Muktsar, August 15
“To procure better quality of wheat in the state, eight lakh quintals of quality checked seeds would be provided to farmers at low price,” assured Sucha Singh Langah, state agriculture minister. He was here to attend the 62nd Independence Day celebrations at the Grain Market.

In his speech and later addressing media persons, he focused on the improvement of agriculture in the state. Claiming it to be an achievement, he mentioned that the Rs 250 per quintal price hike of wheat had resulted in an additional income of Rs 3,750 crore to farmers in the state.

Terming the ordinance passed on the late sowing of paddy in the state, he said that due to the decision, the state government had saved electricity worth Rs 2,000 crore. He said that the SAD-led government had provided around 60,000 tubewell connections to farmers in the state.

Replying to a query regarding the shortfall of labour while sowing paddy, he said the state agriculture department was going to send a delegation of engineers to Japan to study new techniques for paddy transplantation.

Terming straw burning as a serious issue, he said the government was aware of its harms and it had been decided that the agriculture department would give rodavators at half its actual price.

Speaking about the losses due to floods, he said that all deputy commissioners had been given standing instructions regarding the girdawari and compensation of losses at the earliest possible.

At the I-Day celebrations, Langah distributed tricycles, sewing machines and hearing aids to needy persons. He also honoured some freedom fighters, students and government officials.

Fazilka: As DIG BSF V.K. Sharma handed over a pack of sweets to Pak Rangers Company Commandant Waris Khan at the joint check post Sadiqi to mark the Independence Day today in Fazilka sector, slogans of Hindustan Zindabad and Pakistan Zindabad rented the air on both the sides of the zero line.

It appeared as if the countries were one. Thousands of Indian and Pakistan nationals gathered there appeared keen to demolish the Radcliffe line to unite the two countries. The touching scene here presented a perfect picture of communal harmony showing way for restoration of peace in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pak rangers also presented sweets to DIG Sharma and 199 Bn BSF Commandant Chaman Ram.

Atmosphere on both the sides was like that of a colourful fair. Nationals of both the countries dance to the dhol beats. BSF officials played patriotic songs. People on both the sides waived at their acquaintances and relatives on the other side, who were segregated during partition.

“We also want that these people should meet and talk with each other from close. But we have our limitations,” maintained DIG Sharma, while speaking to media persons.

He said the BSF spreads the message of peace and harmony amongst both the countries. “To keep the highest traditions of Indian values, ethos and rich cultural heritage alive, we sent sweets to our neighbours with sentiments of maintaining sweet relations with them. We wish prosperity for Pakistan along with India,” said Sharma.

Meanwhile, in a rare goodwill gesture to create awareness about global warming, members of the Graduate Welfare Association, Fazilka (GWAF), presented a placard to Pak Rangers today. The placard contained scriptures in Urdu language taken from the Bani of Guru Nanak Dev that forewarned global warming.

The members led by its patron Bhupinder Singh, president Umesh Chander Kukkar, general secretary Navdeep Asija besides K.K. Pujara, presented the colourful placard to the Pak rangers with a request to send it to the headmaster of Fazilka Government Senior Secondary School, Railway road, Pakpattan, district Sahiwal, Pakistan.

Bhupinder said the residents of Pakpattan, who had close ties with the people of Fazilka, had kept the memory of Fazilka alive by naming the Senior Secondary School after the historical town, which had been an important commercial centre during pre-partition days.

Ferozepur: On the eve of the Independence Day, members of the Punjabi Sabhyacharak Manch gathered near the India-Pakistan joint check-post (JCP) at Hussainiwala for candle light vigil in order to pray for the everlasting peace and harmony between the two neighbours.

DPRO Ashok Handa, Harbhinder Singh Changali, president, Kulwant Singh Lehri, secretary, and other members of the manch addressed the gathering on the occasion. Changali demanded that more confidence building measures should be initiated by both the governments and the Hussainiwala border should be opened for trade and transit. 

Meanwhile, State Bank of India organised the Independence Day celebrations on its premises where Ramesh Sethi, regional manager, unfurled the national flag. On the occasion, the bank felicitated freedom fighters, including Ram Parkash Sharma and Sulakhan Singh.

Meanwhile, the Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and gaiety at the New Anaj Mandi here today. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, chief parliamentary secretary (Urban and Housing Development, Rural Development and Panchayats), who was chief guest on the occasion, unfurled the national flag and took salute from the smartly-dressed contingents of the BSF, Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards and NCC units. Escorted by deputy commissioner Megh Raj and SSP Dinesh Pratap, he also inspected the guard of honour.

The Commissioner B.S. Sudan, DIG Ferozepur range R.P. Mittal and sessions judge Jaspal Singh were also present at the function.

The chief guest stated, “On this auspicious occasion, we should reiterate our resolve to protect sovereignty and self-dependence of the nation.”

On the occasion, several sportsmen, historians and freedom fighters besides 20 police officials and 12 government servants were honoured in recognition of the honest discharge of their respective duties. Twenty tricycles were distributed to the handicapped persons while 100 sewing machines were provided to widows and needy women.

The function culminated with an impressive cultural programme by schoolchildren.

Earlier, the Phillaur along with the DC, the SSP and other officials paid floral tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukdev at the National Martyrs Memorial, Hussainiwala. He also laid wreaths at the memorial of Punjab Mata and B.K. Dutt, another freedom revolutionary.

Moga: The chief parliamentary secretary of the education department Mahinder Kaur Josh unfurled the tricolour and took salute from the contingents of the police, home guards and NCC cadets at a district-level function organised to celebrate the Independence Day here today. She congratulated the people on the 62nd Independence Day and remembered the freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives to free the country from British rule.

She gave a brief account of the works done by the SAD-BJP government and revealed that more than Rs 10,000 crore would be spent in the next few years on raising/ upgrading infrastructure besides providing clean potable water to the people.

Josh said the state government had recently sanctioned over Rs 50 crore for various development works in this town, including construction of a nature park, setting up of a sewerage treatment plant, upgradation of the existing drainage system and other civic amenities.

On the occasion, students of various schools presented colourful cultural programmes. They were given cash prizes by Josh and other dignitaries.

Bathinda, August 15
"Despite receiving unconfirmed reports from the Toronto police that the charred body which they found was 98 per cent likely to be that of our son, the remaining two per cent is enough to keep our hopes alive," said Rajinder Singh Saini, father of Parminder Singh Saini, who has reportedly been assumed to be killed in a blast that took place in a gas plant in Toronto on Sunday morning. The 25-year-old Bathinda-based Parminder, who took a flight to Canada on December 26, 2007, was doing his postgraduate diploma in manufacturing and quality management from Sheriden College, there. Meanwhile, to earn his pocket money, he had been working part-time at the Sunrise Propane Company in Toronto, where the blast took place.

Giving details, the family of Parminder said that on Tuesday morning, they came to know that their son had been killed in a huge explosion through some relatives in Toronto. But they said it was based upon speculations as the police was not sure whether the clues they had could be confirmed.

Till this day, the family has been spending sleepless moments, worried about the well-being of their son. Rajinder Singh Saini, the father of the boy in question, who is an employee of the National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) in Bathinda, said that every morning, they had been receiving telephonic calls in which the Toronto police interrogated them and also gave some hints.

He added that after hinting about his death, the Toronto police and embassy officials particularly mentioned that the report given to them was off the record, as the DNA report was still awaited.

Disclosing the conversation, his father said that earlier, the Toronto police was saying that there was some girl who had died in the blast but now they were saying that it was a male. On being asked about the clue, they had been told that two rings were found near the charred body, which the family had been presuming to be "kada", which the boy used to wear in his hands. "The Toronto police is not sure because when we ask any questions, they parry the query saying we can't cross-question them," said Parminder's kin..

A steady stream of visitors and relatives has been visiting the boy who keep motivating them saying they should keep their faith in God. When asked whether the Punjab Police had also contacted them in this regard, they denied. 

Along the zero line (Ferozepur), August 15
While the nation celebrates 61 years of Independence, the residents of this district sharing over 120-km-long border with Pakistan has nothing much to cheer about. The Independence and consequent partition of the country sounded death knell for the prospects of this hitherto flourishing town, which used to be at acme of prosperity along with Lahore.

With emergence of Pakistan in 1947, this “city of feroz” was handicapped overnight. The Radcliffe line drawn between the two nations became a permanent impediment in its economic growth and industrialisation.

Although the slogan, “industrialise or perish” has been well realised in the entire state, especially after Independence, but development and economic growth has evaded the district till date.

The India-Pakistan wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971 adversely affected whatever progress this district had made post-Independence. The entrepreneurs were discouraged and investment became risky because of perpetual fear of war.

Apart from the wars, the district also faced the fury of mighty Sutlej, which had overrun this historic town thrice (1947, 1955 and 1988).

Situated along the zero line, Hussainiwala, 12 km from this district headquarters, was a vital trade link between the two countries before the 1971 war. In fact, it was the lifeline of the traders engaged in the export import of dry fruits, vegetables and other commodities.

However, after the closure of the trade link following the war, the booming trade disappeared.

The lost trade assumed significance in the wake of the fact that due to proximity to the international border, there was already no industry, no employment-generating institutions and the closure of Hussaniwala border for trade and transit proved to be the last straw.

Although, both state and union governments have offered number of concessions and facilities to the industrialists to improve the industrial set-up in the border belt but all these measures have proved to be inadequate, as they failed to bring out the desired results.

An interaction with a cross-section of residents here revealed that the successive governments at the state and the centre had always accorded step-motherly treatment to this historic town. They lamented that owing to political compulsions, it was divided several times in the past as Muktsar and Moga besides hundreds of villages were created out of it.

The residents feel that this town has suffered due to lack of initiative or will from the politicians of the area. Many bigwigs come, make hefty promises and tall claims. But all proved to be hollow and false. The district continues to remain in abject apathy and neglect where squalor and illiteracy rule.

Abohar, August 15
The police had to use mild cane charge during the wee hours today to disperse hundreds of Sikhs who had jammed vehicular traffic on the Hanumangarh-Suratgarh motorway to express resentment over the arrest of one of the organisers of the Gurmat Samagam in Peelibanga sub-divisional town, reports received here said.

Finding the situation tense following the death of a Dera Sacha Sauda follower due to self-immolation, the district administration confirmed having issued prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC till August 20.

Sant Ranjit Singh Dhadhrian, who was to address the valedictory session of the four-day Samagam, was not allowed to enter the region and the authorities reportedly prevented him from proceeding to Peelibanga at Sangria.

According to information gathered by this correspondent from different sources, the Dera followers on August 11 had represented to the sub-divisional magistrate against the Gurmat Samagam which was to be conducted by Sant Ranjit Singh Dhadhrian at Peelibanga fearing that this would vitiate the peaceful atmosphere. They also apprised the district authorities about their apprehensions but none of the officials intervened. However, the administration explained that the village Lakhowali-based organising committee had given an undertaking that there would be no provocative speeches during the Samagam.

Dera sources said a deputation again met the SDM Surinder Meena yesterday in the afternoon and complained that the organisers had displayed objectionable photographs. The deputation regretted that the administration had not checked the sale of highly "derogatory and provocative" literature by the organisers.

Disgusted over the alleged apathy of the SDM, a Dera premi, Bhagwan Dass Jindal, reportedly boycotted the meeting. He straightway approached the car which had been parked outside the SDM office, took out some petrol, sprinkled it on himself and used a match stick for self-immolation. This caused a panic. The people extinguished the fire, rushed Jindal to the civil hospital but the doctors referred him to Hanumangarh. From there, he was referred to Jaipur with about 90 per cent burns.

Today in the morning, the Dera followers were informed that Jindal, former president of the Tehbazari Market Association, had succumbed to his burn injuries in Jaipur. However, other sources said he had died last night but the administration concealed the information to buy time for calling in police force from other areas to tackle the tense situation, unconfirmed reports said.

The Peelibanga police had registered a case against a dozen members of the Samagam organising committee. One of them Prem Singh was arrested last night. The police, during a raid, reportedly seized literature and cash from the Samagam site. Inter-state border posts were flashed a message to prevent entry of outsiders from Punjab and Haryana.

Resenting this, hundreds of Sikhs marched to the Hanumangarh-Suratgarh highway and laid blockade at 11 pm last night. They reportedly thrashed ETV cameraman Raju Ramgarhia and a local reporter Ghulam Nabi, branding them touts of the administration, as they tried to cover the jam. Both took shelter in a police vehicle.

The protesters chased them and let them go only when they established their identity as accredited pressmen, sources said. The police finally swung into action at 3 am and cleared the jam by using a mild cane charge, witnesses informed.

Sources said a group of Sikhs was roaming in the bazaars in Peelibanga with unsheathed swords. On the other hand, Dera followers have assembled at the Naam Charcha Ghar but resolved to wait for the decision till the morning assembly on Saturday as Jindal's body was expected by midnight today.

They have shut down shops. The Tehbazari Market is also lying closed. Dera followers here and in the neighboring areas have expressed shock over the happenings.

Barnala, August 15
As many as 100 new buses will be added to the public transport system to make up for the scarcity vehicles in the existing system. Revealing this, transport minister Master Mohan Lal said that 50 ultra modern buses will be added to the PRTC fleet and 50 buses will be given to the Punjab Roadways.

He said that special attention will be paid to upgrading the existing system. More air-conditioned buses at reasonable fares will be added for the general public.

He said the SAD-BJP government is committed to link the rural areas.

The minister said that the chief minister has reduced the special road tax from Rs 2.71 per kilometer to Rs 2.25 per kilometer. He said the recovery of the toll tax worth Rs 7.90 crore also has been made which was pending at various overbridges since 1993 .

He said the state government is keen for the overall development of the state. So after completing a net deficit of Rs 48,000 crore, the state government has re-started its earlier development projects that includes the "atta-dal" scheme for more than 20 lakh families of the state and completion of Bathinda refinery project etc.

Earlier, Master Mohan Lal unfurled the tri-colour to mark the Independence Day celebrations at a thickly attended function here today. Deputy commissioner R.L. Mehta also addressed the public.

The schoolchildren presented various items loaded with patriotic fervour.

Freedom fighters were specially honoured on the occasion. Ravi Bansal, district president of the Patanjali Yog Peeth, was also honoured for his contribution to society through yoga.

Mansa, August 15
“The Punjab government would provide Rs 116 crore to improve the living condition of those living in slums,” stated Gulzar Singh Ranike, animal husbandry minister, Punjab, while speaking at the Independence Day function organised here today.

He said that the Akali-BJP government was committed to the upliftment of the poor.

The minister unfurled the tricolor at the Nehru Memorial College here. As many as 26 persons, including some freedom fighters, were honored for their contribution towards the society.

On the occasion, tricycles were distributed by the Red Cross Society to the handicapped persons. Students of different schools and colleges presented items relating to freedom struggle.

Sessions judge Bhupinder Singh, additional sessions judge Jaspal Singh Bhatia, chief judicial magistrate Jagnahar Singh, deputy commissioner Surjit Singh Dhillon, ADC Sukhvinder Singh, ADC Baljit Singh Sandhu, SSP Manwinder Singh, district president of the SAD Harbant Singh Datewas, chairman of the zila parishad Dilraj Singh Bhunder and district president of BJP Suraj Kumar Chhabra were among others present at the function.

Faridkot, August 15
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Badal on Thursday came down heavily on former CM Captain Amrinder Singh, now the party’s chairman of the election campaign committee. Addressing public meetings and in his interaction with the media, Sukhbir spared no chance to hit out at Amarinder.

Addressing media persons at Jaito, while announcing the name of Amanpreet Kaur Zaildar as president of the Jaito Municipal Council, Sukhbir termed the former CM as a defeated leader, an unsuccessful campaigner and an inefficient chief minister.

Amarinder had enjoyed five years in power but at the cost of the common man, he alleged.

“Ignoring the woes of the layman, Amarinder kept visiting Dubai and other countries which ruined the finances of the state, ” he alleged.

Assuring the voters of his parliamentary constituency, Sukhbir said that all development projects started by the present government would be completed within the stipulated period and scarcity of funds would not be allowed to come in the way.

Taking the former CM to task, he said the farmers had suffered at the hands of the previous government. He said it was Amarinder who had ignored the farmers but the Badal government had always taken up their cause.

Listing the achievements of the SAD-led government in Malwa, Sukhbir mentioned a number of ongoing development projects related to thermal power, oil refinery, canal revamping, civil airport and cement industries. He said that the government had planned an investment of Rs 50,000 crore for the region.

Bathinda, August 15
Government High School, Chak Ram Singh Wala, celebrated Independence Day with patriotic fervour. Students recited patriotic songs and poems. Teachers, Swaranlata and Charanjeet Kaur, inspired the students through their speeches. The main attraction of the function was the quiz competition for selected students of class IX and X. The four teams were named after the freedom fighters.

The teams were asked questions revolving around national flag, national emblem, national anthem etc. Shukal Kumar, science teacher, was the quiz master and Vijay Kumari was the time-keeper. Jagtar Singh was the scorer.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh team emerged the winner while Chandrashekhar Azad team was the runners-up. The third position was shared by the Dr Radhakrishnan and Subhash Chandra Bose teams.

In the end, Rajinder Kaur, headmistress, lauded the students and asked them to emulate the example of the great leaders of the freedom movement.

Greeting the winners of the quiz competition, the principal said this unique way of celebrating the Independence Day would not only inspire the students but also foster a healthy competition and patriotic spirit among them in a knowledgeable manner.

Bathinda, August 15
Some unidentified persons here allegedly murdered Lakhbir Singh, a resident of Dhapali village under Phul police station, today. According to police sources, it seemed to be a case of old rivalry. Sources said that Lakhbir Singh went to his fields at about 7 in the morning. Some unidentified persons attacked him with sharp-edged weapons, inflicting serious injuries on him. He succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital in Ludhiana. Police has started further investigation in the case.