Amritsar, January 22
The state special operations cell (SSOC), a counter Intelligence wing of the Punjab police, today seized 12 kg heroin. The seizure follows the interrogation of two Pakistani nationals Rashid Ahmad and Shaukat Ali, who were arrested by the cell on January 17. The SSOC today nabbed two of their Indian counterparts Sukhraj Singh alias Raju of Saurian village and Jarnail Singh of Naushehra Dhalla.

The contraband is estimated to be worth Rs 60 crore in the international market. However, one of their accomplices Balraj Singh, alias Raju Katta, who is the son of Jarnail Singh, dodged the raiding party and escaped from spot.

The contraband was a part of the consignment which the two Pakistani nationals had brought with them and handed over to their Indian counterparts near the border.

A part of the consignment had already reached a Nigerian smuggler living in Kharar, sources said.

Surjit Singh Mattu, AIG, Counter Intelligence, said Sukhraj and Jarnail were arrested while they were waiting for the consignment to be delivered at the Amritsar-Attari road.

A case under Section 21/ 25/ 29/ 61/ 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused.

It was the information which came to light during the interrogation of two Pakistani nationals that led to the seizure of fake currency worth Rs 15.50 lakh by the counter intelligence wing of Jalandhar, said Mattu.

The incident had led to the arrest of Punjab Police head constable Rattan Singh and a notorious smuggler Avinash Pandit in this connection.

“With the arrest of Sukhraj and Jarnail Singh, the entire nexus of the gang has been exposed. Earlier, the cell had arrested a Pakistani national followed by Rattan Singh and Avinash Pandit. Rashid and Shaukat had been given a part of the consignment, including a huge quantity of heroin and fake currency. Raids are being conducted to nab two of the remaining members of the nexus, including a Kharar-based Nigerian smuggler," said Mattu.

The consignment was sent to this side of the border on the instructions of Pakistan-based smugglers, including Abad Ali, Shekhawat Chaudhry and Jacob.

Mattu said further investigations were underway and more recoveries are likely to be made soon. A manhunt has also been launched to nab Balraj Singh and the Nigerian smuggler.

Amritsar, January 22
The authorities seem to be in a fix as to what to do with the bicycles distributed to girls belonging to the underprivileged section under the Mai Bhago scheme. Several of these cycles bearing the photographs of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal can be seen in the parking lot of Government Girls Senior Secondary School.

Even as the pictures were removed from the 108 Ambulance service on the directions of the Election Commission, yet in the absence of any clear-cut instructions, the CM continues to enjoy publicity on these. Bicycles were given to girls of Class XI and XII under Mai Bhago Scheme.

According to information, the CM had distributed around 1.5 lakh bicycles bearing his picture in front, clearly aimed at wooing the poor vote bank.

The officials say though it could be objectionable but no directions have been issued by the Election Commission about removing the pictures of CM. That's why the poll observers too are not taking cognizance of it so far.

Bishwa Nath Sinha, a poll observer designated for Amritsar (North), under whose jurisdiction the school comes, said he was not aware of any directions issued by the EC. “I don't have any knowledge about it. Yet, I have to consult the District Election Office before commenting,” he said.

In Bathinda, the observers have taken cognizance and submitted a report with the District Election Officer concerned while recommending that half the amount incurred on the bicycles bearing CM's pictures be accounted in the poll expenses of the area's SAD contender but in Amritsar no such notice has been taken yet.

Here, some poll observers felt that action can be initiated only if any individual or a political party submit a complaint about the violation of the poll code.

Anup Kumar, a poll observer from Amritsar West constituency said, "We take action only if someone submits a complaint about any violation of the code of conduct. Till date, no complaint has been submitted by any individual or political party, that's why we took no notice of it," he said.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Rajat Aggarwal, said, “Since the bicycles given to the students became their private property, it appeared to be beyond the jurisdiction of the poll code of conduct. Still, there is no clarity over the issue I will clarify it with the Chief Election Commission.”

Officials in the administration on the condition of anonymity said the CM’s photos prominently displayed on the school bags and bicycles given to school girls, as well as the blue ration cards issued to the underprivileged citizens were distributed in very large numbers and it was a cumbersome exercise to remove the CM's pictures pasted over them. “It is burdensome to take cognizance of over 15 lakh blue ration cards and over 2 lakh school bags and 1.5 lakh bicycles distributed in the state which bore the CM's photographs. That must be the reason that the EC is silent over it. Otherwise, what was the logic behind removing the CM's picture from the ambulances," advocated an official.

Amritsar, January 22
Om Parkash Soni, the Congress candidate from Amritsar central constituency is no political novice. A change of his constituency does not matter much to him as his social association and personal rapport with the people remained his USP even in this constituency.

Even in his busy campaigning schedule he finds time for social activities such as mass weddings of the poor, furnishing school fee of the poor children and giving medical aid to the needy that approach him.

Despite the fact that he is contesting from a new constituency this time, he claims to be popular among the residents. “I don't believe in wasting time criticising my rivals but to use the time in addressing the problems of the needy,” he claimed.

Banking upon his achievements during his tenure as the Mayor two decades ago, he promises that he will remove the grievances of the people. "You now I have delivered in the past also and if you give me a chance, I will do my best to provide every facility in the rural areas added in the constituency besides laying proper sewerage system," said Soni. A major portion of the constituency falls in the walled city which is known for its congested lanes. “People of the old walled city showered their love and gave me huge lead from the city when I contested last,” claimed Soni.

Amritsar, January 22
Continuing to be pillars of support to the men in their families, women family members of the political leaders in fray for the assembly elections have now jumped into the election campaign to garner support for their son's and husbands. They are otherwise away from the public eye and busy performing their behind the scenes roles as the daughter-in-laws, mothers and housewives.

Onkar Kaur Sandhu, the mother of Congress candidate from Amritsar North constituency, Karamjit Singh Rintu attends four to five public meetings daily to garner support for her son.

About the ongoing campaign, Onkar Kaur said, “My son has travelled a long distance. As a mother I know that he is committed to the cause of better living conditions for the poor." At a public meeting like her son, she too points out to the deteriorating law and order situation. "If my son gets elected, he will always stand by you. You will never complain that he is siding with the criminals or bullies,” she tells people.

These women are playing a vital role in the campaign, the mothers are portraying their son’s in a good light and the wives are convincing people to cast votes in their husbands' favour.

Monika Joshi, wife of sitting BJP MLA Anil Joshi contesting from the North constituency, is also busy conducting door-to-door campaigns. Monika says, “As a wife I know my husband like any other woman. I know he is passionate about the development of the area. She asks people to vote for her husband if they want all the facilities such as sewerage, streets, streetlights and drinking water in their areas.

The wife of Sunil Datti, the Congress candidate from Amritsar East, wife and mother of Raminder Singh Bolaria, SAD candidate from Amritsar South and family members of many other candidates are helping them in the poll battle. With only seven days left to the elections, the family members come all out in their support.

The husband of Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu is garnering support for his wife who is contesting on BJP ticket from East Constituency. Navjot Singh Sidhu said, "She has stood by my side, through thick and thin and now it is my turn.”

At public meetings sidhu said his wife left her government job to serve the people. “Her integrity and honesty as a doctor at the government hospital where she served is well known,” he tells people.

Amritsar, January 22
Several unidentified armed persons decamped with LPG cylinders from a godown on the Fatehgarh Churian road after tying the arms and legs of the watchman late last night.

The police has registered a case under Section 457, 380, 342, 506 IPC against 10 unidentified persons in this connection on the basis of a complaint by Arin Masih, the watchman.

Masih told the police that at 1.30 am he heard some noise outside Hans Raj godown. “As soon as I went out of the godown to look at what was happening, I saw the accused with their faces covered," he said.

He alleged that the accused thrashed him and took him in the corridor of the godown and tied his arms and legs. They ran away with seven carts of LPG cylinders from the godown.

The police authorities said a case has been registered and investigations were underway.

Amritsar, January 22
With Pakistan reducing the strength of the Pakistani Rangers along the Indo-Pak border, there has been a considerable increase in smuggling activities from across the border.

In the last few days, there have been two major incidents involving the arrest and subsequent killing of Pakistani smugglers. Large consignments of heroin were also seized from them.

The Pakistan Rangers' strength has been reduced along the border as the personnel have been diverted towards the highly-volatile North-West Frontier. The Pakistan government's step has aided the movement of Pak-based smugglers at the border.

Ironically, no Pakistani official had come forward for a flag meeting called in by the BSF officials to raise a protest following the firing incident near Bharopal village in which an unidentified Pakistani smuggler was shot dead while he was trying to pump in heroin and fake currency.

Just some constables of Pakistan's Satluj Rangers came forward to inform that they would ask their officials in this regard. The Pakistani authorities have also declined to claim the body of the deceased smuggler.

In the intervening night of January 16-17, the State Special Operation Cell, a counter intelligence wing of Punjab Police nabbed two notorious Pakistani smugglers, identified as Rashid Ahmad and Shaukat Ali, who had crossed over to India from an area in Ajnala sector.

Various security and intelligence agencies are grilling the two to know their entry point in India. They had dumped a huge consignment of heroin and fake currency in the river belt somewhere in the Ajnala sector before they were caught by the police.

"Although, we could not trace the exact location from where they had sneaked in, we have found definite clues about the gaps in the river border," said Aditya Mishra, IG, BSF while talking to The Tribune.

It is pertinent to mention here that the BSF was already on high alert due to the foggy weather conditions, standing wheat crops and ensuing Assembly elections.

"We have already enhanced our strength at the border and installed special equipments besides stepping up the vigil to thwart any anti-national activity at the border," said R P Jaswal, DIG BSF.

Amritsar, January 22
As the holy city got itself ready to host the first-ever The Gold City Marathon this year, the 'Run for the City' campaign got started at the Town hall today with much fervour and excitement. Hundreds of citizens, joined by school children and senior citizens, braved the early morning winter chill to run and walk for the city and its proud history.

Led by Pride of Punjab --- Fauja Singh, the 100 year old renowned athlete, who has become an inspiration for one and all --- took part in the 'Run for the City' and 'Citizen Walk', organised by the Amritsar Tourism Outreach Programme ahead of ‘The Gold City Marathon Amritsar-2012’ (TGCMA). The campaign is aimed at creating an awareness about the cultural, historical and heritage significance of the holy city.

Along with Fauja Singh, enthusiastic civil society members, NGOs, educational institutions, corporate houses and anybody who feels like a part of the city participated in the program. The run took 5.36km round route, around the Golden Temple complex.

Fauja Singh too expressed his happiness over such enthusiastic response. "Everyone should feel for the city and maintain its glorious history,” he said.

Amritsar, January 22
With poll season in full swing and politicians and their workers using fuel-guzzling SUVs, MUVs and other diesel-run vehicles for campaigning, the consumption of diesel has shot up in the state in Janaury.

The Punjab Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said diesel consumption has risen by almost 7 per cent in comparison to last month figures.

PPDA president JP Khanna said sale of diesel has gone up because of the election season.

Fuel filling station owners and officials in oil marketing companies though admitted that diesel sales have increased, they said there might be more factors other than election season which could have resulted in the increased consumption of diesel.

As per the data with the PPDA, about 85 lakh litre of diesel is consumed on an average in the state daily.

They said another reason was the jump in sales of diesel-run cars over petrol-run vehicles as there is a rumour that petrol would touch Rs 100 per litre.

Amritsar, January 22
As many as 12 NGOs have come together to set up a joint platform to motivate people to exercise their vote.

The activists of these NGOs have been distributing pamphlets to the public to encourage them to be a part of the democratic process than sitting at home and doing nothing.

Gurbhej Singh of Mission Aagaaz, one of the NGOs, said, "If we don't want dharnas and protest against the government, then we must elect candidates who can deliver results and provide good governance. We can save ourselves from worries tomorrow if we make a right decision today."

The NGOs include Amritsar Vikas Manch, Awaaj Foundation, Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Foklore Research Academy, Global Institute for Childhood Disability, International Welfare Association, Kiran Society, Lok Kalyan Samiti, Mission Aagaaj, Saathi, Taraksheel Society and Terrorist Victim Welfare Manch.

In a separate endeavour, Onkar Welfare Society initiated an awareness campaign 'Protect your Freedom-Rock the Vote' from the Heritage Club. Society's vice-president, Manvdeep Singh said people can make their MLAs accountable only by exercising their right to vote.

Amritsar, January 22
Here’s another Punjabi singer on the block who understands the potential of popular music genre and its benefits to boost the folk traditions. Singer Feroz Khan who launched his latest album ‘Chittiyan Wangaan’ or white bangles in Amritsar believes that folk music is popular because of the glamourised treatment given to it by upcoming singers.

“Folk music has scope but only if its given a new treatment. The potential of traditional music is there as it is the basis of popular music but for selling it needs a makeover,” says the singer.

His album which is primarily a folk music album has eight songs and is his sixth independent work. “I have been doing playback singing for Punajbi films and I also sung for Salman Khan in London Dreams,” he says. While Feroz has found his comfort zone in playback singing, launching his own album takes a lot of his time and effort. “It’s not easy to market a music album as there are a lot of alternate portals now to sell music. Like online music websites that offer songs for free. All this has effected the business.”

Though he still believes that online portals do provide a one-on-one interaction between the artist and their audiences.

Feroz believes that Punjabi singers have now other positive avenues to explore than just music aalbums and Punjabi films. “Bollywood has opened its doors to Punajbi singers like never before. They are promoting Punajbi entertainment industry which in turn is profiting as lot of new talent is coming up. But one has to be based in Mumbai to get successful playback offers in Bollywood which is not possible as Punajbi singers priortise their regional audience and NRI audiences more.”

Amritsar, January 22
The big fat Punjabi weddings, especially in the heart of Punjab, can never be complete without liquor.

With the Election Commission declaring January 28 to January 30 dry days, many weddings and other celebrations falling on those days have been postponed in the city.

Rajbir Sigh Gill's wedding was scheduled to take place at BM Resorts on Amritsar-Attari road on January 30. He said the family fixed the date before the announcement of election dates and now announcement of dry days has forced his family to postpone the event to February 1.

Bhupinder Singh, proprietor of leading photograph outlet in the city, said three functions (a wedding anniversary and two marriages) have been postponed due to the liquor ban from January 28-30.

Many families are reluctant to tone down celebrations and at the same time they are not ready to earn the wrath of the Election Commission.