Hanumangarh/Sriganganagar/Abohar, November 26
Following reports that some of the officers were taking active part in the election campaign of the closely-related candidates, Hanumangarh DC Mugdha Sinha today imposed strict restrictions on their movement, official sources said.

The DC said the spouses of some IPS/RPS officers besides other ranks were contesting the elections. These officers should neither proceed on leave nor leave the place of their posting till the process of election was completed. In case of emergency, the officer would have to take written permission and would not indulge in political activities.

Notably, there were complaints that some staff members were not attending their office duty as well as election-related meetings fairly since they were campaigning for members of their families, who were in the fray.

In another order, Sinha warned that those who failed to obey the directions for surrendering arms in the respective police station within next 48 hours would be deprived of the licences issued to them.

So far, 5,029 weapons have been deposited by the licensees.

Meanwhile, EC observer Jyanti Shrinivasan Ravi along with the DC today addressed a meeting of the zonal and sector magistrates besides other senior officers at Hanumangarh. The observer watched Union minister and Haryana leader Shelja as the latter addressed an election rally in village Phephana today.

Jyanti and Sinha also inspected ballot papers and other material that is to be supplied to the staff for polling. They told the election staff that they could use their postal ballots for polling even today. They reiterated that model code of conducts needs to be enforced strictly. They said the EC had directed that no member of the election staff should accept lodging or boarding offer from any candidate or political party.

They made it clear that complaints on malpractices in polling, if any, could be lodged with the election observers on phone also.

Jyanti Shrinivasan Ravi would stay in circuit house at Hanumangarh to deal with polling in Sangria, Hanumangarh and Peelibanga constituencies. Another observer V. Umesh would look after the complaints and reports related to Nohar and Bhadra constituencies.

Sriganganagar/Abohar, November 26
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje plans to address election rallies in Suratgarh and Gharsana tomorrow. Interestingly, Gharsana had been epicentre of farmers’ agitations for over three years during her rule and had recorded longest-ever strike following firing and lathicharge on the farmers agitating for canal water.

Meanwhile, DC Bhawani Singh Detha today informed that 30 sector magistrates and six area magistrates had been appointed to maintain law and order during the ongoing process of election in the district.

Since most of the women veil their faces even while exercising their franchise, it has been decided to deploy women employees to check their identity in case of suspicion.

Some changes in the schedule for the vehicles that were acquired for the election duty has been made. The owners have been asked to assemble on December 1 evening instead of November 30. However, the jeeps and other small vehicles are required to report by tomorrow or November 30 as per given dates.

The DC said training camp for the magistrates would be organised now on November 28 in the DAV School.

So far, 9,461 weapons were deposited by the licensees in the district, he confirmed.

Abohar, November 26
A spurt in smuggling of narcotics during days of electioneering in the neighbouring areas has alerted the police on both sides of the inter-state border. Anti-Goonda staff in-charge Chhinder Singh nabbed one Sandeep Deepa, a Nai Abadi resident, with 600 gm of smack during patrolling in the infamous government seed farm area today.

Preliminary interrogation reportedly indicated that he had been smuggling the narcotic from Delhi and Haryana for Rs 200 per gm to further sell it at Rs 250 through retailers. There were reports that Deepa was emerging as key supplier in this town, the police said.

The Khuyiansarwar police today arrested one Kailash Kumar of village Beenwara, Rajasthan, after intercepting him near village Gidderanwali on Sriganganagar-Abohar road and recovered 2 kg of opium from his possession.

According to another report received late last night from Hanumangarh, the Rawatsar SHO, Dinesh Rajoura, during a naka on the mega highway chased a car bearing Madhya Pradesh registration number when it did not stop on being asked to.

The action led to recovery of six packets of opium milk weighing 7 kg each from Raju Patidar of village Garonda under Bhangarh (district Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh). His accomplice Bhagwati Lal, however, managed to flee.

The vehicle, which was impounded by the police, was registered in Bhagwati’s name. The market value of the consignment has been quoted at Rs 42 lakh.

The police said it was the biggest catch so far, adding that previously 100gm from a local Shankar Lal and 600 gm opium from one Jagdish Bishnoi of Barmer was received on November 7 and 18 respectively.

Sources in the police confirmed that intake of narcotics had always been increasing during elections in the neighbouring areas.

Ludhiana, November 26
Hundreds of ex-servicemen, along with war widows from all over Punjab, including Chandigarh, gathered here today to be a part of the protest rally being organised under the banner of the Indian Ex-Services League.

The agitators, which included senior citizens, were upset from the attitude of the Central government and said they never wanted to stand against the nation for which they had fought. But the discrimination being meted out to them by the Sixth Pay Commission and the Centre had forced them to take the extreme step.

Indian Ex-Service League president Colonel Bhag Singh said the bureaucratic lobby of the nation has given a step-motherly treatment to soldiers, who performed their duties in extreme conditions.

"The bureaucrats, who work in air-conditioned offices. How they will know what soldiers have been suffering through. As they have failed to address our grievances, the league has demanded for a separate pay commission for the armed forces," he said. Bhag Singh added that the IAS and PCS officers failed to understand rank structures of defence forces.

He said: "Our demands like one-rank, one pension , acceptance of four demands submitted by three chiefs of the armed forces and 80 per cent weightage in pension to PBORs are justified. Keeping our services and sacrifices in mind, the government should take our demands seriously, failing which we will be forced to intensify our stir."

The colonel went on to say that the march today was just a trailer and real movie would be witnessed at India Gate, New Delhi.

A young war widow, who requested not to disclose her identity, said, "My husband died when my elder son was just 2 and I was expecting my second child. We have a joint family and I have my in-laws to look after." Wiping her tears, she added, “It is really tough to get meals for everyone from the pension I receive and the pension amount too would be reduced by 40 per cent when my husband death completes seven years.”

The protesters submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through the office of Ludhiana deputy commissioner.

Bathinda, November 26
VLCC organised a dietary guidance camp to mark Anti-Obesity Day here today. Patients enrolled in weight loss programmes, including bariatic surgery, were given tips on reducing the weight during the camp.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr S.R. Sikri, said the world has more obese persons than hungry ones. Highlighting this fact, he said, that obesity is not just a matter of looks. It is a serious health condition and has disastrous consequences. A person is considered obese when he weighs 20 per cent or more than ideal body weight. Then, the person's weight poses a real health risk.

Dr Sikri said that mild to moderately obese patients could be treated with dietary control and both active and passive exercises by enrolling in a weight loss programme and medicines.

Earlier, there was no definitive treatment for severely obese patients, who had to live in a state of "bemused existence", and avoided coming out of their homes and were virtually physically handicapped because of their obesity.

Now there is good news for these patients, which has come in the form of 'laparoscopic obesity surgery known as "bariatric surgery".

Jaswinder Singh who lost 15 kg in three and a half months felt much lighter and healthy after fighting the bulge. He said more than any one else, it's the person who has to fight the battle against fat.

"I had the athletic type body during my college days but due to my present job, I had put on a lot of weight," informed Jaswinder. "But seeing people around and the brighter things of life, I thought of getting back into shape and by making slight changes in my lifestyle and eating habits, I was able to get a perfect body and am happy with it," he added.

A study conducted in Bathinda schools states that obese children are prone to hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and increased overall morbidity and mortality during adult life. Childhood obesity should not be allowed to develop as these obese children will ultimately become obese adults.

Bathinda, November 26
For the convenience of rail passengers, Railways have introduced a Passenger Coach Guidance (PCG) system at Ambala railway station which is a first-ever in Indian Railways. Talking to TNS over phone from Ambala, R.K. Saxena, assistant divisional railway manager (ADRM), Ambala division, said that the exact compositions of incoming and outgoing trains are fed into a PC and alternating display made on the platforms indicating the train number as well as coach number.

Now, one could identify the exact location from where one will board the train or from where one will receive one's friends/relatives. It is proposed to extend this facility to other major stations, including Bathinda, Chandigarh and Saharanpur shortly. Saxena said the division had taken steps to improve passenger amenities. He said steps would be taken to improve the parcel traffic. The Railways have plans to introduce high capacity parcel vans and exclusive parcel express trains depending on the demand of parcel traffic from the division.

He pointed out that frequent `rail roko' agitations were causing inconvenience to the passengers as well as the Railways. To monitor and control the anti-social activities at the railway station, the Railways would install CCTV cameras at all 'A' Class railway stations of the division, he added. 

Bathinda, November 26
The Bathinda Military Station organised a 'Veer Nari' meet today where Rama Katoch, officiating president, Chetak AWWA, presided over the meet. Brig Bant Singh, vice-president of District Sainik Board was also present among other retired officers. War widows of Mansa and Bathinda were present on the occasion.

After a welcoming speech by a serving lady officer of the Army, Brig Bant Singh took over the dais and addressed everyone present there. He said Punjab gave a helping hand during the Kargil war and was still helping the families of those who went to fight but never came back.

He spoke about the various schemes being run by the government for war widows and their children. Those who took bravery awards get good returns from the government and also those children who fare well in their studies are given money on monthly basis by the government.

There is a proposal with the government of increasing the pension but is still due for approval. Brig Bant Singh appealed to all women present that they should get their ECHS and canteen cards made to avail of free medical and CSD facilities. "The government gives loans to self-help groups and women present here should try and form a group and start something of their own to sustain a dignified living." Jyotika Singh, an Army officer's wife made the war widows aware about what the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) does for them.

"This meet is held every year and we interact with the war widows, listen to their problems and try to find out a solution. Due to lack of information and sheer negligence, some women are not taking advantage of the schemes initiated for them. I request them to come forward and make use of these schemes.

“AWWA in coordination with Khadi and village commission has initiated setting up of small-scale projects involving women like you. You can also take loans for starting your own business. AWWA has started Chetak Vocational Training Centre in Bathinda Military Station where computer course, tailoring, embroidery and like courses are being taught. Chetak Sahara Yojna has started a project called Nirali under which women can come and learn stitching and can start their own work. Those who have not been able to get their medical cards and CSD cards made can avail the facility today as people are pressed into this service here today," she said.

Later, Rama Katoch distributed gifts to all women present and interacted with them. 

Today, I am working at the civil hospital in Mansa. My in-laws forced me out of their house after my husband expired. They got 25 per cent of their share given by the government out of my husband's money and I chipped in with Rs 50, 000. They even took Rs 5000 that came with my husband's body but they demanded more and when I could not fulfill their demand, they threw me out of their house." — TNS

 The younger one was born five months after my husband's death. My only aim is to raise my daughters, educate them and make them do well so that they don't have to bear the problems a woman faces when she has to stay in a backward society." — TNS

Bathinda, November 26
One person was killed and seven others injured, including two women and a 10-year-old boy, in a shootout between two groups in Maur Mandi last night.

As per police sources, the Bathinda police have arrested four persons from Maur Mandi for the shootout while the rifle used in the shootout has also been recovered from the two, identified as Pawan Kumar and Makhan Singh.

The police also arrested two persons identified as Mohinder Singh and Jasdev Singh of the other group involved in the shootout.

As per sources, Makhan Singh had a wordy duel with Buta Singh over some old rivalry. One Sukhdev Singh tried to intervene in the matter but in return, faced a volley of fire from Pawan Kumar and died on the spot.

In the shootout, seven others were injured. They were identified as Swaran Kaur, Mohinder Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Tanvir and Rupinder Kaur, Jasdev Singh and Jaswinder Singh of the other group.

Five of the injured were admitted to the local civil hospital while the two critically injured were identified as Jasdev Singh and Jaswinder Singh.

The police have registered cases against Jaswinder Singh, Mohinder Singh, Pawan Kumar and Makhan Singh under various sections of the CrPC and the IPC.

Bathinda, November 26
The Bathinda police today claimed to have busted a gang of chain snatchers and arrested four persons in this connection. SSP Aashish Chaudhary said two motorcycles, mobile phones and gold ornaments had also been recovered from the four accused, who were arrested from the Bir Talab area.

They were identified as Rajesh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, both residents of Navi Basti, Gurtej Singh, a resident of Thermal Colony and Krishan Kumar of Kheta Basti.

He said the police was on the lookout for the other members of the gang, who used to snatch chains riding on stolen two-wheelers. The police had also recovered an air gun, its pellets and swords, disclosed the SSP. In another case, the police recovered 21 mobile phones stolen from IFFCO office and arrested Harwinder Singh of Dhobiana Basti. The police had started further investigations after having sought remand of the accused. — TNS

Abohar, November 26
Girls studying in science, commerce and IT classes in the DAV College here have now excelled at Red Cross camp. They had earlier brought laurels in the activities related to the National Service Scheme (NSS) besides youth festivals and recently-formed separate NCC unit as well.

Principal B.B. Sharma, while felicitating the female volunteers of the Red Cross unit today, informed that the college team was declared as best during the state-level camp held recently in Haridwar.

Preet Kamal and Simar got second prize individually in painting and dance competitions. The team was led by the last year’s Miss Physics Luxmideep. She was adjudged the best counsellor.

He further informed that the independent Red Cross unit was formed in the college around four years back. The team represented Punjab in the national camp held in Orissa and topped in essay writing competition under the able guidance of Dr Ravi Dutt Kaushik.

Recently, at the camp organised at Shimla for boys, a volunteer Arvind had won second prize in the state-level painting competition.

Meanwhile, Jaspreet Kaur, a BA first year student of Bhag Singh Hayer College for Women, village Kala Tibba, has won second prize during the gidha competition in the PU Inter Zone festival held recently at Doraha in Ludhiana district. Parminder Sharma, principal of the college, informed in a release on Wednesday.

Abohar, November 26
Leading horticulturists and owners of fruit grading and waxing units from different parts of the state today assembled here to form the Punjab State Association of Kinnow Waxing and Grading Plants. IFFCO chairman and progressive grower Surinder Kumar Jakhar was unanimously elected as the president of the organisation.

The participants discussed the problems that they had been facing in different spheres.

Jakhar exhorted the growers and plant owners to keep themselves updated about the technology for better yield and marketing avenues. The meeting resolved to charge Re 1 per kg for grading and waxing of kinnow fruit. The state government would be urged to withdraw the cess on carriage of the fruit besides giving other relief to promote horticulture in Punjab.

Later, Jakhar nominated Jaspinder Singh Jakhar as senior vice-president, Surinder Charaya as vice-president, Krishan Ahuja as general secretary, Paramjit Kamboj as finance secretary, Lalit Setia as joint secretary, Pappu Chhabra as organising secretary, Pardeep Dawra as press secretary and Raju Bhatia and Anshuman Dhawan as advisors of the association. — OC