Friday, April 2, 1999
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Friday, April 2, 1999 |
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TADA convicts go on fast NABHA (Patiala), April 1 — Four convicts serving jail terms under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act at the maximum-security prison here started an indefinite fast today to focus attention on "their plight." Passage of
Bill goes unnoticed |
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Panthic Dal's offer to
Badal MOGA: The conference of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Panthic) in a resolution passed here today, urged the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee not to participate in the function organised in connection with the tercentenary of birth of Khalsa by the Punjab government as he and his party colleagues welcome the 'Operation Blue Star' and attack on Akal Takht in 1984. Basic amenities missing Bhindranwale
to be declared a "martyr" 2
IOC tankers catch fire, destroyed Mahajan
dares Jindal to prove charge Pensioners
raise slogans Protest
against non-payment of pension Rally
by varsity staff |
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TADA convicts go on fast NABHA (Patiala), April 1 — Four convicts serving jail terms under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention Act (TADA) at the maximum-security prison here started an indefinite fast today to focus attention on "their plight." Though 10 convicts had in a statement yesterday declared they would be going on an indefinite fast from today the jail authorities when contacted said only four convicts had gone on strike. As entry into the maximum - security jail is prohibited the Jail Superintendent, Mr Bhajan Singh, when contacted disclosed that four convicts had neither taken tea and milk in the morning nor their subsequent meal. Mr Bhajan Singh said though the four convicts were adamant on not having anything the jail authorities were persuading them to partake of their meals. He said he had appealed to the convicts personally also and hoped they would break their fast soon. The Jail Superintendent said he would keep a watch on the situation for two days before taking any action. He, however, was categoric in saying that there was no provision of a fast being allowed in prison in the jail manual. He said if the convicts persisted with their fast they would be force-fed. The convicts had got a statement delivered yesterday in which they claimed they wanted to highlight the manner in which they were ignored by the Shiromani Akali Dal-led government. They said though they did not have any objection to the government celebrating the tercentenary of the birth of the Khalsa but they felt the religious and political aspects which were behind the Sikh struggle should also not be forgotten on the occasion. They said it was unfortunate that the Panthic leaders were indifferent to the heroes of the Sikh struggle. They said factional fighting had pushed the real issues into the background. A total of 23 TADA
convicts and 33 undertrials are lodged in the prison
here. Government remissions in jail terms are not
applicable to TADA detainees. They are allowed only jail
remissions. |
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Passage of Bill goes unnoticed CHANDIGARH, April 1 — The passage of the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service of Employees) (Amendment) Bill, 1999, in the Vidhan Sabha on the last of the Budget session on March 30 has gone almost unnoticed. This is a major "achievement" of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers' Union, which has fought a long-drawn battle with the powers that be for the past nine years. As a result of certain actions by teachers' academics affected the process and study hours were lost. Nevertheless this is a major decision taken by the government as part of its commitment to ensure better service conditions to the teachers, who are considered nation-builders. Why it took so long is another story. But it shows the government's magnanimity. As a consequence of this step by the government, nearly 6,900 teachers and non-teaching employees appointed against the aided posts working in 139 affiliated colleges in Punjab will stand to gain pecuniary benefits effective from April 1, 1992. Those covered under the Act will benefit by way of the pension and gratuity scheme, now applicable to the privately managed affiliated colleges (non-government). These institutions are covered under the 95 per cent deficit grant-in-aid scheme. As per the new amendments, the scheme will operate from the corpus fund, created out of the contributory provident fund share of the managements. In the new amendments a clause has been introduced for "punitive punishment" against a defaulter management, which can mean imprisonment up to one year or with fine which may extend to Rs 50,000 or with both. This is to ensure smooth operation. All payments will be through the treasury. As the Chandigarh Administration follows Punjab on several service matters, it is but natural that the union, according to past president, Mr Charnjit Chawla, expects the Chandigarh Administration to act fast and extend the same benefits to the non-government colleges in the union territory as well. Enquiries have revealed that the opening balance of the corpus fund is Rs 18.84 crore. The pension and gratuity benefits will accrue from this. There is no likelihood of any financial liability on the state for the period up to March 31, 2005. The pension scheme was, in fact, cleared in February, 1996. The details, running into 32 pages, were circulated to all colleges concerned in December, 1996. This was not made applicable to part-time employees and those who had retired from the aided post before April 1, 1992. Mr Chawla said the employees concerned should remember that the beneficiaries of pension will be those who have completed 33 years' qualifying service, and pension will be computed at the rate of 50 per cent of the average emoluments of the past 10 months. In so far as gratuity, where the qualifying service is less then 10 years, the service gratuity will be calculated at a uniform rate of half month's pay for every completed six monthly period. Both retirement pension and gratuity will be granted to an employee who retires voluntarily or is retired compulsorily. Those employees who opted for pension-cum-gratuity scheme released in December, 1996, will have to retire on attaining age of 58 and be re-emloyed up to 60 years, thereafter, as per the instructions issued by the government in February, 1967. On re-employment an employee, after 58, will continue to draw the same pay with normal increments as per government instructions in January, 1992. A committee has been
constituted for operating the fund. In fact on April 3,
1992, the government had announced acceptance of the
scheme on the floor of the House. That was in lieu of
contributory provident fund. |
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Notification on teachers' demands CHANDIGARH, April 1 — The Punjab Government issued a notification on Wednesday, implementing the demands of teachers, other employees and pensioners of 484 aided schools in the state. Mr Manohar Lal Chopra, general secretary of the Punjab State Aided School Teachers' and Other Employees Union, said that the state government had sanctioned parity in pay scales, DA, medical allowance, house rent and pensionary benefits with effect from January 1, 1996, to 10,000 employees and 2,000 pensioners of aided schools with their counterparts in government-run schools. The increased benefits will be paid in cash from April 1, 1999, while the arrears for the period January 1, 1996 to March 31, 1999 will be paid in six equal annual instalments. The first instalment will be payable in April 2000. Mr Chopra said the government had also sanctioned the Third Pay Commission scales to art and craft teachers, PTI's, clerks and Class IV employees with effect from January 1, 1986, instead of December 23, 1992. The removal of this disparity was the major demand of the union. The government, however, has imposed a cut of 5 per cent on the budgetary allocation of all departments, including the grant-in-aid to schools and colleges. He described this cut as "impracticable and irrational" as employees get annual increments and two instalments of DA from January and July every year. He hoped the cut would be withdrawn and educational institutions would not be starved of funds. It may be recalled that the Punjab State Aided School Teachers and Other Employees Union has launched a statewide agitation last month and had gone on strike for about 25 days. Almost 1,352 teachers, including 132 lady teachers, were in jail. One of the teachers Mr Romesh Chander Kohli of Jalandhar died in Burail jail on March 14. Mr Chopra demanded that the state government give should give a liberal grants to the family of Mr Kohli. His only son, who is a diploma holder in engineering should given a government job on compassionate grounds because Mr Kohli died in judicial custody. The union has thanked the
Chief Minister the Finance Minister and the Education
Minister for accepting its demands. |
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Mood upbeat over celebrations CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Despite endless political feuds and serious social and economic crisis staring Punjab, the people's mood to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of Khalsa is upbeat. While national celebrations would centre on Anandpur Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh chose five beloved ones to launch the Khalsa in 1699, committees have come at all levels throughout the country to celebrate the event. In fact, the people and this includes non-Sikhs too on their own initiative are organising seminars, declamation contests in schools and colleges, dhadi and kavi darbar and of course akhand paths. Several universities are setting up chairs and many publishers are busy bringing out books or reprinting old ones. One-upmanship among the Akali leaders did disturb the people, particularly their support base. But then the general feeling is that the Akalis would continue to fight so long. They are there so, why not celebrate the birth of Khalsa, which the 10th Guru created to fight injustice and establish a holy order. Celebrations are cutting across the party lines, although not many leaders from the Congress and the Left parties may join the official celebrations under the overall command of the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. The Congress party is holding separate marches and blood donation camps and of course, a conference at Anandpur Sahib. The Left parties in their own way are concentrating in presenting before the people what exactly Sikhism and Khalsa mean. A daily sponsored by a CPM stalwart, Mr Harkishen Singh Surjeet, has already published a bunch of articles. So each one according to his concept and strength, is busy celebrating the tercentenary of Khalsa. In the media, there is some serious introspection visible at several levels. Independent newspapers are bringing out supplements and pullouts, providing a scope for serious discussion. TV and radio are also busy in the same way. At Anandpur Sahib, an elaborate plan has been drawn to up start the programmes that include exhibitions of relics, kavi darbars, dhadi singing, light and sound programme, and public meetings. Several new projects have also been started which include a new railway station, widened roads, imparting gates, museum and display of martial arts. According to Capt Kanwaljit Singh Finance Minister and in the man charge of the celebrations, the government expected around 25 lakh visitors during the celebrations from April 12 to 14. In fact many dignitaries including the Prime Minister and the Vice President will be there. Mr Badal while presiding over the meeting of 'Anandpur Sahib Foundation Trustees' here today said that devotees from all over the world were reaching Anandpur Sahib to attend the historic celebrations. Elaborate arrangements have been made to cope with the massive rush of pilgrims. He said:"This historic event will be an occasion for the people of the world and for our countrymen in particular to renew their commitment to the free self-expression of the human spirit. It is, therefore, very imperative that we celebrate it collectively on a common platform to demonstrate the concept of unity of mankind and brotherhood." The Chief Minister said that the construction work on the Rs 160-crore Khalsa heritage memorial complex had been taken up which will be completed within a year and a half. The work on the bridge connecting the library complex and the museum complex of Khalsa heritage memorial complex had already been started. He claimed that the martial sports akademi, being set up in this holy city at a cost of Rs 13 crore would be functional soon. He complimented Delhi Sangat on undertaking the job of painting white Anandpur Sahib city. Capt Kanwaljit Singh said a beautiful publication entitled "The Khalsa-A Saga of Excellence" has been brought out and would be released by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 8 at Anandpur Sahib. An exhibition of Sikh relics and paintings was also being put up from April 6 to 20. Relics from government sources as well as from private organisations/ individuals are being put up on display. Besides this, he said, an exhibition of books on Sikh Gurus and Sikh/Punjab history was being held. A philatelic exhibition of the important commemorative stamps released on Sikh Gurus, important events relating to Sikh Gurus and Sikh history was also being set up at Anandpur Sahib. A religious congregation was being arranged on April 13 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. where renowned classical singers like Pandit Jasraj, Jagjit Singh, Bhai Lal Ji (from Pakistan), Singh Bandhu and Hem Lata would sing hymns from the Gurbani. A permanent light and sound show had been arranged at Qila Anandgarh Sahib to portray the history of formation of the Khalsa. Special illumination of all houses/buildings was being undertaken and decorative gates/buntings and arches were being put up at Anandpur Sahib and on the road from Kiratpur Sahib to Anandpur Sahib. He added that a special commemorative stamp would be released at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 9. Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa,
MP and a trustee, told the meeting that a sports festival
to display the traditional sports of Punjab like
wrestling, equestrian games, kabaddi and tug of war would
form part of the celebrations on April 9 to 13 in which
players from Pakistan, India and wrestlers from
Ujbekistan, and Pakistan would take part. Arrangements
for setting up of shamianas pandal, preparation of
souvenirs, parking arrangements, counters for different
stalls for giving information to the public were in
progress. The decoration of roads in the around Anandpur
Sahib with flags was also going on, he added. |
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Panthic
Dal's
offer to Badal MOGA: The conference of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Panthic) in a resolution passed here today, urged the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee not to participate in the function organised in connection with the tercentenary of birth of Khalsa by the Punjab government as he and his party colleagues welcome the 'Operation Blue Star' and attack on Akal Takht in 1984. The resolution, passed at the conference which was attended by suspended Jathedar, Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, Baba Sarabjot Singh Bedi, president, Sant Samaj, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, former president, SGPC and Baba Mohkam Singh, chief spokesman, Damdami Taksal alleged that BJP leaders also supported those who massacred thousands of Sikhs in Delhi in 1984 riots. In another resolution, the conference passed that if Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal wanted to buy peace in real sense then he should immediately bow before Akal Takht and offer apology to this highest Sikh temporal seat and revoke the suspension of Bhai Ranjit Singh. The resolution further said if Mr Badal did it only then the Sant Samaj would agree to share common stage at Anandpur Sahib with Mr Badal for tercentenary celebration and the function would be held under the aegis of Bhai Ranjit Singh. Otherwise the Sant Samaj would set up its own stage at new site near Dera Baba Labh Singh. The conference which was also attended by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Democratic), President, Mr Kuldeep Singh Wadala, Former Health Minister, Mr Inderjit Singh Zira SAD (Panthic) leader, Mr Harcharan Singh Rode by another resolution it appealed to the Sikh sangat to join all three Khalsa marches being taken out from Akal Takht, TAkht Damdama Sahib and gurdwara Rakabganj, New Delhi addressing at the conference Bhai Ranjit Singh said that struggle would continue against Mr Badal till the glory of Akal Takht was restored. He appealed that all Sikhs should show solidarity against Mr Badal who was bent on lowering dignity of Akal Takht for promoting the political interests of his kith and kin. Mr Tohra alleged that Mr
Badal played every game to remove him and Bhai Ranjit
Singh from their respective posts to save editor of a
Punjabi Daily, Barjindar Singh, who was summoned before
Akal Takht for some of his acts violating the Sikh
principles. He added that Sikh Sangat could give a better
reply to Mr Badal for his acts by outrightly rejecting
the "sarkari stage" at Anandpur Sahib on April
13 and 14 he alleged that Mr Badal was creating terror to
cover up failure of his government. |
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Basic amenities missing BATHINDA: Most residents of Urban Estate, phase-II colony have been urging the authorities concerned to provide adequate drinking water supply and streetlights for long but without any success. The residents allege that they have been forced to construct their houses in the colony by PUDA without the organisation making any arrangements for the drinking water and streetlights. They say that PUDA is imposing heavy penalties on plot holders in the colony for non-construction of houses in the stipulated time period. The Urban Estate, phase-II, was developed nearly 20 years ago by the then housing development authorities. The authorities concerned laid all roads, left spaces for development of parks, laid sewers and water pipes and made arrangements for the streetlights. But in the past 20 years most of the earth from the vacant plots has been stolen and it has left a deep depression on vacant plots, thus making plot holders spend huge money to get the earth filling done in plots to bring its level to the plinth level. Apart from this a number of stretches of underground water supply have disappeared. Residents of 150 sq yard and 250 sq yard plot holders allege that many of them have applied for the sewer connection by depositing money for the necessary road-cutting charges to the authorities but no sewer connection has been released to them so far. On the other hand, the condition of most roads is bad. The roads have developed pot-holes and at certain stretches, the upper layer of roads has peeled off. Mr C.S. Talwar, Assistant Chief Administrator, PUDA, when contacted said as the Urban Estate phase II was developed nearly 18 years ago and the construction of houses have started now a number of shortcomings were coming to the notice. While admitting the fact that some underground pipes of water supply were missing, he said residents were being supplied drinking water by tankers at their doorsteps. He said for the facelift of this phase and for its overall development, an estimate had been prepared and the work would be started soon. he admitted that the road condition was not bad and patch work was being done wherever necessary. He clarified that
penalties from the plot holders for non-construction of
houses was being levied as per rules. He added that the
Public Health (Government Works) Department had been
ordered to take necessary measures for providing sewerage
to the residents. |
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Bhindranwale to be declared a
"martyr" AMRITSAR, April 1 — The human rights wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) will "declare" Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale dead at a "shardhanjli sabha" being organised at Akal Takht on June 6 to coincide with the fifteenth anniversary of Operation Bluestar. Talking to TNS, Mr Balwinder Singh Jhabal, acting general secretary of the human rights wing, (HRW), said Sant Bhindranwale would be declared a "martyr" he said the HRW would join the "people's march" being organised by the Dal Khalsa International, the Akali Dal led by Mr Simranjit Singh Mann and other panthic organisations on April 4 in Chandigarh to press for the release of Sikh detainees. Mrs Paramjit Kaur Khalra,
widow of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist
who was kidnapped and killed in mysterious circumstances
for raising the issue of cremation of unidentified
bodies, would also join the march. |
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2 IOC tankers catch fire, destroyed MOGA, April 1 (UNI) — Two oil tankers belonging to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) caught fire and were reduced to ashes last night between Rode village and Smalsar on the Kotkapura-Moga road crew members however of both tankers escaped unhurt. According to the Baghapurana police today an oil tanker full of petrol, due to some mechanical trouble overturned and its contents petrol started spilling on the road. The owner of the truck called for another empty tanker and in the meantime also informed Kotkapura and fire tenders here as also to the nearby police post at Smalsar. The empty oil tanker from Kotkapura arrived immediately and police force from Baghapurana headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) also arrived. As a precautionary measure traffic on the Kotkapura-Moga road was suspended. When the empty oil tanker arrived on the spot the crew members of both trucks were in the process of shifting petrol to the empty oil tankers. There was some sparks which resulted in fire, flames of petrol could be seen from four to five km. In the meantime fire
tenders from Moga, Bathinda, Kotkapura and Muktsar
arrived and extinguished fire in five hours. |
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Mahajan dares Jindal to prove
charge CHANDIGARH, April 1 — The Haryana Prohibition Excise and Taxation Minister, Mr Om Parkash Mahajan, has denied the allegation levelled against him by a former member of Parliament, Mr O.P. Jindal, that he illegally collected huge sums of money from business men and traders of Hisar, but offered only Rs 7 lakh to the Chief Minister, Mr Bansi Lal, on the occasion of his public meeting in that town. Mr Mahajan said Mr Bansi Lal was enjoying the support of all sections of society, including traders and business men. The government led by Mr Bansi Lal was committed to the overall development of the state, irrespective of the fact that whether any constituency belonged to an MLA of the Opposition or the ruling party. He said the people of the state, especially workers of every political party, followed the tradition of offering money to the party chief on his arrival in their area for running the party. It was in this context that traders and the business men of Hisar voluntarily donated money for handing it over to Mr Bansi Lal, who in turn, returned the same for the development of the area. Mr Mahajan offered to quit politics for ever in case even 1 per cent of the allegation levelled by Mr Jindal proved true. Mr Jindal should accept his challenge like a man and prove it if he had the guts. He said in case Mr Jindal failed to prove the allegation by him he should quit politics and concentrate on his industries. Mr Mahajan said it was
wrong on the part of Mr Jindal to say that he gave
strength to Mr Bansi Lal in state politics with his sweat
and blood. Mr Jindal should not forget that he himself
was a novice in politics and Mr Bansi Lal had a
distinguished and long political career of not only
becoming the Chief Minister for the fourth time, but also
serving the nation as a union minister holding
significant portfolios, including Defence. |
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Pensioners raise slogans SAMRALA, April 1 — Hundreds of pensioners of Samrala subdivision, raised slogans in protest against the Punjab Government here today for not paying their pensions for the month of March till further orders. Mr Prem Sagar Sharma, the President of the Pensioners Kalyan Sangathan, Samrala, told the reporters that the Treasury Officer, Samrala, have impounded the pension books of the pensioners. They said the District Treasury Officer had banned the payment of pensioners till Monday. The pensioners raised slogans against the Punjab Government and held a big rally in front of the tehsil courts. Mr Sharma also said in this connection a joint meeting of the pensioners of Punjab, Haryana and HP would be held at Coffee House, Sector 17, Chandigarh on April 10 to discuss their demands. A protest rally will also be held on May 10 at Dera Bassi, the constituency of the Finance Minister Capt. Kanwaljet Singh, to register their protest. HOSHIARPUR (UNI): At
least 500 government pensioners on Thursday held a
demonstration and shouted anti-government slogans in
front of the treasury here demanding return of their
pension books after entry of their pension amount. |
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Protest against non-payment of
pension FATEHGARH SAHIB, April 1 — Several pensioners protested in front of District Treasury office today and raised slogans against the Government for non-payment of pension to them. Sources revealed the government again had imposed ban on the clearing of the contingency bills pensions and even salaries also. Mr Balwant Singh Sodhi and Dharm Chand Sharma President and Secretary, respectively of the District Pensioners Association alleged that when they went to the district treasury office to get pension hardly five to 10 vouchers of pensions were cleared when the DTO instructed the staff to stop all payments including pensions. They said when a deputation of pensioners met the DTO he expressed his helplessness to clear pensions as per verbal instructions of the government on telephone. He refused to give in writing Hundreds of employees of various departments alleged that their salary bills had also been stopped. They said the DTO had refused to accept the pay bills and further three holidays are ahead and they were not sure whether their bills of salary would be cleared in this month. When contacted the DTO, he
said he got a message on phone to keep all the payments
pending till further orders. |
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Rally by varsity staff PATIALA, April 1 — On a call of the Punjabi University Teachers Association (PUTA) a large number of teachers and non-teaching employees of Punjabi University, here today held a protest rally in front of the Vice-Chancellor's office during lunch hour against the recent victimisation of teachers by the Syndicate at its meeting on March 24. In a press statement Mr S.S. Khaira, president PUTA, said the protesters demanded the immediate removal of the present Vice-Chancellor for his vindictive attitude against teachers and non-teaching employees of the university, who had been raising their voice against illegalities in admissions, appointments and indulgence in favouritism to divide the faculty by violating university statutes and regulations. They also unanimously demanded immediate revocation of suspension of the teachers. The rallyists also
appealed to the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal,
to intervene in the matter. It also resolved to intensify
the protest. |
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Mahant shot at PATIALA, April 1 (PTI) — Fiftyeight-year-old Mahant Shanker Das of Dera Baba Balwant Singh, Bhikhi in Mansa district, was shot at by some unidentified persons here today. He was seriously injured
and got admitted to Rajindra Hospital here for treatment,
the police said. |
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Two convicted of rape HOSHIARPUR, April 1 (UNI) — The District and Sessions Judge has convicted two persons, for raping a village girl and sentenced them to seven years' rigorous imprisonment. In a verdict pronounced yesterday, the Judge Mr R.M. Gupta, also fined Brahmdutt of Ramdaspur and Swaran Kumar of Dasmesh Nagar, Tanda. The court further sentenced Brahmdutt to three years' rigorous imprisonment and fined him Rs 500 as well as two years' rigorous imprisonment and another a fine of Rs 500, under Sections 363 and 366 of IPC, respectively. The Judge ordered Swaran Kumar to further undergo two years rigorous imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 500. According to the
prosecution, the convicts had raped a village girl in
February, 1996. |
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Chitti complains to high command JALANDHAR, April 1 — Differences within the Congress have come out in the open, with a senior Congress leader of the Doaba region writing to the Congress high command to take disciplinary action against the PPCC chief, Mr Amarinder Singh, for approaching the media against the former PPCC chief, Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. Former MLA and chairman of the housing board, Mr Ram Lal Chitti, a close confidant of Mrs Bhattal, fired the "first salvo" against Mr Amarinder Singh who, since his takeover, has won the "Adampur" byelection. Mr Chitti in his letter to the AICC has alleged that, Mrs Bhattal, working within the "parameters" of the Congress party had dubbed the budget as anti-poor and had decided to boycott it. Recently, at a press conference here contrary to her stand, Mr Amarinder Singh, described the decision as a personal stand and not the party's decision. Taking cognisance of this,
Mr Chitti has alleged in his letter that Mr Amarinder
Singh is supporting the ruling alliance by not boycotting
the budget. Demanding disciplinary action against the
PPCC chief, Mr Chitti feared that the party would not
remain united under him. |
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Protest against liquor shops KHARAR, April 1 — A few representatives of political parties, social organisations and mahila mandals marched in a procession here today demanding that liquor shops opened about three years ago near Khalsa Senior Secondary School here and the nearby Ambika Devi Mandir should be closed down. Later, they submitted a memorandum addressed to the Punjab Chief Minister in the office of the SDM Kharar. They have written that because of these liquor shops the students and women were facing a lot of problems. Later, a rally was
organised in the tehsil complex which was addressed by
many persons. They have threatened that if these liquor
shops are not closed down within 15 days they will start
a dharna outside these shops. |
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CPI mourns Safeer's death CHANDIGARH, April 1 — Dr Joginder Dayal, Secretary Punjab State Council of the Communist Party of India, in a statement said that in the death of Mr Pritam Singh Safeer, Punjab had lost one of the best sons who made a great contribution in the field of Punjabi literature and Punjabi language. He would always be remembered as a "pioneer of one school of poetry and his outstanding integrity and honest". The CPI shares the agony of the family and thinks it as a personal loss to the party because his youngest brother Mr Jagjit Singh Anand is Chief Editor of Daily Nawan Zamana. The CPI sent its heartfelt
condolences to the bereaved family. |
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Proclaimed offender arrested FEROZEPORE, April 1 — The police here claimed to have arrested a proclaimed offender who was wanted under TADA and other Acts. According to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr Gurcharan Singh Pherurai, the proclaimed offender arrested by the Guru Harsahai police in this district, was Satwinder Singh, alias Satta, a resident of Sohnewala village. Satta was declared a proclaimed offender on May 17, 1991. Satta was arrested from
Changa Rai Uttar village on March 29. |
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Use of plastic bags banned KAPURTHALA, April 1 — Mrs Usha R. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, has banned the use and sale of goods in polythene bags by shopkeepers in the district till May 31. Mrs Sharma said the
municipal authorities in the district had brought to her
notice that polythene bags had choked sewerage systems in
Kapurthala, Sultanpur Lodhi and Phagwara towns of the
district. |
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Rail staff protest FEROZEPORE, April 1 — Members of the Uttariya Railway Mazdoor Union on Wednesday staged a dharna in front of the DRM's office here in protest against anti rail mazdoor recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission. The dharna was addressed by the union assistant division secretary of the union, Mr Parveen Kumar. AMRITSAR: Union
members also began the week-long protest, according to a
union press note. |
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