Ludhiana, March 13
A radish weighing about 10 kg and a turnip about 8.5 kg was the centre of attraction during the kisan mela at the PAU, which was inaugurated here today.

The owners of these vegetables, Charnish and Sumit from Sangrur district, said thousands of visitors took a keen interest in the “abnormal variety” of vegetables.

The mela, inaugurated by Dr G.S. Kalkat, chairman of the Punjab State Farmers Commission, drew a large crowd of farmers from far-off places.

Some students from the University of Moscow, who are on a study tour, also took interest in the latest farm-technology equipment. Nickoleav, a student, said such fairs were not held in Moscow.

“There is so much crowd here. We are very excited to see the different varieties of huge vegetables. Besides, home decoration items by the farm women are excellent. I have purchased two musical instruments from one of the stalls,” he said.

Ludhiana, March 13
At least 2,700 Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) pensioners heaved a sigh of relief when vice-chancellor Dr M.S.Kang informed them today that the university had received a communication from the Punjab government stating that the latter had released a grant worth Rs 20 crores for the pensioners.

After 18 days of agitation, the pensioners decided to call-off their relay fast and dharna. President, Confederation of Punjab Agricultural University Pensioners Association, Dr I.K. Garg, while talking to The Tribune said, “We never wanted to spoil the ongoing kisan mela by lodging our protest. If nothing had happened, we would have worn black badges and asked farmers to support us. The communication has come as a sigh of relief and we are satisfied”, he added.

Garg further informed that the vice-chancellor had assured them that the money would be disbursed with two to three days. “After this assurance both Executives met and decided to suspend the ongoing agitation. We are thankful to university authorities for supporting the unions during the struggle”, said Garg adding that they will impress upon the administration to make budgetary provision for the pensioners.

Meanwhile, for research fellows, the kisan mela seemed to be an appropriate event to protest against anti-government policies. As soon as director, extension education, Dr N.S.Malhi, started addressing farmers at least 50 research fellows started raising slogans against the “callous attitude” of the state government.

They said over 1,000 posts of the agriculture development officers (ADOs), horticulture development officers (HDOs) and the soil conservation officers (CSOs) were lying vacant in various districts of Punjab but government was not interested in filling these vacancies.

Tejinder Singh, one of the students, complained that the state government was to be blamed for wasting the talent of agricultural students. He said there were no placements for the students.

“They have not recruited research fellows since 1998 and private companies were exploiting the students. Many of our friends have gone abroad to get jobs. The government claims Punjab to be an agrarian state, what kind of benefits are they providing us? Majority of educated youth is unemployed in this agriculture state”, he alleged.

Payal, March 13
The modus operandi of the killers of two unmarried, aged sisters of nearby Chinkoiana village has amazed the police.

To make Amar Kaur (65) open the door of her room, the chain of a buffalo was opened. Bhinder Kaur (75), who was sleeping in the verandah, asked her younger sister to come out and tie the animal in the shed.

Sajjan Paswan, Ramu and Nonu of Sajjanpura (Darbangah) in Bihar overpowered Amar Kaur and strangled her with a cloth when she was tying the buffalo to a peg. They then strangled Bhinder Kaur and decamped with cash and jewellery worth lakhs.

This disclosure was made by Sajjan Paswan who was brought here on a production warrant from the Bihar Police yesterday.

Bhupinder Kaur and Amar Kaur lived with their brother Teja Singh at Chinkoian. They were killed by their servant Manu and his accomplice on the night of February 15.

The nephews of the victims, Laddi and Lali, had stayed with them for some days before the fateful night. Teja Singh and Laddi had gone to visit their relatives at Nathumajra village while Lali, who is mentally unstable, was alone with the women.

Manu entered into a conspiracy with Sajjan and Nonu, who worked at a rice sheller in Malerkotla, to rob his employers after killing them. He called the duo on the day of the crime and kept them in his room.

“At about 1.30 am we entered the house and gave drug-laced bread and milk to the watchdog. But we were disappointed to see that one of the sisters was sleeping inside the room and had bolted the door. To make her come out, we opened the chain of the buffalo and succeeded in killing them,” Sajjan admitted before the DSP, Rattan Singh Brar, today.

Though the accused left no clues, the police identified them on the basis of information collected from former employers of Ramu.

As the sister of Sajjan Paswan was getting married at his native village, the SSP, Khanna, took up the matter with his counterpart in Darbhanga, Bihar, and got him arrested from his house.

Ludhiana, March 13
Railway clerks Om Parkash and Shiv Lal have been placed under suspension
and chargesheeted for alleged embezzlement of railway funds to the tune of
Rs 4.73 lakh.

The chargesheet to the duo, who were suspended on Tuesday following a raid by a vigilance team, was issued by the headquarters of the Northern Railway in New Delhi.

The clerks were dealing with railway contractors. A parking contractor was said to be in league with the clerks who had obtained a refund on the basis of forged documents from the railways thrice and the money was distributed by the clerks between themselves.

Senior railway officials said the parking contractor would also be blacklisted and the clerks would also be proceeded against as per rules after the report of a departmental inquiry was received and the clerks submitted their reply.

Ludhiana, March 13
Facing shortage of water tankers, the MC is forced to use a fire engine to supply potable water.

Having only four water tankers to cater to the needs of 75 wards and a 25 lakh population, the richest MC of the state is making an optimum use of a fire engine.

The engine has been given to the health department to use it in areas where people need clean water. As jaundice and gastroenteritis have spread in some areas, the fire engine is made to supply water in several areas to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

Kirpal Singh, fire officer, said they had given the engine to the health department a year ago as the authorities wanted it. Since then, it was being used for supplying water instead of dousing fire.

“There is no shortage of fire engines, but there is shortage of water tankers. The MC has only four of them. So, we decided to permanently assign one for this purpose,” he added.

While the dearth of tankers stares in the face of the MC, a councillor has himself bought tankers and supplies water to areas where it is needed.

There have been instances when people have to buy water by hiring tankers from private parties when the MC fails to do so.

Ludhiana, March 13
A sweetmeat shop is running from a tent pitched near the parking lot in Jamalpur market, Urban Estate, for the past two years but no action has been taken to remove this encroachment.

Shopkeepers say that the sweetmeat seller had temporarily put up the tent while he was renovating his shop. Though, the shop was renovated long ago, but the seller decided against shifting and makes an optimum use of the parking lot.

He prepares sweetmeat in the tent itself while the shop is being used as a store. Not only this, he is also keeping his goods in a park next to the parking lot.

Authorities have failed get this encroachment removed so far. A few shopkeepers said though they had lodged a complaint with the mayor and the deputy mayor, who happen to live in the area, but no action has been taken so far.

Ludhiana, March 13
The Centre’s recent decision to waive off farmer’s loans was based on false figures and a mere joke with the Punjab farmers, as only 0.7 per cent of them were expected to be covered under it.

Chief Minister’s media advisor Dr Harcharan Bains said this while interacting with the media persons after inaugurating a book stall under the “readership campaign” launched by Dr S.S.Dosanj, former head, department of journalism and languages, Punjab Agricultural University, in memory of late Dr M.S. Randhawa, former vice-chancellor during a kisan mela organised on the university campus here today.

He said Punjab was a major contributor of about 50 per cent of food grain in the Central pool. The benefit from the proposed loan weaver scheme to the state farmers should be announced in proportion to the contribution in the food grain pool, which amounts to Rs 30,000 crore, he added.

Dr Bains added that in Punjab, total loans against the farmers were worth Rs 26,000 crore i.e. Rs 14,000 crore of a few government institutions, banks and of Rs 12,000 crore of private commission agents.

He further said the Central government was discriminating against the farmers of the state, which was evident from the fact that those of other states like Vidarbha and Maharashtra had been given double benefit of the loan waiver scheme, whereas, Punjab farmers had even been cheated in the new scheme.

Answering a question regarding Union Budget, Dr Bains said after the Budget presentation, the country’s economy had substantially slowed down, which was a clear indicator of reverse in development rate.

Dr S.S.Dosanj informed that the “readership campaign” had been launched in 2005 in the memory of M.S.Randhawa, under which, six lakh books had so far been disbursed among the youth at nominal costs paid as per the their wishes.

Ludhiana, March 13
Punjabi Sahit Akademi will hold its elections on April 13 against the previously decided date of March 30.

Among those in the fray for president's post are Dr Dalip Kaur Tiwana and prof Niranjan Tasneem.

President of the Akademi Surjit Pattar informed that the last date for withdrawal of nominations, too, has been extended to March 22.

As the forum of litterateurs goes to polls on April 13, speculation is rife as to who will succeed the outgoing president and renowned poet Surjit Pattar.

Those who have filed their nominations for the post include Dr S.P. Singh, Dr Dalip Kaur Tiwana, prof Niranjan Tasneem, Deepak Manmohan Singh, Sukhjit, Gurbhajan Gill and Tejwant Singh Gill.

The post of senior vice-president has as many as 10 contenders, including prof Ravinder Bhattal, prof Avtar Jaura, Dr Guriqbal Singh, Dr Sukhdev Singh, and Dr Labh Singh Khiva, Prem Bajaj, Deepak Manmohan Singh, Sukhjit, Surjit Singh and Surinder Kalle.

Six people have filed nominations for the post of general secretary, including Subhash Kalakaar and Jaswant Singh Zafar.

Ludhiana, March 13
Farmers’ commission chairman, Dr G.S Kalkat, inaugurated the pashu palan
mela that began at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
(GADVASU) here today.

Vice-chancellor Dr V.K. Taneja presided over the inaugural function. Breeds of animals like murrah buffaloes, bulls, crossbred cows, goats, pigs, rabbit, poultry and fish were displayed on the occasion. A large number of people showed interest in goat, pig farming and fisheries.

Books on dairy farming, package of practices for livestock and poultry, vigyanak pashu palan, leaflet depicting university highlights and facilities for the farmers and GADVASU diary were also available for the farmers.

Farmers were seen queuing up at book stalls for procuring books and registering their name for 
membership.

Farmers were also seen making a beeline for a stall put up by the nutrition department for purchasing the mineral mixture and Uromin lick prepared by the university.

Live demonstrations on the various aspects along with mastitis diagnosing kit, teat dip practice and acaricide drug application were also demonstrated to the farmers.

There was big crowd at the livestock product technology department stall for purchasing the low fat paneer, carrot enriched lassi, meat patties, and quail egg pickle.

Various departments of the university like the Punjab animal husbandry, Punjab dairy development and fisheries, Milkfed, Markfed, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, Indian immunological, Nestle, milk processing machinery had put up their stalls at mela.

The fair was attended by people for states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.

Mandi Ahmedgarh, March 13
Conspiracies in respect of heinous crimes are hatched in jails and sometimes religious places of the region are used for hiding by criminals after the crime.

The Ludhiana rural police found during interrogation of alleged contract killer Amit Kamboj that he used to receive supari for murder while he was detained in jail. On his release, he carried the supari killing and hid in a religious place.

He, along with three other members of an interstate gang of contract killers and robbers involved in killings and robberies in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal, was nabbed by a joint team of the Sidhwan Bet police and the CIA wing of the district a couple of days ago.

According to Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP, Ludhiana (Rural), kingpin of the gang Amit of Karnal had raised the gang when he was lodged in the Karnal jail. He had received supari of Rs 1 crore to kill members of a family when he was lodged at the Patiala jail.

"When I was lodged at the Karnal jail in 2004, I met Sonu Mahilpuria, who gave me the telephone number of Sonu Bajuha. Sonu later introduced me to Dharminder Singh Bhinda who was wanted in connection with at least 70 cases," Amit had disclosed to the investigating team.

After the arrest of Bhinda, a few weeks ago, Amit amalgamated two gangs into one and became the leader of the same.

Amarjit Singh, alias Jalandhar, a prisoner at the Patiala jail, had given supari to Amit to murder Balwinder Singh of Ajnoha, his father and his sister. Amit had received Rs 5 lakh as advance out of the settled amount. He, along with two other accomplices, shot at Balwinder on January 4, but the latter survived the attack.

Amit was also offered a supari of Rs 1 crore to kill Atti who had allegedly murdered Gandhi of the Payal area. He was to be eliminated during appearance in a court.

Supari to kill Dr Ashok Goyal of Ambala was also received by Amit through detainees at the Karnal jail. He was to receive Rs 25 lakh. However, Dr Goel survived the attack.

Suresh Kumar, a Haryana Police cop, had hired Amit to kidnap son of Vikas Gupta with whom he (cop) had a dispute. Amit and his accomplice had kidnapped the target in June 2007, but the son escaped from their custody.

The cop, who had developed links with Amit during his imprisonment at the Karnal jail, was to pay him Rs 50 lakh.

Investigations revealed that members of this gang used to stay at religious places after committing crime. They used to visit these religious places, irrespective of religion or sect they belonged to.

The order of District magistrate Sumer Singh Gurjar will be enforced in all examination centres of the district.

Mandi Gobindgarh, March 13
“Students come forward for social service and play active role in the service of humanity,” said Fatehgarh Sahib SSP Dr Kaustubh Sharma.

He was speaking after inaugurating a blood donation camp, organised by the NSS unit of RIMT-IET, Mandi Gobindgarh, in assocation with Lions Club, Patiala (Fort), today.

RIMT Group chairman Hukam Chand Bansal welcomed the chief guest. Lions Surinder Verma and K.K. Mangla were the guests of honour.

In this camp, 200 units of blood were collected. Principal Dr Pritpal Singh welcomed the chief guest and informed that RIMT-IET donated 400 units of blood every year under the banner of NSS unit and two blood donation camps were held annually.

A team of Dr Kusum Thakur and Dr Rajni Kapoor from the blood bank, Rajindera Hospital, Patiala, thanked the students for donating blood. Head of NSS unit Amit Singla also spoke at the occasion.

Ludhiana, March 13
More than 300 patients were examined, given follow up advice and free medicines at a free eye check up camp.

It was organised by Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Charitable Hospital at its dispensary in Jammu Colony here today.

The camp was held with the active assistance of Jammu Colony Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee. Area councillor Rajinder Singh Bhatia inaugurated the camp.

A team of doctors led by eye specialist Dr Brijinder Singh Rana examined
over 200 patients.

Ludhiana, March 13
The municipal corporation will start fogging operations in the last week of this month to check breeding of mosquitoes that spread dengue and malaria.

The MC has already sent 11 fogging machines for service and repair so that work can start without delay.

The schedule of fogging operations is being worked out and machines will cover all wards accordingly.

Ludhiana, March 13
The two-day Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) governing body meeting began on the college premises here today to take few policy decisions for chalking out the future course action of this premier medical institution in North India.

The hospital that has history of 115 years, has been in the eye of storm as a few employees, enjoying overt support of the church and a few Christians, have launched an agitation against the management, charging senior hospital functionaries with financial irregularities, selling prime land at throwaway prices and entering in collaboration with private parties for running some key departments of the hospital.

Apprehending trouble from the employees during the governing body meeting, the police had made adequate security arrangements on the premises and the venue of the meeting was closely guarded throughout the day.

Although details of the deliberations were available, it is learnt that governing body members had interacted with heads of all departments and those heading different units of the hospital. Later on, another session was held with senior officials entrusted with the task of executing the policies approved by the governing body.

The ongoing employees’ agitation were also reported to have been discussed during the governing body meeting. The future of these two ambitious projects, taken in hand by the CMCH management will depend on the decision of the highest policy-making body.

Several key posts of the medical, dental and para-medical institutions run by the CMC Society were expected to be filled during the meeting and intense lobbying was stated to be on for this purpose, sources in the CMCH said.

Ludhiana, March 13
Supinder Kaur romped home victory in the 100 m sprint and also bagged top honours in the 200 m race in the annual athletics meet of GMT College of Education, GT Road, Ludhiana, held here today.

In the 400 m race, Isha proved her mettle to clinch the title while in the 4x100 m relay race, team representing Shaheed Bhagat Singh house overpowered its opponents to win the title. In discus throw, Navjot came out triumphant and Lakhbir annexed the title.

Ludhiana, March 13
All arrangements have been made for the 5th All-India Guru Gobind Singh Gold
Cup Hockey tournament to be organised by the Ludhiana Sports Welfare Association at Prithipal Singh AstroTurf Stadium at Punjab Agricultural University from March 15 to 20.

Association president Amrik Singh Minhas said today that top eight hockey outfits of the country like India Airlines, Air India, Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation, Punjab Police, and Rail Coach Factory of Kapurthala, the IAF and Punjab National Bank would be vying for top honours during this week-long tournament

Matches in this six-day tournament will be played on the league-cum-knock out basis. A number of current and former international hockey stars will be seen in action during this tournament.

Thakur Uday Singh of the Namdhari sect will be felicitated by the association for his contribution in the promotion of hockey. Paramjit Kaur, hockey coach, Government Senior Secondary School, Bharat Nagar Chowk branch, Anil Prabhat Mehta, director, Gurukul Hockey Academy, Doraha, Roop Singh of Hockey Academy, Moga, and Pargat Singh of Mata Sahib Kaur Hockey Academy, Jarkhar, will also be honoured on the occasion for their contribution in the field of hockey.

Cabinet minister Hira Singh Gabria will inaugurate the tournament while Dr Manjeet Singh Kang, PAU vice-chancellor, will preside over the inaugural function and Hakam Singh Giaspura, Mayor, Ludhiana, will be the guest of honour.

Minister Master Mohan Lal will be the chief guest on the concluding day while DGP Rajdeep Singh Gill will preside over the prize distribution function.

The winners will get a cash prize worth Rs 51,000 besides a trophy. The runners-up and the third position holders will receive cash prizes worth Rs 31,000 and Rs 21,000, respectively, in addition to mementoes.

Gurwinder Singh of Kila Raipur, parveen Thakur, Prof Kawaljeet Singh, Ajay Pal Singh, Iqbal Singh, Kulwant Singh Sohal, Sukhwinder Singh, Harmel Singh and Harvinder Singh, coach of the Namdhari hockey team, were also present on the occasion.