Ludhiana, November 1
Twenty four years after victims of the 1984 riots lost their near and dear ones and were rendered homeless, they are bitter justice is still eluding them while the accused have managed to go scot-free.

Recounting their tales of sorrow, they said the balm should have been applied to their wounds, instead of rubbing salt on them.

The victims spent yesterday reliving the hurt. ‘‘Congress leaders, including Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, could not be convicted. The Congress party should have risen above politics and expelled these people from the party. But they did not do so, ’’ said Surjeet Singh, a victim, while airing the grievances of 1900 families living in the city.

Bibi Gurdial Kaur, who was widowed during the riots, said that her life had been a tale set in blood and hurt. ‘‘I lost my husband during the riots. He was killed mercilessly as he was made to drink petrol and then set on fire. What was his fault? What was mine? I still wake up in the middle of night whenever I think about the entire episode. I know how I have spent all these years while coming to terms with his loss, ’’ she said while crying inconsolably.

Mata Harbans Kaur, an 82-year-old, the oldest of the lot, lost her husband, son and son-in-law in the riots in 1984 at Delhi. She was forced to leave her house by the people who had lived with them like a family.

‘‘What could have I done when the people I trusted betrayed me just because I belonged to a particular community? It was the most shameful act that could have happened in a democracy, ’’ she said while calling for world peace and praying to supreme powers to ensure that humanity lived peacefully.

‘‘More than what I went through I am hurt at the statements of several fundamentalists. They should let the people live. They should ask us what does this religion-based hatred lead to? ’’said the elderly woman.

Rakhi Kaur, another widow, said that she had came to Ludhiana after the riots. ‘‘I know how I continued with my life. I had nobody to support me. Having lived through all these problems all these years, I know what price the world peace comes for, ’’ she said. 

Ludhiana, November 1
Given the mushrooming growth of unauthorised colonies in the mega city even though the master plan has been notified, the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has launched an action plan to curb unregulated development in the area that falls within the master plan.

In the course of a multi-pronged attack against unlawful estate development, the GLADA authorities have lodged criminal cases against 381 colonisers and issued demolition notices to four others, giving 60 days time as prescribed in the Punjab Regional Town planning Act. In addition, some 40 odd signboards have been put up on sites where unauthorised colonies are being developed. These signboards warn unsuspecting buyers to exercise caution while purchasing plots or flats in such colonies.

According to A.K. Sinha, chief administrator of GLADA, there were some 400 unauthorised colonies in different parts of the city. Developers of these properties had carved out the colonies without mandatory permission or obtaining licenses from the appropriate authority, in gross violation of relevant laws. “The ultimate sufferers of such unregulated development of colonies are buyers, who, more often than not are left in the lurch by the colonisers once the plots are sold out.”

GLADA has set up 17 teams to carry out surveys all over the city and its periphery which will be a continuous process. “We have put up some 40 odd sign boards at the sites of unauthorised colonies and more are in the process of being installed. A demolition squad is in place and can be pressed into service at any time to remove unlawful structures and buildings,” added Sinha.

GLADA additional chief administrator S.R. Kler told The Tribune that some instances were brought to their notice where the colonisers had either removed or defaced the warning boards against development of unauthorised colonies. “We have lodged a report with the police against two such persons and cases under appropriate Sections for causing obstruction in the work of government officials will be registered against them.”

Sensing that GLADA meant business and a crackdown was in the offing against unlawful colonies, a deputation of Ludhiana Property Dealers and Colonisers Association met the GLADA chief administrator today. Pleading for a policy decision to relax the norms for grant of licenses to carve out approved colonies, they have given an undertaking to stop all work on existing colonies and make no fresh sale of plots for the time being.

Ludhiana, November 1
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has visited the city 131 times since took over the reins of power. Though the party workers feel that it was the concern shown by the CM to be accessible to the common man, the Opposition terms his repeated visits a sheer wastage of time and government resources.

The tight-lipped bureaucrats, including the police officials, however, feel that since the CM believed in “hard work”, they had to obey the government's orders.

As per police records, the CM’s recent visit to city to hold a sangat darshan was his 131st visit. Requesting anonymity, an official disclosed that police force from four districts, including Khanna, Ludhiana, Jagraon and Fatehgarh Sahib, was put on duty during most of his visits. "People say the work suffers. But what can we do? We have to adhere to the government orders. The CM needs tight security and has to be provided at any cost. The departments are not to be blamed, we are performing the duty,” said the official.

Meanwhile, chief parliamentary secretary Harish Rai Dhanda said that his repeated visits indicate his concern for the people of the state. He said that unlike his Congress counterpart, Parkash Singh Badal was easily available and accessible to the people. When he realised that the city needed development projects, he held a sangat darshan for disbursing grants, he said. " He is trying to streamline the system. He meets people personally to get the actual feedback. Things are going to improve by his repeated visits to all the districts in state," added Dhanda.

District Congress Committee chief Jagmohan Sharma said that making big announcements would serve no purpose. All proposals had to be implemented practically. The pitiable condition of roads is just one example. In the last two years, the ruling government could not provide the basic amenities to city residents and they claim to reach for the moon,” he alleged

"Epidemic of dengue in the city is another example. The number of patients has already crossed the 3,000 mark in the city this year breaking all previous records. There are no fogging machines with the MC here. Has the CM ever checked that bureaucrats/officers have accomplished the works which were announced by him during his previous visits?" questioned Sharma.

Ludhiana, November 1
A complaint to the Chief Minister against non-payment of maintenance cost for the upkeep of a park during the sangat darshan proved dear to the residents of Tagore Nagar as the city mayor, out to “frustration”, cancelled the contract of the park.

The residents were shocked to receive a letter from mayor Hakam Singh Gyaspura on October 26 stating that the contract for maintenance of the park was cancelled. The letter did not mention any reason for the cancellation.

The residents, who have already pooled in Rs 40,000 to maintain the park, rushed to the senior functionaries of the municipal corporation, but to no avail. “We were told that if the mayor had cancelled the allotment, the officials were helpless. Though the officials said that the mayor's decision was arbitrary, they were not in a position to raise an objection,” said Pawan Sood, a resident of the area.

He added they were seeking maintenance costs for quite some time from the mayor. They met him twice, but when all their pleas fell on deaf ears, they met the Chief Minister on October 11 during the sangat darshan at the Lions Club.

‘‘This did not go down well with the mayor. We do not know what happened. He shot us a letter on October 17 stating our allotment has been cancelled. If they do not want us to go and meet the CM for our problems, what is the need to hold sangat darshan?’’ questioned Sood.

He added that the CM had directed the MC on the spot to release grant for the purpose.

The residents said they were allotted the maintenance of park on April 1 this year. Since then, they had worked hard and maintained the park well. They had put up a music system for morning and evening walkers, planted many saplings, installed benches, sprinkler system and parking lights in the park. The MC, however, did not give them a single penny.

‘‘This is what we have received in return. This means we should not have gone to the CM. When so many park management committees are being given the money, why are we been marginalised?” questioned another resident A.K. Bhandari. 

Ludhiana, November 1
The hot-mix plant of the municipal corporation, which had become a source of criticism for the civic body, is going to be renovated soon with a sum of Rs 1.5 crore.

According to information, the Finance and Contracts Committee (F&CC) had already passed the amount during its meeting in September, but due to sangat darshans and festivals in October, there had been a delay.

During the meeting, a committee was also formed which would be headed by senior deputy mayor Praveen Bansal that would purchase different materials, including a big drum, as the present machinery is in a deplorable condition.

Commenting on the importance of the plant, he said the unit had been useful in undertaking a patchwork on various roads and if this work was not done on time, it destroyed the whole road. He added that the unit would become an asset after renovation.

Interestingly, the hot-mix plant of the municipal corporation was recently in news as it had been flouting norms of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The board has also sealed the MC's hot-mix plant on Thursday as the civic body failed to comply with the pollution norms. However, municipal commissioner G.S. Ghuman claimed that the plant was likely to start working again on Monday.

PPCB environment engineer Pradeep Gupta, who sealed the plant revealed that the municipal corporation had not applied for the permission under the Air Act. Besides, the civic body was not complying with the code of practice, which is a prerequisite for running the hot-mix plant.

The only hot-mix plant owned by the municipal corporation was being used to carry out the patchwork on the city roads, which are the municipal limits.

Raikot, November 1
The parents of 16-year-old Kulwinder Singh, a class XI student, whose body was found in a drain in Sehbajpura village on October 19, has accused the police of inaction.

Father of the deceased Karam Singh, along with some villagers, met Raikot DSP Narinderpal Singh Ruby to know the status of the police investigations into the alleged murder of his son.

Karam Singh alleged that the members of the village panchayat insisted to cremate the body of his son on October 19 itself, assuring that the police would take action after the cremation.

Talking to media here today, mother of the deceased Paramjit Kaur said that she along with her son went to the wedding ceremony of a relative at Kutba village on October 18. When they were about to return in the evening, Beant Singh, the cousin of the deceased, asked him to stay. The next morning, when she was heading towards Kutba village to go with the wedding party, she found a shoe on the road near the drain. She even saw Kulwinder’s motorcycle inside the drain.

Suspecting something wrong, she rushed to the house of Beant Singh who said that Kulwinder was in the village and they will search for him after returning from the ‘baraat’.

She refused to go with the wedding party and asked some villagers to accompany her to the drain. By then, the police had also reached the spot and the body of the boy was recovered from a nearby drain. The village panchayat, however, insisted to cremate the boy immediately.

The matter was reported to the Jaladiwal police and then to the DSP, Raikot, on October 27. However, the police is yet to start investigations into the case.

When contacted, the Raikot DSP said he would look into the matter. However, the Mehal Kalan police has refused to have any knowledge of such an incident.

Raikot SHO Gurdial Singh said he had received a complaint forwarded by the DSP. He said the police was inquiring into the case. 

Ludhiana, November 1
“Rivers in the state are worst polluted. Excessive use of water in early paddy sowing has resulted in lowering of water level in the state,” said the former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Vijender Jain. He was addressing the members of the Asia Pacific Jurists’ Association (APJA), Ludhaina, here today.

“This is the time to wake up. We all should join hands to save our rivers and environment. If we fail, our coming generations will not forgive us,” he further said.

Expressing deep concern over the global warming, he stressed for launching a drive for tree plantation. Earlier, he was given a warm welcome by APJA president S. K. Singhal, secretary general Balwinder Goel, senior lawyer Trilok Singh Sood, former bar association president K. R. Sikri, Ashok Bhakri, Surinder Singh, R. P. S. Bhatti and Bir Inder Singh Sekhon.

Senior lawyer of High Court Atul Lakhanpal, secretary general of APJA’s state unit, also shared his views.

The former Chief Justice was also honoured by the APJA for his services towards the society.

Ludhiana, November 1
To create awareness among the masses about HIV/AIDS, a special train Red Ribbon Express, a unique venture of the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, in collaboration with the Indian Railways, will reach Ludhiana on November 11.

A team of the health department officials from different states and NGOs, predominantly trained for the motivational campaign, are on board to create awareness amongst the masses, especially the rural folks.

The train that was flagged off in December 2007 had travelled across various states of the country educating people for prevention of HIV/AIDS and also clearing their misconceptions about the disease.

The compartments of the train have been designed as museum, conference hall, consultation room and pantry.

Ludhiana being the business hub, has a large populace of migrant labourers, truck and taxi drivers, who are more prone to HIV/AIDS. In order to reach out to the maximum population in slum areas and remote villages, doctors working under zila parishads, NGOs and the staff from health department are actively involved in the awareness campaign.

State general secretary of the Rural Medical Services’ Association (RMSA) Dr Rishi Bhardwaj said that doctors in villages were strategically working for optimal and comprehensive reach to the community through sensitisation programmes and involvement of the panchayats, aanganwadi workers, NGOs and private practitioners.

“Thirty-six per cent truck drivers in Punjab are affected with HIV/AIDS and rural doctors are elemental in motivating truckers, taxi drivers and their wives to go to the Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC and Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission Centres (PPTCT) in medical colleges, hospitals and district hospitals," said Dr Aslam Parvez, president of RMSA.

Ludhiana civil surgeon Dr S.P. Sharma said that three teams are already working on the project under the district health officer, blood transfusion officer and mass media officer to reach out to maximum people in villages and slum areas. Two buses would also be mobilised in Ludhiana district to cover maximum areas.

Jagjit Singh Mann, president of Punjab Networking of Positive People's Society, an NGO working for HIV/AIDS patients, said the organisation would tie-up with the People's Theatre, Amloh, to stage some plays in the villages under Ludhiana district.

The doctors, NGOs and other volunteers participating in the programme undertaken under the aegis of the Red Ribbon Express are educating the people on HIV/AIDS with reference to tuberculosis.

The train having covered Bathinda, Fazilka and Ferozepur, would leave for Jalandhar on November 2. It will reach Ludhiana on November 11 via Pathankot and Amritsar. 

Ludhiana, November 1
The standoff between authorities of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and the Non-Teaching Employees’ Union is refusing to die down, at least for the time being. Reacting sharply against the statement issued by the authorities yesterday, the non-teaching employees, today, termed the press release issued by authorities "totally vague".

"The attitude of the administration has once again proved that they are not sincere in resolving the issue. The PAU Employees’ Union condemns the official statement of the authorities. We will never send our press release through vice-chancellor’s office," said the press release issued by the employees, who held their meeting today.

The employees further said if important demands of the employees, as referred in chart earlier, will not be met, secretary to VC is not replaced, and the letters issued to the union were not withdrawn till November 4, the protest rally will be organised on November 5. The notice regarding rally has already been sent to the authorities, said the employees.

It may be mentioned here that yesterday, the PAU authorities had claimed to have been amicably resolved the matter of issuing advisory letters to some non-teaching employees during a meeting with the representatives of the union.

In the statement, VC Dr M. S. Kang had pointed out that one was an employee of the university first, and then a member of the union. He said the recent reckless comments that appeared in various newspapers on behalf of the union could be damaging for the institution. Since all the employees, teachers and non-teachers, were a part of the set-up, peremptory steps like going to the press over non-issues should be avoided. He said taking the confrontational route without exploring other means of dialogue would only vitiate the otherwise congenial environment of the university.

Ludhiana, November 1
Contrary to the claims of Punjab education department, a number of teachers, who have been issued appointment letters, have not been adjusted against the assigned stations. They are running from pillar to post to get their station of posting.

According to Ajit Pal Singh, president, Navniyukt Teachers Union, many teachers of various subjects in districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Muktsar, Bathinda and Ludhiana have been denied the stations. He said wherever the teachers had reported for joining their duties, they were told that the schools had already surplus teachers.

Ajit Pal alleged that the Punjabi teachers were getting a raw deal belying the claims of the government of promoting Punjabi language. He further stated that it is ironic that despite the fact that government has made Punjabi compulsory, the future of the Punjabi teachers seemed to be bleak.

Mohanjit Singh, general secretary of the union, said the state government had fixed monthly salary of Rs 5,500, which was too meagre to make both ends meet in the face of rising inflation. He demanded the stations should be allotted to the teachers on merit basis, keeping in view the cost of living away from their homes. He also called upon the DPI (schools) to expedite their adjustment.

Satvir Singh, another union leader, said his ranking was 87 among the Punjabi teachers, and he has not been adjusted so far, whereas persons with low ranking have got good posts.

Spokesperson of the district education officer (secondary) told this reporter that recommendation for 63 secondary teachers of Punjabi for adjustment had been sent to the DPI (secondary).

Mullanpur Dakha, November 1
Ludhiana unit of the Democratic Employees Front, Punjab, in its meeting today condemned the cane charge on the computer and the government aided-school teachers.

The meeting was held under the presidency of Ramanjit Singh Sandhu, district president, in which the use of cane and tear gas on the protesting contract-based teachers at Lambi village and the government aided-school teachers protesting for salary/pension at Gurdaspur was strictly condemned. Employees’ leaderships Sukhwinder Singh Leel, Rajinder Singh Rampur, Kulwant Singh Raikot, Manish Uppal, Rupinderpal Gill, Kewal Ram Mangat, Surjit Singh Mullanpur, Jasdev Singh Lalton addressed the meeting and issued a warning to the Punjab government to stop the oppression of the teachers and work according to the election manifesto of the party and accept the genuine demands of the teachers. 

Ludhiana, November 1
The pipe band of the Bostal jail inmates will perform at a wedding ceremony in he city for the first time tomorrow.

The band, consisting nine inmates, all undergoing life imprisonment for murder, will get a chance to show their skills in blowing trumpet and pipe at a wedding ceremony. The inmates are considering it as an act of atonement of their sins committed in ignorance. They want to forget the past and are upbeat to perform at the ceremony at the Embassy Marriage Palace.

“Our parents had been scorned by the society. Now, it’s the time for us to make amends," said Partap Singh, a resident of Amritsar, who will play a pipe at the ceremony.

The initiative taken by Bostal jail superintendent S.P. Khanna has changed the lives of these inmates, who have now pledged shun crime and are looking ahead for a new career. The pipe band had recently performed at a function organised in Ropar on the occasion of the release of jail inmates.

Giving details about the pipe band, Khanna said, "The band was not performing for last three years. We prepared a list of some of the inmates and encouraged them to take interest in music. Our efforts were also supported by cabinet minister Hira Singh Gabaria.”

Amba Singh, a resident of Malka village near Bathinda, is planning to take up pipe band as a career. He is planning to start his own pipe band along with two other inmates, Jagdeep and Gurpreet, who also hail from the same village, after their release from the jail.

“My parents were delighted to see me wearing a pipe band dress when they came to see me in the jail. I want to make them happy as they had already suffered a lot because of me," said Amba Singh.

However, for some inmates, performing at wedding ceremonies is not new.

Kala, a resident of Ferozepur, had been playing drum since 1997. He was released on bail in 2000 and was a part of the band for six years before he was again sent to the jail in 2006. His brother, Balbir Singh, who also spent some time with him in the jail, is now a successful drummer and is earning well.

Even their parents are happy with their newfound love for music. “My mother was elated when she saw me playing a pipe. I was craving to see a smile on her face all these years,” said Partap Singh. 

Ludhiana, November 1
The panorama of beaded jewellery was never so gripping. The striking and aesthetic appeal of colourful beads can leave anyone captivated. Whether one's style is classic, simple, wild or funky, beaded jewellery bring out the best in everyone.

The fact, which everyone knows is that clothes make a person but accessories complete the outfit. One can even create one's own distinctive style by trying some beaded stuff. Trendy and chic, select the one that suits you best and make an exclusive fashion statement of your own.

The stylish bold beaded jewellery is the perfect compliment to whatever one is wearing. Beaded necklace are available in modern and artistic designs in different shapes and colours. Beaded earrings are also available in an array of contemporary and modern designs. The range of earrings available also incorporates the motifs of Indian culture. “Delicate ensemble beads make a charismatic jewellery item suitable for all kinds of outfits both traditional and unconventional,” quips Sneha, a college student.

Amit from Pink City Handicraft at Ghumar Mandi added that beaded jewellery is a hit among college students. “It matches both with the western and Indian wear. Mostly girls chose beads of their choice and then we make the ornament according to their design and choice,” adds Amit.

When it comes to chunky and funky bracelets, more is definitely better. One can wear three, four or even six bracelets at a time with a mix and match of patterns and textures. The hot favourites are the beaded anklets. “Wearing anklets with capries or harems add a glam factor in the wearer,” adds Param, who is pursuing career in fashion designing.

Want to enhance the glam factor further then go for beaded chains. These chains provide an elegant look. Beaded jewellery is available in the city at Pink City, Sethi-the fun shop, Globus and Bandini while a large variety is also available at roadside stalls.

So all fashion freaks out there, create your own style by mixing and matching endless number of stylish beaded accessories.

Ludhiana, November 1
While fusion is the preferred choice of would-be brides in the city, it is the quest for brands that marks the auspicious occasion of weddings here. Almost all reputed garment showrooms in the city cater to every section of society with choicest hi-fashion outfits. They leave no stone unturned to help deck up the brides in their wedding extravaganza.

Only 2 per cent of the families in the city can afford to purchase original designer wear for weddings, which is why local brands still continue to rule the market. But as they say every young heart desires to look “the best”, the replica of known designers are the choice of many.

Interestingly, a lot of city stores have engaged new-genre designers in Calcutta, Lucknow, Mumbai and even Ludhiana, to blend old designs with contemporary ones for the finest collection.

The replicas of designer costumes by none other than Sabyasachi, Suneet Verma, JJ Vallaya is a rage among brides to be. As Neha adds, "It is difficult for every young girl to afford an original designer lehenga from an established designer but an imitation is a good bargain. I have bought an imitation of Sabyasachi to wear on my wedding day at one-fourth of its original price. This suits my budget," quips Neha.

Sanjay Arora, the proprietor of Kala Mandir, a local brand, termed trousseau shopping as an “imperative ritual” for Ludhianavis. "This winter, we have collected a whole range of pure silk lehngas in Parsi and Jamawar work, along with a wide range of net saris with velvet patchwork to cater to the taste of the high-end clientele," said Sanjay.

At the same time Tibetean and European motifs in traditional Tanchoi and brocade fabric has made wardrobes all the more interesting. "These garments are the best for Indo-western costumes as it is like wearing a modern outfit without forsaking ethnicity," exclaims Gauri, who is due to get married in November.

Ludhiana, November 1
The PO wing arrested four accused absconding in various cases of thefts and burglary from Shimlapuri here today.

The accused Harjit Singh, Balwant Singh, Gagan Deep Singh and Pardeep Sing were turned as proclaimed offenders by the court after they failed to appear in the court for hearing.

A team led by C.S. Kehehra raided the residence in the wee hours and nabbed the accused.

The accused were produced in the court today. 

Ludhiana, November 1
Vivek Kumar, accused in the alleged murder of his beloved, was today nabbed by Haibowal police. The accused was absconding since October 24, soon after the gruesome killing of his beloved, Mona Sharma at her Atam Nagar residence near Jassian road.

The accused pumped five bullets into the body of the victim from point-blank range and fled from the spot. The victim succumbed to the bullet wounds and was declared dead by the civil hospital authorities. The relatives of the victim alleged that the accused killed her for not responding to his repeated phone calls. Vivek entered the house of his beloved and after a verbal confrontation between the two, the accused first shot the victim's mother and than brutally shot killed Mona.

Giving details about the arrest, Virinder Singh Brar, DSP- II said the accused was nabbed while crossing a barricade near Bhuriwala Gurudwara at Haibowal.

The police has recovered a .30b revolver and a car from the accused used for the crime. The accused was produced in the court this afternoon.

Ludhiana, November 1
Students of BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Model Town, here gave a stupendous performance in the 54th edition of the Punjab School Games in taekwondo held at Bathinda recently.

Tinni, Bhavesh Sood, Shubham Katyal and Gaurav Katyal bagged gold medals.

Principal of the school Paramjit Kaur appreciated the students. She also congratulated their coach Narinder Singh.

Meanwhile, on the basis of their performance during this meet, these students have been selected to represent the state in the forthcoming National School Games slated to be held at Goa in the first week of November.

Ludhiana, November 1
Faridkot lads scripted victories in the under-14 and under-16 sections in the ongoing Punjab State Inter-District Hockey League for Boys being organised by the Punjab sports department at the Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium of the Punjab Agricultural University campus here today. In the u-14 section, Faridkot players after trailing by two goals, bounced back to outplay Sangrur 5-2 in a group A encounter.

Sangrur drew the first blood in the sixth minute through Harvinder Singh and eight minutes later, Soni Ram scored a fine field goal to increase the lead 2-0. Undeterred at this, Fardikot players made frantic forays into the rival's territory and finally managed to reduce the margin in the 22nd minute when Mandeep Singh struck to make it 1-2. He again found the target in the 32nd minute to level the score 2-all.

Elated at the success, Faridkot boys weaved good moves and in the 36th minute, Shamsher Singh sounded the board to put his side ahead 3-2 while Gurbhej Singh scored a field goal in the 44th minute to consolidate the lead 4-2. The fifth goal came off Harmanjit Singh's stick in the 49th minute, which sealed Sangrur lads' fate 5-2.

In the group C match (u-16), Faridkot drubbed Amloh 5-0 after leading by two goals at half time. Karamjit Singh opened the account for Faridkot in the 17th minute and he increased the lead in the 28th minute. Anmol Singh struck in the 38th minute to read it 3-0

In the very next minute, Faridkot forced a penalty stroke and Anmol Singh successfully converted it into a goal (4-0). Karamjit Singh added one goal in the 46th minute to help his side to wrap up the issue 5-0. In another match (u-16) in the same age group, Guru Har Gobind Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Bahadurgarh, defeated Brig. Shergill Hockey Academy, Barnala 4-1.

Barnala boys surged ahead in the fourth minute when Dimple scored a field goal. Nirmal Singh restored parity for Bahadurgarh in the 16th minute while Varinder Singh struck in the 22nd minute to put his team into the lead.

After changing ends, Bahadurgarh players pumped in two more goals (Amandeep Singh- 36th minute) and (Prabhjot Singh -39th minute) which steered them to 4-1 victory.

In the group B match (u-14), Moga 'B' beat Amloh 3-0. Gurinder Singh sr. put Moga into the lead in the fifth minute while Satwant Singh scored a brace (19th and 24th minute) to help their team to score an easy win. 

Ludhiana, November 1
Eight top women hockey outfits of the country will be vying for top honours in the XIIth All-India Mohinder Partap Singh Grewal Memorial Hockey Tournament scheduled to be held here at Prithipal Singh Memorial AstroTurf Stadium of the Punjab Agricultural University from November 27 to December 1.

According to D. S. Grewal, working president of the Mohinder Partap Singh Grewal Memorial Charitable Trust, Ludhiana, twelve teams have been invited and out of these outfits, eight teams will be shortlisted to take part in this five-day tournament.

The invited teams include the defending champions, Western Railway, Mumbai, the last year's runners up, Central Railway, Mumbai, besides, South Eastern Railway, Kolkata, Northern Railway, Delhi, North Eastern Railway, Gorakhpur, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, Chandigarh XI, Jharkhand XI, Ranchi, Dhanoa XI, Punjab, Delhi XI, Haryana XI, UP XI and MP XI.

The tournament will be organised on the league-cum-knock out basis. The winners will get a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while the runners up will get a cash of Rs 35,000 and the third position holders will pocket a cash prize of Rs 10,000. Team finishing at fourth place will get a cash prize of Rs 5,000.

Besides, the cash prizes will also be given to the best player, highest scorer, highest scorer from penalty corners, best goalkeeper, best full back and the best half back.

International umpire and former hockey star, Saroj Bansal has been appointed as director of the tournament by the Indian Women's Hockey Federation. Former national and international hockey players, namely Pritpal Kaur, Sharanjit Kaur, Pushpinder Kaur, Aranjeet Kaur, Gurvinder Singh Grewal have been named as judges while Nira Mala, Sunita Pant and Anjali Sharma have been named as umpires for the tournament, said Ranjit Singh Grewal, chairman of the organising committee. 

Mullanpur Dakha, November 1
Giving a marvellous performance, Guru Teg Bahadur National College, Dakha, won a silver and two bronze medals in the Punjab University Inter-College Boxing Championship held at Chandigarh. Harvinder Singh won silver medal in middle weight category, while Khusdeepak Kumar and Gurinderjit Singh won silver medals in super-heavy weight category.

The GTB College participated in the boxing championship for the first time.