Police team attacked by drug peddler, ASI hurt
Amritsar, June 15
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and his team came under attack when his raiding party went to nab a drug peddler here today.

Bihar resident reunited with family after two decades
Amritsar, June 15
After nearly two decades of separation, Hari Puran (40), a resident of Ghatwari village in Munger district of Bihar, who was repatriated from Pakistan in 2007, finally saw his father yesterday. It was an emotional reunion where his father Garo Manji could not stop himself from crying.

Hari Puran 

Amritsar, June 15
Heavy rain continued to lash the city for the third consecutive day today. It brought down the mercury, with the sky remaining overcast all through the day.

Consequently, a majority of the roads in the walled city, low-lying areas in and around Town Hall, Elevated Road, Mall Road, MM Malviya Road and Lawrence Road were inundated in the morning.

It caused inconvenience to commuters in reaching their offices, shops, banks and other places. Knee-deep water on various roads of the city exposed the the MC's ill-preparedness to deal with the rainy season.

Waterlogging was visible on Elevated Road and under-construction flyover at the Kitchlew Chowk point. The situation was the same near New Rialto Chowk and the middle of the Madan Mohan Malviaya road. The mall road near the Novelty Chowk point was filled with a pool of water. A lot of people in these areas got stranded in the middle of the flooded roads as their vehicles broke down.

Many shopkeepers resented the deplorable condition of waterlogged roads which hit their business and sales as people avoided venturing out of their houses for buying even hours after the rain stopped.

A readymade garment dealer Harbans Singh said after a long spell of hot summer days, the city witnessed a cool windy day today. “Logically, it should have activated a large number of people out of their houses to do shopping, but the enthusiasm was missing. Waterlogged roads and the littering of garbage on roads held back many shoppers from venturing out,” he quipped.

Namita, a resident of Basant Avenue, said she went to operate her locker for getting important documents at a branch of a nationalised bank at Town Hall in the morning. However, the access was unapproachable as knee-deep water did not provide a smooth passage.

Residents also complained of knee-deep water in areas like Sultanwind, Jawaharnagar, Mustafabad, Kundian Wala Khuh, Havelian, Karampura, Faizpura, Dhupai, Bhagtanwala (outside), Gilwali gate, Anngarh, Mohkampura, Rasulpur Kallar and Indira Colony on the Batala road (near Verka).

Officials complained that old infrastructure of the city, coupled with rising population, no enhancement of amenities, lack of civic sense among residents and encroachments on roads pose a hindrance to executing the de-silting drive.

Meanwhile, the temperature went down further, providing a respite from the scorching 40 plus mark before the rains hit the city.

The changed weather conditions uplifted the mood in the city, with many daring to venture out to enjoy showers and fresh air. Many places witnessed traffic jams, waterlogged streets and drenched citizens enjoying the rain. While busy routes in city were made worse due to traffic bottlenecks, malls, market places and cafes were seen crowded with people out to have some fun in the afternoon. “Monsoon is a blessing and if it comes a little early than expected, nothing like it. I had restricted my outings during the day due to scorching heat, but since the past week has been better with the rains, I want to make the most of it by enjoying more outings with friends and family,” said Ritika mittal, a housewife from city.

The rain and low temperature gave many to come out and enjoy the weather. Long drives, hot snacks, tea-parties…any reason to enjoy the rain seems good enough. Company Bagh became a favourite picnic spot for all those who wanted to enjoy a weekend picnic, just strolling and breathing in nature after the rainfall. With the forecast predicting more showers in the coming days, the pre-monsoon fun has just begun. 

Amritsar, June 15
The master plan for the city has been revised for the second time since it was approved in September 2010, but this time it was amended to widen the city roads.

“Amendments were made in the plan to expedite infrastructure development and widen specific roads to handle heavy rush of automobiles and pave way for swift movement of tourists and commuters”, said Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupinder Singh. He added that the master plan was revived as Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal ordered the addition of more lanes than specified in the original plan.

The SAD-BJP coalition government, in its previous edition, had established the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) in 2007. Thus, it was made mandatory for the government to prepare a master plan envisaging the city’s planned development.

Looking for a solution to the high flow of heavy public transport and rush of devotees to the shrine of Baba Deep Singh Shahid, an elevated road has been proposed from Kot Mit Singh to Railway crossing near Tarn Taran bypass. Besides, 8-lane road was proposed from Kot Mit Singh to Gilwali Gate.

With a view to facilitate traffic from western part of the city to Railway colony B block and to the walled city, widening of Rego Bridge would also be done.

The GT Road from Bhandari Bridge to India Gate would be 8-laned to facilitate smooth flow of tourists between the Golden Temple and the Integrated Check Post at Attari, at the international border with Pakistan. This stretch would be divided in two parts from Bhandari Bridge to Khalsa College and from the college to India Gate. There is also a provision for a service lane and storm water and sewerage on this stretch.

The stretch from McLeod road intersection on GT road up to Gumtala bypass on Airport road would be made 6-lane. Apart from this, Airport road from Gumtala bypass to Mirakot intersection would be 4-laned along with service lanes on both sides.

The highly congested Majitha road, which has Government Medical College, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, a women polytechnic, besides many private educational institute, would also be 4-laned from Sant Singh Sukha Singh intersection to by-pass.

Besides, bitumen roads would be constructed on the stretches where sewerage is being laid under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Currently, sewerage laying work is undergoing in the north and south assembly segments.

Earlier, the government had revised the Amritsar master plan in 2010 following objections raised by various sections of the society in general and the industry in particular. Subsequently, the government had invited suggestions from the public for improvements in the plan.

Rice sheller industry had stated that the designated area for thid industry was duly earmarked in the master plan, 1971, and was notified as Spot Industrial Zone in master plan 2000-2021. Many villages in the vicinity of the city where industrial units had come up in the past two decades were also incorporated in the master plan.

Burgeoning commercial activity concentrated in few areas like Mall Road, Lawrence Road, Madan Mohan Malvia Road, Albert Road, Ranjit Avenue and Court Road besides Hall gate, Katra Jai Mal Singh and around the walled city is adding to the woes of the residents.

An attempt by the district administration to decongest surroundings of the Golden Temple had received a jolt as the residents, especially traders, protested against it.

The ongoing haphazard expansion of residential areas has seen the city bursting at the seams. Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) has detected over 400 illegal colonies in the city. Hence, it was imperative to have a master plan so that civic amenities could reach every nook and corner.

The master plan envisaged incorporation of adjoining towns of Jandila, Rayya, Rajasansi and Majitha. Villages situated in the close vicinity of the holy city like Manawala and Daburji on Amritsar-Jalandhar Road and villages around Rajasansi International Airport had seen a turnaround during the recent phase of development and prices of real estate had skyrocketed. However, this growth eluded the residents of these towns.

The Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) was constituted in 2007 under a government notification with a clear agenda to have a comprehensive development plan and work as a nodal authority with good financial corpus.

The PUDA is looking at the state government properties falling under the Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Government Land (OUVGL) while the Municipal Town Planning (MTP) Department takes care of violation of land use and properties falling within the Municipal Corporation limits. The District Town Planner ensures that the new residential, commercial and other projects confirm to the master plan. 

Amritsar, June 15
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and his team came under attack when his raiding party went to nab a drug peddler here today.

ASI Daljit Singh got information that notorious drug peddler Ali, a resident of Peeli Colony, Khandwala, Chheharta, was selling drugs and was coming towards Vikas Nagar. He said immediately a naka was laid, which intercepted Ali.

Daljit Singh said as they signalled him to stop, Ali tried to run away. He was chased by the raiding team. Later, Ali entered his house.

He said when the police team reached there, Ali, his brother Mithen and a woman Ruby started throwing bricks at them. One of the bricks hit Daljit Singh on his head, following which he started bleeding profusely. He was immediately rushed to hospital. Taking advantage of this, the accused managed to flee from the spot.

In the complaint lodged at the Chheharta police station, it was mentioned that the accused was involved in drug peddling and used to sell heroin, intoxicant drugs and powder.

The police has booked the three on attempt to murder charges, besides impeding policemen in performing their duty.

Amrik Singh, investigating officer, said a case under Sections 307, 332, 353, 186 of the IPC and 21/22/61/85 of the NDPS Act had been registered against Ali, Ruby and Mithen. He said raids were being conducted to nab them.

Earlier too such incidents have taken place wherein a policeman was physically assaulted by several persons.

On April 25, a police party came under attack by a group of persons when they were going to take a peddler to court from the Chheharta police station. Three of them were later arrested by the police while the remaining accused fled.

On April 2, four car-borne youths had allegedly fired at a police party near the Dhapai level crossing after it signalled the vehicle to stop. Two youths were arrested on the spot, while the remaining managed to escape.

Incidents have also been reported wherein traffic policemen were assaulted by offenders.

Amritsar, June 15
After nearly two decades of separation, Hari Puran (40), a resident of Ghatwari village in Munger district of Bihar, who was repatriated from Pakistan in 2007, finally saw his father yesterday.

It was an emotional reunion where his father Garo Manji could not stop himself from crying. Tears rolled down his cheeks when he saw his son, who was considered dead by the family when it failed to trace him during the period.

He was released, along with 18 other prisoners, by Pakistan on August 14, 2007, as a goodwill gesture. However, as he was mentally unsound due to his prolonged detention in Pakistan jail, he could not recall his residential address.

Following this, he was admitted to the Dr Vidya Sagar Institute of Mental Health here for treatment. During the treatment, he responded well and started remembering his family members and address.

“Last year, he told the doctors that he belonged to Munger district in Bihar. Following this, the mental health institute approached the Resident Commissioner of Bihar and Secretary, Health, which helped in tracking down the family of Hari Puran,” said Dr BL Goel.

His father was accompanied by Dr Sushil Kumar Jha, Medical Officer, and Saryug Ravidas, an agriculture officer, who were deputed by the district administration of Munger district to bring Hari Puran back safely.

Garo Manji said that about a year ago, he received information that Hari Puran was alive and had been admitted to the mental hospital here. However, due to his poor economic condition, he could not come to take him back. He said he had met various officials and village sarpanch for months, but they did not help. He said Puran was mentally disturbed when he left the house in anger. He had Rs 200 at that time.

Puran was happy to meet his father and returned to his native village. However, he could not recall how he reached Pakistan. The only thing he remembered was that he had gone to Pakistan by road and was lodged in jail.

Amritsar, June 15
Local lad Harman Boparai, an MBBS doctor from the city, has been elected vice-president by the students of Columbia University’s prestigious Journalism School in New York to lead a delegation of 372 graduates, journalists and lawyers from all over the US to go on a fellowship to Germany and Poland. Boparai has completed his masters in journalism recently.

The group, which includes students from Harvard, Yale and Columbia University’s law and journalism programmes, would study the Holocaust and modern professional ethics. Earlier this year, Boparai was a part of a Columbia University delegation to Italy to cover the inauguration of Pope Francis from Rome.

Boparai’s masters’ thesis on the marijuana legalisation debate in the US was published in GlobalPost and in different state news outlets in the US, gathering widespread acclaim. “Journalism gives us the opportunity to do so much social good and keep the ruling powers in check which no other profession can. I feel elated to have the chance to combine my careers in journalism and medicine to improve the lives of as many people worldwide as possible,” said Boparai, adding that he was proud to represent Amritsar and Punjab at Columbia and USA.

He was also selected by the news organisation GlobalPost to report on global childhood mortality for which he will be travelling to India in July. Boparai had finished his MBBS with distinction from Government Medical College, Amritsar and is the son of State Awardee Dr RPS Boparai, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and former medical superintendent at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.

Amritsar, June 15
Given the success story of our very own comic artistes and actors on the Indian television, to say that Amritsar is not just Sifti da Ghar but also a talent mine would be an understatement. Turning actors like Bharti, Sudesh Lahiri, Kapil Sharma, Rajiv Thakur, Chandan Prabhakar and many more into stars of stand-up comedy, there is a new generation of upcoming comedy artistes ready to take forward the city’s legacy.

With the auditions for Comedy Circus, the popular stand-up show which popularised the genre of comedy and encouraged untapped talent from small cities, a number of artistes queued up to get a chance to follow the footsteps of their fellow city residents. Braving unexpected rain and hours of waiting, hundreds of aspiring comedy artistes camped outside HK Clarks Inn at Ranjit Avenue to audition for Comedy Circus.

The judging panel, comprising actors Bharti, Krushna, Sudesh, Siddhartha and Mubeen from the popular show as well as its production team, tested the participants on the basis of their comic content, timing, body language and script.

“It is a huge opportunity for young aspiring artistes from the region and since Punjabi seems to be the popular flavour on television as far as comedy is concerned, there is demand for more,” shared Gurinder Mintoo, a theatre artiste from city who appeared for the auditions.

Another such hopeful, Simranpreet Kaur, a 19-year-old stand up artiste wants to repeat Bharti’s success. “She is one of the only leading female comedy artistes of the industry and has purely made it on her talent and hard work. It would be really great to get a platform like Comedy Circus and make sure that more female comedy artistes are noticed,” she shared.

Looking for fresh talent for its upcoming season, the show will travel to different cities, searching for comedy artistes. The auditions in the city continued late in the evening and the short-listed candidates will be again filtered on Sunday, through further rounds. The selected few will get an opportunity to be a part of Comedy Circus and share the stage with popular comedy artistes in its upcoming season.

Day 2 on Sunday will see Bharti, Krushna, Sudesh and others performing live for Amritsaris and unveiling the lucky few selected from the city in an entertaining evening.