The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	2 hurt in firing on GNDU college campus Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 Two youths were injured in a group clash that broke out on the Guru Nanak Dev University college campus at Verka here today. The injured, identified as Simranpreet Singh of Verka and Gurinderdeep Singh of Chatiwind Lehal, were taken to a private hospital with serious injuries inflicted by sharp-edged weapons. The Verka police have booked as many as six persons in this connection. Among those booked include Jobanjeet Singh Bal, Lovedeep Singh, Jagjit Singh Jaggu, Manu, Shera, Kamalbir and several other unidentified persons. A preliminary probe revealed that the incident was an outcome of the dispute over the presidentship of the students’ body. Earlier, too, similar instances were reported on the college campus. While the Gurinderdeep group is supported by the BJP leaders, the opposite group headed by Jobanjeet Singh had the support of the SAD leaders. “This political patronage to different groups is leading to repeated instances of lawlessness while youths from outside throng the college campus, which is resulting in poor discipline inside the campus,” a police official said while preferring anonymity. SHO, Verka police station, said that on August 28 one of the groups named two presidents and two vice- presidential candidates while on September 9 another group named two youths as their president and vice-presidential candidates. Similarly, a third group nominated two youths of their group as president and vice –president of the students’ body. There is struggle for supremacy among the three groups, which is leading to unsavoury conditions on the college campus. He said a case had been registered against Jobanjit Singh and his accomplices and raids were being conducted to arrest them. Vice-chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, AS Brar besides the Principal of the college, Prof Harish Sharma, and other senior police officials also reached the spot. On September 9, a similar firing incident had occurred in which four car-borne unidentified persons had fired gunshots in the air creating panic on the college campus. According to the complainant, Preet Kanwal Majhail, a resident of Jujhar Avenue, Ajnala road, the accused came in a white Verna car and fired around 50 shots in the air and later fled. The police had registered a case against unidentified persons for endangering human lives and under relevant sections of the Arms Act.
	MC staff denied salary for three months, serve ultimatum GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 A cash-strapped Municipal Corporation has failed to pay salaries to its entire staff barring Class IV employees for the past three months. The MC is having a tough time generating funds as its sources of revenue are limited while the state government is also not extending a helping hand to it in managing its affairs. It had even auctioned its properties sometime ago. With no wages in their accounts for the past three month, the MC staff, supported by various unions including Municipal Corporation Workers Union, Safai Mazdoor Union, Bitta group, Talmel Committee resorted to an agitation approach and gave the authorities a 72-hour notice to get their salaries released; otherwise, they said, they would be compelled to shun work. Their cause was supported by senior deputy mayor Avtar Singh Trukkanwala and deputy mayor Avinash Jolly. The same situation had arisen in April, too, when their wages got delayed and the MC staff observed a total strike and the system had collapsed for a few days. The deadlock ended only after the direct intervention of the Local Bodies Ministry, which had released their salaries on the persuasion of the mayor, Bakshi Ram Arora. The MC workers argued that when the government had repeatedly announced that there was no dearth of funds for Amritsar, then why were their wages not paid on time? They stated that the festival season was approaching and they had been denied their wages. They employees belonged to Class III and Xen-level officers of horticulture operation and maintenance wing and even heads of several departments, who have been waiting to see their pay packets for the past three months. Surinder Tona, general secretary of the MC Workers Union, said that the state-level workers’ organisations were drawing up the strike plan. “The MC authorities have been given an ultimatum to release our salaries; otherwise we will take to the streets in protest. It had happened earlier, too, that we had to launch a statewide protest. It was called off only after an assurance by the authorities. Now again, we will have no choice but to shun work,” he said.
	Sexual assault accused gets bail as cops fail to produce challan PK Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 Call it negligence or connivance of the police, an accused in a sexual assault and rape-attempt case managed to secure bail just a day after a local court rejected the bail plea of the accused as the investigating officer failed to file the challan before the court in the stipulated period. The accused, who managed to get bail, was identified as Lovepreet Singh. Perturbed over this, the victim’s family has approached the Police Commissioner, Jatinder Singh Aulakh, seeking his immediate intervention into the case. Advocate Parminder Singh Sethi, who is fighting the case on behalf of the complainants, said a day before this, the court of the Additional Sessions Judge, Harpreet Kaur Randhawa, had rejected the bail plea of the accused while stating that there was sufficient evidence against him. While seeking action against the police official, the family members of the victim alleged that he deliberately did not produce the challan in the court, though around two months had elapsed since recording the statements of the eyewitnesses in the case. The 19-year-old victim was rendered handicapped when she jumped from the roof of her house in order to escape from the clutches of four youths, who allegedly tried to sexually assault and rape her. A resident of Palam Vihar, Majitha Road, she sustained severe injuries on her leg and backbone. The incident took place on April 29. The family of the girl alleged that the police officials did not lodge the FIR at that time and tried to pressurise them to reach a compromise with the accused. Later, the Sadar police registered a case against four persons, Baba and Rinka, both residents of Ganda Singh Wala, Majitha Road, and their two unidentified accomplices on the charges of attempt to rape, criminal trespass, sexual assault and threatening the girl. The victim, in her statement to the police, alleged that Rinka used to stalk her whenever she visited the boutique where she worked. Perturbed over this, she complained to her parents about this. However, the accused harboured a grudge against her and to teach her a lesson, he along with his accomplices barged into her house and tried to rape her. The Police Commissioner said though the family had met him, he did not know whether the challan was submitted or not. He said he would enquire into it and if the investigating officer was found guilty, immediate action would be taken against him.
	Durgiana Temple committee gears up for Langoor Mela Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 The Durgiana Temple Management Committee has geared up for Langoor Mela with the commencement of Navratras tomorrow. Langoor Mela is celebrated at the Pracheen Bara Hanuman Temple in the Durgiana temple complex. Small children, who dress up in glittering red dresses, wearing a special conical cap and holding silver-coloured sticks, throng the temple. The Shri Durgiana Management Committee, which organises the celebration, has put up iron barricades to regulate the rush of devotees. Devotees from far-off places, even from foreign countries, visit this temple during the mela. Priests at Pracheen Bara Hanuman Temple said that 1,5000 dresses had been distributed among the families while the remaining 5,000 would also be given soon. They said a dress was given at a donation of Rs 50 for the entire festival. They said the parents donated the langoor dress after making their boys lanooor for the first time. They pay obeisance at the Hanuman temple bare foot along with their families from morning till the evening. The parents initiate their children as langoors after their wish for a male child is granted. The Amritsar Improvement Trust has constructed the road between Hathi Gate to Durgiana Temple.
	Food Safari and rich flavours of Amritsar Neha Saini Tribune News service Amritsar, September 24 Cashing in on Amritsar’s status as a food paradise, the Tourism Department organised a food trail with popular chef Vikas Khanna leading the way. The city-bred celebrity chef, who is running Michelin star restaurant in New York, recently released a book, “Amritsar — Flavours of the Golden City”, that describes the history and culture of his hometown, some mouth-watering recipes of his grandmother and rich flavours of Amritsar. In collaboration with Punjab Tourism, the chef has chalked out a list of eateries within Amritsar and created a food safari to make the golden city a popular spot for food tourism, a first of its kind. The food safari will include popular food joints and specific flavours distinct to Amritsar. Says Balraj Kang, district tourism officer, “The concept is quite new and exciting as it puts the richest and the most popular flavours of Amritsar in the forefront. We have already done our first tour with prominent media professionals, and we plan to develop on it in a big way.” The food trail included popular joints like Beera chicken, Durga ice-cream, Goani tea stall and Brijwasi chat among others. “The point was to enable the tourist to know where to find the best in the city,” says Knag. Khanna led the first food trail here recently, which included the ‘langar’ served in the Golden Temple just before dawn and takes one across various dhabas, food joints and restaurants across the city and one adjoining the Wagah border. “It’s a matter of pride for me that Punjab Tourism came together with us. It has never happened before in India. So the state is focusing on its cuisine. Punjab’s food is its biggest heritage. Our food is what we live for. We are the first state which has produced a food trail. Food tourism starts from Amritsar, the food capital of planet earth,” said Khanna during an interaction. The Tourism Department is also planning to develop a food street and include the food safari as a promotional exercise. “We plan to do something different every six months to increase the tourist inflow and further enhance the city’s status on the world map,” says Kang.
	High drama over possession of plot Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 A high drama was witnessed near SG Enclave located on Majitha Road here today when officials from the administration and Indian Overseas Bank reached there for resumption of a residential plot, which was mortgaged to the bank. According to information, Sachin Arora, owner of the plot, had mortgaged his property to the bank for a loan. However, he failed to repay the loan after which the bank auctioned the said plot. The court ordered for the occupation of the plot as per the map, which was given to the bank at the time of applying for a loan. There is an approach road shown in the map, which passes through the adjoining plot, reportedly owned by relatives of Sachin Arora. His wife, Gauri Arora, resisted officials’ attempt. She poured kerosene oil on herself and threatened to commit suicide. The approach road was to be laid after dismantling a wall of the adjoining SG Enclave. Sachin said the approach road could not be constructed as it was a private property. He said the matter was pending in the court. Meanwhile, Krishan Kumar, owner of SG Enclave, also reached the spot and objected to officials move. He said being a PUDA approved colony, it was unauthorised to make another approach road by dismantling the wall of the colony. He said he would approach the court in this connection. Sanjiv Kumar, Tehsildar-II, who was accompanying bank officials, said he had submitted his report to the police and Deputy Commissioner.
	Oppn demands CBI inquiry against Joshi GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 The ruling SAD-BJP alliance and the Congress have locked horns and levelled corruption charges against each other after the ruling combine targeted Opposition leader Rajkanwal Preet Pal Singh Lucky over evasion of house and property tax. Lucky and Vikas Soni, the Youth Congress Amritsar president, are banking on suspended Municipal Town Planner Des Raj’s allegation against Minister Anil Joshi’s nephew Amandeep Aerry to attack the ruling combine. According to the norms, Des Raj should have been reinstated as the charges against him could not be proved and no inquiry could be conducted till date even after the lapse of eleven months. They demanded that Joshi should submit his resignation on moral grounds and should asked Chief Minister to conduct a CBI inquiry into the controversies over the ownership of a petrol pump, which is said to be owned by Joshi’s nephew and other charges. They alleged that it was at the behest of Joshi that an undue privilege was extended to Amandeep Aerry, also a BJP councillor. “The Municipal Corporation vehicles refuel from Aerry’s petrol pump. The registration of the land, on which the petrol pump has come up, was executed on domestic rate, thereby denting the state exchequer heavily,” alleged Lucky. Denying all allegations, Amandeep Aerry said his family members had purchased a plot adjacent to the petrol pump site and that too was later sold off. “I or any of my family members have nothing to do with this petrol pump. Even the adjoining plot, which we owned once, has been sold off,” he said. Countering the claims of Amandeep Aerry, Lucky and Soni asserted that the agreement for supplying fuel to the MC vehicles between the MC and owners of Dawar Filling Station was executed under the signatures of Vikramdeep Aerry, brother of Amandeep Aerry. Lucky alleged that the registration deed of the said plot clearly mentioned that the ownership rights of the land and the petrol pump constructed over there lied with the purchaser. “The purchasers include Amandeep Aerry’s wife, Mitika, his brother, Vikramdeep Aerry’s wife, Neha and their business partner Ravi Gupta,” said Lucky. Vikas said even if Aerry claimed to have sold off the petrol pump site, then the MC’s contract should have been cancelled automatically. “The MC has signed a contract for supplying fuel with Vikramdeep Aerry. If Aerry family claims to have sold off the property, then law says that the contract stands null and void. Why the MC did not terminate this contract to enter into a fresh agreement with the new owner. It implies that the MC is purchasing fuel on a wrong note,” he said. “Moreover, the viability of engaging a private petrol pump for fuelling the MC vehicles too is under scanner because the Indian Oil Corporation now provides cheaper fuel if purchased directly,” he added. About the charges levelled against Lucky by a BJP supporter recently, over evasion of property tax, house tax and non-affiliation of his school, Lucky showed documents which contradicted these claims.
	GNDU organises welcome programme Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 The 28th annual welcome programme was organised by senior students of Guru Nanak Dev University here today to welcome new students admitted in various courses of the university. Bhog of Sri Sehaj Paath on the university campus gurdwara marked the occasion. Prof AS Brar, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Kiranjot Kaur, member of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Dr TS Benipal, director research, Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon, director, Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Dr Sukhdev Singh, students, researchers, teachers, university administration and employees participated in the event. Prof Brar said, “We should not forget the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib to achieve everything in life.” He said, “Our contemporary life style and thinking is mostly influenced by colonialism because the British ruled India for a long period and they affected thought of common man, including research. We should develop our own methodology from our traditional truth.” On the occasion, Dr Jaswinder Singh, assistant professor, Guru Gobind Singh Religious Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, was honoured with Bhai Veer Singh Shabad Chintan Yuva Sanmaan-2014 for his research work in Sikh academics. He was presented a memento, citation and shawl by the Prof Brar and others. Bhai Harbans Singh Ghulla from Bhaini Sahib along with other ragis recited shabads. An exhibition was also held on the occasion. Guru ka langar and deep mala were also organised at gurdwara sahib on the university campus.
	Traders seek action against illegal construction in Vallah market Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 A section of traders at Vallah wholesale fruit and vegetable market have demanded action against those indulging in construction in the market in violation of the norms associated with the ammunition depot. They argue that rich and politically connected people managed to raise structures in the market while they were managing their business in adverse circumstances. As Vallah Mandi falls within the prohibited distance from the Army dump, no concrete structure and development work is allowed. The present Vallah Market is spread over 92 acre and traders are of the view that the Punjab Mandi Board must seek public opinion before deciding the future course of action. A fruit and vegetable wholesale trader, on the condition of anonymity, said, “The issue of ammunition dump location dates back to 2002, when the civic administration decided to increase the periphery of the city. The Army till then had acquired 122 acre on the bypass, which had few settlements in Vallah village. The Army approached the Union Government and a notification banning any construction within 1,000 yards parapet was issued on November 11, 2004.” He said 75 traders, uprooted from the sabji mandi outside Hall Gate, were allotted space in the new market in 2004. Forty concrete shops were constructed. The remaining 35 traders were not allowed in the new market after the ammunition dump rules were enforced. These disgruntled traders went to the court. On the directions of the court, the Mandi Board relocated these 35 traders to a new site within the Vallah Mandi in 2010. However, these traders failed to get enough business as the site was not suitably located in the main market. Now, these traders are demanding swift implementation of the rules so that they can get a modern market with all amenities at hand. These traders said keeping in view their minuscule number neither any political party nor the government was properly taking up their cause. Besides these traders fear backlash from those, who have established themselves well in the business. They said these well established businessmen were blocking the entry of new players in the market. Meanwhile, the Mandi Board has not identified any other alternative site despite the fact that the traders were facing many difficulties at the present site due to omission of many promised facilities. In December 2013, Operational and Logistics Branch of the Home Department carried out a survey of all ammunition dumps in Punjab, including Vallah, to ascertain if any reduction in the notified area could be made. The traders said according to rules, 50 per cent of the market fee must be used for the development of the market. On the other hand, no effort was made to provide any basic amenities. Amenities like toilet, bathrooms, potable water, stay houses for growers and farmers visiting the market from far-off places are missing.
	ABVP to hold 60th conference Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) will hold its three-day 60th conference here at Ranjit Avenue from November 14. ABVP northern region organising minister Srinivas said it was for the first time that the ABVP’s national- level meet would be held in Punjab. He said around 4,000 delegates from across the country would take part in the convention. The Punjab unit of the ABVP had selected two issues concerning the state. These were addiction and environment pollution, he added. He said delegates converging at the national conference venue would discuss these issues.
	10 women held for stealing Tribune News Service Amritsar, September 24 The SGPC today caught hold of as many as 10 women and two children from the Golden Temple premises on charges of stealing belongings of the pilgrims visiting the shrine. They were handed over to the Kotwali police, which has initiated a probe while no case has been registered so far. SGPC sources said that with the help of CCTV cameras installed in the Parikarma, they identified several women involved in stealing the belongings of the pilgrims. They said when they caught hold of these women, they found that their accomplices were staying in a hotel near the Golden Temple. They held all women and recovered bags, mobiles and cash from them. They later handed them over to the police for further action.
	Women gang continues to rob elderly Amritsar, September 24 Two women were robbed near Durgiana Temple cremation ground, where they had gone to attend the cremation of their relative. One of the members of the gang approached them and said her mother-in-law, who was sitting in a White car, wanted to meet them. When they went close to the car, gang members made them sit in the vehicle. They later dropped them a few metres away from the spot. However, the victims, identified as Rama Rani and Harsh Rani of Gate Khazana area, came to know about the robbery when they reached their relatives home on Majitha Road. They said the accused took away their gold bangles. — TNS
	from schools & colleges New presidents of sports panels Amritsar: Dr Mehal Singh, Principal of Khalsa College, and Dr Sukhbir Kaur Mahal, Principal of Khalsa College for Women, were elected as presidents of the sports committees for men and women, respectively, at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) here today. Both were elected during the annual meeting of Principals and the GNDU authorities. They committed to work for the promotion and development of sports in colleges affiliated with the GNDU. Registrar, Dr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, sports director, Dr HS Randhawa, Khalsa College governing council honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina congratulated both the Principals on their selection. Dr Balwinder Singh, sports in charge of the college, Dr Daljit Singh, Prof Atamjit Randhawa, Prof Satnam Singh, teachers, staff and students also congratulated both Principals on the occasion. Under-19 tennis tourney A student of Khalsa College Public School (KCPS) and an upcoming tennis player, Ankush Kumar, bagged the second position in the Under-19 category of Punjab School Education Board’s state-level tournament, which was held in Jalandhar. Principal of the school, Dr Sarvjit Kaur Brar, said he had also been selected for the national school level event to be held in Andhra Pradesh later this year. She congratulated Ankush, his coaches and teachers for the success. — TNS