& V I C I N I T Y
Friday, April 2, 1999
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C H A N D I G A R H & V I C I N I T Y |
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Friday, April 2, 1999 |
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Fans disallowed entry, canecharged S.A.S. NAGAR, April 1 — The Indo-Pak cricket tie may have delighted thousands of spectators, but it ended up as nothing but harassment for hundreds of cricket fans, who in spite of possessing valid tickets, were not allowed entry into the PCA Stadium. They were even subjected to a cane charge and teargas by the security personnel posted at the stadium.
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Cable
law may be amended: Pramod |
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Judge
orders release of councillors Sharp
hike in vegetable prices Milk,
curd dearer
Temporary
power even after 4 months Finance
company penalised Fire-hit
traders seek pucca booths Patients
feel harassed |
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Fans disallowed entry,
canecharged S.A.S. NAGAR, April 1 — The Indo-Pak cricket tie may have delighted thousands of spectators, but it ended up as nothing but harassment for hundreds of cricket fans, who in spite of possessing valid tickets, were not allowed entry into the PCA Stadium. They were even subjected to a cane charge and teargas by the security personnel posted at the stadium. Those not allowed entry were mostly youngsters, who were seen lined up outside different entry points. But all their attempts to enter the stadium seemed to fall on deaf ears as the security staff refused to open the gates for such a large number of people after the match started at 2.30 p.m. At some points, they were even canecharged by the police which also resorted to teargas to disperse the crowd from outside the gates, where they were made to stand in lines to enable them to make an entry into the stadium. Some fans received injuries in the process and had to return without watching the match. The problem was more at gate numbers 6 and 7, where the Punjab Police personnel repeatedly resorted to teargas shells to disperse hundreds of cricket fans, who were seen running helter-skelter to save themselves from the effect of the gas. Some of them were also injured, when the police officials chased them and canecharged them. Similarly, at gate number 11, a big crowd of people, including women and children, was seen waiting for the gate to be opened. But when gate was not opened, they shouted such slogans as “Punjab Police Murdabad” and “Punjab Police Hai Hai.” Sandip Singh, who had come all the way from Ambala to watch the match, said he was waiting for his turn in the queue to enter the stadium at gate number 7, when he heard a big bang, after which people started running around. “I realised what happened, only when tears filled my eyes. Now I will have to go back without watching the match,” he lamented. Kamalpreet Singh of Ropar said he was waiting for his entry at gate number 7, but was not allowed to go inside till 3.30 p.m. when the policemen, resorted to another round of teargas and canecharging. A police official on duty confirmed that in addition to repeated canecharging they used teargas on the cricket fans three times as they were “turning wild”. “Why did the organisers sell such a large number of tickets, if they were not able to make seating arrangements for them?” questioned Atul Bhalla, a Sector 22 resident, who received injuries on his elbow during the canecharge at gate number 6. Mr Raju Sharma, another fan, claimed that he was injured when his hand was hit by a cane shell. Ganesh Bhalla, another resident of Sector 22, claimed that he was injured outside gate number 7, when he was thrashed by the police in the presence of his friends, who were also made to sit outside the entry point for more than an hour. Meanwhile, it was observed that while the match was under way, a large number of people, who failed to secure entry into the stadium, climbed to the roofs of nearby houses to have a glimpse of the game. The rooftops of nearby houses were also full with Punjab police commandos who were posted there to ensure fool-proof security arrangements. Though a very few people succeeded in entering the stadium after the match started at about 2.30 p.m. black marketeers were seen doing a brisk business outside booths in Phase X. They were seen selling tickets, mostly those worth Rs 150 for a premium ranging between Rs 50 and Rs 100 in the presence of police officials posted in the area. Some of the members of the PCA club, who were charged Rs 150 dinner coupons, complained to the TNS that no dinner was made available to them. One of the members said: “The management told us that we would have to wait for some time for dinner, but even after waiting for one-and-a-half hours there was no food. Families with children had a harrowing time.” Reportedly some of the
members even got their coupons back with the management
assuring them refund. |
PIL against PCA filed in court CHANDIGARH, April 1 — A public interest litigation filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by Dr Naresh Mittal of Industrial Area Phase II, Chandi-garh, and three others, has sought directions in the nature of mandamus directing the state of Punjab and the Chandigarh Administration to recover the charges from Punjab Cricket Association for making security arrangements on the one-day international being organised at PCA Stadium, SAS Nagar, today. The petition says that the Punjab Cricket Association was a registered society and has a large number of membership. It has acquired 12 acres of land at SAS Nagar and spent several crores of rupees on the construction of an international-level stadium. The stadium complex has in-built facilities like a swimming pool, a billiards room, pool tables, a bar, restaurants, besides a number of fully furnished residential rooms. The tariff of the rooms is equivalent to that in four-star hotels. The membership fee of the society is Rs 51,000. The Society has collected crores of rupees by way of membership fee and is thus financially and commercially self-sustaining organisation. As such the PCA is required to meet the expenses incurred on its activities out of the funds received by it from the government by way of grants or by way of collections made from members. The PCA also charges by way of sale of tickets from the visitors who are interested in watching the game. The petitioner further says that the tickets for the April 1 match have been priced between Rs 100 and Rs 3000 and tickets were also being sold at a premium. Since the southern parts of Chandigarh and also of SAS Nagar are neglected in the matter of providing basic amenities like roads and street lights, on the eve of the match, the petitioner says, fresh recarpeting of roads was done and even street lights were repaired because office-bearers of the Punjab Cricket Association were highly placed officials. They enjoy a lot of clout over the government machinery and are instrumental in diverting public funds to the area they consider necessary. The petitioners are not against the development of the area or carpeting of roads or to provide electricity to any area. The petition further says that hundreds of police officials have been deputed in order to make security arrangements.And since the activities of the PCA are commercial in nature and since the PCA has funds of its own, thus expenses incurred on making security arrangements must be charged from the PCA. The petition also says it
has been held by the apex court that a PIL is
maintainable by any citizen in order to protect loss of
public property and public money by any person, including
the government. |
“Ohee sadda
Tribune Lahore da!” Chandigarh is bustling with colourful bazaars in resonance with the noise and din of Lahore. Lahore was the growth of centuries and the attempts to replace Lahore in 50 years to say the least is as optimistic as unrealistic. However, Chandigarh possesses sufficient glamour to make up for the psychological loss of Lahore. Probably such sentiments flow in the couplet: “Aey Lahore, tere Lahoriat oar Jahan mey bhi aabad hai, Tu yehan hazaaro saal kee hai abhi woh wahan Jawan hai” A 23-member delegation of writers and intellectuals from Pakistan on the invitation of Folklore Research Academy, Chandigarh, visited the City Beautiful for a day on February 17. They were accorded a warm welcome here. When they were informed that Chandigarh was built in lieu of Lahore, spontaneous words oozed out from the lips of our Pakistani brother, Mr Afzal Saheer: “Aameen, so it is our new Lahore”. Passions flared up when his friend Shahid Nadeem insisted: “The bus service between Lahore and Delhi should also touch New Lahore.” The Pakistani team had developed some sort of belonging in Chandigarh in no time and was keen to visit its alma mater, Panjab University, and The Tribune, but because of paucity of time it could not. The senior-most member of the team, Mr Sikander Raja, chanced upon the Gothic-type-faced The Tribune. In chaste Punjabi, he excitedly burst: “Balley Balley Oye! Ohee Sadda Tribune Lahore da”. In glee he kissed the paper with tears in his eyes and in a choked voice said: “It is not merely a newspaper for us. Several decades of our memories are shrouded in it. Why have we been deprived of it?” His beautiful and explicit reflections, however, had to reveal more:- “Kujh vee na badla yee taa janna pachhanna, hakikat bayaan karuu-sab kujh apnaa he apnaa” “Prof A.R. Misbah, Principal Dean’s College of Commerce Faislabad, was of the opinion that in the field of education much is to be desired in Pakistan. Two Punjab universities — Lahore and Chandigarh — therefore should embark upon a joint plan to galvanise the youths of the two countries for better understanding and excellence in learning and research. During the discussion I was surprised to note the eagerness of Mohammad Ali Jan and Ammer Ali Jan — the two students of Pakistan — to pursue their higher studies in Panjab University, Chandigarh. I think Panjab University should take some initiative to have some sort of coordination with Punjab University, Lahore, in the fields of education, sports and youth cultural activities. History should not merely gratify the reader’s curiosity about the past, but modify his view of the present, and his forecast of the future. Therefore, bear with me a moment, people to people contact between Pakistan and India will certainly open a new era of friendship. The leader of the Pakistani team, Dr Khalid Javed Jan, unequivocally had expressed: “we are here for a mission. The history of several hundred years cannot be dusted away with the last 50 years. Every window sill, (history) she touches with colour and fragrance (of our culture): everywhere she wakens the drowsy murmurs of the hives, every place she scents with apple blossom. A great noble riding of one day in Chandigarh could prove an epoch making event in Indo-Pak history.” In the lawn of Sector 9, there stands an uncared and unnoticed memorial from where Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on April 2, 1952, saw the layout of Chandigarh. On that occasion he had said: “Let this be a new town symbolic of the freedom of India, unfettered by tradition of the past-an expression on the nation’s faith in future”. The future now beckons us to raise Chandigarh as the pyramidal city of Indo-Pak friendship. Let April 2 be celebrated as Chandigarh Day every year. And let the following folkore dominate the rhythm of bhangra and gidha at Chowk Rang Mahal in Lahore and at Piazza of Sector 17 in Chandigarh on every festive occasion of the two towns. “Chandigarh vee sadda, Lahore vee sadda, Yeh attut hein rishta sanjha, Punjhan saal kujh vee nahee ithas taa saidyon purana, Idhar vee lagangey udhar vee lagangey phir bhaichare they maley”. From its inception Chandigarh was beset with controversy. It was forgotten that a city is an entirely man-made environment and is a unique product of a particular society and culture. A new town cannot be any better than the people who live in it, the planners who design it or those who manage it. Some comments made about it on its golden jubilee celebrations were uncalled for. Let my feeling be shared by one and all:- “Yuu na isey murda ya Janana saher khey kar gusthakee karo, Is key tarashney waley key yoo hosley past na karo”. So, Chandigarhites should rise to the occasion and equip themselves for the memorable mega event — the Chandigarh Day. Despite the fact that journey to Lahore is not so easy but we must look for every good moment. “Chandigarh Day”
is the next opportunity to seek better future for India
and Pakistan. Let us avail of it. |
Focus on Indo-Pak trade CHANDIGARH, April 1 — The Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Mr Ashraf Jahangir Qazi, says that focus on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan should gradually shift to larger and broader issues to benefit both the nations. Speaking at the northern region headquarters of the Confederation of Indian Industry at a special session here this afternoon, Mr Qazi felt that 1999 marks a new year of bilateral relations between the two countries as the initiative taken by the two Prime Ministers deserves a Nobel Prize for peace. Talking about the historic Lahore declaration following the bus drive to Lahore by the Indian Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, Mr Qazi said that the subsequent meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the countries in Sri Lanka had expanded the dialogue process and raised it to the political level. The effort would to be intensified. Mr Qazi said that there has been trade between India and Pakistan but both the partners have been losing substantially in the absence of legitimacy of the transactions. Mr Qazi said that in the present scenario, the bilateral imbalances were not as important as the global balances. These were minor irritants which could be sorted out. The projected Rs 10,000-crore trade between India and Pakistan by 2003 was not difficult to achieve, he added. He hoped that the report being prepared by the CII for Indo-Pak trade would form the basis of a policy rather than gain dust as has been the case with other such reports. Mr Qazi was hopeful that in wake of the Lahore declaration, the meeting of Foreign Ministers in Sri Lanka and subsequent joint statement are steps in the direction. He said there are problems between bilateral relations but one must work on them in a meaningful, simple and emphatic manner. Without friendly relations, the two nations cannot go far, he added. Mr Qazi said that for the past more than 18 months, the visa conditions had been relaxed. "Before I joined two years ago, the Delhi office used to issue 60 to 70 visas a day, but now the number of visas issued daily is 450. This is in spite of the fact that there is shortage of staff," he added. He was hopeful that a decision about the reopening of the Consulates in Karachi and Mumbai would be taken soon. Talking about the road route, Mr Qazi said that it was India which ordered the closure of the road route (through Wagah) 10 years ago. He was hopeful that this route would be reopened soon. Earlier, Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman-elect of the Northern Zone CII, said that April 1 marks a new day in bilateral relations as it is the first day of a new financial year, an Indo-Pak cricket match is being played at SAS Nagar, and a business session is being held in Delhi as well. Mr Munjal also talked about the Task Force set up by the CII and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to suggest ways to promote industrial, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The Task Force is expected to submit its report by the end of this month. Mr I.S. Paul, Chairman of the Chandigarh Region, while proposing a vote of thanks said that if the European Union could enter into a new era of economic cooperation, why India and Pakistan also could not do it. He also hoped that the target of the Rs 10,000-crore trade between the two countries by 2003 was achievable. A memento was presented to
Mr Qazi on behalf of the CII. |
‘Unity strength of Pak team’
He nostalgically recalled his own times. Attired in a two-piece suit, Lala Amarnath, who is in his nineties, looked alert and was excited about the match. “I think it will be an interesting match, for I have been regularly watching the performance of the Indian team for the past about six years. Our team is good but it all depends on the start,’’ said Lala Amarnath. Recalling his batting days in Lahore, Amarnath commented, “I have always believed that Pakistan has a strong cricket team. The unity among players and subsequent team work is their biggest strength, which makes them take up all challenges and emerge winners.” He has lot of respect and regard for the Pakistanis. Amarnath, who began playing cricket in 1933 and was the first cricketer to score a century in his first match, proudly recalls the victory of the Indian team under his captainship against Pakistan in the Test series in 1952. The Indian team too has a lot of potential and their winning the World Cup in 1983 testifies this fact. The absence of leaders like Mohammed Azharuddin and ace player Sachin Tendulkar will only provide youngsters like Ajay Jadeja, Saurav Ganguly and Dravid to prove themselves in the field and further build their teams for the forthcoming World Cup. Narrating an anecdote, he
said that when the former Prime Minister, Mrs Indira
Gandhi said that film stars had done a great service in
furthering India’s relations with other countries,
he could not digest and told her that cricketers did a
greater service. “We play as opponents in the field
but we eat together, embrace each other and by hook or
crook we are friends once we are off the
field.’’ And she did concede their role in the
improvement of relations. “I simply enjoy Don
Bradman’s cricket. He is the greatest cricketer born
in the world,” he said Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed
Azharud-din and Rahul Dravid are among his current Indian
favourites and Ijaz Ahmed and Saeed Anwar from the
Pakistani team. |
Extend visit up to Bangalore: Pak
fans CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Spirit of brotherhood could be seen as Pakistani cricket fans arrived in the City Beautiful. “Yeh to ek hi desh hai asal main, sirf prant alagh alagh hone se duri nahi hoti, aur yahan to culture same hai, khana peena ek hai,” quipped Mrs Nuzhat Bano Farrukh, who has come from Lahore along with her husband Farrukh Iqbal and three children — Danish, Ayaayaz and Amal. Another Pakistani family had this to say, “The real purpose was outing for them and exposure. Nadeem Mustafa Khan and his group of friends Shazad, Tariq, Naveed, Farid wanted to have good time. Farid came all the way from London, to Lahore and then India. Naveed was of the opinion that the visa time was very less and the same should have been extended to at least seven days. Nadeem said they should be allowed to go up to Bangalore where the final of the series will be played. Sohail Ahmed Khan of Bhawalnagar who is a student of English literature seemed excited after coming to India and would like to tell his friends and family members about Chandigarh. Five students of Unity College, Lahore, were a delighted lot as they adorned Pakistani turbans with different colours. Rai Ahmed Khan, a businessman from Lahore, had come with his cousin and three friends and deals in rice. He wanted more trade ties with India. Hamid, his cousin, wanted the visit to be extended to more cities such as Shimla. Mushtaq from Islamabad uttered compared Chandigarh with his home town. Salim Izaz said that, “Itna paisa nuclear bomb aur rocket banene me chala jata hai, vahi desh ki bhalai jase pani, padai aur kai jaroorat ki cheezen per laga sakte hain”. The cricket fans had high hopes on trade ties between two countries and some had even brought samples of dry fruit to be shown to local dealers. After bus diplomacy,
cricket diplomacy could pave the way for cordial ties,
said Hamid of Lahore. |
Pak visitors see Hindi film CHANDIGARH, April 1— It was like a “mela” outside a cinema hall in Sector 34 today with slogans of “Pakistan-India Dosti Zindabad” and “Jivey-Jivey Pakistan” being heard loud and clear. Visitors from Pakistan were seen dancing and taking snaps with some locals present around and expressing elation after having crossed the border. As many as 600 visitors had come for the morning show of Hindi film Arzoo, starring Madhuri Dixit and Akshay Kumar. The show had been especially organised for the Pakistani visitors. Even while the show was on, some 30-40 Pakistani men remained outside the cinema “to see if we can interact with our brothers from Punjab”. Many youngsters expressed unhappiness at the “strict security systems and the number of forms to be filled that were restricting their movements”. “We are feeling like PoWs and not visitors. We would like to go to bazaars and meet people and see the Indian Punjabi culture. Till now we have seen only roads”, said Kashif, a young student from Lahore. “The only place we have visited so far is the Mohali stadium. I think Chandigarh is nice, and the people are nice but we have not had any “mazaa” so far”, added Afzal, another student. Many visitors complained about the stay and food arrangements. Said M Kashiv, a businessman, “Chandigarh has been a disappointment. Till 2 am there was no accommodation available. And later when we were put up at the respective places, we were woken up in the middle of the night to fill up forms for this film”. Added another businessman from Lahore, “You are all welcome to Pakistan and we can assure that there will be no problems like these for you. Would you believe it that we have been given only “aloos” to eat since the time we arrived in Chandigarh? We don’t like the kind of food that is being served, and wonder why our brothers are not taking care of such details”. The visitors had reportedly already filled up forms for their lodging at Attari itself, but chaos and confusion prevailed once they reached Chandigarh, as some Pakistanis wanted to stay in hotels and not dormitories of various Chandigarh Bhavans. “When we reached Kisan Bhavan, there were only 14 rooms available. We were ready to dole out money to stay in hotels, but had to huddle in groups at the Bhavan”, said another businessman, Saleem. But most visitors were “simply” elated about the fact that they were in Punjab, and showed eagerness to meet the people of Punjab and speak in their language. “Cricketers have done much better than ambassadors. Otherwise who would have expected common people like us to be roaming freely in your country? Chandigarh is so much like Islamabad, and we are very happy to be here”, said Farruqh, a computer-businessman. Dressed in a salwar-suit made out of the Pakistani flag and leading the group in shouting slogans, Abdul Jalil said, “I have been travelling with our cricket team whenever I can, and even left my job at Abu Dhabi to act as a cheer-leader. It is great to be in Punjab, amongst our own people”. Interestingly, not many wanted to talk about the match. “I am not too fond of cricket matches, but since we have already paid up, we would go there”, said Raja, wearing a T-shirt bearing the face of his “favourite movie actor”, Aamir Khan. Added Najib, another youngster, “Pakistani films are not as nice as Hindi films. So we avoid watching them, but we love to watch Hindi films on video”. Sharing the sentiments, Vikas Afzal said, “Indian films are not censored like the Pakistani films, and so we like to watch them”. Mrs Razak, a woman from Pakistan opined, “In Pakistan women don’t go to cinemas so much. But I love Hindi films and I am very happy to be in India”. The visitors plan to do shopping in the city tomorrow with most stores in the city having announced discounts for them. Chandigarh’s reputation for being one of the costliest cities of India was known, to some visitors as they were heard saying we would prefer to shop in “rehri” markets rather than Sector 17”. They would also attend a dinner function at Rock Garden later. Senior leaders and office-bearers of the Chandigarh District Congress (I) Committee (Urban), garlanded nearly 600 guests at the show of film Arzoo at a Sector 34 cinema hall. The guests were also welcomed with rose buds and slogans like “Hindustan-Pakistan Bhai Bhai”. Meanwhile, the Punjab
Government has made special arrangements to honour the
visitors. Capt Narinder Singh, Managing Director, Punjab
Small Industries and Export Corporation Ltd said special
gift coupons amounting to Rs 500 for each visitor from
Pakistan were being given by the Punjab Government to
make purchases from the Punjab Government Emporium. |
US company tries to buy
shamlat land CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Certain persons have agreed to sell over 500 acres of “shamlat” land in Mullanpur Garibdass village to a US-based company to set up a premier golf course community in Asia — Palmsdale. Investigations by The Tribune revealed that the process for the setting up of the proposed multi-use community— Palmsdale — started in 1997. Mr Jagbir Singh Dhillion, an NRI, shown as a resident of Sector 11 here in the land sale agreement, on behalf of the CdCore, USA, Inc, 20316 Saticoy St. 212, Winnetka, California — 91306, had approached certain residents, including the then Sarpanch, Mr Gurmukh Singh, for the purchase of the land for the prestigious project. Luring villagers, several of whom had encroached upon the common land, with tall promises such as “high price for their land”, free emergency treatment in the proposed hospitals, employment and concessional education in schools, Mr Dhillion reportedly prevailed over them to sell the land under their possession (“jumla malkan”). According to the documents in the possession of The Tribune, deals with several persons, including Gurmukh Singh, Muni Lal, Jagar Singh, Siri Ram, Gurdev Singh, Bhinder Singh, Hazura Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Ram Asra, Sminder Singh, Avtar Singh, Piara Singh, Surjeet Kaur and Amar Singh, were struck at Rs 1.5 lakh per acre. Most of the terms and conditions heavily weighed in favour of the company. Through colourful pamphlets and extensive publicity, the company marketed the project in the USA. A pamphlet of the firm, which was procured by this newspaper, said, “The overall development of the Palmsdale community is an attractive extension of Chandigarh. It will serve as a local recreation and holiday site. At the same time, Palmsdale will attract visitors from New Delhi and beyond.” It added, “Palmsdale will become a business focal point for local, national and multi-national companies and a jump-off point for tourists to other parts of North India. Initially, golfers from other parts of India will be attracted by the quality of golf at Palmsdale and over a period of time, it will become an attraction for international golf tourism.” Though no land was bought or any development work undertaken, the company marketed the project in the USA among the NRIs. In fact, a company document, showing details of the site plan, “Amalfi”, claimed that the eight plot sizes had been sold out for an amount ranging from $ 43,800 to $ 93,600. Meanwhile, Mr Dhanwant Singh Dhuri, a Punjab MLA, who had been spearheading the fight against what he calls a massive fraud by the land mafia in connivance with senior government officials , had reportedly been assured of a vigilance probe by the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, on March 30 on the floor of the Assembly. The plans of the firm ran into rough weather when Mr Gurmukh Singh lost in the election for Sarpanch. Most of the persons, who Dhillon had negotiated with, were also reported by isolated in village politics. Mr Diwan Singh, the new Sarpanch of Mullanpur Garibdass, while showing the documents that the land was indeed the “shamlat”, said though the above named persons had encroached upon the land, they had no locus standi in selling the land. Accusing these persons of
committing a fraud, Mr Diwan Singh urged the Punjab
Government to order a high-level inquiry into the whole
case, failing which the gram panchayat would move the
court. |
Abandoned boy adopted by a draw MUBARIKPUR, April 1 — There is no dearth of good Samaritans here. This was evident by the number of persons who wanted to adopt the abandoned child found in Kakrauli village yesterday. As many as 15 couples from Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, Patiala, Nabha and surrounding areas came forward to adopt the child. The child’s plight was highlighted by The Tribune on Thursday. The couples started reporting at the local police station and even in the house of Ms Surjit Kaur, Sarpanch of Kakrauli. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr H.S. Bhullar, and the village panchayat decided to give the child to a couple having no issue and who can care for the child properly. A draw of lots was held for eight couples having no issue at the police station. A couple from Baran village of Patiala district was the lucky winner. Mr D.S. Mohi, Inspector-General (retd), Punjab police, who was also present at the spot handed over the child to Mrs Satpal Kaur and her husband Balbir Singh. The couple is working with
the Punjab State Electricity Board.They have been married
for 20 years. |
Cable law may be amended: Pramod CHANDIGARH, April 1—The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr Pramod Mahajan, today ruled out the possibility of reinstating Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat as Naval Chief and of a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe without discussion on the issue in Parliament or removal or shifting of the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes. Talking to newsmen at Punjab Raj Bhavan here this morning, Mr Mahajan, said that the BJP-led government had made it clear that there could be no Joint Parliamentary Committee probe on the sacking of the Naval Chief until the subject was discussed in Parliament. "The demand of the Congress for a JPC probe is like putting the cart before the horse. The government has nothing to hide in the case. We are prepared to even open the files for senior leaders. Mr George Fernandes is a most efficient, honest, hardworking and secular person and has been one of the best defence ministers of the country." Referring to the stand taken by the AIDAMK leader, Mr Mahajan said, "Double roles are done in films only and they do not go well in politics." Mr Mahajan said the government was considering a proposal to amend the Cable Network Law, 1995, to make the Programme and Advertising Code applicable to foreign channels also on the lines of Doordarshan. The government was also proposing to make it mandatory for the cable operators to relay Doordarshan programmes and also fix a ceiling on the charges which foreign channels can levy on cable operators. Mr Mahajan said that by promulgating the Prasar Bharti Ordinance, the BJP government had only restored the original Act as passed by Parliament in 1990 to restore the appointment of the 22 Parliament Member committee, fix the age limit of board members and set up the broadcasting council. This ordinance has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. In the absence of its approval by the Rajya Sabha, the three-member committee headed by the Vice-President, Mr Krishan Kant, was free to appoint the Chairman of Prasar Bharati and its Directors. Mr Mahajan denied that other ministries were patronising the foreign channels. "I have taken up the matter with the Finance Minister and told him that Doordarshan was a public broadcasting company and must get its share of advertising from various ministries," he added. He said though the government had no control over the foreign channels, his ministry had formulated a code of conduct to check the onslaught on Indian culture by these channels. Mr Mahajan made it clear that the Prime Minister was not having any "sleepless nights" and in the "13 months of power, he has not succumbed to any pressure tactics from any one." Talking about the Chandigarh kendra of Doordarshan, Mr Mahajan said that work was in progress and the kendra would become operational soon. Some of the states which do not have any DD kendra would also get it. Talking about the problem in the local unit of Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr Mahajan said that he would convey the sentiments of the party workers to the Union Home Minister. "I hold no position in the organisational matters of the party and hence cannot comment on it. I will simply convey their sentiments to the persons concerned," he added. Mr Mahajan was here in
connection with the one-day international cricket match
between India and Pakistan. |
Judge orders release of
councillors CHANDIGARH, April 1 — The Judicial Magistrate, Mr Tejwinder Singh, today ordered the release of those councillors of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation who were arrested on the charge of staging a dharna outside the office of the Adviser to the Chandigarh Administrator. In his order, the magistrate held: “An application has been submitted by the APP submitting that the accused persons had been arrested under sections 341 and 34, IPC. The Chandigarh Administration has now taken a decision not to prosecute these persons. Accordingly, it has been prayed that these persons be discharged from the case.” Since the prosecution is not interested to prosecute this case and wants to withdraw it, there is no justification to keep these accused persons in custody. Accordingly, they are ordered to be released forthwith. A copy of this order is sent to the Superintendent, Jail, Chandigarh, for releasing the accused persons as per the list enclosed,” the magistrate ruled. The councillors arrested
include Mr Gurpartap Singh Riar, President of the local
unit of the Akali Dal, Mr Mohinder Singh and Ms Harjinder
Kaur, both Deputy Mayors, Mr Gian Chand Gupta, former
Mayor and Ms Ranjsna Shahi. |
Sharp hike in vegetable prices CHANDIGARH, April 1—The prices of commonly-used vegetables such as radish, garlic,onion, cauliflower and lemon have witnessed a steep increase during the past two days. During a survey of the market today, it was found that radish, which had been selling between Rs 2 and 4 a kg during the past one week, was available today for Rs 7 a kg in the Sector 22 vegetable market. The vegetable was available between Rs 5 and Rs 6 a kg yesterday. According to traders, the hike was due to a sudden scarcity of vegetable as the early varieties had vanished from the market, while late- maturing varieties, were not sufficient to meet the demand. Similarly, the price of good-quality garlic had gone up from Rs 24 to Rs 40 a kg during this period. According to traders, the hike was a temporary one and was due to less arrivals in the market during the past two days. The price of average- quality garlic was between Rs 25 and Rs 30 a kg. Onion too, witnessed a considerable jump in its price during this period. A kg of onion, which could be purchased for between Rs 5 and Rs 6 just two days back, was available today for Rs 8. According to sources in the market, the wholesale price had also increased from Rs 150 to Rs 220 per kg.The wholesale price was at Rs 187 per 40 kg yesterday. The case of lemon was not different, as its price had shot up during this period. A kg of the ‘summer essential’, priced at Rs 40 just two days back, was available for Rs 60 today. According to traders, the price was likely to go up further due to shrinking arrivals, which was a common feature during summer. The price of cauliflower had also increased during this period. A kg of the vegetable, priced at Rs 3 just two days back, was available for Rs 5 today. However, the vegetable was being sold by roadside vendors at between Rs 2 and Rs 3. The price of ginger had also gone up. A kg of ginger, priced at Rs 40 during last week, was available today for Rs 50. The prices of other
vegetables and fruits were as follows: cabbage Rs 3 a kg,
gourd Rs 10, peas Rs 10, lady’s finger Rs 30,
brinjal Rs 14, bittergourd Rs 30, beans Rs 14, tomato Rs
8, carrot Rs 5, cucumber Rs 14, garlic Rs 40, apple Rs
40, orange Rs 50 a dozen, banana Rs 20 a dozen, grapes Rs
40 a kg, pomegranate Rs 40 and mango-Rs 50. |
Milk, curd dearer CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Come summer and the prices of milk and curd have started shooting up. Milkfed, a major supplier of packed milk in the city and adjoining areas, raised the prices of each of the five types of milk by Re 1 per litre. The price of curd, was raised by Rs 2.50 per litre. For example, skimmed milk, which was available until yesterday for Rs 3.90 for a half litre pouch at Verka booths and Rs 4 at agencies, was sold at Rs 4.40 at Verka booths and Rs 4.50 at agencies today. Similarly, the price of a1litre pouch of standard milk was increased at agencies from Rs 15 to Rs 16.The price of a 200 ml cup of curd went up by 50 paise. The reason given was the growing cost of procurement of milk. A spokesman of Milkfed said that besides the procurement price, the cost of other inputs, had gone up. The Verka premium milk, which was earlier available at Rs 16 a litre, was being sold from today at Rs 17 a litre. In Himachal Pradesh, the prices of each of the five types of milk went up by a rupee. For example, the Verka premium milk was sold at Rs 18 a litre in the state. The price of toned milk went up from Rs 12 a litre to Rs 13 a litre, while that of double toned milk went up from Rs 10 to Rs 11 a litre. The spokesman said that
prices of other milk products, including butter, ghee,
lassi and ice cream had not been revised, though their
cost of production too had gone up appreciably during the
past one year. |
Phone complainant manhandled CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Mr D.V. Joshi, Assistant Press Manager of The Tribune, was allegedly manhandled by a junior telecom officer, posted at Zirakpur telephone exchange, where he went to inquire about an ‘inflated’ telephone bill today. Mr Joshi, who was put to an illegal confinement by the JTO in an exchange room, was made to sit at Lohgarh police station for more than three hours, he was allegedly forced to sign documents of compromise by the munshi, Mr Nirmal Singh. In spite of a written complaint, no case has been registered against the accused. Narrating his tale of woe, Mr Joshi said as he went to seek the details of an ‘inflated’ bill of a telephone working at his residence in Tribune Colony, Bartana, from Mr M.S. Gill, JTO, the latter started objecting to a story that appeared in The Tribune a few days back about the telephone services in the area. “When I tried to pacify him, he started shouting at me and even thrashed me up, saying that I was free to do anything against him. Later, he dragged me to a room in the exchange, from where I was released after about two hours when some policemen came to the exchange,” he added. Mr Joshi, said at the police station, he was forced to sit in a corner for about three hours, after which, he was even made to strike a compromise by Mr Nirmal Singh, the munshi on duty. “I was allowed to go only after I signed the compromise papers,” he said. Mr Gill, junior telecom
officer, was not available for comments |
Temporary power even after 4 months SAS NAGAR, April 1 — Residents of the newly developed MIG houses in Sector 70 here have not been provided with permanent electricity connections even after four months of allotment and many requests to the Electricity Department. Temporary connections have been given for about 200 houses. Mr Dharmapal Bhuddhiraja said he applied for a permanent connection three months ago. While nothing happened in this matter, he had to bribe officials to get even the temporary connections. Another resident, Mr Manjit Singh complained that though they are paying the hefty instalments for the houses, the administration is not giving them the facilities in return. Mr Jagdish Sahni said that the electricity officials have not provided the meters to them and they are forced to buy the meters from market. It is not easy for a lay man to buy a meter of good quality. Electricity department
sources say that there is a scarcity of meters in the
department. The waiting list for permanent connections is
pending since October last, the sources said. |
Finance company penalised CHANDIGARH, April 1 — In an ironical case, a finance company has had the taste of its own medicine as it has been penalised for wrongly demanding a penalty amount from a consumer. The complainant, Mr Gurbachan Singh of Sector 19, Chandigarh, had purchased a scooter by availing of the finance provided by Bajaj Auto Finance Ltd. The cheque for one instalment was returned unpaid by the bankers due to irregular endorsement. When this was brought to the notice of the complainant, he paid the amount in cash on December 21,1997. The finance company raised a demand for Rs 800 as penal interest for the delay in payment and refused to issue the no-objection certificate required by the complainant. The complainant produced before the forum a certificate of the United Bank of India saying that the cheque was returned because the bankers’ endorsement was irregular. The forum held that “the endorsement was made by the Central Bank of India, Sector 35-D, the bankers of the opposite party (Bajaj Auto Finance Ltd). It was not on account of any fault of the complainant that the cheque bounced and consequently the payment was delayed. The opposite party, therefore had no reason to impose a penal interest of Rs 800 on account of delay in the payment of the cheque. By levying this amount, the opposite party is guilty of deficiency in service.” The forum comprising its President, Mr R.P. Bajaj, and members, Mr H.S Walia and Mrs Kamlesh Gupta directed Bajaj Auto Finance Ltd not to demand Rs 800 from the complainant and issue the no-objection certificate to him in respect of the scooter in question. It further imposed costs and compensation of Rs 1,100 on the finance company. Phone bill quashed The Punjab Mandi Board, Chandigarh, had earlier challenged two telephone bills dated August 1, 1992, and December 1, 1992, for Rs 40,285 and Rs 10,488, respectively, saying that the bills were highly excessive and it was so because of some fault in the metering equipment. The department took the plea that the telephone had the ISD/STD facility and extensive use thereof could not be ruled out. The forum noted that the matter concerning misuse of the telephone was investigated by the vigilance cell regarding the diversion of line allegedly by Mr Malkit Singh, RM of the department who was posted in the area during the relevant period. An adverse inference was also drawn against the Telecom Department as it failed to produce the relevant print-out. The forum held that the
bill for Rs 40,285 “does involve an element of
mischief and the service of such a bill upon the
complainant is an act of deficiency in service.” The
forum, however, upheld the other bill for Rs 10,488. |
Fire-hit traders seek pucca
booths SAS NAGAR, April 1—Fire-affected booth owners of the Phase IV Sahibzada Ajit Singh Rehri Market organised a march and blocked traffic here today in support of their demands. The marchers demanded adequate compensation and the construction of pucca booths in the fire-hit market. Representatives of other rehri markets here also participated in the march, which began from Phase IV. More than 200 persons marched through various residential areas raising slogans against the Punjab Government. They planned to march up to the cricket stadium to meet Mr I.S.Bindra, Vice-Chairman, PUDA, and Principal Secretary, Punjab Housing and Urban Development, to present their demands to him. The marchers were, however, stopped at Ambwala Chowk by police personnel deployed there as part of the security arrangements for the India-Pakistan cricket match today. The booth owners also blocked traffic at the chowk, leading to a lot of inconvenience to road users. The Ropar SSP, Mr Jaskaran Singh, the local SP, Mr B.S. Randhawa, and the SDM, Mr O.P. Popli, reached the chowk but the khokha owners said that they would only talk to Mr Bindra in connection with their demands. Mr Bindra, who also reached there shortly, said he had sympathy for the fire-hit persons and had directed PUDA officials to construct pucca booths in the rehri market. He said the government would provide adequate compensation to the booth owners. Further, Mr Bindra said, it would be probed whether dhaba owners in the rehri market had the licence to run their businesses. If the businesses were illegal, action would be taken against the Municipal Council officials concerned. Mrs Lakhwinder Kaur Garcha, Municipal Councillor for Phase IV, who was among the marchers, said booth allottees had deposited Rs 5,000 each three years ago for getting the booths transferred in their names and for getting these made pucca, but no action had been taken by PUDA. Among the marchers were Mr Kuljit Bedi, general secretary, Punjab Youth Congress, and Mr Baldev Singh Bains, President of the Citizens Welfare Council. Mrs Daljit Kaur, Kharar MLA, who visited the affected market today, said pucca booths should be constructed on priority and free of cost. None of the 76 booths destroyed in the fire yesterday had been insured as these did not fulfil the required conditions for insurance. Booth owners complained
that some goods were stolen by miscreants while they were
busy saving their property from the flames. |
Patients feel harassed SAS NAGAR, April 1 — Dr Surinder Kumar of the local Laser Eye Hospital and Maternity Centre in Phase X, complained today that policemen deployed as part of the security arrangements for the India-Pakistan cricket match put patients to great inconvenience and harassment. He said there was no prior
intimation to the hospital from the authorities that the
Phase X market, in which the hospital was located, had
been earmarked as a parking site for cricket matchgoers.
Patients, especially those operated upon yesterday, faced
harassment as their vehicles were prevented by the police
from going near the hospital. Sick persons had to walk
quite some distance to reach the hospital. |
Board takes over community
kitchens PANCHKULA, April 1 — Even as the controversy over closing of community kitchens by three private organisations at Mata Mansa Devi temple over the collection of funds by the Mansa Devi Pooja Sathal Board in the name of bhandaras refuses to end, the three community kitchens have been taken over by the board. The Chief Executive
Officer of the board, Mr H.S. Pannu, today said that the
board took over the kitchens after the organisations
— Shri Mata Mansa Devi Bhandara Committee, Mata
Mansa Devi Sewak Dal Dharmarth and Bhandara Committee and
Mahamai Mansa Devi Charitable Committee — decided to
close down the kitchens. |
Bridge course for blind opens Chandigarh, April 1 — A bridge course in the field of visual impairment and associated disabilities was inaugurated today at the Institute for the Blind, Sector 26, by Major-Gen Rajendra Nath (retd), Chairman of the institute. The one-month course is being run by the Rehabilitation Council of India, a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in collaboration with the institute. The lectures at the institute would include topics like meaning of blindness and low vision, development of special education for the blind, psycho-social aspects relating to visual impairment, Braille, and emerging techniques like reading machine and talk-software for the blind. According to Mr K.R. Sood,
Principal of the institute and course co-ordinator, 25
participants from Chandigarh, SAS Nagar, Panchkula,
Ludhiana and Faridabad have enrolled themselves for this
course. |
Minister pays surprise visit PANCHKULA, April 1 — The Minister of State for Health, Mr Birjender Singh Kadiyan, today paid a surprise visit to a central store of the Health Department located at the office of the CMO here. He reportedly asked for details about the orders placed for purchase of medicines. According to highly placed sources, the minister first visited the General hospital and then went to the central store. He also raided the Material Store Department (MSD) branch of the Health Department at Chandigarh late last night after he received reports that a fresh order was being made for the purchase of medicines in which involvement of certain employees of the department was suspected. Unconfirmed reports said that a pharmacist posted at Panchkula had reportedly been placed under suspension. The Director-General of Health Services, Haryana, Dr P.L. Jindal, when contacted, said there was no irregularity in the purchase of medicines. The Minister of State for
Health could not be contacted despite best efforts. |
Orissa Day celebrated CHANDIGARH, April 1 — ‘Orissa Day’ was celebrated this evening at Lord Jagannath Temple, Sector 31, under the aegis of the Utkal Sanskrutik Sangh, which represents the 20,000-odd Oriyas living in and around the city. The function began with the singing of a patriotic Oriya song, ‘Bade utkal janani’. This was followed by a cultural programme in which odissi, bharatnatyam, Assamese and Sambalpuri dances were presented. A play on Lord Jagannath, ‘Neela Madhab’ was also presented. Mr R. S. Mishra, Vice-President of the sangh, said that Orissa was the first province to be created on a linguistic basis, and highlighted the role being played by prominent Oriya citizens in the city. Kirtan, kavi darbars to mark
tercentenary CHANDIGARH, April1 — The local Samooh Gurdwara Sahiban Committee will organise various programmes on the occasion of the Khalsa Sajna Divas. Mr N.S. Rangi, Co-convener of the committee said today that programmes included a ‘Chardi Kala Khalsa March’ from Gurdwara Sahib, Sector 40, to Sri Anandpur Sahib on April 4, kirtan, dhadi and kavi darbars at the Sector 34 gurdwara (April 5), Sector 19 gurdwara (April 6), Sector 38 gurdwara (April 7), Sector 34 gurdwara (April 8) and Sector 15 gurdwara (April 9). Besides this, five nagar kirtans will be organised simultaneously at gurdwaras in Dhansa, Sector 7, Sector 26, Ram Darbar and Sector 46. These kirtan marches after passing through various parts of the city will conclude at the Sector 34 gurdwara at 7 p.m. An amrit sanchar blood
donation camp will be held at the Sector 30 gurdwara on
April 13. |
CHANDIGARH, April 1 — The revaluation results of the Master of Finance and Control for the final year examination held in July 1998 was declared, here today by Panjab University. Copies of the result gazette are available at the enquiry counter of the university in the basement of the Administrative block, on all working days, for personal consultation. No telephonic enquiry will be attended to. Seminar Prof B.B. Tandon observed that the industry in India was feeling the pinch of globalisation, as reflected by the swadeshi movement, and stressed the need for more investment in R and D. Mr Keshav Sachdeva from JCT Electronics, was of the view that the industry was responding to growing globalisation by reducing costs and putting technology to the best possible use in the areas of core competence. Prof P.P. Arya opined that after globalisation, the Indian industry could not achieve cost leadership and build its R and D base. He desired that the Indian industry inform the government to avoid capital convertibility and restrict the entry of MNCs to those areas where India had developed the core competence. Dr Manoj Anand observed that corporate India had been stung by the globalisation bug and the rule of the game had changed from conglomeration to core competence, focus and cost leadership. “The slogan now, is to restructure or perish’’, he said. Dr M.K. Sharma wanted political will to be created for the furtherance of reforms which were in the interest of the nation. The Chairman of the department, Prof R.P. Gupta, welcomed the guests, while Prof S.P. Singh proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was coordinated by Prof P.P. Arya and Dr Manoj Anand. Honours school The president of Panjab University Campus Students Council, Mr Dayal Pratap Singh Randhawa, had stressed the postponement of the examination, a press release issued by the PUCSC, said here today. Water shortage The secretary of the Panjab University Residents’ Welfare Society, Mr Sanjhi Ram Sharma, claimed that he had contacted MC officials but he got hollow promises in return, since no necessary steps were taken by the department to regulate water supply. Elected |
CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Ram Sanjivan, a cyclist and resident of Mauli Jagran, was crushed to death by a truck near the filling station in Sector 28 this morning. Sanjivan, an employee of the Department of Telecommunication, was reportedly on his way to his office when the truck (HR-03-G-0209) knocked him down. He was rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, where he was declared brought dead. His body has been sent to General Hospital, Sector 16, The driver, Balvinder Singh, has been arrested and the truck impounded. A case has been registered. Fraud case A case has been registered. Cop assaulted The accused have been arrested and a case registered against them. Motor cycle stolen A case has been registered. Poison cases In another case, Manju of Malikpur (Kharar), was also admitted to the PGI after she consumed a poisonous substance. Road accidents In another accident, Ajay Kumar, a resident of Dhanas village, was injured when his scooter was hit by a car in the Sector 11 market today. Two injured He has been admitted to the PGI. In another incident, a one-and-a-half year old girl, Rupal of Kumbra village (SAS Nagar), was seriously hurt when she fell from the roof of her house. She has been admitted to the PGI. Body found Protest PANCHKULA Two killed Maya Devi, a resident of Mani Majra, died after she fell while alighting a bus. She was suffering from some ailment. According to the police, her identity was revealed from a prescription slip she was carrying with her. In another case a
pedestrian Arjun Singh, who was admitted to the PGI in
Chandigarh after being hit by a Maruti car, succumbed to
his injuries. The deceased was a resident of Chandigarh.
The police has registered a case against the car driver. |
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CHANDIGARH,
April 1 — “Play the game with a straight bat,
but don’t enter politics as cricket and politics
cannot go together.’’ This is the message which
the grand old man of Indian cricket, Lala Amarnath, has
for the cricketers of today. The former captain of the
Indian cricket team was in the city today to watch the
one-day cricket tie between India and Pakistan at the PCA
stadium.