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Candidate, supporters booked
7 snatching, robbery incidents in 3 days
Voters urged not to skip poll date
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Bolaria park’s name plaque, statue uncovered
Amritsar, January 29 The famous Sakattri Bagh, which had been rechristened Raminder Singh Bolaria Memorial Park after the name of the father of sitting SAD MLA Inderbir Singh Bolaria in the Amritsar (South) constituency, drew attention of one and all today when the park’s name on its gate and the statue of the leader, which were earlier covered on the directions of the Election Commission (EC), were found uncovered.
Political parties’ hoardings, posters continue to flood holy city
Change is what voters are looking for
Electorates can use other ID cards: EC
Candidates’ last minute efforts
Voters applaud vigilant EC
Regularising illegal colonies likely to contradict Amritsar Master Plan
Narcotics worth Rs 6.25 lakh destroyed
Cleft surgery conducted
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Candidate, supporters booked
Amritsar, January 29 The two constituencies have been categorised as highly sensitive. The candidates in these two constituencies have been at daggers drawn right from the start of the election campaign. Today’s incidents in which Senior Deputy Mayor Ajaybir Pal Singh Randhawa, a close confidant of SAD’s rebel candidate Gurpartap Singh Tikka, and Congress candidate Karamjit Singh Rintu have been booked in Amritsar (South) and Amritsar (North) constituencies, respectively, is the result of tension building up over the last few days. While Tikka is pitted against SAD candidate and sitting MLA Inderbir Singh Bolaria and Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Rintu is contesting against sitting BJP MLA Anil Joshi. In the Amritsar (North) constituency, it all started with one of the BJP supporter shifting loyalty towards the Congress and his subsequent “disappearance” from his residence. Rintu had alleged that Sahib Singh, who had recently joined the Congress, was brutally thrashed by BJP supporters and kidnapped from his residence. However, he resurfaced after a few days and claimed that he had gone to his relative’s home in order to save himself. Later, Rintu raised the issues of the seizure of a huge quantity of liquor from a supporter of Joshi on the complaint of Congress worker and fake voters in the voting list. Last midnight, a BJP supporter was allegedly thrashed and pressurised by the Congress candidate and another party leader Navdeep Goldy. Following which, Rintu and Goldy were booked by the Civil Lines police. Anil Joshi held a press conference to inform this to the media. However, the charges were strongly refuted by Rintu, while alleging that the police was hand in glove with the BJP sitting MLA. He said it was Tarsem Masih and his supporters who had attacked him and his supporters. The bitterness between Tikka and SAD candidate Bolaria is not a hidden truth now. Tikka and his aide Randhawa along with several others supporters were expelled from the party for showing their dissidence and a revolt against the party. Randhawa and several other supporters were booked by the police for allegedly attacking a supporter of Bolaria. Randhawa, however, dubbed the charges as fabricated. Instead, he said, it was Bolaria’s supporters who were fighting with each other and he had intervened to sort out the matter. RP Mittal, Commissioner of Police, said a cross case had been registered in Rintu’s incident after his written statement. “Last night when Rintu has called me up I had suggested him to give his statement in writing as Tarsem Masih had already given his complaint on the basis of which the Civil Lines police had registered a case. Rintu gave his statement to the police in the morning, following which we have registered a cross case and investigation are on,” said Mittal. He revealed that considering the sensitivity in these two constituencies they had already deployed extra forces there.
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7 snatching, robbery incidents in 3 days
Amritsar, January 29 The police has failed miserably in curbing the crime in the city. The residents, especially women, feel insecure while going to markets and other places. Miscreants snatch their gold chains, earrings, etc, sometimes leaving them seriously injured. The tourists are becoming an easy target for them. Rising drug menace is said to be the major cause behind the growing incidences of snatchings and robberies, while the easy availability of arms and sharp-edged weapons have further aggravated the problem as the miscreants have become more dreaded and feel no fear while committing the crime. On the eve of Republic Day, when the police was on its heels, a resident of Guru Bazaar, Raj Kumar, was robbed by five miscreants in an auto-rickshaw. He had returned from Jammu at about 4 am and hired the auto-rickshaw from outside the railway station for the Golden Temple. However, instead of going towards Bhandari Bridge they took him to Kachehari Chowk on the pretext of filling petrol. On reaching Kachehari Chowk, they attacked him with sharp-edged weapons and robbed him of Rs 17,000, a driving licence and two mobile phones. Neeta Lalwani, a resident of Saint Xaveir School, Aadipur, Gujarat, will not forget her experience in the holy city, but not for good reasons. Two unidentified youth snatched her bag containing Rs 10,000, passports, mobile phones, ATM card and other important documents when she was going to the Golden Temple from the railway station. A tourist couple was looted when it was coming from Darbar Sahib after paying obeisance. Maan Singh, resident of Ludhiana, told the police that two miscreants snatched the purse of his wife Sukhjit Kaur, containing Rs 7,000, gold ornaments and mobile phone. In another incident, Jaswinder Kaur of Meera Kot, located at Ajnala Road, complained to the cantonment police that two motorcycle-borne youths snatched her purse containing Rs 10,000, gold jewellery and mobile phones when she was returning to her home on her scooter.
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Voters urged not to skip poll date
Amritsar, January 29 The organisation also conducted a reality check to asses the knowledge of general public regarding their candidates and constituencies. Deepak Babbar of the Mission Aagaaj said, “It has came to light that many people, even educated and professionals, are not well aware of the candidates in their respective constituencies.” He asked the students to request their parents to cast their votes only after through investigation of the candidates. The Joint Effort, a consortium of organisations for creating awareness on election issues, is also distributing pamphlets to ask people to exercise their right to vote. The organisations are the 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, Saathi, Taraksheel Society and Terrorist Victim Welfare Manch. Gurpreet Singh, a local paper artist, tried to make people aware of their right to vote with the help of a large size election stamp made of paper in the Hall Bazaar area.
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Bolaria park’s name plaque, statue uncovered
Amritsar, January 29 On the lines of the move in Uttar Pradesh to cover statues of elephants, the Election Commission had directed the district administration to cover the name of the park as well as the statue of Raminder Singh Bolaria about a fortnight back. The EC had issued these directions in the wake of a complaint lodged by the Congress. Abiding by these orders, barring the foundation stone, which was unveiled on December 12 by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, the district electoral staff got the name of the park inscribed on its main entrance and the statue installed inside, covered with black polythene sheets, as these were supposed to be violating the election code of conduct, enforced since December 24. After inquiring about the matter it was revealed that today’s move was made by the district administration only after getting fresh clarification from the EC. Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Electoral Officer Rajat Aggarwal said the name plaque and the statue had been uncovered as per the fresh directions of the EC only. “The communique from the Election Commission clarified that the leader whom this park has been dedicated to is no more and hence this does not violate the code of conduct. Therefore, we have removed the covers,” he said. Incidentally, this historic park, originally known as Sakattri Bagh, had also raised controversy when the SAD leadership got it renovated after spending Rs 5 crore and dedicated it to the party leader posthumously.
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Political parties’ hoardings, posters continue to flood holy city
Amritsar, January 29 On the instructions of the Election Commission, District Electoral Officer Rajat Aggarwal had passed orders to all the candidates to remove their hoardings, posters or any poll-related material after 5 pm yesterday in the wake of the poll code of conduct, but nobody cared. These leaders or would-be leaders have made the mockery of the system without any guilt or shame, the residents felt. The posters and hoardings of the SAD-BJP alliance still dot the public places boasting of “development works”, which in fact, too, could never meet the set deadline and were delayed inordinately. Similarly, the Congress, too, did not lag behind in littering every nook and corner of the holy city with their hoardings. These hoardings bearing the alliance’s pet slogan “What others don’t think, we deliver” would start staring at the commuters from the entry point of the Amritsar-Jalandhar main elevated road. There are at least seven more giant hoardings of BJP representative from Amritsar (East) Dr Navjot Sidhu on the rooftops of buildings located beneath the elevated road. Naresh Johar, a commuter, while criticising the alliance leaders for defacing the city and violating the Election Commission’s directions without any shame, was finding the Congress as a rule-abiding party as he could not find its hoardings, but soon it proved wrong. “I was wondering that all the hoardings belonged to either the SAD or the BJP. But my assumption was defeated the moment I reached the end point of the elevated road, which joins the Bhandari Bridge, as I found the same number of PPCC president Capt Amrinder Singh and his supporters’ huge hoardings. Then I realised that all are of the same mentality and hardly do they think about the welfare of the holy city in its true letter and spirit. “A Municipal Corporation team was spotted removing some of the hoardings from the Hall Gate and Crystal Chowk areas this morning, but the leaders, who will represent people in the Assembly, proving themselves to be irresponsible and law-breakers, residents said. Nevertheless, these hoardings (at least 14-foot long and another two at least 6-foot wide), by all means are sheer violation of the election code of conduct. At the Rialto chowk, more big hoardings of the alliance bearing the picture of CM Badal bragging about various projects are there on unipoles. Similarly, giant hoardings of BJP representative from Amritsar (North) Anil Joshi and Congress representative Karamjit Rintu still stand on the rooftops of commercial buildings adjoining the Novelty chowk on Lawrence Road. The walls of Nehru Shopping Complex, too, is litterd with posters of both these leaders. Besides, the inside areas of the walled city, various parts of Ram Bagh, Batala Road and Lohgarh areas have been defaced with posters of political parties. More posters can be seen at Indira Colony, Gulmohar Avenue, Diamond Avenue, the Green Field and areas of the walled city. District Electoral Officer cum-Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal said, “It is sheer violation of the election code of conduct. Stern action will be taken against the leaders who did not care to abide by the directions of the EC. We are preparing a report in this regard, which will be sent to the Chief Election Commission. Though, the Municipal Corporation teams have been deputed to remove these hoardings, but the cost of removing these hoardings would be borne by the candidate themselves.”
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Change is what voters are looking for
Amritsar, January 29 Residents here revealed that they will vote for the candidate and not the party. In an interaction with The Tribune, Beero, an old woman from Maqboolpura area in East constituency, said, "Drugs have destroyed hundreds of families in Maqboolpura area. When males become addicted, the women suffer. As a woman I will vote for one who can bring an end to this." She said development makes no sense when people become drug addicts. Amritsar Central constituency has problems that range from garbage disposal issue to traffic congestion and poor basic amenities. Surjit Singh, a shopkeeper in Katra Baghian area, said, "The traffic is so bad that people refrain from coming to this place. They prefer to go to outer city areas where they can find a place for parking their vehicles." He said the walled city was suffering from traffic congestion. The voters in Amritsar West constituency, which used to be an industrial hub, want industrialisation here. Lakhbir Singh, a resident of Guru Ki Wadalli village, said, "The area was prosperous and crime free. Youngsters used to find work at factories here. But now due to unemployment they have started taking drugs." In North constituency, voters want better streets and proper street lights. The high tension wires running over residential localities are a great concern for the people here. "The wires are just two to three feet above the roofs. People are afraid to be on roof tops. Though some wires have been removed, others are still here," said Jeevan Ram, a resident. He said candidates have promised to remove the wires. In Amritsar South, garbage dumps and sewerage are key issues concerning the voters here. "Sultanwind area urgently needs a sewerage system," said Sanjeev Rattan, a resident.
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Electorates can use other ID cards: EC
Amritsar, January 29 He said the Election Commission of India (ECI) had issued these directions with regard to Assembly He said electorates without voter cards can vote by showing their other photo identity cards such as Photo certificate of SC, ST and OBCs issued before December 31, pension book of retired government employees and widows could also be used for casting ballots. Photo Icards of freedom fighters, arms licenses with photo, handicapped certificates, and photo smart card of insurance scheme and job cards issued under MGNREGA could also be used. Aggarwal said it was mandatory for NRI voters, who have become voters after showing details of their passports, to show their passports before casting of votes.
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Candidates’ last minute efforts
Amritsar, January 29 The Congress candidate from Amritsar Central OP Soni said he would manage to take out time for rest only after the election. “There is no chance for rest now,” he said. Soni along with members of his inner circle was busy assigning poll duties to his supporters and party workers. BJP’s Anil Joshi from Amritsar North today visited houses of some people before assigning poll duties to party workers. When asked regarding fatigue, Joshi said warm response of people has washed away his tiredness. He said response of people encouraged him to invest more time in canvassing. “I am getting four hours of sleep everyday since the beginning of poll campaign,” he added. Sanjha Morcha’s Amarjit Singh Assal said he visited parts of Chheharta and Puttalighar to meet people today. He said face to face interaction with the people gave him the chance to understand their needs. The Congress candidate from Amritsar South Jasbir Sigh Dimpa said there was no time for leisure. He has devoted his day on meeting people and assigning poll duties.
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Voters applaud vigilant EC
Amritsar, January 29 A resident of Majitha road, Hari Om Goyal, said he praises the Election Commission for keeping a check on unnecessary money and muscle power usage. However, he said this time he didn’t feel it was election time. He said he missed the festive spirit that is usual attach to elections. “Colourful buntings and flags were missing this time,” he added. A trader, Amit Khanna, said the sale of election campaign materials like flags, siropas, caps, pens and badges went down this year. There were limited customers and his shop barely managed to exhaust the stock, he said. He said officials of Election Commission kept a tight watch on the sale of poll materials and visited his outlet at Hall Gate too. Apparently tab on expenses reduced the sale of election materials. He also added that the EC’s strict measures prevented squabble and street fights. “It definitely hit our income but law and order situation remained under control.” He recalled that earlier disputes used to occur between parties workers over a trivial issue like installing a flag. An industrialist, Kamal Dalmia, credited the EC for maintaining law and order in the state for over a month. He said crores of illegal money and huge quantity of liquor were seized for good. He said if the EC could maintain such strictness for a month then the state government should be able to do so through out the year. residents
speak
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Regularising illegal colonies likely to contradict Amritsar Master Plan
Amritsar, January 29 The AMP promises congestion free wide roads, separate residential and commercial areas. It states that interior roads must be 25 feet wide and also mentions about setting up of parks and green belt in residential colonies. But these unapproved localities have maximum 20 feet wide roads. Besides, residents have opened up shops as per their need which further resulted in congestion. Parks and green belts do not exist at all. Some of the colonises have been built on agricultural areas. The Municipal Town Planning (MTP) department does not even have the exact data on land occupied by unauthorised colonies and undoubtedly people here are living without proper basic civic amenities. Municipal Town Planner Shakti Bhatia said the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) told his department about 253 illegal colonies within the jurisdiction of the AMC. Bhatia however said following the regularisation of these colonies, the MTP would issue maps, would accept development charges. The civil department of the AMC would provide civic amenities like roads, street lights, and sewerage and proper water supply connections. About identifying the colonisers and charging them development fee, Bhatia said it would be an uphill task to identify the colonisers. He said colonisers could be found in those cases where the PUDA had acted legally. “As per the law, residents of an area with over 100 houses can put their cases under an area councillor or the area’s development society after submitting proper documents,” he said. He rejected allegation that the regularising unauthorised colonises would violate the AMP. He also added that the status of these areas would not change from residential to commercial one. The residents of these areas would have to pay development charges depending upon the area of their houses, he said. As per the established norms houses built on up to 50 square yard were exempted from development charges. Surjit Singh, a resident of New Green Field, said he had constructed the house in the locality about a decade ago expecting that sewerage system and roads would be constructed soon. He said the agent had assured him of basic amenities within a year but nearly ten years have lapsed since then. A resident of Nagina Avenue, Rajinder Marwaha, said electric power lines near their house have caused many accidents in the past. He said he was left with no choice but to compromise with the plot he had bought in the unapproved colony.
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Narcotics worth Rs 6.25 lakh destroyed
Amritsar, January 29 The intoxicants were seized from Amritsar city, Amritsar rural police district, Batala, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran police districts. The destroyed contraband included heroin, poppy husk, smack, charas, narcotics powder, capsules/tablets, injections and bhang. The DIG said they was destroyed in the open, but keeping in view the detrimental effects on environment. On January 5, narcotics worth Rs 1.08 crore was also destroyed.
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Cleft surgery conducted
Amritsar, January 29 The Project Director Dr Ravi Mahajan said the Smile Train project crew spotted Mohan Singh, resident of Ferozpur, with cleft lip. “He was ignorant about the surgery and thus failed to get operation done that requires 45 minutes only. He has four brothers and all are married, except him,” said Mahajan. He also said since the start of the project, September 2004, as many as 3,500 free cleft lip surgeries have been conducted. Mahajan said the project is financed by a USA-based charitable trust, which pays for medicines, hospital stay, food, travel costs and loss of wages by the poor patients or their parents. He added that because of poverty or superstitions, many patients fail to get the surgery done. “Many of the cleft patients need prolonged dental treatment and speech therapy. The treatment usually costs something between Rs 20,000 to 30,000. The trust does it for free,” said Mahajan.
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Going by today’s developments, the apprehensions of poll violence may come true in the urban constituencies of Amritsar (North) and Amritsar (South) on the polling day tomorrow.
