Manjinder Singh, a resident of Gill village, against Jaswant Singh, a resident of the same village. the complainant had alleged that the accused had beaten him up and injured him on November 27 last in the village.

Liquor seized: The Model Town police arrested Karan Kumar alias Sonu , a resident of Dugri , recovered 12 bottles of country liquor from his possession and booked him under the Excise Act.

Knife seized: The Division Number 7 police yesterday arrested Ramesh Kumar, a migrant from Bihar now living in Partap Pura and seized a ‘kamanidar’ knife from him and booked him under the Arms Act.