Health improvement scheme goes awry
PATIALA, July 17 — Two and a half months after the Punjab government hiked medical charges in government hospitals promising that the increased income would be used to improve services, implementation of the development plan remains far-away.

Cong procession against erratic power supply
FAZILKA, July 17 — Nearly, 200 Congress workers led by Mr Sajjan Kumar Jakhar, former Punjab Minister, Punjab and general secretary, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, marched in procession in town yesterday to protest against erratic power supply in rural and urban areas.

M.Phil entrance test postponed
AMRITSAR, July 17 — Guru Nanak Dev University has postponed the entrance test for M.Phil, Punjabi, scheduled for July 20 due to certain administrative reasons. Dr S.P. Singh, Head of the school of Punjabi Studies, has stated that a new date for this test will be announced later.

Khalra’s wife to contest from Tarn Taran
AMRITSAR, July 17 — The Human Rights Wing has decided to field Mrs Parmjit Kaur Khalra, wife of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who was allegedly kidnapped by the police and later ‘liquidated’ for raising the issue of cremation of unclaimed bodies, from the Tarn Taran Lok Sabha constituency against the official candidate of the SAD.

Robbers’ gangs busted
JALANDHAR, July 17 — The police today claimed it busted two gangs of robbers arresting six persons and recovering two pistols, sharp-edged weapons and some looted booty including 140 grams of gold from them,

"Mad" persons under vigil: DGP
FEROZEPORE, July 17 — The Director-General of Police, Punjab, Mr Sarabjit Singh, has said that the Punjab Police had been keeping a vigil on the activities of persons posing as "mad" and who have been moving in suspicious conditions, especially in the border areas.

University projects on Sikh literature
PATIALA, July 17 — A two-day meeting of top Punjabi scholars and research fellows chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, concluded here yesterday.

Medical dons plan agitation
PATIALA, July 17 — The Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers Association today announced to proceed on a one-day mass casual leave on July 19 in protest against the state Government move to withdraw new pay scales granted to the fraternity in November.

Punjab seeks extra force for LS poll
LUDHIANA, July17 — The Punjab Government has asked for sixty companies of the Central Reserve Police Force and other para military forces for conducting the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state in a free and fair manner.

Pending Punjab demands "to be main issue"
AMRITSAR, July 17 — Bhai Manjit Singh senior vice-president of the newly formed All-India Shiromani Akali Dal, said here yesterday that his party would fight the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state on the issue of pending Punjab demands.

2 gangs busted: 6 arrested
JALANDHAR, July 17 — The police has busted two gangs of robbers by arresting six miscreants and recovered pistols, iron roads, and looted gold and other valuables from their possession.

• Spell out education policy: Phulomithi
• Darshan Singh’s remand extended
• BJP office-bearers appointed

Over Nanakshahi calendar
Takht chief, SGPC on collision course
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, July 17 — The pro-Badal Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee today plunged into a crisis when Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Puran Singh issued a "directive"banning implementation of "Nanakshahi" calendar prepared by the Shiromani Committee recently.

With this, differences between SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur and Akal Takht chief over the implementation of "Nanakshahi" calendar has come to the fore. Earlier, a press note issued by the SGPC had denied reports of differences between Bibi Jagir Kaur and Giani Puran Singh published in a section of the press.

On the "Nanakshahi" calendar controversy is likely to snowball and it may embarrass the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, led by Mr Parkash Singh Badal. It was on February 10 this year when 10 pro-Badal SGPC Executive Committee members had placed the then Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh under suspension and appointed Giani Puran Singh in his place. The ruling party is worried as Lok Sabha elections had already been announced. This is Giani Puran Singh's first directive after his installation as Jathedar of Akal Takht.

Directive of Akal Takht Jathedar came in the wake of ongoing controversy between the Sikh representative body of the SGPC and Sant Samaj comprising heads of Sikh organisations and Kar seva sants after the SGPC announced its implementation as decided by the SGPC executive committee at its meeting here on June 30.

The Jathedar of Akal Takht in his directive, copies of which were issued to the press today, said that neither any individual nor any single organisation had the right to change Sikh celebrations and anniversaries of Sikh Gurus which have been observed on traditional days since very beginning unless the matter was discussed and decided unanimously by all Sikh organisations, institutions and heads of the Sikh sects jointly.

The Jathedar said he would summon a conclave of all Sikh organisations, institutions and Sikh heads to sort out this issue shortly which arose out of the implementation of the new calendar which, in fact, was the brainchild of an NRI Mr Pal Singh Purewal residing in England.

He said that invitations for this emergency Sikh conclave, which would be held at Akal Takht would be extended among others, to political, religious, the SGPC, whole of Sant Samaj, Damdami Taksal, Sikh kar seva organisations, the Akhand Kirtni Jatha, International Sikh bodies, all Nihang sects, Nirmale Udasi institutions, Singh Sabhas and representatives of Sikh societies.

He further directed that till some unanimous accord was reached on the controversial Sikh calendar all historic days, celebrations, Gurpurbs, Sikh martyrs days, Amavas and full moon days, Hola Mohalla, new month day, Baisakhi, Divali, Maghi mela and all other important Sikh days should be celebrated in accordance with teh traditional calendar.

The directive warned sternly all those who wanted to bring new controversies in the Sikh Panth to refrain from such acts so that whole Sikh Pant celebrated and observed their days with fervour. Nobody would be allowed to raise such unfortunate controversies, he added.

Directive of the Jathedar came two days after the SGPC secretary, Mr Kulwant Singh, on behalf of the SGPC president, Bibi Jagir Kaur, had questioned certain 'so-called' Sikh organisations of Sant Samaj saying that they had no right to raise any objection on the implementation of the new calendar which was decided by the Sikh representative body of the SGPC which represented the whole Sikh community. He said that the SGPC had taken serious view of the statement of the 'Sant' Kashmira Singh who was head of a section of the Sant Samaj as he had no moral right to challenge the new Sikh calendar as his "dera' was not following the Sikh maryada (code of conduct).

Meanwhile Sant Mangal Singh of Sat Satlani in a separate statement strongly objected to the implementation of the new calendar as it was going to disturb as many as 19 important Sikh events including Divali and Hola Mohalla. The calendar not only brings conflict in the Sikhs but would also create confusion about important festivals, like Divali, which were being celebrated jointly by both Hindus and Sikhs.

The calendar controversy began when the calendar which, was earlier published in some foreign countries was implemented by the SGPC last year when Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra was its president. Its implementation was stayed by the then Jathedar of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, when certain Sikh organisations complained to him as some important days, like the birth anniversary of the 10th Guru Gobind Singh were celebrated twice. The matter was again referred to the SGPC executive committee on June 30 which cleared its implementation in toto.

SAD (Tohra), BSP, MCPI, BKU form front
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, July 17 — Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal president Gurcharan Singh Tohra today addressing the first joint rally of the SAD (Tohra), the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Marxist Communist Part of India (MCPI) and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), appealed to people to return his front to victory in the Lok Sabha elections, promising that an "inquilab" would follow in the Assembly leading to the downfall of the Parkash Singh Badal government.

Addressing a gathering in the grain market here, the former SGPC chief said the farmers, labourers and the Dalits had got together in Punjab to form a front which would wipe out the Shiromani Akali Kal and the Congress party from all 14 seats of Punjab and Chandigarh.

Mr Tohra, without elaborating on seat sharing between the various parties of the front, officially announced the candidature of former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra from the Patiala parliamentary constituency.

He also announced the benefits the front would give if it formed government in the state following the Lok Sabha elections, saying besides removing unemployment, government employee residents of Patiala get 15 per cent house rent allowance. 'Pattas' would be allotted to those who had been cultivating the land and Dalits would be made owners of houses in which they resided in villages.

The former SGPC chief launched a scathing attack on Punjab Finance Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh, alleging that he had tried to stop people from coming to the rally. He also warned police and government officials to remain true to their duty while appealing to the people not to tolerate any injustice.

Mr Tohra also alleged that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh and former Chief Minister Harcharan Singh Brar had reach a secret understanding to protect their family interests in the Lok Sabha election. He however said the "jagirdars" would be taught a lesson at the hustings.

Earlier Mr Tohra arrived to a hero's welcome to the city at the head of a cavalcade. Mr Tohra was received at the border of the district near Ambala by hundreds of two and four wheelers. He entered the city standing in an open jeep accompanied by BSP president Kanshi Ram causing a traffic jam on the Mall road.

Later a traffic jam was caused again when Mr Tohra's cavalcade reached the house of local Akali leader Sarup Singh Sehgal, who switched loyalty from the Badal dal to join Mr Tohra's party today. Speaking at the rally later, Mr Sehgal claimed that hundreds of his supporters had also joined the Tohra faction.

Talking to reporters, BSP chief Kanshi Ram made it clear that he was supporting the Tohra faction only and would not like to keep any truck with Akali factions in favour of "Khalistan". When questioned about the defection of BSP state president C.D. Singh Kamboj to the Congress party, he said he had come to know during the Adampur byelection that the latter was a Congress agent.

Addressing the rally, Mr Kanshi Ram said he had realised during the tercentenary celebrations that the Badal Dal was not secular in outlook due to which he had decided to support the Tohra faction.

Others who spoke on the occasion were SAD (Tohra) leaders Prem Singh Chandumajra, who alleged the Punjab Chief Minister had purposely deprived Patiala district of development works, Mr Sukhjinder Singh, Mr Surjan Singh Thekedar, Bhai Manjit Singh, Mr Harmail Singh Tohra, Mr Surjit Singh Kohli, Mr Bhupinder Singh Mann (BKU), Mr Avtar Singh Karimpuri (BSP), Mr Mohan Singh Phallianwala (BSP) and Jagjit Singh Lyalpuri (MCPI).

Walia: govt to accept pending demands
of staff
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, July 17 — Addressing a joint convention of the Punjab State Services Federation and the Punjab Mazdoor Dal, Mr Charanjit Singh Walia, a former Member of Parliament and Vice-President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), has said that the state government will shortly concede all pending genuine demands of the government employees. He has also said while most of the demands of the employees have already been accepted the report of the anomalies committee will be implemented soon.

Mr Walia, who is also President of the PSSF and the Punjab Mazdoor Dal, has also indicated that he will continue to struggle for getting the genuine demands, including time-bound promotions after the four, nine, and 14 years of service, accepted. Apart from this the federation will stress upon the government to allocate the general provident fund of employees at the district-level.

Among those who addressed the convention included the State General Secretary, Mr Bhupinder Singh Walia, Mr Hardip Singh Patti, Mr Milkha Singh Randhawa, Mr Davinder Singh Walia, Mr Buta Singh, Mr Harbhajan Singh Sandhu and Mr Raminder Singh.

Health improvement scheme goes awry
From Jupinderjit Singh

PATIALA, July 17 — Two and a half months after the Punjab government hiked medical charges in government hospitals promising that the increased income would be used to improve services, implementation of the development plan remains far-away.

In fact, the government seems to be planning a complete volte-face as the Rajindra Hospital and Government Medical College here have been directed to pay the electricity bill of these institutions from the income generated from the hiked charges.

According to sources the order of the government have left the college and hospital high and dry as its authorities do not have any answer to queries by patients, who demand more services before paying the bills under enhanced charges.

Electricity bill of medical college yet to be paid is Rs 1.63 lakh while the income it had generated till June 30 through laboratory tests in Bio-Chemistry and Pathology Department is Rs 1.70 lakh. Sources said that the principal Dr S.S. Sidhu, has written to the government expressing inability to pay the bill as because, one under the electricity bill comes under official expenses and the government keeps provision for it in annual budget, two, the college cannot pay the bill from the income generated from hiked charges as it is meant for providing better services and facilities in the college and the hospital.

The letter also reminds the government that as per the scheme 60 per cent of the total money generated from new charges would be given back to the department which has earned it. In case the government tells hospitals to foot the electricity bill today and other expenses tomorrow then the very purpose of the scheme is defeated.

When contacted Dr S.S. Sidhu, principal, Government Medical College confirmed the electricity bill controversy and said he was pleading with higher authorities to withdraw the orders as development activity would be hampered seriously.

Cong procession against erratic power supply
From Our Correspondent

FAZILKA, July 17 — Nearly, 200 Congress workers led by Mr Sajjan Kumar Jakhar, former Punjab Minister, Punjab and general secretary, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, marched in procession in town yesterday to protest against erratic power supply in rural and urban areas, acute shortage of canal-based irrigation water during paddy cultivation period, harassment of traders by private octroi contractors and non-payment of old age pension.

Processionists were shouting anti-government slogans. Later on they held a dharna before the office of the Executive Engineer, Punjab State Electricity Board.

Besides Mr Jakhar, Mr Kewal Krishan Kamra, former president, Municipal Council, Fazilka, and Davinder Singh, president, block Congress Committee, Fazilka (rural), Mr Karan Singh, member PPCC and others held Mr Surjit Kumar Jyani, local MLA and state Minister, Punjab, responsible for hardships of residents of this border areas.

Workers also shouted slogans against Mr Jyani. After holding the rally Congress activists submitted a memorandum to the SDM Fazilka for the Chief Minister of Punjab.

It was alleged that although the SAD-BJP government had promised round the clock power supply to farmers but due to installation of Low Frequency Relay system for Fazilka, power supply trips 40 to 50 times a day. As a result of this the power supply to barbed wire fencing also remained disrupted causing grave security concern. It has been further stated that politically influential farmers carry out organised theft of water from canals where the supply is already low hence canal water does not reach the tail end farmers. Mr Gurbir Singh Sandhu, president, district Congress Committee, Ferozepore, Mr Roshan Lal Khunger, president, block Congress Committee, Fazilka were absent from the rally.

M.Phil entrance test postponed
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, July 17 — Guru Nanak Dev University has postponed the entrance test for M.Phil, Punjabi, scheduled for July 20 due to certain administrative reasons. Dr S.P. Singh, Head of the school of Punjabi Studies, has stated that a new date for this test will be announced later.

Meanwhile, the interviews of reserved category candidates for admission to various undergraduate science courses based on the JET (undergraduate) 1999 of the university will be held on July 20 at 9.30 am. The interviews of the first 400 general category candidates for these courses will be conducted on July 21 at 9.30 am. at the Dashmesh Auditorium in the university. This was stated here yesterday by Dr Mangal Singh coordinator of the test.

Khalra’s wife to contest from Tarn Taran
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, July 17 — The Human Rights Wing (SAD) has decided to field Mrs Parmjit Kaur Khalra, wife of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who was allegedly kidnapped by the police and later ‘liquidated’ for raising the issue of cremation of unclaimed bodies, from the Tarn Taran Lok Sabha constituency against the official candidate of the SAD.

This was decided at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Surinder Singh Gharyala, Chairman of the wing, here today.

Robbers’ gangs busted

JALANDHAR, July 17 (PTI) — The police today claimed it busted two gangs of robbers arresting six persons and recovering two pistols, sharp-edged weapons and some looted booty including 140 grams of gold from them,

Senior Superintendents of Police, Mr Gaurav Yadav said the police arrested four members of a five-strong gang from near a cold store in Kartarpur on July 15 night in a raid carried out after a tip-off.

Two pistols with cartridges, 14 tolas of gold and some sharp-edged weapons were recovered from Bhagwan Dass, Ashwini Kumar, Paramjit (all residents of Kartarpur), and Ramesh Kumar a resident of Jalandhar .

In another raid, the Goraya police nabbed two burglars who had robbed a sweetshop owner at knife point early this week.

The nabbed were identified as Subhash Chand and Kashmiri both residents of Khalwara village of Phagwara.

A case under Section 199,402,399, of the IPC and the Arms Act has been registered against the arrested men, the SSP said.

"Mad" persons under vigil: DGP
From Our Correspondent

FEROZEPORE, July 17 — The Director-General of Police, Punjab, Mr Sarabjit Singh, has said that the Punjab Police had been keeping a vigil on the activities of persons posing as "mad" and who have been moving in suspicious conditions, especially in the border areas.

Talking to reporters at the local PWD Rest House here yesterday he added that so for one such "mad" person had been confirmed as Pakistani spy. He was taken into custody in Sangrur district. A few other "mad" persons were being interrogated by the police, he added.

To a question he said that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was still trying to disturb peace in Punjab. But, due to the sealing of borders, the ISI was failing in its designs to infiltrate militants and smuggle arms and ammunition in Punjab, he said.

He said that according to an unconfirmed information, there were nearly 400 militants taking shelter in Pakistan. The DGP did not rule out that the militants from Pakistan now were using other borders, including Rajasthan and Gujarat to enter India.

Mr Sarabjit Singh said that the Punjab Police had demanded additional security forces from the Centre to ensure peaceful Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. Punjab has demanded 60 companies, he added.

He said that in view of conflict in the Kargil and other sectors and more threat of militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir, a major demand of additional security force from the Centre would be made by the J and K Government.

He said the Punjab Police was capable of dealing with any kind of situation and added an alert had been sounded in all districts of Punjab.

Present on the occasion were the IG (zonal), Mr R.S. Challia, the Ferozepore police range DIG, Mr H.S. Dhillon and SSP, Mr Gurcharan Singh Pherurai.

Earlier, the DGP held a meeting with the Army authorities and discussed latest situation on the borders. He also briefed the police authorities on election related duties and arrangements.

University projects on Sikh literature
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, July 17 — A two-day meeting of top Punjabi scholars and research fellows chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, concluded here yesterday. Senior Fellows, Junior Fellows and Honorary Fellows working on different projects participated in the meeting.

The scholars gave suggestions for the current and new projects. Dr Rattan Singh Jaggi, entrusted with the preparation of "Basic Source History of Punjabi Literature" in 10 volumes, said that the work would be completed by the year 2000.

An encyclopaedia of etymological roots of the diction of Sri Guru Granth Sahib was another project that came up for discussion. It was stressed that while preparing the encyclopaedia, the semantic transformation of meanings and connotations of the words and expressions used in the Sikh scripture, in the context of the Gurbani thought system, must be kept in view.

Dr S.S. Dhillon was asked to prepare a concise dictionary of thought on the evolution of the universe, earth and life forms on this planet, besides a 10- volume encyclopaedia dealing with the subject.

Dr Harkirat Singh said that he would shortly complete his "kosha" of Multani diction in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

A decision to launch a series of TV documentaries on the life of eminent Punjabi men of letters was also taken. Among those who attended the meeting were Prof Pritam Singh, Ms Dalip Kaur Tiwana, Mr Kirpal Singh Kasel, Mr Santokh Singh Dhir, Dr Balkar Singh, Dr Ryall, Dr B.S. Bhatia and Dr K.S. Grewal, Director, Planning and Development (Punjabi).

Dr Grewal said he would constantly monitor the current and new research projects and coordinate the research in Punjabi and Sikh studies with corresponding research in India and foreign universities to enable creative interaction among the researchers.

Medical dons plan agitation
From Our Correspondent

PATIALA, July 17 — The Punjab State Medical and Dental Teachers Association today announced to proceed on a one-day mass casual leave on July 19 in protest against the state Government move to withdraw new pay scales granted to the fraternity in November.

Addressing mediapersons, Dr A.S. Sidhu, President, and Dr Ravinder Singh, Secretary, of the association, said the teachers were boycotting teaching work since July 12 and would resign on August 15 if their demands were not accepted.

The association alleged that the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister had given approval to the new pay scales and the arrears but the bureaucracy was creating hurdles into the matter.

Punjab seeks extra force for LS poll

LUDHIANA, July17(PTI) — The Punjab Government has asked for sixty companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other para military forces for conducting the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state in a free and fair manner.

This was told by the Punjab Police Chief Mr Surjit Singh, here today.

He said this was the same strength as had been deployed during the last Lok Sabha elections.

The police chief, however, said 47 companies could be sent as soon as ballots were sealed in the ballot boxes on September 4 evening.

Pending Punjab demands "to be main issue"
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, July 17 — Bhai Manjit Singh senior vice-president of the newly formed All-India Shiromani Akali Dal, said here yesterday that his party would fight the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state on the issue of pending Punjab demands.

Talking to newsmen he said after the elections his party would launch a struggle for these demands, which included conceding Chandigarh to Punjab, due share in river waters, handing over of Punjabi-speaking areas in Haryana, Himachal and Rajasthan to Punjab and autonomy to the state under the Anandpur Sahib resolution.

He accused the ruling Akali Dal of ignoring these issues. Besides, it had also not taken any action on the release of those detained in various jails in Punjab and outside and against police officials who had committed atrocities during the time of militancy.

He alleged that corruption, the eradication of which had been promised by the ruling Akali Dal had since increased. If the Congress came into power it might hold inquiries against ministers of the Akali regime.

Bhai Manjit Singh said the coming Lok Sabha elections would be fought between pro and anti-Akal Takht ideologists. Although his party would not make this religious matter as an issue in the elections.

The matter is haunting the Sikh mind since Mr Badal and his party men had flouted the authority of Akal Takht.

He denied that the joining of the election fray by his party would help the Congress, saying that his party was formed at an appropriate time to win over the rank and file of the Akalis, specially the grassroots-level workers who had been sidetracked by the ruling Akali Dal. The ruling Akali Dal had become a party of "jagirdars" and "landlords".

2 gangs busted: 6 arrested
From Our Correspondent

JALANDHAR, July 17 — The police has busted two gangs of robbers by arresting six miscreants and recovered pistols, iron roads, and looted gold and other valuables from their possession.

Mr Gaurav Yadav, SSP, Jalandhar, stated here today that a campaign to combat robbers was launched a few days back. The first success came when a police party under the supervision of the DSP, Rural, arrested four members of a gang from Kartarpur on July 15. However, fifth managed to escape.

He said another gang was busted by the Goraya police on July 14 with the arrest of two members.

Mr Yadav said Bhagwan Dass, Ashwini Kumar, Paramjit, alias Pamma. Ramesh Kumar, alias Shammi, Subhash Chander and Kashmiri, alias Laddu have been arrested.

Spell out education policy: Phulomithi
Tribune News Service

BATHINDA, July 17 — Mr Mohinder Singh Phulomithi, Chairman Sain Samaj Sabha and District President, Other Backward-Classes (OBC) Front yesterday urged all political parties to spell out their education policy in their manifestos to be released on the eve of the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a press conference here, he said political parties should clearly spell out their policies to tackle the problems of unemployment, lack of basic amenities and uneconomical farming.

He said all parties should devise measures to curtail their election expenses and money saved thus should be used for removing social evils and for welfare of those affected by the Kargil conflict.

Phulomithi said the parties should also come forward with concrete proposals to check the population explosion and rampant corruption.

He demanded that all parties should assure special funds for education of the Backward Classes.

Darshan Singh’s remand extended
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, July 17 — The judicial remand of Baba Darshan Singh of Dhakki Sahib, Maksoodaran, has been extended till July 24.

A large gathering of followers of Baba Darshan Singh, who had converged near the district sessions court here, were disappointed as Baba Darshan Singh was not produced before the court of Mr H.J.S. Tiwana, JMIC.

Baba Darshan Singh was arrested on May 8 on a charge of land grabbing case.

BJP office-bearers appointed
From Our Correspondent

JALANDHAR, July 17 — At a meeting of the state BJP Executive committee ex-servicemen cell held here yesterday, Capt Vikram Singh (retd), President of the committee, appointed office units -bearers of the Amritsar and Kapurthala units of the party.

AMRITSAR: President — Col Amrik Singh (retd), Vice-Presidents —Col Harkirat Singh (retd), Lt-Col Jagtar Singh (retd), and Maj P.P Gulati (retd), Gereral Secretary —Lt-Col Kartar Singh (retd) and Secretary Capt Baijnath (retd).

KAPURTHALA: President — Maj G.S. Ahluwalia (retd), Vice-President — Lt-Col Prithi Pal Singh (retd), General Secretary —Warrant Officer Inderjeet Singh (retd) and Secretaries — Mr Piara Singh Matharoo and Naib Subedar Charan Kamal Singh (retd).