Bathinda, September 27
The experiment of DIG Jitender Jain to make addiction free the Behman Dewana village, which was considered as paradise for addicts of the Malwa belt, has yielded positive results. Today was complete one year when Jain adopted the village and launched a vigorous de-addiction drive in the area.

Before Jain launched the drive, almost every household in this village suffered from crude addiction of some kind, liquor, medicines, poppy husk and more. The DIG had come up with the idea after observing that Bathinda and its surrounding villages were affected by this problem. So, he thought of starting de-addiction camps. He alongwith some social workers, doctors and NGOs, were able to treat around 150 patients free of cost.

Around 450 patients had joined the camp for treatment and 150 got fully cured. Treatment was done through medicines, seminars, film shows, and choreography depicting the consequences of addiction. Medicines were provided free of cost by expert doctors who used to visit the village twice a week.

"My father was knee deep into drinking and it had taken away our peace. Daily brawls were a common scene and he was losing his land also due to addiction. We could not concentrate on our studies and our performance was deteriorating. But, am thankful to Jain who made efforts to de-addict our village," said a teenage girl from a patient's family.

The secretary, home, and the DGP had also visited this village to motivate the sufferers to get away from addiction. Loans for rehabilitation were provided to those who got cured.

"I was 15 when I started consuming drugs and liquor. I remained affected for 75 years. Sold 27 acres of land to buy drugs and now, I have been cured through this camp and I am thankful to everyone concerned for making this concept such a huge success," said 90-year-old Gurdev Singh of Chughe Khurd. Apart from de-addicting the village, computer courses, sewing centers and technical training, was provided to the village folk.

"Behman Deewana was once famous for sports but the glory was overpowered by drugs. I thought of getting the youth back on the right track and utilize their energy for development. It is sad to see the youth of our country getting drifted towards drug; they are the ones who are to take the country ahead. Bathinda being in close proximity to Rajasthan falls prey to all kinds of drug abuse. Things like poppy husk goes to Punjab from Rajasthan through Bathinda. De-addicting our district and the state is not a one man's job, everyone has to contribute,” said the DIG.

Medicines stated to be dangerous were burnt as a symbol of removing addiction from Behman Deewana.

It was announced that after Behman Deewana, the Jain has decided to adopt Dyon village to keep his de-addict Bathinda mission going. He has also launched a website http://www.drjitendrajain.com to carry the mission ahead.

Bathinda, September 27
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has directed the deputy commissioner, Bathinda, to hold a special girdawari (assessment of loss) for the areas under cotton, paddy or any other crop cultivation that were affected due to the recent bad weather.

During his foundation stone laying spree on Friday, the CM was apprised abut the loss of crops by the affected farmers under the headship of Amarjeet Singh Sidhu, the area in charge of the SAD for Talwandi Sabo. Paying heed to their grievances on the spot, Badal ordered for conducting the special girdawari.

In an order today, the DC further directed the tehsildar, Talwandi Sabo, Virender Singh, to conduct the girdawari. The affected areas mentioned in the order were Teona Pujarian, Gurusar Jaga, Behman Kaur Singh, Tangrali, Behman Jassa Singh, Jaga Ram Teerath, Jabbar Basti, Lehri, Nagrala and Talwandi Sabo.

Issuing a press release, ex-MLA Hardev Arshi, a leader of the Communist Party of India, mentioned that he along with other office-bearers of the party had visited the affected areas and listened to the grievances of victim farmers. He added that farmers criticised the state government for not lending them a helping hand.

Arshi flayed the CM for not sparing moments to meet the farmers and keeping himself busy in political tours.

The CPI leaders have demanded compensation for the affected farmers at the rate of Rs 20,000 per acre besides a reasonable support for the landless peasants. A dharna would be held in this regard outside the DC office on September 29, the release said.

Bathinda, September 27
The restaurants, hotels and resorts association of Bathinda today observed the World Tourism Day by gifting Rs 8500 to Daler Singh, a cancer patient, who is undergoing treatment at Bikaner.

The patient's wife, Balbir Kaur, received the money at a function held in a local hotel. The deputy Mayor, Gurbinder Pal Kaur Mangat, handed over the money to her.

Baljeet Singh Birbehman, Mayor, Bathinda Municipal Corporation, said several steps had been taken to beautify the town and promote tourism. The fort was being developed as a tourist destination and efforts were being to promote tourism around the three lakes here.

Surinder Pal Bajaj, deputy director of tourism, said that the government had earmarked a sum of Rs 5 crores for tourism promotion here. Of this, Rs 1.35 crores would be spent on setting up craft stalls at the fort and its beauthification, Rs 30 lakh on Gurdwara Hajirattan, Rs 50 lakh on Jaipalgarh where the virasat mela is held, Rs 80 lakhs on Zoo and the forest area around, Rs 70 lakh on providing tourism facilities on the banks of Sirhind canal, Rs 25 lakh on beautification of lakes and Rs 10 lakhs on the rose garden.

The senior deputy mayor, T. Goyal, S. Arora, president of hotel association, Ashok Bharti, president, Punjab legal cell and B.S. Bahia, advisor of the association, were among others who spoke on the occasion.

Bathinda, September 27
Despite possessing many important heritage, cultural and pilgrimage sites, this key commercial town of Punjab is virtually absent from the tourism maps of the state government, rue travel and tourism industry owners.

The fifth important religious seat of Sikhs Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo, Muktsar Gurudwara, Hazirattan Gurudwara, historical Fort, biggest cantonment and railway junction, two thermal power plants, National Fertilizers, three industrial growth centres - Bathinda has them all but still seems to need something more to be present on Punjab's tourism map.

Besides, many inter-state fairs and festivals are celebrated here which include Maghi mela of Muktsar, Baisakhi mela at Talwandi Sabo and Sheikh Farid Agman Purb at Faridkot which have historical and religious significance for people of all religions.

At a meeting held by Punjab Hoteliers Association here recently, the members have demanded inclusion of Bathinda on the tourism map. "With the coming up of Guru Gobind Singh oil refinery project, petro-chemical project and a large number of other ancillary units, there has been a rise in the number of hotels here. But it is finding it difficult to survive without support from the government," said Pritam Singh Chaudhary and Arun Pahuja, the president and the general secretary of the association.

"Bathinda is the commercial centre for the whole of Malwa region of Punjab. People from over a 100 kilometre radius have to come to Bathinda for any type of medical treatment, education, shopping and all kinds of other commercial activity'', said Pahuja. Pritam Singh said that they had sought a meeting with Hira Singh Gabria, minister for tourism, Punjab and would press for their demands. He said the association would take up the issue of medical tourism.

"We have included six districts of Punjab with super-speciality medical facilities which are, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Sangrur and Barnala,'' he added.

The association has also sought suggestions from the president of the Indian Medical Association, Punjab, regarding the same.

Bathinda, September 27
Pargat Singh Chahal, a resident of Bathinda and the silver medal winner of the World Strengthlifting Championship, got special honours in the form of Rs 2 lakh in cash from Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal at Talwandi Sabo on Friday. He had participated in 100 kg category and had lifted a total of 7.25 quintal to secure the first runner-up slot. A Canadian player had won the gold at the championship held in West Bengal in February 2006.

Talking to TNS, Pargat, who is pursuing final year of LLM, said that now, he was eyeing gold medal at the Asian Cup to be held next year for the bench press category. "I am working on to break the world record by lifting over 230 kg at the championship."

Pargat said that he started his sports career as a wrestler in 1998 and had won silver medal at the school-level tournament while he was studying in class XII. However, due to inadequate facilities for the sport in the region, he had to switch over to weightlifting.

Talking about the role that steroids play in enhancing a sportsperson's performance, he said it was unethical and the person using them was bound to be caught at international event thereby bringing the country's image to disrepute.

"Since dope tests are costly in India, the player using the magic pill escapes easily. But, it must be understood that using anabolic steroids is detrimental to one's health as it adversely affects one's kidney," said the sportsman.

Pargat said that he takes only natural diet that is rich in protein, including eggs and soyabean. "Supplementary diet is a complete no-no for me," the 27-year-old said.

Bathinda, September 27
Kotwali police today booked Savera Singh, son of Congress MLA Pakka Kalan, Makhan Singh along with five unidentified persons in a theft and assault case.

According to police, the accused had old rivalry with Shanty Kumar and Monty Kumar. On Tuesday, they had a quarrel leading to a clash at Quila road today in the morning. Savera Singh along with his accomplices allegedly barged in to the house of Shanty and Monty and not finding them there, they damaged a number of articles and took away a DVD player with them.

Later, they found Shanty Kumar at Shakti market and allegedly assaulted him with a sharp edged weapon, police said.

Police registered a case under sections 457, 380, 323 and 341 of the IPC. Till the filing of the reports investigation was going on.

Talking to TNS over phone, Makhan Singh said, "It is a false case as I myself visited the place to inquire about the facts but found nothing as such. Moreover, the role of some political rival to disgrace me can also not be ruled out."

"If my son is guilty, I will not shield him," he added.

Mansa, September 27
Harpreet Singh of Amritsar secured first position in the 1500-m run in the Punjab State Rural Games that started at the Nehru Memorial College here today.

Lovejot Singh of Gurdaspur and Jagpreet also of Gurdaspur bagged second and third positions respectively in the event.

Earlier, PWD minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa inaugurated the games.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that the state government had been making efforts to create conducive culture for the development of sports and sportspersons in the state.

He announced that new coaches would be appointed in Mansa soon for the promotion of games.

Director of sports Pargat Singh said efforts were on motivate youths of Malwa towards sports and the selection of Mansa as the venue of the games was a step towards the objective.

Deputy commissioner Kumar Rahul delivered welcome speech. M.M. Sabharwal assistant commissioner, Gurjit Singh Pannu, sub-divisional magistrate Mansa, Sukhpal Singh Barar, SPD Mansa, deputy director sports Kanwar Harpal Singh, Hazari Lal deputy director sports Jalandhar and others were also present on the occasion.

In shot put, Jaspreet Singh of Barnala secured first place while Bikram Jit Singh of Gurdaspur and Harpreet Singh of Ludhiana got second and third positions respectively.

In long jump, Inderveer Singh bagged first position while Gurjant Singh of Faridkot and Harmandeep Singh of Jalandhar bagged second and third positions respectively.

Bathinda, September 27
Jannat of Bathinda clinched the title in the middle weight category of U-17 (girls) at the 54th Punjab School Games which began at the Indoor Stadium here today. Banking on the dollyochagi (round house kick) style, she gave powerful blows to her opponent to grab the title. The technical director of the National Institute of Sports, S.P. Shukla said except Mansa, Barnala, Khanna and Hoshiarpur districts, all other states were participating in the games, which would conclude on September 30. The Punjab Taekwondo Association is helping the education department in holding the games. Nearly, 550 players are participating in boys and girls categories in U-14, U-17 and U-19 categories.

Results for Girls: Under 35-38kg: 1 Gurpreet (Faridkot), 2 Jaspreet (Amritsar), 3 Paramjeet (Bathinda) and Rupinder (Patiala); Under 44-48kg: 1 Manpreet (Amritsar), Harpreet Kaur (Patiala), 3 Prabhjot Kaur (Muktsar) and Neena (Ropar); Under 48-52kg: 1 Simranjeet Kaur (Ferozepur), 2 Manpreet Kaur (Jalandhar), 3 Kanchen (Patiala) and Kamaljeet Kaur (Kapurthala); Under 52-56 kg: 1 Jannat (Bathinda), 2 Sandeep Rani (Faridkot), 3 Harmanpreet Kaur (Amritsar) and Parwinder Kaur (Jalandhar); Under 56-60kg: 1 Sukhpreet Kaur, 2 Navjot (Ropar), 3 Tanu (Bathinda) and Navjot (Jalandhar); and above 60kg: 1 Mansoor (amritsar), 2 Arundhati (Bathinda), 3 Purvasha (Jalandhar) and Harpreet Kaur (Muktsar).

Results for Boys: Below 38kg: 1 Prince Rajput (amritsar), 2 Vijay Kumar (Bathinda), 3 Shubham (Jalandhar) and Manish (Moga); Under 48-52kg: 1 Jeevanjot (Tarntaran), Vishal (Ludhiana), 3 Amarinder (Kapurthala) and Vikramjeet (Gurdaspur); Under 52-56kg: 1 Parampuneet (Amritsar), 2 Arashdeep (Rarntaran), Daljeet (Ferozepur) and Mandeep (Muktsar); Under 56-60kg: 1 Manmohan (Amritsar), Rajan (Ludhiana), 3 Shubhdeep (Patiala) and Gurwinder (Sangrur); Under 60-64kg: 1 Bikramjit (Tarntaran), 2 Pushpinder (Sangrur), 3 Madhwan (Patiala) and Hitesh (Bathinda); Above 64kg: 1 Gurlal (Tarntaran), 2 Gurkamal (Jalandhar), 3 Manjit (Amritsar) and Arun Thakur (Bathinda).

Barnala, September 27
Harjeet Kaur, wife of MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, laid the foundation stone for a water box at the Mehalkalan village and assured the villagers of repairing the link roads to the village. For the purpose, a grant of Rs 3 lakh from the MPLAD fund would be sanctioned, she said. Harjeet also addressed a meeting of the SAD workers. MLA Balbeer Singh Ghunus and former minister Gobind Singh Longowal accompanied her.

Mansa, September 27
Three persons have been booked for allegedly raping a teenage girl here on Friday.

According to sources, the girl (14) went out of her house for some work when she was taken to Paramjit Singh’s house where she was allegedly raped. On the statement the victim’s mother, the police has registered a case against Paramjit Singh, Harbant Singh, son of Nachhatar Singh, and Ram Singh, son of P.C. Singh, all resident of Mansa.

Bathinda, September 27
The Goodwill Society, Bathinda organised a free eye-operation camp at the Goodwill Centre in Parasram Nagar here on Saturday. The society has been holding the camp for past 17 years.

The MD of the Bathinda Chemicals, Rajinder Mittal, who was the chief guest on the occasion, inaugurated the camp.