The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Investigations hit dead end PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 It has been 15 days since 10-year-old Gurkirat Singh’s body was recovered, but the police seems to have reached a dead end in the sensational murder case. The police has miserably failed to identify and arrest the accused responsible for the boy’s murder. The police officials entrusted with the investigations in the case said every clue found during the probe could not yield the desired results. Police Commissioner Ram Singh, however, claimed that even though the investigations have taken more than expected time, the police would soon nab the perpetrators of the crime. But the repeated assurances by the police officials have provided little comfort to the family who lost their beloved son. There is an uneasy calm in the area. The people are very critical about the police functioning in the case so far. Even the people from neighbouring villages are coming to Verka, where Gurkirat family is settled, to express their solidarity with the bereaved family. Gurkirat’s mother was yet to come to the terms over the loss of her younger son. His father Angrej Singh was unhappy with the police which has failed to get any significant breakthrough. “We are in a dilemma. We have earned more enmity because of police investigations. The police teams picked up our relatives and released them after a couple of days when they found nothing. Due to this, our relatives are now turning against us as they were facing unnecessary harassment at the hands of the police,” said Angrej Singh. “First the police took the Gurkirat’s kidnapping lightly when the family approached them by saying that he might have gone somewhere and would return. If the police has taken prompt action at that time, the Gurkirat might not have been killed,” he rued. “Then during the search operation, they searched half of the residences. This gave the culprits a chance to dispose off the body near the boy’s residence itself. Now the police is finding it difficult to find the culprits involved in the brutal murder of Gurkirat,” said another family member. During investigations, the police had rounded up 12 persons for questioning, but all of them were let off. Gurkirat had gone missing on November 7 from his locality in Verka and his body was found dumped at a secluded place just a few yards away from his house on November 16. Police Commissioner Ram Singh claimed that “There is nothing at present which we can share with the media. But I can assure that we are very close to capturing the culprits.” Gurkirat Murder case Sequence of events 10-year-old Gurkirat Singh goes missing on November 7 The police registers a kidnapping case on November 10. Earlier, the police has lodged a missing report Gurkirat’s body was found dumped near house on Nov 16 Investigations The police has miserably failed to identify and arrest the accused responsible for the boy’s murder. During investigations, the police had rounded up 12 persons for questioning, but all of them were let off Parent speak First the police took the Gurkirat’s kidnapping lightly when the family approached them. Now, the police teams picked up our relatives and released them after a couple of days when they found nothing — Angrej Singh, father Police speak We are very close to capturing the culprits — Ram Singh, Police commissioner
	Dr Sidhu launches grand project for a vibrant Amritsar Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 Chief Parliamentary Secretary Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu launched a pilot project, Vibrant Amritsar, in association with the Art of Living at the Community Health Centre at Verka here today. Dr Sidhu said ‘Vibrant Amritsar’ is a joint effort by the Art of Living, state and Union governments. She said she had personally discussed the project with Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who has assured all assistance for the project. She said mass de-addiction camps would be organised by the Art of Living. She said medicines for the purpose would be provided free of cost. She said the project envisages screening the entire adult population for anemia, hypertension, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. She said further tests and treatment for cardio vascular diseases and diabetes would be available in government hospitals under the National Program for Health Care of the Elderly. She said under the project, efforts would be made to uplift the socio-economic status of residents. She said the socio-economic programme which includes ensuring Aadhaar cards for all, zero balance bank account for all, camps for pension benefits, blue cards, Bebe Nanki Scheme, toilets for each house, kutcha/pucca house benefits, bio-digesters at public places, dustbins in localities would be first implemented in the Amritsar East Constituency. She said at the later stages, the programme would be implemented in entire city. She said biogas and biomass plants would be set up wherein solar energy would be generated from bio-digestible garbage. She further added that sewage treatment plants would also be set up under the project. She said with active participation of the police, mass checking of all shops selling habit forming drugs would be conducted. She said around 300 police personnel have completed a short and basic course of ‘Art of Living’ in the past three days. She said Novartis, a multinational company, would assist in maintaining the health care system by appointing permanent health educators and drug supervisors. She said Chaupal, a Swadeshi Jagaran Foundation, would be working for the uplift of the poor and landless by providing micro financing. She said children not going to school would be motivated and supported to join schools. She said the project would ensure health care for all, as people would be motivated to refrain from quacks and build confidence in government hospitals as enough generic drugs are going to be provided in all hospitals very soon. She said a request has been sent for a clearance from the Punjab government for opening nine Jan Aushidhi stores in the city. Pilot project ‘Vibrant Amritsar’ is a joint effort by the Art of Living, state and Union governments. Under the project, mass de-addiction camps will be organised by the Art of Living. It also envisages screening of the entire adult population for anemia, hypertension, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Efforts will be made to uplift the socio-economic status of residents. Biogas and biomass plants will be set up wherein solar energy will be generated from bio-digestible garbage
	‘Anhe Ghore Da Daan’ gives new identity to Punjabi cinema Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 A Punjabi film travelling over 13 countries, featuring in most prestigious film festivals across the globe and winning awards and accolades is a feat unthinkable, given the status Punjabi cinema has off late acquired for itself. But filmmaker Gurvinder Singh was not thinking about achievements or breaking the cliché when he made ‘Anhe Ghore Da Daan’. By becoming the first-ever Punjabi film to travel to international festival circuits, ‘Anhe Ghore Da Daan’ has filled the gap created by a lack of meaningful cinema in Punjab. It was the first Punjabi film screened at the Venice International Film Festival in 2011. It was also screened at the 55th BFI London Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival the same year. The film won the Special Jury Mention and the Black Pearl Trophy at the 5th Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival, Rotterdam 2012. This was the first film in Punjabi to have four house full in Munich. Not to mention the three national awards it won last year, making the best Punjabi film of 2011. Now, winning the coveted Golden Peacock at the recently concluded 43rd International Film Festival of India at Goa, the film has proved its worth. And all this came when Punjab was crying out loud for alternate depictions. While even its director, Gurvinder Singh didn’t expect so much of praise and so many awards, noted writer Gurdial Singh, on whose novel the film is based on, too found himself ‘quite surprised’ by the film’s acclaim. “I had written the story way back in 1976, mostly imagining the scenario the film currently portrays. The plight of farmers and the gradual depletion of the way of life in our villages has been highlighted through the film, which is a completely justified visual adaptation of my story,” says Gurdial Singh. The noted writer was moved by the fact that finally the Punjabi language has found the recognition through the visual medium. “The problem is that Punjabi cinema is working around the same formula of entertainment and the audience is not ready to commit towards serious cinema. Stark realities are ignored at 70mm, but with Anhe Ghore Da Daan, things might change for the better,” he shares. While the Punjabi literary circuit is glad to have found a visual aide after the celebrated film, Gurvinder Singh, the director of the film, seems unaffected by all the talk. “I don’t want to make cult cinema or change perceptions, I just want to make good films. I think it’s time we take cinema seriously; make mature, honest films; get more critical of our society. It can happen by adapting literature or bringing in original concepts.” He is not a strong supporter of the popular culture, though. Nodding in agreement is Amritsar-based writer Baldev Singh. “Punjabi language, be it cinema or literature is not associated with substantial work, thanks to the loud portrayal through films. Even the audience is not favourable towards thought-provoking cinema and so such films are restricted to only festival circuits. Tell me how many multiplexes and single screens are showing Ahne Ghore Da Daan or how many people will go to watch the film? There is so much more to be done, but the only satisfaction comes with the knowledge that serious attempts towards meaningful Punjabi cinema are being awarded.” Raining awards The film won the Special Jury Mention and the Black Pearl Trophy at the 5th Abu Dhabi Film Festival and the Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival, Rotterdam 2012. It also won three national awards last year. The film also bagged Golden Peacock award at the recently concluded 43rd International Film Festival of India at Goa Writer speak The problem is that Punjabi cinema is working around the same formula of entertainment and the audience is not ready to commit towards serious cinema. Stark realities are ignored at 70mm, but with Anhe Ghore Da Daan, things might change for the better — Gurdial Singh, on whose novel the film is based on
	World Aids Day Health dept, students spread awareness on AIdS Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 The city saw various functions on World AIDS Day on Saturday. To create awareness against HIV and AIDS, the Health Department organised a function at the Community Health Centre at Verka. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu presided over the function. Speaking on the occasion, various experts expressed concern over the increase in cases of AIDS patients in the state. Dr Sidhu said the rise in the number of injectable drug users has increased chances of spread of AIDS. She said the Health Department has made elaborate plans to take youngsters away from drugs. She said drug addiction is a disease and addicts should be treated in a scientific way. Dr Karanjit Singh, Director, Health and Family Welfare, laid emphasis on the safety aspect. He informed about the various facilities provided by the health department. In another function, students and teachers of Khalsa College Public School (KCPS) took a pledge to work for creating awareness to control AIDS. They swore to act as ‘soldiers’ to control the deadly disease during an AIDS awareness camp organised in the school. School principal Dr Sarvjit Kaur Brar said people should take precautions. She said discipline in life can also be of help to get rid of the infectious disease. The students were informed about the disease by Dr Manpreet Kaur. Replying to the queries put forward by students, she also educated them about the misconceptions associated with the disease. An awareness camp for students was also organised at Ryan International School. The students were educated about the disease with the help of a powerpoint presentation showing various stages of HIV and AIDS. Fortis Escorts Hospital too organised a candlelight march to create awareness about the disease. An AIDS awareness camp was organised at Khalsa College today by Red Ribbon Club of the college, in collaboration with the Department of Physiotherapy and State AIDS Control Society. College principal Dr Daljit Singh stressed on the need of more awareness and precautionary measures to check the spread of the deadly disease. He said as the cure was yet to be fully available, only precautions can stop the spread of HIV. Rajana Chawla, district resource person, State AIDS Control Society, also spoke about the need for awareness. He said youngsters especially students must come forward to create effective awareness about the disease. Red Ribbon Society Convenor Dr Charanjit Singh, Co-Convenor, Dr.Anubhooti Ahuja, students of the department and members of Red Ribbons Society were present in large number.
	Cancer survey in district begins Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 Industry Minister Anil Joshi flagged off the cancer survey at Bhai Dharam Singh Satellite Hospital today. Addressing the public and members of survey teams, Joshi said detection of cancer at a preliminary stage is very crucial for its successful treatment. He said the survey would help assess the prevalence of cancer in the state. He asked the team members to conduct the survey with dedication considering it as a service to humanity and nation. He said the health teams would visit each and every house during the 21-day campaign. Dr Karanjit Singh, Director, Health and Family Welfare, said suspected patients identified during the survey would undergo cancer detection tests and all treatment facilities would be provided by the government. He also appealed to the general public to supply correct information to the visiting team members. Others present on the occasion included Civil Surgeon Dr Yash Mitra, District Family Welfare Officer Dr Ranjit Singh Buttar, District Health Officer Dr Shivkaran Singh Kahlon, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr Prabhdeep Kaur and ophthalmologist Sanjeev Kumar. cancer survey kicks off A survey to detect cancer cases was flagged off at Bhai Dharam Singh Satellite Hospital today Students of various nursing institutes apart from ASHA workers and health employees will visit each and every house during the campaign 824 villages to be covered As many as 824 villages in the district will be covered during the campaign. 1,123 ASHA workers, 55 ASHA facilitators, 272 ANMs, 179 male workers and 75 supervisors would conduct the survey in the rural areas. In urban areas, 1,600 nursing students and 81 ANMs would conduct the survey
	All arrangements in place for int’l trade expo Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 As many as 350 stalls would be installed under 11 different trade categories in the 7th edition of the five-day state level PHD-Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) from December 6. Jointly organised by the state government and the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would inaugurate the trade exhibition. Different trade exhibitions will be set up under India Expo, Punjab Auto, Food and Farm, health, Education, Tax, Brand street, Real and Finance and Globex. Besides, Punjab pavilion will be a cynosure among the pavilions. Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal said the district administration has completed all the arrangements to host the PITEX which would be organised for the fifth consecutive year. He claimed that the biggest ever trade delegation from Pakistan would reach here to take part in this edition. He said members from Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shekhupura Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Jhang Chamber of Commerce and Industry would participate in the expo. He said the bilateral trade between India and Pakistan would receive a thrust. “Integrated check post having become operational and Lahore being located less than 40 km away besides availability of world class quality infrastructure and international connectivity in shape of international airport will catapult the trade scene to new height,” he said. He said the outbound trade would receive thrust this time as the industrialists and traders from the region would have an opportunity to explore business opportunities in African countries as well. Dr Samuel Mbambo, High Commissioner, Namibia; Richard Frege, trade counselor, Namibia; Mohammed Hacene Echarif, High Commissioner, Embassy of Algeria; Tarekazouz Ambassador, Republic of Tunisia; besides representatives from Algeria, Benin, Rwanda, Sudan and Morrocco are anticipated to participate in the PITEX. “A seminar on ‘Business Opportunities in Africa’ will be held on the second day of PITEX (December 8), wherein High Commissioners and Trade Counselors from various African countries would participate and give presentations to the local industry associations about the trade potential and various trade opportunities available in their respective countries,” he said.
	Senior citizens stand inconvenienced at govt hospitals Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 Senior citizens at the government health institutions are a harried lot as the hospitals have failed to follow around 20-year-old state government's instructions to arrange for separate queues to facilitate them. The instructions were first issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department in 1993. However, during a visit to many government institutions, including Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, elderly persons were seen standing in long queues along with younger people. The general secretary of the Punjab Employees Rights Protection and Welfare Union, BR Preenja, said, "The then (1993) Director of Research and Medical Education had explicitly instructed the hospitals to arrange separate queues for the elderly. It is highly unjustified that senior citizens are not facilitated as per the instructions." He said it had become difficult for senior citizens and pensioners to get treatment from the specialists at government institutions as they could not stand for long hours in the queues. Preenja added that the Medical Superintendent of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital had issued instructions to the doctors on August 1, 2001, but the things did not change for the better. Not only Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, but others, too, seem insensitive to the needs of senior citizens. Even at Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Civil Hospital, old persons have to stand in long queues along with younger ones. Bhagwant Kaur, an elderly woman patient, said, "It is really painful to keep standing for so long, especially when one is sick." However, she added that she was not aware of any such instructions to comfort them. Considering the long rush and long waiting queues at government institutions, the elderly demanded that they should be given preferential treatment. “We have contributed to the nation building by our own small endeavours. As such we would feel contended if we are cared for,” said another elderly man Jagpal Singh. When contacted, Medical Superintendent of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital Dr Tejbir Singh said he had issued fresh instructions for making separate queues for the elderly. “If some people are still facing any problem, I would make sure that they are being treated compassionately,” he said.
	Hockey tourney from December 5 Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 Amritsar Hockey Club is all set to host the 10th ONGC All India Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Junior Gold Cup Hockey Tournament at hockey ground of Guru Nanak Dev University from December 5. The chairman of the club, Sukhminder Singh Maan, said: “As many as 10 hockey teams of boys’ namely Punjab National Bank, Delhi; Namdhari Hockey Academy; Baba Nangan Shah Academy, Sangrur; Jagroop Jarkhar; Baba Gurmukh Singh Hockey Academy, Khadoor Sahib; Chandigarh Academy; Amritsar XI; Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy; Punjab School XI; and Guru Gobind Singh Vidhya Mandir, Ratwara Sahib (Mohali) will be participating in the tournament. Besides, there would a separate contest for women in senior category. The teams namely Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala; Western Railway, Mumbai; Central Railway, Mumbai; and Guru Nanak Dev University XI will be participating in the tournament. Cash awards will be given to the top two teams. Champion team in the boys’ category will be rewarded Rs 51,000 and the runners-up team will get Rs 31,000. In women category, top two teams will get cash prize of Rs 21,000 and Rs 11,000, respectively. Participating teams Punjab National Bank, Delhi; Namdhari Hockey Academy; Baba Nangan Shah Academy, Sangrur; Jagroop Jarkhar; Baba Gurmukh Singh Hockey Academy, Khadoor Sahib; Chandigarh Academy; Amritsar XI; Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey Academy; Punjab School XI; and Guru Gobind Singh Vidhya Mandir, Ratwara Sahib (Mohali)
	Insurance company asked to pay up Tribune News Service Amritsar, December 1 The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered an insurance company to pay a medical claim of Rs 27,183 along with 9 per cent interest to a local resident after his claim was repudiated by United India Insurance Company. The forum held that the company had earlier repudiated the claim of the complainant on the false ground of delayed intimation regarding hospitalisation. The forum cited that the reason cited by the company was against the terms and conditions of the policy. The forum has further directed the company to pay Rs 2,000 as cost of litigation to the complainant, Vijay Verma, a resident of Shastri Nagar. Vijay had earlier complained to the forum that he had bought a health insurance in his name and in the name of his wife Anjana Verma. He stated that his wife was injured in an accident, after which she was admitted to a private hospital. After discharge from the hospital, the complainant intimated the insurance company and provided all the bills and medical records required for disbursement of the entire medical expenses incurred by him. The forum has ordered the company to pay the interest on the medical claim from the date of the filing of the complaint till the payment is made by the company.
	Four held with drugs Tribune News service Amritsar, December 1 The police has arrested four persons with narcotic substances. Those arrested are identified as Vijay Singh of Sultanwind village, Sukhwinder Singh and Mukesh Kumar of Dashmesh Nagar and Sarabjit Singh of Kot Khalsa. Vijay Singh (19) was arrested with 400 grams of smack by the Sultanwind police. Amarjit Kumar, in charge, Sultanwind police chowki, said they were investigating into the source of the narcotic substances. Sukhwinder and Mukesh were nabbed with 30 grams of heroin. The police found 20 grams of smack from Sarabjit Singh. Three separate cases under Sections 22, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered against the accused.