Thursday, February 18, 1999
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P U N J A B | |
Thursday, February 18, 1999 |
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spotlight today's calendar |
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Strike,
rallies by college teachers 750
women CPI activists held |
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Sonia to
attend Khalsa function Operation
cleanup by Badal camp Tohra
must go, says Mann Badal
to receive PM in Amritsar There
can't be 2 Jathedars, says Badal CM
visits Giani Puran Singh Militant
held, AK-56 rifle recovered Halt
encroachments, Badal tells DCs |
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Want revised scales implemented LUDHIANA, Feb 17 — On a call of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union, 6000 teachers in 160 privately-managed colleges of Punjab observed a two-period strike yesterday and today. Tomorrow after the first period teachers will sit on dharna in front of the district headquarters to press for the implementation of the UGC scales for the teachers of the state. In the case their demand in not met the teachers will proceed on mass leave for a day and hold a rally in Chandigarh. This was stated by Prof Devinder Joshi, a spokesman of the PCCTU. JALANDHAR: The Punjab State Aided School Teachers and other Employees Union held a rally here today in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office to protest against the indifferent attitude of the government towards its pay-scales. Mr Kashmir Singh Shergil, president of the union, condemned the government for shifting stand, time to time, and he declared to continue the protest against it. He said that they would start relay-fast from February 18. FEROZEPORE: Hundreds of teachers and other employees under banner of the Ferozepore district unit of the Punjab State Recognised School Teachers and other Employees Union, today afternoon, held a demonstration here, against the Punjab government's alleged "indifferent" attitude towards their demands. They took out "funeral procession" of the Punjab Government through main markets in the cantonment area. The procession commenced from MLM Senior Secondary School and when it was on its way, processionists blocked traffic for nearly 15 minutes on the GT road. Later, processionists reached outside the Deputy Commissioner's office where union leaders including the district president, Mr Kulbhushan Gautam, spoke against the Badal government, which they said was doing injustice by not accepting their demands. Among other things, they demanded forthwith implementation of recommendations of the Punjab's Fourth Pay Commission regarding their pay-scales. They decided to start relay fast outside the DC's office from tomorrow onwards. They also burnt an effigy of the Punjab Government. FATEHGARH SAHIB: Teachers and other staff of state-aided schools today organised a rally and burnt the effigy of the Punjab government. They also burnt the copies of the SAD (B) manifesto. The teachers including a large number of women from various schools of the district assembled at Ashoka Sr Secondary School, Sirhind and marched through the main bazars of Sirhind carrying black flags. They were raising slogans against the government. Later addressing the rally Mr Chajja Singh and Mr Baldev Krishan, President and Secretary, respectively, alleged that the government had denied legitimate rights of more than 12000 employees by not implementing fourth Pay Commission recommendations. Besides this more than 500 pensioners had also been denied the benefits despite an agreement reached with the government. TARN TARAN: Hundreds of teachers and other employees on the call given by the local tehsil unit of the Government Recognised and Aided School Teachers and other Employees Union today burnt the effigy of the Punjab government demanding the pay-scales recommended by the Fourth Punjab Pay Commission on a par with the government school teachers and other employees. A procession was also taken out by these teachers and employees in the bazars of the town. The agitating employees raised slogans against the Punjab government and did 'siapa' at the time of burning the effigy. Leaders of the union Mr Kashmiri Lal Patti, Mr Narinder Singh, Mr Yashpal Chabal, Mr Balwinder Kumar, Mr Gian Singh, Mr Baldev Singh, addressed the gathering and warned the government of a long agitation if their demands were not met. NAWANSHAHR: Teachers and non-teaching employees of the government-aided schools of the district, on Wednesday, took out a "protest march" here in the town to protest against the indifferent attitude of the Badal government towards their demands already accepted but been implemented despite assurance. Hundreds of employees gathered at Doaba Arya Senior Secondary School here and took out procession and raised slogans against the Badal government not implementing the Fourth Pay Commission report. The teachers blocked traffic and held a dharna in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner. Mr Hans Raj Sharma, a spokesman of the local unit of the union adding that the employees of the aided schools had already been boycotting all types of duties in the ongoing Middle Standard Examinations and had been observing "stay in strike" for the past four days in their respective schools. PATIALA: Employees of aided schools in this district, who are on strike for the past four days demanding immediate implementation of Fourth Pay Commission recommendations, today burnt an effigy of the Punjab government in front of the District Education Office here. Raising slogans against the government, the striking employees also burnt copies of the Shiromani Akali Dal election manifesto in which the employees were promised pay parity with government school employees. Mr B.S. Chawla, district
president of the Punjab State Aided School Teachers and
other Employees Union, said in a statement that the aided
schools would not allow the use of their school premises
for matriculation and X plus two examinations till their
demands were accepted. |
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"Jail
bharo" AMRITSAR, Feb 17 — As part of the nation-wide "Jail bharo" andolan a large number of women volunteers led by senior CPI leaders today courted arrest after holding a rally in Gole Bagh. The "andolankaris" were led by senior CPI leader Ms Vimla Dang. The state CPI secretary Dr Joginder Dayal, was among those who addressed the women volunteers. The speakers decried inflation and blamed the international financial institutions for dictating terms to the government. The BJP government was blamed for shifting the burden of its own "incapabilities" and "inefficiencies" on to the consumers. The state government also came under fire as several speakers commented upon its poor performance. Mr Dayal pointed out to The Tribune later that the CPI had "open options" for new political alliances if the SAD parted company with the BJP". We are ever willing to join hands with all secular parties. But look at BJP and the way minorities have been targeted during its rule." He was hopeful that the SAD would stick to its Moga conference stand of Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiat" and meet forcefully communal and fundamentalist forces trying to foment trouble and divisions. He wished Akalis would pay attention to state issues. JALANDHAR: More than 5000 volunteers, including nearly 2000 women volunteers courted arrest today on the third day of the "Jail bharo andolan" launched by the Communist Party of India (CPI) in a countrywide 'satyagraha'. Dr Joginder Dayal, secretary Punjab state council of the CPI said here today that 300 women under the leadership of Mrs Vimla Dang courted arrest at Amritsar, 250 women under the leadership of Ms Kailashwanti at Ferozepore. 100 women under the leadership of Ms Charanjeet Kaur at Nawanshahr, 100 women at Sangrur under the leadership of Harpal Kaur, the women also participated in a 'satyagraha' at Mansa, he said. He said that they demanded to put a stop to the policies of liberalisation, globalisation and denationalisation, to stop the undermining of public sector and its sell-out to the multi-national corporations to check steep rise in the prices of essential commodities and strengthening of the public distribution system... withdrawal of recent hike in the prices of food grains, LPG and urea, waiving the loans of peasants and arrangements for full loans to the farmers through co-operative societies at 4 per cent of interest, payment of compensation to the peasants for the damage to their crops of paddy and cotton, end to atrocities on women and dalits, 33 per cent reservation to women in the legislature and Parliament and steps to curb growing danger of religious fundamentalist forces and communal issues. Dr Dayal said that with the one-year misrule of the BJP combine government, religious and fundamentalist forces had posed a great threat to the country. FEROZEPORE: Nearly 100 women workers of the CPI from various parts of the district, today afternoon, courted arrest outside the Deputy Commissioner's office here, on the third day of 'jail bharo andolan' launched by the CPI. Tight security arrangements were made there. Women cops were deputed to 'arrest' them. Before arriving outside the DC's office they marched in procession through main markets in the cantonment area here and held a rally. Addressing the rally, party's women leaders, including Ms Kailash Wanti, Member, State Executive-cum-District President, Istri Sabha condemned alleged callous and indifferent attitude of the Punjab Government towards people. Meanwhile, Comrade Darshan Singh Mishriwala, District Secretary of the party told that tomorrow, on the final day of agitation, party activists from Dharamkot, Zira, Makhu and Ghallkhurd blocks of this district would court arrest. ROPAR: Marchers of two protest marches held today in the town offered themselves for arrest at the mini secretariat here, but the administration did not make any arrest. The first march was taken out by the district unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) under the command of comrade Bhupinder Sambar, Assistant Secretary of state unit of the CPI and Com. Lal Bahadur, District Secretary of the party as part of 'jail bharo andolan' of the party against hike in prices of sugar, urea. They also organised a rally in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner, while presenting themselves for arrest, which was addressed by Com. Bhupinder Sambar, Com. Lal Bahadur, Com. Nanak Singh Kharar. They demanded the withdrawal of hike in prices of sugar, urea, cooking gas, waiving of loans of farmers, withdrawal of hike in bus fares and electricity tariff. Later, another march was held by the Punjab Kisan Sabha from Nangal Chowk to mini secretariat here which was led by Com Rachhpal Singh, President of the sabha and Com Tarlochan Singh Rana, District Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), (CPM). This march was organised for the waiving of loan of the farmers. The marchers presented themselves for arrests in the office of District Revenue Officer Mr Sohan Bhumbak, where they raised slogans for about 45 minutes demanding their arrests or announcement of waiving of loans. At 3.45 p.m., the protesters were asked to go at the ground floor from the first floor, where a sub-inspector of the local police started writing their names on a plain paper for preparing the list of those who wanted to be arrested. He recorded about 90 names. But there was a confusion
till 5 pm whether they were arrested. All officers denied
that any arrest had been made. Mr Khushi Ram, ADC, Ropar,
said, that he had not ordered arrest. Mr Ajaib Singh,
Tehsildar, Ropar, and duty magistrate, said that he had
also not issued any order for the arrest Mr Sukhbinder
Singh Uppal, SP (Headquarters), said, he had not any
knowledge, whether the protesters were arrested. |
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Sonia to attend Khalsa function CHANDIGARH, Feb 17 — Mrs Sonia Gandhi, President of the All-India Congress Committee, will visit Punjab during the tercentenary celebrations. This was confirmed here today by Capt Amarinder Singh, President, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Capt Amarinder Singh accompanied by Mr Mukul Wasnik, Secretary of the AICC and in charge of the Punjab Affairs of the Congress Party and Ms Ambika Soni, who was recently inducted into the working committee of the party, told mediapersons at Congress Bhavan here today that Mrs Gandhi had given her concurrence to take part in one of the functions to be organised by the Punjab PCC with regard to the tercentenary celebrations. Most probably she would inaugurate a blood donation camp, Capt Amarinder Singh said. The party had planned to organise blood donation camps in the various parts of the state as part of the celebrations. The PPCC President said a delegation of leaders of the party from Punjab headed by him had recently met Mrs Sonia Gandhi to discuss various issues with her pertaining to Punjab. He said he had told Mrs Gandhi that the Congress Party was ready for Lok Sabha elections in Punjab and it would come out with an unprecedented performance. He claimed that Mrs Sonia Gandhi had never met the SGPC chief, Mr G.S. Tohra, and all talk about this by Mr Parkash Singh Badal was untrue. He said Akali leaders should not drag the name of Mrs Gandhi in their own fight. He said that both Mr Tohra and Mr Badal were "khalistanis" and the Congress Party never entertained such people. The appointment of the Jathedar of Akal Takht was a prerogative of the SGPC and the Congress Party had nothing to do with it. Akal Takht should not be dragged into the feud of two Akali leaders, Mr Badal and Mr Tohra. Ms Ambika Soni said the half-baked policies pursued by the SAD-BJP Government in Punjab had ruined its economy and state was on the verge of bankruptcy. One of the most progressive states was now having no funds for its development, she alleged. Mrs Gandhi was fully concerned with the recent political developments in Punjab and as such could lead to revival of violence in the state. The Congress would never like Punjab sink again as in the past. Mr Mukul Wasnik said for implementing the amendments made in the Constitution of the Congress Party on December 18, a meeting was held with party representatives at the state headquarters and at the district level. As per the amendments, more women leaders of backward classes and Dalits would be inducted into the party. This exercise would be completed by the end of the month by all means. He said the party was assessing the situation in Bihar and make its position known at the appropriate time. Asked why party was taking so much time to adopt a clear-cut political line with regard to Bihar, Ms Ambika Soni intervened to say that Mrs Sonia Gandhi had gone to Bihar for making an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and talk to cross-section of people there. Earlier, Ms Soni was felicitated by Punjab Congress leaders for her induction into the Congress Working Committee. A tea party was organised
in this connection. All senior leaders of the party,
including Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Mr Santokh Singh
Randhwa, were present. |
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Operation cleanup by Badal camp CHANDIGARH, Feb. 17 — The dominant faction of the ruling Akali Dal has decided to throw out one by one leaders belonging to the faction led by the SGPC President, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra. It is being termed as "cleansing operation" by Akali Dal strategists. The first to go was a retired army officer, Col Shamsher Singh Bela. And today Delhi unit general secretary, Mr Paramjit Singh Sarna was suspended and served a show cause notice. Action against Mr Tohra is now only a matter of time. He had replied to the show cause notice served by the Akali Dal disciplinary committee headed by Dal veteran Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi. Another leader to be served notice in a day or two will be Mr Surjan Singh Thekedar, a senior leader from Ludhiana. He has already resigned from the senior vice-presidentship. The broad charge is anti-party activity. Mr Sarna has been asked to explain his conduct within a fortnight. It is learnt that Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal is angry with some senior Akali leaders in Delhi who were instrumental in making the Delhi Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee pass a resolution disapproving the appointment of Giani Puran Singh as Akal Takht head priest. It was a setback for Mr Badal. Mr Tohra, whose days as president of the SGPC are numbered, gained from this resolution as he did by the refusal of the Golden Temple head priest Giani Mohan Singh, to take charge of Akal Takht. There is a strong feeling among Badal faction Akali leaders that the fight should be decisive. While their efforts to render an ideological colour to a once pure power game, have had limited success. They would like to use their dominant position in the SGPC, Akali Dal and the legislature party to pronounce clearly that those who wish to part company are welcome. This much is clear to Mr Tohra and his few followers. Once Mr Tohra loses the presidentship of the SGPC, he would surely embark upon a strident campaign against the government and Mr Badal. Five pro Tohra ministers who resigned in protest feel deeply hurt and have been in touch with officers to collect solid material to embarrass Mr Badal and his family. It would be a no-holds-barred campaign. These former ministers realise that they cannot cause any vertical split, but they know they can damage the reputation of some of the leading figures in the Badal camp and this includes, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, son of the Chief Minister and a minister of state at the centre. How much weight their campaign carries and how much fire power they finally establish is to be seen. At another level, Mr Tohra would also attack the BJP government at the centre. He has already spoken out against the dismissal of the Rabri Devi government in Bihar and quoted Mr Badal as having demanded abrogation of Article 356 of the Constitution. In fact, he would cause enough discomfiture to Mr Badal on this issue. Mr Badal has not said a word although he has been firmly of the view that no government should be dismissed and that the only test should be on the floor of the House. But at this juncture, he finds it hard to speak up. Mr Tohra is quoting from Mr Badal's speech at the chief ministers' conference only last month where Mr Badal had demanded abrogation of Article 356 under which the Bihar government had been dismissed. At least one Lok Sabha member, Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra, will oppose the Central rule when it comes to the Lok Sabha for approval. Mr Tohra is also in touch
with some leaders of the Third Front. It is not clear how
they respond to him since many of them view Mr Badal as a
mass leader with a moderate image. But since he is firmly
with the BJP, they could think of building rapport with
Mr Tohra. |
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Tohra must go, says Mann CHANDIGARH, Feb 17 — Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), said here today that Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra should resign from the presidentship of the SGPC. As most members of the SGPC had turned against him it was not morally correct for Mr Tohra to continue as president of the SGPC, Mr Mann said while talking to media- persons here this morning. Mr Mann said that it would have been better had the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, resigned chief ministership after his party's defeat in Adampur byelection. He urged Mr Badal to explain his stand with regard to imposing of President's rule in Bihar. He said Mr Badal till date had remained votary of abolishing Article 356 but he had not so far reacted with regard to the imposition of President's rule in Bihar. Mr Badal should also make it clear to the people whether his party would support in Parliament the imposition of central rule in Bihar. The SAD leader said Mr Badal was silent on the move of appointment of Mr K.P.S. Gill, a former Punjab Police chief, as an Adviser to the Bihar Governor by the BJP-led Government at the Centre. Mr Mann said Mr Badal was aware of what Mr Gill did in Punjab and he should oppose such a move of the Central Government by using his connections. Mr Mann added that he would file a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High court against the move of the Central Government to appoint Mr Gill as adviser in Bihar. He said a person convicted in a case of moral turpitude could not be appointed to any government post. That Mr Gill was responsible for the worst kind of human rights violation in Punjab and Assam, he would do the same in Bihar if posted there. "I wish that this does not not happen in Bihar", Mr Mann added. Hundreds of Sikh youths were killed without trial when Mr Gill was the DGP, in Punjab. He said that the imposition of President's rule in Bihar by the Central Government was totally a wrong step. Christians had been killed in some states and several other crimes had been committed. But Central rule had not been imposed in those states, Mr Mann added. Mr Mann said the Congress Party was behaving like the most irresponsible Opposition party at the Centre. The Congress should have by now dethroned the BJP-led government at the Centre. In all democracies it was the duty of the major opposition parties to get the ruling party removed if it failed to provide governance to the people as per the laid-down norms. Mr Mann said he had high regards for Giani Puran Singh, who was recently appointed Jathedar of Akal Takht. "I have nothing against Giani Puran Singh". In fact, Mr Mann said, Giani Puran Singh was a "historic character" who remained in Darbar Sahib in the Golden Temple while Operation Bluestar was on, and witnessed all important events during that period. However, Mr Mann added, he
opposed to the way Bhai Ranjit Singh was suspended. |
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Badal to receive PM in Amritsar CHANDIGARH, Feb 16 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, said today that the Prime Minister, Mr A B Vajpayee, would be received by him and Cabinet colleagues at Raja Sansi airport in Amritsar on February 20. Mr Vajpayee will go to Lahore in Pakistan in a bus from Wagah border on February 20. Mr Badal said that all arrangements were being made keeping in view the historic visit of Mr Vajpayee through the border to Pakistan. He added that it was a turning point in the Indo-Pak relations. "I would like to accompany Mr Vajpayee if invited", Mr Badal reiterated when asked whether he was also planning to visit Lahore along with Mr Vajpayee. Meanwhile, Mr Didar Singh Bains, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal unit in North America, has urged all Indians and Pakistanis living abroad to extend their whole hearted support to both Prime Ministers — Mr Vajpayee and Mr Nawaz Sharif in their endeavour to bring peace to the Indian sub-continent. He said both Prime Ministers, in fact, should meet at Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, which was the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, to sign a peace accord between the two countries. He said such an accord would usher in a new era of prosperity and cooperation. Meanwhile, the Indian
Overseas Foundation headed by Mr Jaswant Singh Mann
expressing similar views has also urged both Prime
Ministers to visit Nankana Sahib. |
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There can't be 2 Jathedars, says
Badal MAJITHA, (Amritsar) — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, said today that exit of one or two leaders did not make any difference to a strong political party which had mass base. Talking to reporters after attending the "bhog" ceremony of Mr Rajinder Singh, a younger brother of SAD MP, Mr Raj Mohinder Singh, the Chief Minister was commenting on a statement of the SGPC president, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, that the party may split. "Even if I leave the party will live on. Party is supreme", he added. On the withdrawal of support by the Indian National Lok Dal to the BJP-led coalition government, Mr Parkash Singh Badal said it was an "internal matter" of that party and questions related to the party's withdrawal of support should better be addressed to the INLD president, Mr O.P. Chautala. "I believe the BJP coalition government will complete five years." Asked being a "friend" of Mr Chautala if he would mediate on being asked by the Prime Minister, Mr Badal reiterated that friendship was one thing but the INLD afterall was a separate political party which had taken a decision of its own "have not talked to Mr Chautala or the Prime Minister on this." Mr Badal said how could there be two Jathedars. There is something called law also. "Tomorrow someone will claim himself to be the Chief Minister". He made this remark when asked for his response to the repeated claim of the "suspended" Jathedar of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, that he was still the head of Akal Takht. The Chief Minister emphatically said that law and order would be maintained at all costs and peace would not be allowed to be disturbed or atmosphere in the state vitiated by anyone exploiting the sentiments of the people. Earlier, he shared his grief with the bereaved family and recalled his long socio-political association with the Majitha family. He pointedly said that in politics there were many peaks and valleys. A true political friend is one who stood by you even during the worst of time when things were low. Several Punjab Ministers, including the Cooperation Minister, Mr Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, and MLAs were present on the occasion. UNI: Mr Badal said
that if Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee requested him
to hold talks with Mr Chautala on the question of
reconsidering his decision to withdraw support to the
coalition government, he would mediate. |
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CM visits Giani Puran Singh AMRITSAR, Feb 17 (PTI) — Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today visited the ailing Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Giani Puran Singh whose condition was stated to be "improving" in Guru Nanak hospital here. Mr Badal stayed with the Jathedar for about 20 minutes at the hospital where he was shifted this morning from the SGPC-run Guru Ramdas hospital. Doctors attending on the Jathedar told Mr Badal the condition of Giani Puran Singh has improved much and he might be discharged in the next two to four days. But he will have to take complete rest, an official release said. The Jathedar had suffered severe heart attack soon after his coronation in the Golden Temple complex on February 15. The Chief Minister was
accompanied by Punjab Ministers Sewa Singh Sekhwan and
Ranjit Singh. |
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Militant held, AK-56 rifle recovered GURDASPUR, Feb 17 — The police today arrested Inderjit Singh, a hardcore militant of the Khalistan Zindabad Force and close associate of Mohinder Singh Pappi, chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, and recovered an AK-56 rifle alongwith six magazines and 160 cartridges from his possession. Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, briefing reporters here today said that on February 16 night the police received secret information that two militants belonging to the Khalistan Zindabad Force were about to enter Punjab from the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir for the purpose of regrouping Punjab militants to commit the crimes like blasts in buses and trains, firing in crowded areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Delhi. The district police chief said that a police naka headed by Inspector Paramjit Singh, SHO, Sadar police station Gurdaspur was laid in the Sunder Chalk area of police station Sadar Pathankot. The police saw two young men coming from the river side who, on seeing the police party, tried to flee taking advantage of darkness. Hard core militant Inderjit Singh alias Pappu resident of Malikpur police station Mir Sahib, Ranjit Singh Pura, Jammu was rounded up by the police party alongwith arms and ammunition in a canvas beg while his accomplice escaped. The district police chief said that the accused in his preliminary interrogation confessed his association with the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force since early 1990s. Mohinder Singh Pappi had a very strong base in Jammu and Kashmir and had played vital role in forging unity between Punjab militants and their counter parts in Jammu and Kashmir. Pappi had acted at one point of time as a major conduit of supplying weapons to Punjab who was killed in an encounter in Khanna district. Pappi was a resident of Simble camp in Jammu, who originally was a truck driver, but started indulging in criminal activities. The district police chief said that this group indulged in the smuggling of weapons and narcotics. Subsequently this group developed association with group of smugglers and arms couriers named Ved Parkash and Dipty Nath who recently were arrested by the Ludhiana and Kathua police. The district police chief said that the accused remained active for smuggling weapons in trucks by sealing them in cavities and oil tanks and had strong base in Tanda in Hoshiarpur district and links with Jagjit Singh Kamalpuria a hardcore militant who presently is in America. The district police chief added that Mohinder Singh Pappi visited Pakistan for more than 12 times. While undergoing training in Pakistan the accused was directed by the KCF chief Wassan Singh Zaffarwal to spread terror in Punjab and carry out communally targeted actions. Zaffarwal is desperate and wants some sensational acts to be done in Punjab as the ISI was pressing him hard to do so. The accused confessed
having established his hide-outs in Nepal and also with
some transporters in Bombay and Delhi and was involved in
over 24 cases of extortions, killings, kidnapping and
bomb blasts in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Delhi. The
accused alongwith his associates of the Khalistan
Zindabad Force carried out bomb blasts in Ambala,
Ludhiana and Pathankot areas. A case under Sections
25-54-59 of the Arms Act had been registered against the
accused, the SSP added. |
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Halt encroachments, Badal tells
DCs CHANDIGARH, Feb 17 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal has directed the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners of the state not to allow any encroachment of government land in urban and rural areas in their jurisdiction. Presiding over a high level meeting of divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, Financial Commissioners , principal secretaries and secretaries here today, Mr Badal said that effective steps should be taken to vacate government property already under unauthorised and illegal occupancy. The Chief Minister asked the deputy commissioners to listen the public on Mondays and Thursdays every week from 12 noon to 1.30 p.m. in the committee room of the district complex along with all public dealing officers so that petty problems presented to them could be solved on the spot. Besides this, all officers should go to the field on Fridays and devote the whole day so that the redressal of public grievances could be done at the very doorsteps. "The culture of approaching officers by the public in offices must stop in the interest of speedy justice", he said. Mr Badal directed the Financial Commissioner, secretaries and heads of departments to make a surprise visit to the offices under their control in the field and conduct inspection of work. He told the officers to visit regularly the development project sites in their respective jurisdiction to monitor the progress of work. He said the government had arranged Rs 570 crore, for repair of all 8000 km roads on a war footing in the next few months, besides constructing 20 km roads in each constituency. He claimed that a HUDCO loan of Rs 50 crore has also arranged for repair of state roads depending upon the priority of the works. He asked the officers to involve the public fully in the projects, and ensure their participation in earth work on new roads. Strongly pleading for giving responsive, transparent and corruption-free administration to the people, Mr Badal said a deputy commissioner would be fully responsible to check the works in their districts. He advised them not to succumb to any kind of pressure for wrong doings. He also asked them to maintain punctuality in the offices from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and put an end to the practice of operating from residences by officers. The Chief Minister appreciated the work being done by small savings organisation which had collected Rs 2000 crore in the current year. He asked the deputy commissioners to personally monitor the scheme and ensure more voluntary contributions. The Chief Secretary, Mr R S Mann gave an account of the various measures being taken by the government for gearing up the public redressal machinery and tone up the administration. Mr Gurdev Singh Badal,
Agriculture Minister also attended the meeting. |
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Rice millers to go on strike PATIALA, Feb 17 — The Punjab Rice Millers Association has decided to observe an indefinite strike in the state by closing down rice mills immediately. Disclosing this here today, association president Tarsem Saini said about 2500 rice mills in the state would be closed down to protest against the "indifferent" attitude of the state as well as central government towards their demands. Mr Saini condemned the arrest of 470 rice millers while they were on way to Chandigarh after having assembled at Kharar to hand over the keys of their units to the Chief Minister. Mr Saini said the rice millers of Punjab did not want confrontation with the government but were treated in a disgraceful manner and forcibly whisked away by the Chandigarh Police to different police stations. He said 80 rice millers were sent to judicial lock-up while some could not be traced till now. The association president said both the Union and state governments were adopting dilatory tactics towards their demands. He said due to this only around seven lakh tonnes of paddy purchased by state agencies and the Food Corporation of India had been milled so far out of the total purchase of 61 lakh tonnes. Mr Saini said due to uncertainties created by the government, rice milling was yet to start in earnest in the state while usually it ended by February end. He said this was bound to result in serious damage to paddy, stocks. He said late milling would result in rice, being derived from paddy, being discoloured and increasing broken percentage. He said though the Punjab government had sent a comprehensive proposal to the Centre urging relaxation in specifications due to unseasonal rains in the state, the proposal had not been passed, he said on the other hand the relaxations were available in Uttar Pradesh. Mr Saini said rice millers
had earlier, refused to store paddy during the last
season for milling but the state government had persuaded
them to do so by assuring them that their genuine demand
relating to the fixation of yield would be examined by a
committee. He said, however, no committee had been set up
for the purpose. |
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Modalities for PM's visit discussed AMRITSAR, Feb 17 — Modalities for the proposed visit of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Pakistan on Saturday next were discussed at high-level meeting here today. The officials, including the new Punjab Director-General of Police, Mr Sarabjit Singh, Secretary (Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr H.C. Jain, and Director of Special Protection Group, Mr M.R. Reddy, first met at Rajasansi airport and later drove 37 km to Wagah. These officials also met the Pakistan officials and members of the advance party of the SPG. The Chief Secretary of Pakistan's Punjab province was also present. The Prime Minister is scheduled to fly to Amritsar on February 20 at 3.30 p.m. and thereafter board the special bus for his journey to Lahore. His counterpart, Mr Nawaz Sharif, will receive him close to the border. Special media coverage arrangements are being made for the "historic" event. Among others who
participated in the meeting today were the
Inspector-General of Police (Border range), Mr J.P.
Birdi, BSF DIG, Mr H.S. Gill, officials of the Customs,
Immigration, Airport Authority and Indian Air Force
besides others. |
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Rs 2.35 cr scheme to end
water-logging GURDASPUR, Feb 17 — To end water-logging in the areas of Kahnuwan and Dinanagar, Rs 2.35 crore scheme has been approved, according to the Principal Secretary, Irrigation Punjab. The secretary accompanied by Mr K.N. Kohli, Chief Engineer, Irrigation, and other officers of the Irrigation Department said this yesterday when they visited the area. Farmers of the area had made many representations to the government in this regard. As many as 18000 acres of land of the Kahnuwan block and Pandori Kaleejpur, and Bhattian of the Dinanagar block is affected by waterlogging to end which 190 km of drains in the affected areas will have to be desilted and 25 km new drains dug. The secretary directed Irrigation Department officers to press into service four dragline machines round the clock to finish the task before the rainy season set in. He ordered that the work of the scheme should be initiated before March 15 for which the government would released the first instalment of Rs 50 lakh at the earliest. The officers visited Fattukula located on the bank of river Beas fertile land of which is continuously under erosion due to the flow of river Beas. Farmers of the village had made several complaints in this regard. The officers of the
Irrigation Department were directed to make a plan to rid
the village land of erosion. He assured that the scheme
would be approved and funds when needed for the scheme
would be made available to stop erosion of land before
the rainy season. |
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Two commit suicide BATHINDA, Feb 17 — Jaspal Kaur of Jagaram Tirath village in the district committed suicide, while Jarnail Singh of Manwala village committed suicide by jumping in front of a running train yesterday. The police said the dead bodies were handed over to their relatives after post-mortem examination at the local Civil Hospital. In another incident,
Pargat Singh was killed on the spot on Bhagn road when a
scooter hit his cycle. The police has registered a case. |
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Forest area to be widened HOSHIARPUR, Feb 17 — The Forest Department will plant trees in 13,570 square hectare in the state during the current financial year. It will also increase the forest area from present 6 per cent to 10 per cent and for this 60 lakh saplings would be provided to people. This was announced by Master Mohal Lal, Forest Minister, Punjab while addressing a gathering at Chauhara village last evening. He said a special programme had been chalked out to plant trees along railway tracks, roads, canals, drains and in government offices and Rs 1291.30 lakh would be spent for it. To check soil erosion in the Kandi area of the Shivalik range of Hoshiarpur, Ropar and Gurdaspur districts, four crore saplings had been planted during the past two years. The Forest Minister said a special campaign was being launched to remove the encroachments from the forest lands. Encroachment from 167 acre of forest land had been removed so far. During a recent check eight cases of illegal felling of trees had been registered against 22 persons. He said computerisation would soon be introduced in the department. He laid the foundation
stone of a Shiv Temple. He announced a grant of Rs 5000
for the village youth club and Rs 20,000 for a
dharamshala. |
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Taruna Dal chief's brother shot LUDHIANA, Feb 17 — Mr Malkit Singh, brother of the Taruna Dal chief, Baba Ajit Singh Phula, was shot dead by unknown assailants at his Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar residence late last night. According to the police,
Mr Malkit Singh, went to answer the doorbell when he was
shot by a person who called upon him with a box of
sweets. On hearing the gun shot, members of Mr Singh's
family rushed towards the main entrance of their house.
By that time the assailants had fled. Mr Singh succumbed
to his injuries in the hospital. |
||
SSIs seek end to Inspector raj LUDHIANA, Feb 17 — The Ludhiana Small Scale Manufacturers Association today threatened to launch an agitation next month if the Punjab Government continued to maintain its allegedly apathetic attitude towards the problems of the small industries. This was stated here by Harish Khanna, President of the association in a talk with newsmen. He said the government should hold a meeting with the representatives of small scale sector to resolve their problems failing which they would launch an agitation at Ludhiana next month. Some of the problems
listed by Khanna included an end to Inspector raj,
stoppage of undue harassment of small units by the PSEB
and Pollution Control Board staff besides, relief in
various levies and cesses imposed on them by the
government. |
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Erring MC official’s
transfer sought FATEHGARH SAHIB, Feb 17 — The councillors of the Municipal Council, Sirhind, in a letter to the Punjab Government demanded that the Executive Officer of the council should be transferred immediately in the interest of the town and the council. In the letter released to press here yesterday they alleged that the attitude of the officer towards employees and public was very rude. He was irregular and was never remained at the headquarters. He commuted from Chandigarh, which allegedly affected the work of the council. They alleged that he was never available to the district officials also. Employees had also complained against him to the council president. The members alleged that the developmental activities in the town had come to a stand still due to his absence. The copies of the letters had also been sent to the Chief Minister, minister concerned and the secretary of the local self government. The Executive Officer,
however, said the council had no funds to initiate
development works and also that he did not have a vehicle
to inspect the town. |
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Two officials suspended FATEHGARH SAHIB, Feb 17 — The District Administration has suspended two head registration clerks and recommended action against top revenue officials for keeping the file of an inquiry report pending since 1997. According to information available the district administration has initiated a campaign to detect pending cases in the district. The file was found in which in 1997 the then SDM had recommended action against revenue officials, lambardar and clerks for making a fake registry of a plot. The dealing clerks had kept the file in abeyance. The ADC found the file and took action. Sources revealed that in 1997 a plot of a Dalit was sold by some persons in Bassi Pathana sub-division by showing fake owners in the documents. The witness was the lambardar. The then Naib Tehsildar and other officials and clerks registered the documents. When the real owner came to know about this, he made a complaint to the SDM, who conducted an inquiry and found the owners claim correct. He recommended action against involved officials. But the clerks did not put up the file for further action rather kept it in their custody. When contacted Mr G.S.
Bhatti, ADC (G), he refused to comment on the causes of
delay and said the file had been sent to the
Commissioner, Patiala Division for further action. |
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Lawyers stage dharna SANGRUR, Feb 17 — Members of the Sangrur Bar Association who have been on an indefinite strike since February 11, sat in dharna at the judicial courts complex here yesterday. They also marched through the main bazars of the town in protest against the failure of the authorities to take action against Mr Rajwinder Singh, SHO of the city Kotwali who allegedly misbehaved with Mr Dharam Pal Singh, Assistant District Attorney, a few days ago, while he was on the way to house. The lawyers also condemned the snatching away of the identity card of Mr Dharam Pal and his purse containing Rs 5,500 by the SHO. According to Mr Lalit
Kumar Garg, Secretary of the Association, lawyers here
approached Bar Associations in Punjab and the Punjab and
Haryana High Court Bar Association to observe a strike on
February 18 to express their solidarity with the lawyers
if action against the SHO is not taken by then. |
||
PAU to organise kisan melas LUDHIANA, Feb 17 — The Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, has finalised dates for the annual 'kisan melas' organised by the university. According to Mr Jaspinder Singh Kular, Director, Extension Education, the 'kisan mela' on the university campus will be held on March 16 and 17 while the Ballowal Sonkhri 'kisan mela' near Balachaur will be held on March 5, where experts will apprise farmers of solution to various problems being faced by them. The 'kisan mela' at Rauni in Patiala district will be held on March 11 while the Bathinda regional 'kisan mela' will be held on March 22. The 'kisan mela' at the Regional Research Centre, Gurdaspur, is scheduled for March 26. According to Mr Kular,
tips on crops, taking care of livestock and proper use of
agricultural implements will be provided by a panel of
experts at the 'melas'. |
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‘No
wards
of army widows recruited’ BATHINDA, Feb 17 — The National Ex-servicemen Co-ordination Committee yesterday alleged that no ward of ex-servicemen and army widows was recruited in the Indian Air Force from this district during the recruitment rally here on February 11 and 12 by the Central Airmen Selection Board. In a press note issued here, Mr Nand Singh, president of the committee, pointed out that out of a total of 19 youths who were selected for non-technical trades, no one was ward of ex-servicemen or Army widow. He demanded that wards of
ex-serviceman and Army widows should be given priority in
the matter of recruitment in the Army and other jobs. |
||
Surinder visits Lahore home ISLAMABAD, Feb 17 (UNI) — After being away for 50 years, Punjabi folk singer Surinder Kaur returned home, located on a street in Lahore, which still bears her father’s name. Tears flowed copiously as she walked past Bishen Street and stopped at a house threshold to see her mother’s name on the wall. The house now belongs to a professor. It was a straight-from-the-heart-welcome for Surinder Kaur by the people of Nawakot Mohalla. During her stay in Lahore, Surinder Kaur recorded songs for PTV and some musical companies and took part in the Basant mela. A large number of Sikhs from India, including former cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, also took part in the Basant mela celebrations in Lahore.
|
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Protest against suspension NAWANSHAHR, Feb 17 — The Kendri Gurmat Parchar Council, Nawanshahr, comprising representatives of various religious organisations belonging to Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar districts on Wednesday took out a silent march in the town and held a demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner here in protest against the suspension of the Akal Takht Jathedar, Bhai Ranjit Singh. About 200 activists of the
council participated in the march which passed through
the main bazars of the town at chanting "Stanam
Vaheguru". |
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Farmers gherao DC's office, court
arrest FEROZEPORE, Feb 17 — A large number of farmers from all parts of the district, under banner of the Punjab Kisan Sabha, today afternoon, gheraoed the Deputy Commissioner office and courted arrest. The farmers wearing red colour strips on their heads, shouted slogans against the Badal government and the Vajpayee-led government at the Centre while offering them for arrest. Earlier, they held a rally which among others was addressed by the Sabha's state general secretary, Mr Lehmbar Singh Taggar. In his address, Mr Taggar demanded waiving of loans either of arhtias, cooperative societies or banks on Punjab farmers. He asked farmers of the state to get united for struggle instead of committing suicides. About 250 indebted farmers had so far committed suicides in Punjab, he added and said, the Punjab Kisan Sabha would continue its struggle till farmers were not freed from debt. The farmers courted arrest
under the leadership of Mr Mukhtiar Singh, Mr Hansa
Singh, Mr Sahib Singh and Mr Kulwant Singh. |
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Kharar MC limit extended KHARAR, Feb 17 — The Punjab government has extended the limits of the Kharar Municipal Committee. A notification in this regard was issued by the Local Self Government Department yesterday. According to the notification areas of villages Sante Majra, Khuni Majra, Desu Majra and Chhaju Majra have been included in the limits of Kharar Municipal Committee. According to notification a preliminary notification was issued on October 16, 1998 wide which, objections about the proposed extension of limits were invited. Now after hearing the
persons who had raised objections had dismissed all such
objections, in the public interest. |
||
Pak intruder shot at TARN TARAN, Feb 17 — A Pak intruder was shot at last night by BSF jawans at Chowki Karnail Singhwala in the Khalra area when he crossed the border. Sources said the intruder
was asked to halt, as he turned away from the jawans he
was shot at. He gave his identification as Abbass (24),
son of Kassim Ali from Lahore district. |
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