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Sunday, July 26, 1998

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Charges framed against 8 cops in Khalra case PATIALA, July 25 — Charges of abduction, murder and of conspiracy were framed against eight police officers in the sensational disappearance case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. SGPC threatens fast on helmet order, issues ultimatum to High Court SAS NAGAR, July 25 — Ignoring the High Court verdict making the wearing of helmets by Sikh women compulsory, the local SGPC member and various bodies organised a scooter rally in which Sikh women went through the town without helmets.

Viagra sells for Rs 2,500 a pill LUDHIANA, July 25 — Depend on Ludhiana to acquire overnight what other parts of the region may take much longer to secure.This megacity has probably become the first urban settlement in the region where Viagra, the American male potency pill, has made its debut.

Differences in BJP over power tariff AMRITSAR, July 25 — The diametrically opposite stands taken by the state BJP chief, Mr Daya Singh Sodhi, and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, on 33 per cent hike in power tariff have caused an embarrassment to party leaders. Protest over custodial death LUDHIANA, July 25 — A protest was organised in front of the local Civil Hospital against the negligence of a jail doctor, resulting in the death of Bhil Ram, lodged in the Ludhiana jail . Decision on dairy board criticised CHANDIGARH, July 25 — The Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association has opposed the Punjab Government's decision to set up a Dairy Development Board in the state. Sentence in Longowal case deferred NABHA (Patiala) July 25 — The Additional Designate Judge B.C. Rajput, today deferred pronouncing the quantum of sentence on Gian Singh, held guilty of committing the murder of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal at Akal Prakash Gurdwara at Sherpur in Sangrur district on August 20, 1985, to July 27. Theatre festival launched Assault on principal: protest spreads Don't hanker for government jobs, youth told Tohra inaugurates dental college 2500 crore earmarked for development schemes Cooperative bank gets notice Stop work at focal points, says MLA Fill vacant posts, plead teachers Encroachments removed in Fazilka

Charges framed against 8 cops in Khalra case From Our Correspondent PATIALA, July 25 — Charges of abduction, murder and of conspiracy under Sections 302, 364, 201, 34, and 120-B of the IPC were framed against eight police officers in the sensational disappearance case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra at the district court here today. Pronouncing the orders, Mr K.S. Grewal, District and Sessions Judge, said that charges under Sections 364 and 34, (abduction), were framed against Ashok Kumar, DSP, Surinder Pal Singh, Sub-Inspector, Satnam Singh, Sub-Inspector, Jasbir Singh, ASI, and Prithipal Singh, head constable. Charges under Sections 302, 201 and 34 (murder and disappearance) were framed against Jaspal Singh, DSP, Amarjit Singh, ASI and Rachpal Singh, Sub-Inspector. The court fixed November 12 and 13 as the next hearing of the case for further trial of the accused. It was also directed the CBI to furnish list of 20 witnesses out of a total 90 witnesses in the case. The court allowed the accused to remain on bail in accordance with the previous order in this regard. Before the framing of charges, there were arguments whether the District and Sessions Judge could hear the case. Counsel for defence pleaded that the CBI and the prosecution had secured permission of the state government to prosecute the accused only under Section 365. However, as the Special CBI Magistrate in its order on April 28 had committed the case to the sessions court under Section 364, the prosecution should get fresh sanction from the state government under the Section 364. The public prosecutors contended that the alleged act of the accused could not be called official duty as no case was registered against Khalra. Neither was any investigation pending against him. It was further argued that before his disappearance on September 6, 1995, Khalra had written to the police, political leaders and others expressed an apprehension about his safety. He was receiving threats over his investigation into the disappearance and alleged mass cremation of some 2500 youths. It was also brought to the notice of the court that among other persons witness to the threats to the life of Khalra were Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, SGPC president and Justice Kuldip Singh. After hearing the arguments of both sides the judge dismissed the application moved by defence counsel in regard to fresh sanction.

SGPC threatens fast on helmet order, issues ultimatum to High Court From Our Correspondent SAS NAGAR, July 25 — Ignoring the high court verdict making the wearing of helmets by Sikh women travelling on two-wheeled motor vehicles compulsory, the local SGPC member and various bodies organised a scooter rally today in which women from the community went through the town without helmets. The police had in a press statement yesterday said that the wearing of helmets by two-wheeled vehicle drivers would be made compulsory throughout Ropar district from today. None of the rallyists was challaned. Under the leadership of Mr Hardeep Singh, SGPC member, men and Sikh women without helmets started moving on scooters from the Phase XI gurdwara around 10 a.m. The protesters carried placards and shouted slogans like "Sikhi rahit nibhawange, loh-tope nahin pawange". The rallyists went through different phases of the town but surprisingly the police did not stop them at any point. At two traffic light crossings, policemen from the traffic wing were standing when the protesters passed by but they were mere spectators. When newspersons asked one of the traffic personnel why he had not stopped the rallyists, he said he had no instructions to take such action. Besides, he said, as a constable he had no powers to challan offenders. For most of the day the traffic police did not challan vehicle drivers for various offences as per the high court judgement. The police, however, became a little active during the latter part of the day and was seen challaning offenders. The scooter rally terminated at the Phase VI gurdwara where the protesters blocked vehicular traffic for a few minutes. Persons linked with the Gurmat Chetna Coordination Committee, the Istri Sat Sangh Sabhas and the local units of the Akali Dal and the Minorities and Dalit Front were among those who took part in the protest. Defending the action by the Sikh women rallyists, Mr Hardeep Singh said making the wearing of helmets compulsory for this section had hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikhs and amounted to an infringement of the Fundamental Right to practise religion. He said if by July 27 the high court did not reverse the decision, SGPC members all over the state would go on an indefinite fast.

Viagra sells for Rs 2,500 a pill From A.S. Prashar Tribune News Service LUDHIANA, July 25 — Depend on Ludhiana to acquire overnight what other parts of the region may take much longer to secure. This megacity of 2.5 million with one of the highest per capita income in the country, has probably become the first urban settlement in the region where viagra, the American male potency pill, has made its debut. A proud owner of a bottle of wonder pills in the megacity's relatively affluent locality, Sarabha Nagar, has just contacted his family physician to be enlightened on the do's and don'ts on the use of the pill. In a chat with TNS on condition of anonymity, he says that he got the pills, which have already taken the West by storm, from his relations in Canada where they are available for US $ 10 per bottle containing 30 pills. It is not legally available at the pharmacies and drug stores here as yet, but this has not prevented the curious and the adventurous from making anxious enquiries. Certain drug stores are said to be offering a pill for Rs 2500, but nobody is sure if it is the real thing. One chemist claims that he has sold a bottle of 30 blue diamond-shaped tablets for Rs 18,500. Since there is little likelihood of the pill being introduced here by the manufacturing company in the near future, a large number of people in Ludhiana are said to be planning group tours abroad to buy the pills and bring them here for sale at a hefty profit. The viagra pack is accompanied by a pamphlet detailing the drug's history of trial, development, precautions and contraindications and adverse reactions which might be noticed in the users. The drug is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The pamphlet advises the physicians that a thorough medical history and physical examination should be undertaken to diagnose erectile dysfunction, determine potential underlying causes and identify appropriate treatment. "There is a degree of cardiac risk associated with sexual activity; therefore, physicians may wish to consider the cardiovascular status of their patients prior to initiating any treatment for erectile dysfunction", the pamphlet says. Among the adverse reactions to the drug are listed headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection, abnormal vision, diarrohea, dizziness and rash. The arrival of viagra in Ludhiana has created a stir among the traditional "desi sex specialists" who regard development as a serious threat to their roaring practice. Some of them have started giving advertisements in newspapers. One such advertisement reads: "Why think of American chemical, viagra, when Americans themselves are looking for alternative natural remedies from Ayurveda...?" It claims to have the "right Indian herbal answer to the American chemical .... which is completely free from the side effects and hazards of chemicals. The international hot-favourite is exported to various countries of Europe, Africa, Middle East and Canada and has taken the global markets by storm". It goes on to claim that its "potency-enhancer Ayurvedic formulation approved as an ideal for enhancing virility by the Director of Ayurveda, Punjab, is purely from natural origin".

Differences in BJP over power tariff Tribune News Service AMRITSAR, July 25 — The Diametrically opposite stands taken by the state BJP chief, Mr Daya Singh Sodhi, and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, on 33 per cent hike in power tariff have caused an embarrassment to party leaders. Mr Daya Singh Sodhi had alleged that his party and BJP ministers were not taken into confidence by the Badal government while affecting the power hike. Much to the embarrassment of the party chief Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Food and Supplies Minister, in a categorical statement has dissociated himself from the statement of Mr Sodhi. Mr Mittal said all ministers were party to the cabinet decision on the increase in power tariff. Talking to TNS Mr Sodhi said if the BJP ministers were taken into confidence before hiking power tariff they should have opposed the move there and then. Apart from this, it was the duty of the BJP ministers to intimate the party so that timely protest could have been lodged. He further said nobody including himself (Mr Sodhi) was above the party. Mr Sodhi added that Mr Parkash Singh Badal would roll back the hike. In the given circumstances, the BJP was unlikely to adopt an agitational approach on the power tariff issue. Mr Sodhi, however, said he would lead a deputation of industrialists and traders to the chief minister for lowering the power hike. Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, SGPC president, said the power tariff was still the lowest in the country. Ridiculing the statement of Mr Sodhi. Mr Tohra said the statement of Mr Mittal had clearly shown that the BJP leadership had been taken into confidence before effecting the hike. Mr Parkash Singh Badal has denied that there was any difference between the SAD and its coalition partner over the issue. He said the BJP leadership had been taken into confidence before the cabinet decision on the hike.

Protest over custodial death From Our Correspondent LUDHIANA, July 25 — The Ludhiana District Congress Committee vice-president, Mr Chamanlal Ahuja, and the convenor of backward classes call, Mr Jaswant Kataria, led a protest in front of the local Civil Hospital against the negligence of a jail doctor, resulting in the death of Bhil Ram, lodged in the Ludhiana jail . Mr Sunna Singh, brother of the deceased, informed that Bhil Ram was arrested by the Sahnewal police on charges of drugs peddling and was sent to the Ludhiana Central Jail on July 18. Since Bhil Ram was an asthama patient he obtained court order on July 20 that he be shifted to the civil hospital for treatment. Mr Sunna Singh revealed that the doctor at the jail demanded Rs 40,000 from the relatives of the patient to shift him to the hospital. But we could manage to collect Rs 10,000 and offered him the amount, but the doctor did not agree, he said. He further alleged that when he went to meet his brother on July 23, he was not granted permission by the jail authorities when he again visited the hospital on July 24 he was informed that Bhil Ram had been shifted to the civil hospital for treatment. Sources at the hospital revealed that Mr Ram died soon after he was brought to the hospital. They demanded that the administration should set up a high-level inquiry committee to investigate into reasons of the death.

Decision on dairy board criticised Tribune News Service CHANDIGARH, July 25 — The Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association has strongly opposed the Punjab Government's decision to set up a Dairy Development Board in the state. Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, Dr Gurcharan Singh Chahal, President of the association, said that the board would be a financial burden on the state exchequer and serve no purpose. Already, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Milk Federation Departments were engaged in the task of promoting dairy farming in the state and there was no need to open another department in the garb of the board. Mr Chahal said that veterinary officers, who were engaged in cross breeding cows to enhance their milk yield, had not been consulted by the state government while deciding on setting up the board. A particular lobby having close links with the authorities concerned in the state government was behind the setting up of the board, he alleged. The lobby was misleading the Punjab Government with a sole aim of grabbing important posts in the board. Before placing orders to import cows and semen from any foreign country, the State Government should consult veterinary doctors employed in its Animal Husbandry Department as they had vast experience in this field, Mr Chahal said. He said that a deputation of the association had met Dr Rattan Singh, Minister for Animal Husbandry, to convey to him the feeling of the association with regard to the board and several other issues pertaining to the Animal Husbandry Department and veterinary officers. Mr Chahal said that the association has urged the Minister to clear all pending cases with regard to granting higher scale to veterinary doctors after the completion of eight and 18 years of service. Such cases were pending with the department for the past five years, he added. The association has pressed the State Government to give non-practising allowance (NPA) to veterinary doctors on the pattern of medicos to bring about parity in both cadres.

Theatre festival launched Tribune News Service PATIALA, July 25 — The local National Theatre Arts Society (NTAS) today launched a golden jubilee theatre festival as the final phase of its year-long statewide theatre project of commemorating 50th anniversary of India's Independence Panjoli Kalan village, 23 km from here, to coincide it with the 142nd birth anniversary of Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak. Mr Karnail Singh Panjoli, sarpanch and secretary-general of the youth wing of the Akali Dal (Badal), inaugurated the performance of Punjabi musical play "Ahinsa Parm Dharma". He honoured Mr Pran Sabharwal and Mrs Sunita Sabharwal and their 20-member team of artistes. Mr Iqbal Gajjan, a Punjabi hero and film producer, lauded efforts of NTAS for making the theatre movement alive. The final phase of the programme will cover four districts of Punjab — Patiala, Ludhiana, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib. Ten shows of the play will be presented at various places in these districts.

Assault on principal: protest spreads Tribune News Service AMRITSAR, July 25 — The agitation of teachers and students of Government Senior Secondary School, Chheharta, today entered the third day. They gheraoed the police station and blocked traffic to protest against the assault on Principal Dalip Singh and other staff members by ABVP activists. Teachers and students of various schools of the district also staged a rally in Chheharta demanding strict action against the alleged assailants. Meanwhile, a ABVP activists also resorted to traffic blockade against the registration of false cases against its activists. The ABVP alleged that its activists were beaten up by the principal and staff members of the school. Meanwhile, the police has arrested four activists of the students union. It has assured to arrest the fifth suspect.

Don't hanker for government jobs, youth told Tribune News Service PATIALA, July 25 — Punjab Public Service Commission Member T.C. Gupta while inaugurating a seminar on globalisation and management education, organised here today by the local management centre of Weigan and Leigh College of the UK, called upon the youth not to run after government and public sector jobs only. Dr B.S. Mann, Reader Co-ordinator of the IAS training centre, Punjabi University, while delivering the keynote address said in today's competitive world, future of the younger generation could not be left to chance. Earlier, Mr J.S. Dardi, chairman of the local centre, in his welcome address said specialised facilities designed to assist in managerial development were being provided at the centre.

Tohra inaugurates dental college From Our Correspondent AMRITSAR, July 25 — The president Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandhak Committee, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, today inaugurated the ultra modern complex of Sri Guru Ram Dass Institute of Dental Sciences and Research on the G.T. Road. Speaking on the occasion Jathedar Tohra said the SGPC was committed to setting up teaching institutes for professional courses in Punjab and elsewhere. He lauded the contribution made by various sections of society for building the huge complex. He added that work would soon start on the new medical college to be built here at a cost of Rs 35 crore. 2500 cr earmarked for development schemes From Our Correspondent KAPURTHALA, July 25 — Dr Upinderjit Kaur, Technical Education Minister, has said that the Punjab Government is spending Rs 2500 crore on various development schemes in the urban and rural areas this year as against Rs 2100 crore last year. Addressing a rural function at Ratta Nau Abad village here today she said that three more bridges would be constructed on Bein rivulet in the Sultanpur Lodhi area at villages Hussainpur and Bhagwanpur villages. She announced that two more bridges would be constructed on the Kapurthala-Fathudinga road and work would start in the next two months. To save the area of floods, an advance "Dhussi bundh" had been constructed at a cost of Rs 4.42 crore, she said. She announced a grant of Rs 50,000 for the development of the village. The gram panchayat of this village was elected unanimously.

Cooperative bank gets notice Tribune News Service CHANDIGARH, July 25 — The Registrar of the local Cooperative Societies, Chandigarh, has issued a notice to the Board of Directors of Chandigarh State Cooperative Bank for committing various "irregularities" while discharging its duties as specified in the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act, 1961. The notice issued by the Registrar, Mr K.K. Khandelwal, on July 24 said the 12-member board has been committing various irregularities, including the appointment of staff, despite having been restrained by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. According to the notice, the board obstructed the annual audit process, an annual feature, by passing a resolution that the audit should be discontinued immediately and the General Manager of the bank should not route any papers through the audit staff for pre-audit purposes. The board allegedly resorted to this act, despite the fact that its term had already expired, which was a violation of Section 48 of the Act. It also pointed out that the recovery position of the bank was extremely poor and no effort had been done by the board to improve this.

Stop work at focal points, says MLA From Our Correspondent ROPAR, July 25 — The ruling party MLA from Chamkaur Sahib, Mrs Satwant Kaur Sandhu, today urged the government to stop the work at the focal points in her constituency. Mrs Sandhu was speaking at an oath-taking ceremony of sarpanches and panches at the new grain market here. Mr Harmail Singh Tohra, PWD Minister, Punjab, administered the oath of office to 823 sarpanches and 4175 panches. Mrs Sandhu said instead of setting up focal points, four bridges, including two between Ropar and Chamkaur Sahib on Siswan and Budhki nadis should be constructed, arrangements for draining out water from the bet area and install deep tubewells for irrigation purposes in the Gharr area. Mr Rattan Singh Dher, Chairman, Ropar Zila Parishad, was not given time to speak. Mr Tohra told sarpanches to commending cases, specially of old age pension, with care. Among others who spoke were Mrs Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, MP, Ropar; Mr Kamal Chaudhary, MP Hoshiarpur; Mr Tara Singh, MLA, Anandpur Sahib; and Mr K.S. Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner, Ropar. Fill vacant posts, plead teachers From Our Correspondent FAZILKA, July 25 — Both posts of Deputy District Education Officer, Ferozepore, have been lying vacant for a long time. A large number of primary and secondary school Principals and teachers face great difficulty in transacting official work as the District Education Officer alone is not able to cope with the workload. Besides 60 of the 112 high schools in the district are without regular heads. As many as 30 senior secondary schools out of 53 are without Principals. Surprisingly, 19 of the 21 education blocks are without regular Block Primary Education Officers. Mr Raj Kishore Kalra, general secretary of the Government Secondary Teachers Union, Ferozepore district, has urged the Education Minister to fill these posts immediately. Encroachments removed in Fazilka From Our Correspondent FAZILKA, July 25 -- Mr Vikas Pratap, S.D.M., Fazilka, has said that all encroachments in the town have been removed in compliance with the instructions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. These encroachments were mainly on Bus Stand Road, Gaushala Road and in Sarafan Bazar, Chaudhrian Street and Geeta Bhavan Street, Wan Bazar and Cycle Bazar. The SDM said the managements of all schools had been directed to get the road worthiness certificates for their vehicles, besides completing all other documents. Sentence in Longowal case deferred Tribune News Service NABHA (Patiala) July 25 — The Additional Designate Judge B.C. Rajput, today deferred pronouncing the quantum of sentence on Gian Singh, held guilty of committing the murder of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal at Akal Prakash Gurdwara at Sherpur in Sangrur district on August 20, 1985, to July 27. Earlier, on July 18 Mr Rajput had held Gian Singh guilty in the case while acquitting six others accused of being involved in the conspiracy to murder the sant. The hearing of the case was held in the Designate TADA Court in the maximum security prison here. The CBI Special Prosecutor, Mr S.K. Saxena, appeared for the prosecution while advocate Rajdev Singh appeared for the defence. Gian Singh had earlier been tried under Sections 302 and 307 of the IPC besides Section 25 of the Arms Act which had been registered in Sherpur police station. He had been arrested on the spot of the crime.

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