Tohra loyalist MLAs face action
PHAGWARA, March 28 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, while condemning the anti-party attitude of the Tohra loyalists, including MLAs, has said that disciplinary action will be taken against those who were indulging in anti-party activities after April 15.

Crime on women, children
Special training to cops needed
LUDHIANA: Provision of suitable government budgetary support and special steps for educating the public on the ever-growing problem of the welfare and rehabilitation of the victims of crime against women and children are among the measures suggested in a report prepared by the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, at the conclusion of a regional conference held on the subject recently at Kathmandu.

'Cat' system comes into question
LUDHIANA, March 28 — The murder of Akali activist Balraj Singh Gill allegedly by a Ludhiana police 'cat' last week has called into question the very system of the 'cats', being used by the Punjab police in its fight against crime.

Residents block traffic over rape
FEROZEPORE, March 28 — Situation is tense here as hundreds of residents of Basti Tankan Wali are sitting on an indefinite dharna blocking vehicular traffic on the GT Road, near the PSEB complaint centre at cantonment, to demand the immediate arrest of the person who allegedly raped a minor school girl yesterday.

Farmers, labourers to back teachers
CHANDIGARH, March 28 — As many as 525 members of various organisations will participate in the fast to be organised by the Nav Niyukt Adhyapak Union, Punjab, here on March 29.

DM bans collection of funds

Two robbers arrested

"Review hike in road tax"

Tributes paid to Dhillon

Robbery case solved, 1 held

Allegations against Tohra to be probed,
says Jagir Kaur
From Our Corespondent

AMRITSAR, March 28 — President of the SGPC Bibi Jagir Kaur today said that various allegations of irregularities during the tenure of Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra as president of the SGPC would be probed thoroughly. Talking to reporters here at SGPC headquarters, Bibi Jagir Kaur said that a number of SGPC members had brought to her notice various cases against Mr Tohra and his loyalist favourite employees levelling charges of corruption, embezzlement of funds, nepotism etc and as president she was duty-bound to get these investigated and action taken.

Commenting on the proposed parallel celebrations on the occasion of 300th anniversary of Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib by the suspended Jathedar of Akal Takht Bhai Ranjit Singh and Mr Tohra, Bibi Jagir Kaur pointed out that she would avoid any kind of confrontation during the celebrations. She, however, clarified in case Tohra group sought permission in writing for a place at Anandpur Sahib it would be granted without any delay.

Bibi Jagir Kaur felt that it would be in the interest of the entire Sikh community, if people of all shades and opinion unitedly celebrated the 300th anniversary under the umbrella of the SGPC and on one platform. She made an appeal to all Panthic organisations, political parties belonging to different factions, religious societies to join hands to celebrate one of the biggest historic and religious event in Sikh history and let by- gones be by-gones.

Giving details of programmes finalised at the meeting here the SGPC chief said that the five Khalsa marches from the birthplaces, including from Lahore in Pakistan, of the "Panj Piaras," five beloved ones would commence on April 2.

A jatha of more than 200 persons led by Minister of Cooperation, Punjab Ranjit Singh Brahmpura would leave for Lahore next week to participate in the Khalsa march. All arrangements for the smooth conduct of march had been made by SGPC officials, she added.

The Khalsa Chetna March, the sixth would also commence from Anandpur Sahib on April 2 and pass through all districts of the state and culminate along with the other five marches at Anandpur Sahib on April 10. Arrangements for the success of these marches had been made. All SGPC members, representatives of various religious and cultural organisations had been asked to supervise arrangement of langar, decoration of the route etc.

She expressed satisfaction over the arrangement including the stay, langar etc for people coming from all over the country and abroad at Anandpur Sahib to participate in the celebrations. The Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his cabinet was committed to make the event one of the most memorable in the living history, she asserted.

The SGPC and the SAD chief Mr Badal have extended personal invitations to heads of all political parties in India, representatives of all religions, religious and social organisations from within the country and abroad to join the celebrations.

Namdhari Khalsa march ends
From Tribune Reporters

ANANDPUR SAHIB, March 28 — A massive "Namdhari Sant Khalsa march", led by Satguru Jagjit Singh, head of Namdhari sect, taken out in connection with the tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa, ended at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib here today.

The march, which covered a distance of about 125 km and passed through Samrala, Khamano, Morinda, Boormajra, Ropar and Kiratpur Sahib, began today after the performance of "ardas" from Bhaini Sahib in Ludhiana district.
Thousands of Namdharis, clad in their traditional white dress, thronged this "white city".

The march was received by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, along with Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Tara Singh Ladhal, MLA, Anandpur Sahib, Mr Jarnail Singh Aulakh and Jathedar Pritam Singh Sallomajra, both members of the SGPC from Anandpur Sahib and Chamkaur Sahib, respectively, near the "welcome gate" here on Ropar-Anandpur Sahib Road.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Badal appealed to all heads of sects to come here and join the tercentenary celebrations. He said he welcomed all, irrespective of the caste, creed and religion, as his Guru had taught him to seek "sarbat da bhalla". He added that this message of the Gurus would be disseminated throughout the world, especially during the tercentenary celebrations.

The march was accompanied by Mr H.S. Hanspal, former MP and president of Namdhari darbar, Bhaini Sahib, Mr Darshan Singh Brar, former minister, Mr Surinder Singh, Mr Jagdish Singh waryam and Mr Gurbhajan Singh Sanyasi, vice-president, general secretary and press secretary of the Namdhari darbar, respectively.

Later, Mr Badal and Satgur Jagjit Singh visited Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib along with others and paid obeisance. Giani Tarlochan Singh, Head Granthi of the Takht presented "siropa" to Mr Badal, Satguru Jagjit Singh, Mr H.S. Hanspal and Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Punjab Health Minister.

According to Mr Gubhajan Singh Sanyasi, press secretary of the Namdhari darbar, Namdharis from Australia, Canada, Africa, England, Germany, America, Dubai and Bangkok also participated.

LUDHIANA: Earlier the Namdhari sangat recited 'Assa Di Var' in wee hours at Bhani Sahib and then the yatra began after paying respect to Sat Guru Jagjit Singh. The route was decorated and welcome arches were put up at regular intervals.

The 'yatra' was received in Ludhiana district at Samrala by Jathedar Kirpal Singh Khirnia, a member of the SGPC, Mr Amrik Singh, MLA, Mr Fateh Singh and a few BJP leaders. People from various villages like Katani Kalan, Katani Khurd, Kot Gangu Rai, Neelon, Bijalipur, Ghulal Chehlan Bondli etc gathered in large number to greet the 'yatra' in which Namdhari sangat was reciting 'simran'.

FEROZEPORE: The local Bhai Mardana Kirtan Darbar society organised a Sanjhiwalta Shatabadi march here on Saturday jointly with other religious and social organisations in connection with tercentenary celebrations of the birth of the Khalsa. Special welcome gates were set up at several places. March started from Housing Board Colony and terminated at the same place in the evening after passing through different areas in the city and cantonment. The march was attended among others by the Minister of State for Cooperation and Sainik Welfare, Mr Jameija Singh Sekhon and the society president Mr Harpal Singh Bhullar. According to Mr Bhullar purpose of march was to spread message of brotherhood among masses.

‘Ghodis’ mainstay of smugglers
From Jangveer Singh
Tribune News Service

PATIALA, March 28 — Speeding "ghodis" remain the mainstay of poppy husk smugglers of Haryana to cross over to Punjab to maintain the flow of drugs to farmers of the Malwa belt.

The crossings are mostly made in the dead of night though untrodden paths and fields to make a predetermined rendezvous with further carriers or even a waiting truck.

This trend was revealed during a recent drive against smuggling of poppy husk along the Haryana border. Three carriers besides a "ghodi" were nabbed and poppy husk seized by the Patiala police, according to SP (Operations) Gurdeep Singh Pannu.

The "ghodis" remain firm favourites for smuggling poppy husk across the border as they do not cross any established naka. They are also very difficult to nab through pursuit by a motorised vehicle. The ghodis are immediately taken over ploughed fields and semi-jungle paths if any attempt is made to pursue them, says Pannu.

Moreover, the carriers riding the ghodis are usually drugged and carry a spear which they use in case they are challenged. The police personnel hesitate to shoot which usually results in the carrier escaping, he reveals.

However, a survey by TNS revealed police personnel have devised their own methods to nab the "ghodis" and their riders. Lower-staff disclosed they usually identified a few routes taken by the carriers and laid an ambush using ropes in which the legs of "ghodis" got entangled near a bridge or some other landmark over which the "ghodi" would have to cross. This had achieved results recently, they said.

However, even after capturing the "ghodis" the police has to bear the burden of feeding and looking after them. They usually need medical aid as they are ridden roughshod and suffer from wounds as a result of having carried excess weight. Besides this, the police also had to arrange fodder for them. Policemen say they had the unenviable task of nursing the "ghodis back to health.

The policemen say they know the problem lay in Dabankheri village in Kaithal district close to the Punjab border. There are more than 100 "ghodis" engaged in smuggling activities there by they can do precious little about it. They say as the smugglers carry out illegal activities in Punjab, the Haryana police seldom troubles them.

Police sources say a number of meetings between senior officials of Punjab and Haryana had taken place in the past but the problem could not be tackled properly as proper coordination between the two forces could not take place.

Among the recent catches, SP (Detective) Kewal Kumar disclosed Joginder Singh, a resident of Dabankheri village under the Gulha police station in Haryana, had been arrested. Mr Kumar said Joginder Singh and his "ghodi" were nabbed while they were trying to cross a bridge near Majri village near the border. He said 20 kg of poppy husk had been recovered from Joginder Singh. A case had been registered against him at the Samana police station on March 23.

The police officer disclosed the other two persons arrested under the NDPS Act included Lakhwinder Singh, alias Dogar, a resident of Cheeka village in Kaithal district, and Sukhchain Singh, a resident of Karahasahib in Kurukshetra district. He said while Lakhwinder Singh was arrested near Dhanera village in Samana block with nine sacks of poppy husk, Sukhchain Singh was nabbed from Badanpur in Samana block with 30 kg of poppy husk on March 25.

The Malwa belt is most affected by the influx of poppy husk from Haryana which travels through Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda and Mansa districts to reach Ferozepore. Last year, Sangrur district was on top of the list of registration of cases under the NDPS Act.

CM decries Tohra's remarks
From Our Correspondent

JALANDHAR, March 28 — Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab expressed his anguish over the utterances of certain persons giving signals to disrupt Khalsa celebrations through provocative slogans like "Khooni Baisakhi" and said it was not fair on their part.

Mr Badal, who was here today in connection with the start of the historic "Khalsa March" by the Punjab Pradesh Rajput Council from Basti Mithu, took strong exception to the statement of Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, describing SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur as "Mahantani" which was a great insult to all women. He said in a democratic set-up, it was the prerogative of SGPC members to elect a president of their choice and one should not mind stepping down and rather honour the majority choice and respect their sentiments.

Without naming anybody, Mr Badal, strongly lambasted Mr Tohra for debasing Sikh values and traditional grandeur in Sikhism during his 25 years' tenure as President of the SGPC and lowered the status of Sikhs in the world. He said ignoring basic duties of the SGPC like improving the management of gurdwaras and propagation of philosophy of Sikhism, Mr Tohra had been showing undue interest in political activities. He said four five months back when he was holding the power as the SGPC chief he had been showering praises on the functioning of the SAD-BJP government. What happened to Mr Tohra now after losing "Kursi" that he never missed any opportunity to criticise him (Mr Badal) and his government at every forum without any reason, he asked.

He said the tercentenary celebrations at Anandpur Sahib were being organised by the five sacred Takhts, supreme body of the Sikhs i.e. the SGPC the Shiromani Akali Dal accommodating all shades of opinion. He said he was authorised to draw up the programmes by a largely attended and widely represented meeting of SGPC members, party MPs, MLAs, district party presidents Working Committee Members at Anandpur Sahib and Mr Tohra and his men were party to this decision. He had also called all-party meeting and sought cooperation of all in these celebrations.

Mr Badal said it was for the first time that the Prime Minister of the country had sanctioned a sum of Rs 100 crore for these celebrations being observed in all states. Due to the change and the power given by the people to the SAD-BJP.

He said though lakhs of devotees had started thronging but the actual programmes for the celebrations would be launched by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 8 when he would visit Anandpur Sahib to pay obeisance. The Vice President of India will participate in these celebrations on April 12 and the President of India will release a commemorative stamp on tercentenary celebrations on April 9 at Rashtrapti Bhavan, Delhi. He said an international women's conference was being organised on April 11 in which prominent women from different walks of life from all over the world would take part. He said Ms Jayalalitha, Ms Mamata Banerjee, Ms Sushma Swaraj, the main political women stalwarts had given consent to participate in this event.

Mr Badal said there would be no political discussion at these celebrations but they would dedicate themselves to only one agenda i.e. propagating the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh and lofty principles which he set before us when he created the Khalsa. A PTI report says that Mrs Rabri Devi Bihar Chief Minister will also participate in the Khalsa celebrations.

Tohra loyalist MLAs face action
From Our Correspondent

PHAGWARA, March 28 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, while condemning the anti-party attitude of the Tohra loyalists, including MLAs, has said that disciplinary action will be taken against those who were indulging in anti-party activities after April 15.

Taking to mediapersons at Nangal Saproo village today, Mr Badal hinted at the cabinet expansion and its reshuffle after April 15.

Commenting upon Tohra's remarks about Bibi Jagir Kaur as "Mahantani" Mr Badal said these remarks were shameful. He said Bibi Jagir Kaur worked as minister with the consent of Mr Tohra.

When asked to comment upon PPCC chief, Capt Amrinder Singh's remarks that Lok Pal should be appointed only by the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Chief Minister said the appointment of present Lok Pal was made with the consent of the Chief Justice and Vidhan Sabha Speaker according to norms.

Mr Badal claimed full co-ordination between the SAD and the BJP and said there was no immediate need for the setting up of coordination committees. He however, all chairpersons of improvement trusts would be appointed after April 15.

He appealed to all sections of the society, including the Congress, and Mr Tohra to hold the Khalsa celebrations at one platform.

When asked about the "hit list of terrorists" and his name on it, Mr Badal said: "I am on the political hit list of Mr Tohra now a days.

The Chief Minister justified the increase in octroi and said people should come forward to pay taxes for the development of the state. Mr Raghbir Singh, and Ch. Swarna Ram (both ministers) were also present.

Crime on women, children
Special training to cops needed
From A.S. Prashar
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA: Provision of suitable government budgetary support and special steps for educating the public on the ever-growing problem of the welfare and rehabilitation of the victims of crime against women and children are among the measures suggested in a report prepared by the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, at the conclusion of a regional conference held on the subject recently at Kathmandu.

Violence against women and children is a big problem, and gender discrimination widespread, not only in India but throughout the subcontinent, observes the report. Women and children suffer in particular where law and enforcement is weak. The opportunity for sexual offences within the congested urban areas where extreme poverty and riches exist side by side and in rural areas remote from justice is great. Trafficking is a serious problem. No thorough national or international systems for investigating missing persons exist in most places on the sub-continent.

The regional seminar on crime against women and children was organised jointly by the British Government and the Nepal Police at Kathmandu from January 25 to 28. This was the second regional conference in South Asia sponsored by the British Government — the first, on paedophilia, took place in November, 1997, in Sri Lanka. The Kathmandu seminar was designed to build upon international experience, the main objective being "to gain detailed insight into the best methods of joint investigation of women and child crime and examine good practice in related systematic crime investigation".

Over 50 participants from all over the subcontinent with considerable expertise in all related disciplines attended the deliberations. From Punjab, Dr D.J. Singh, Deputy Director (Social Sciences), Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur, prepared the report based on its deliberations. He points out that the law in the region varies markedly, and loopholes are easily exploited. Political influence and corruption are widespread and prevent adequate justice.

Pressure from families often prevents women and children from going to court. Economic dependence of women and children on husband or father, and lack of social services, together with poverty may mean that a woman or child has little alternative but to take to criminal offences to survive.

The report notes that women and children have been traditionally assaulted by men, who are often stronger. Women are often restricted by having no place to go to escape. Women and children have no security or sustenance available outside the family home. Family members, neighbours and friends often accept the assault or don't wish to interfere. Women are blamed if they bring shame by leaving home or reporting crime.

The crimes are difficult to investigate and police often lack the necessary skills. The police generally do not wish to get involved in disputes between families or husband and wife. Crimes where there is no adult complaint are generally ignored. Women may blame the police if removed from the family home for safety. Few specialist doctors, police or prosecutors exist. Few care facilities exist except in large cities. The law is frequently inadequate to prosecute or deal with the offender or victim. Most assailants are known to the family, often within the family, encourage non-reporting.

Whereas conditions vary widely, many of these problems and also others (such as women and children in zones of war or terrorism) exist throughout the region. The methods used to combat the problems also vary widely both between and within countries. However, there are common principles of investigation which, if pursued diligently, will make major improvements to community safety and justice particularly that of women and children.

The report says that an inter-agency approach to tackle the growing problems of child abuse and victimisation of women should be ensured by the state government. Suitable amendments in law and legal procedures should be undertaken keeping in view the changing social conditions and practical requirements. A research cell should be set up in the Punjab State Human Rights Commission to monitor closely the criminal justice mechanism concerning women and children with special reference to non-reporting of the crime (silent sufferers), reporting and registration hurdles, steps for the safety and security of the victim and legal complications during investigation.

As regards the police, it should be suitably sensitised towards gender issues and problems. Special training should be given to personnel at the police station level to handle crime reporting and investigating child abuse and victimisation of women. The police should ensure immediate medical, pyschological and suitable help to the victim with the help of social welfare organisations. The maximum number of women police stations should be set up in every district and subdivision to handle cases concerning women and children. In order to avoid any further victimisation of the victim at the hands of police personnel, strict punishment measures should be introduced and effectively implemented against offenders.

'Cat' system comes into question
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, March 28 — The murder of Akali activist Balraj Singh Gill allegedly by a Ludhiana police 'cat' last week has called into question the very system of the 'cats', being used by the Punjab police in its fight against crime.

As the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, himself stated during his visit to Ludhiana to attend the bhog ceremony of Mr Gill, on Wednesday, the 'cat' system came into existence in Punjab when the state was in the grip of militancy.

Militants captured by the police or those who surrendered before the security forces were turned against the militants through systematic brainwashing and then used for neutralising other militants.

The 'cats' were protected and in some cases, occasionally paid by the police at the height of militancy. But in most cases, the captured militants would work for the police just on the promise of not being proceeded against for the past infringements of the law.

But with the return of normalcy in Punjab the usefulness and number of 'cats' has declined over the years.

While at one time, their number might have run into hundreds, if not thousands, nobody is sure of their exact strength at present. For instance, in Ludhiana district, which was once the hotbed of militancy, the number of active 'cats' now does not exceed three. "There is no 'cats' cadre or a muster roll for them" says the district police chief, Mr Kuldeep Singh. "Therefore, it is not easy to make a guess about their present strength.

The Chief Minister himself was not sure if the 'cats' could play any useful role in the present circumstances. But he was, however, non-committal when asked if he would ask the police to disband the 'cats'.

According to the investigation conducted so far by the police, the murder of Mr Gill did not appear to be premeditated. The one time militant turned police 'cat' Balwinder Singh Bhapp chanced upon Mr Gill who was returning home in the car of Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, senior vice-president of the Akali Dal (Urban). There was a wordy duel at the end of which Bhapp shot dead Mr Gill and then drove away in his car to Khanna where he slept in the car for the night. He rang up a police Inspector to confess his crime the next day. The Inspector informed the DSP (Detective) and SP (Detective) who, without taking the district police chief into confidence, organised his surrender in a judicial court.

The murder weapon, a mouser, was also taken into possession by the police.

While the Inspector has been suspended two other police officers have been transferred for their "inapt handling" of the situation.

Doctor booked for making false report
Tribune News Service

BATHINDA, March 28 — The police booked Dr T.C. Malhan, Deputy Director, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, under Sections 167, 218 and 500 of the IPC on March 27 for preparing false documents to cause harm and injury to the reputation of Dr Vineeta Gupta.

Official sources said the case against Dr Malhan was registered on the directions of Mr Justice R.L. Anand, a Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court while deciding a writ petition filed by Dr Vineeta Gupta on February 24, 1999.

According to the copy of FIR circulated to mediapersons by Dr Gupta, Dr Malhan while conducting an inquiry against Dr Gupta on a complaint by a certain person prepared a false malicious report to cause injury to her reputation and she had suffered mental and financial loss on this account.

Dr Gupta alleged that she was transferred from Civil Hospital, Bathinda to Kararwala village on August 14, 1995 and subsequently suspended on August 22, 1995 and then chargesheeted on the basis of a secret report given by Dr Malhan to higher authorities.

She further alleged that she was never called during the secret inquiry conducted by Dr Malhan and she came to know about the contents of the inquiry report when it was produced in the District Consumer Forum, Bathinda, in a case titled Sewa Ram Vs Dr Vitul Gupta and others on May 27, 1997.

She alleged that Dr Malhan in his report had given derogatory remarks against her father with the mala fide intention to defame her.

She pointed out that she approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court when the local police authorities refused to book Dr Malhan under the relevant provisions of the law.

Mr Justice Anand in his order had directed the SSP, Bathinda to register an FIR against Dr Malhan under Sections 167, 218 and 500 or the IPC and investigated the matter according to law.

He added that if the police came to the conclusion that offences under Sections 167 and 218 were not made out in the investigation then it would inform Dr Gupta in writing to that effect.

Residents block traffic over rape
From Our Correspondent

FEROZEPORE, March 28 — Situation is tense here as hundreds of residents of Basti Tankan Wali are sitting on an indefinite dharna blocking vehicular traffic on the GT Road, near the PSEB complaint centre at cantonment, to demand the immediate arrest of the person who allegedly raped a minor school girl yesterday.

The dharna which started at 10 a.m. today was on till the filing of the report. Angry protesters shouted slogans against the civil administration and the police. They parked autorickshaws on the road to block traffic.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sub Division), Mr Joginder Pal and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Mr D.P.S. Kharbanda were watching the situation.

Talking to The Tribune Mr Joginder Pal said the police was investigating the matter. Three suspects were rounded-up and paraded before the victim who said they had not assaulted her.

Despite assurances by the district administration and the police that the accused would be arrested, the demonstrators refused to call off the agitation.

The Ferozepore Range DIG, Mr Hardeep Singh Dhillon, reached at the spot and cleared the jam from one side of the square where autorickshaws were parked around 2.45 p.m. But the protesters again parked autorickshaws on the road after Mr Dhillon left the place.

The dharna took a political hue when leaders of political parties started delivering speeches there. The state vice president of the BSP, Mr Lal Singh Sulhani and a member of the PPCC and ex-MLA, Mr Ravinder Singh Sandhu, condemned the incident and demanded the arrest of the accused.

The 10-year-old victim who studies in sixth standard while narrating the incident to the mediapersons said she was going to get milk from Vikas Colony at 7 a.m. on Saturday. When she arrived near the railway crossing, an unidentified person driving white colour Maruti, forcibly put her in the car and took her to an abandoned place near, Saint Joseph's Convent School where she was allegedly raped. After that she was dropped near the railway quarters at about 7.45 a.m.

After she walked a few steps she fell down near a Meat Market from where she was taken home by certain persons, said the victim and added that the accused tried to give her some money saying she should not tell anything to any one. The accused threatened to kill her if she told any body about the incident.

A case under Sections 363, 366 and 376 of the IPC was registered yesterday.

Talking to The Tribune, the SDM, Mr D.P.S. Kharbanda said the medical examination of the girl was held yesterday.

SGPC executive meeting today
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, March 28 — The executive committee meeting of the SGPC tomorrow is likely to discuss issue of the failure of Bhai Ranjit Singh the suspended Akal Takht Jathedar to respond to the notice issued by the pro-Badal SGPC executive committee members. The meeting has been called on the direction of the Sikh Gurdwara.

Other important issue to be discussed at the meeting include decisions taken by the pro-Tohra executive members at the last two meeting held on December 16 when Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta was appointed special secretary and on March 14 held at Jind in Haryana.

Besides the above issues there are over 1000 items including administrative and financial matters on the agenda.

The meeting for the annual adoption of budget of the SGPC for the coming year had been fixed for March 30 at the Teja Singh Samudri Hall.

Jaya to visit Anandpur Sahib on April 11
Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, March 28 — The AIADMK general secretary, Ms J.Jayalalitha, will take part in the tercentenary celebrations of foundation of Khalsa Panth by visiting Anandpur Sahib on April 11.

The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal said that the AIADMK leader would spend a few hours and participate in the celebrations.

The celebrations are to begin on April 8 with the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, is scheduled to inaugurate it at a function.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Mr Ashraf Jahangir Qazi, told "The Tribune", this evening that the request by the Punjab Government to lend some of the relics connected to Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the celebrations had been forwarded to the Pakistan government.

He said the Pakistan Government was also planning to open the Lahore Museum which had some artefacts of Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the visitors from India during the celebrations.

It may be recalled that when Mr Badal visited Lahore last month along with the Prime Minister on the bus, he had requested his Pakistani counterpart, Mr Shahbaz Sharif to lend some of the historical relics connected with the Sikhs.

Khalsa march flagged off in Puri
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 28 — Mr Giridhar Gomanag, Chief Minister of Orissa, this morning flagged of the Bhai Himmat Singh Khalsa march from Jagannath Puri in Orissa. The march will reach Kiratpur Sahib on April 10.

Bhai Himmat Singh, one of the first five Panj Piaras (beloved ones), was baptised by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib in 1699. He belonged to Jagannath Puri.

Senior political and administrative functionaries of the Orissa Government, including Mr Bhupinder Singh Gill, Minister for Public Works, Orissa; and Mr S.S. Mahapatra, a Congress leader; were present.

Dr Upinder Kaur, Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Master Mohan Lal, ministers from Punjab, are accompanying the march.

According to a press note the Punjab Government, there was a huge gathering of Sikh sangat when the march took off. Nearly 200 vehicles decorated with garlands and nishan-e-khalsa banners are part of the march. On the way, local sangat arranged eatables, fruit and 'chabbils'. They also put up welcome arches and hoisted saffron flags all along the route.

Mr Gomanag and others said the teachings of great gurus were the only way to attain oneness with the Almighty.

Bhatti's pocket picked

AMRITSAR, March 28 (UNI) — It was merry-making and laughter when comedian Jaspal Bhatti arrived here yesterday to celebrate hundreds days of his film, "Mahaul Theek Hai" but when he left the "Guru Ki Nagari" today evening he was a sad man.

From "Mahaul Theek Hai" it became "Mahaul Theek Nahi Hai" when he had his big fat wallet, which was bulging out of his pant pocket, removed by an expert hand when he went to pay obeisance at Gurdwara Shaheeda today. The poor and sad looking Bhatti had to borrow money from a friend to pay his hotel bills and other expenses.

Bhatti, who played a cop in the film, got a taste of the cop medicine when he went to complain about the incident at the gurdwara police picket.

Later after being deprived of his wallet, in a written appeal released to the Press here, he appealed to the pickpockets to formulate a code of conduct for those in their profession. According to this code the pickpockets had the right to pocket their hard earned money but they should deposit the remaining belongings in wallets and purses at police stations.

Farmers, labourers to back teachers
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 28 — As many as 525 members of various organisations will participate in the fast to be organised by the Nav Niyukt Adhyapak Union, Punjab, here on March 29.

In a press note issued here today, Mr Pushpinder Singh Harpalpur, President of the organisation, said to support the cause of teachers, members of different farmers' and labourers' organisations would also participate in the joint convention to be organised here on April 5.

He said a joint 'chetna march' will be taken out on April 7 at Anandpur Sahib.

Kanshi Ram 'used' Dalits
From Our Correspondent

TARN TARAN, March 28 — Hundreds of BSP (A) workers organised a rally here today under the presidentship of Mr Devi Das Nahar. Mr Nahar, Mrs Sawaran Kaur, Mr M.M. Bhatti and other party leaders condemned the BSP chief Mr Kanshi Ram for not representing the interests of the Dalits. They alleged that Mr Kanshi Ram always misguided the Dalits for his personal gains and advised Dalits to unite to safeguard their interests.

LIC gives 95-cr loan to PSEB
From Our Correspondent

JALANDHAR, March 28 — The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has given a loan of Rs 95 crore to the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB).

Mr R C Madhu, Senior Divisional Manager, LIC, said here yesterday a cheque of Rs 95 crore was handed over to Mr A K Aggarwal, Chief Controller, Finance, PSEB, on March 26. He said this amount was the 39th cumulative loan given to the PSEB so far and the total amount granted was Rs 390.3 crore.

Mr Madhu said one of the objectives of nationalisation of the life insurance business was to invest a major part of its funds in the social sector for the welfare of the community as a whole.

DM bans collection of funds
From Our Correspondent

GURDASPUR, March 28 — Mr S.K. Sandhu, District Magistrate, through orders issued here yesterday under Section 144 banned forced collection of unauthorised funds by the managements of schools from the students. This order will remain in force till May 21.

Mr Sandhu said parents of children studying in private schools here reported to him that some managements were forcing the students to pay funds beyond regular monthly fees unauthorisedly. Forcible collection of funds had led to resentment among parents.

Tributes paid to Dhillon
From Our Correspondent

TARN TARAN, March 28 — Warm tributes were paid to Mr Gurdial Singh Dhillon, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Congress leader today at his seventh death anniversary at Panjwar village. Mr Dilbag Singh Dalake, former Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Brij Bhupinder Singh Lali, Mr Gurmej Singh (both former Ministers) former MLA Lakha Singh. Mrs Ranbir Kaur Dhillon, wife of Mr Dhillon, paid warm tributes to the departed leader, condemned large-scale corruption in different departments for which the people were facing hardships.

The speakers urged Mrs Ranbir Kaur to enter active politics.

Two robbers arrested
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, March 28 — The police has arrested two persons, Bhupinder Singh and Rajwinder Singh, residents of Phagwara, involved in drugging rail passengers and stealing their possessions, according to the SP (city I), Mr Prithpal Singh Virk, the two persons were caught on grounds of suspicion during a police naka set-up at the CMC Chowk. Later, the police recovered two gold rings, one gold chain, two scooters and one Maruti van from them.

Robbery case solved, 1 held
From Our Correspondent

GURDASPUR, March 28 — With the arrest of Raju by the police naka party on the intervening night of 26 and 27 the robbery of Rs 9.5 lakh in the Nurpur area in Himachal Pradesh on March 11 has been solved. The other accused in the dacoity include Roda, Angrez Singh and his son Sabha of Behrain village in Pathankot Sub division.

According to Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, a 303-bore pistol and four cartridges seized.

The district police chief said the accused during interrogation confessed along with the their accused chased Vishwa Kohli who was in a Maruti car and stopped him near a temple on the main road near Nurpur and snatched money from him. He said the accused gathered near Shimla Pahari, Pathankot. The same day they committed the crime and decided to distribute the booty the next day.

After distributing the booty, the accused left for hideouts at Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Ludhiana in Punjab. The police has rushed raiding parties to nab the others.

A case has been registered against the accused.

Review hike in road tax: bus operators
Tribune News Service

BATHINDA, March 28 — The Bathinda Mini Bus Operators Union has urged the Punjab Government to review the hike in road tax, token tax and permit fee levied on the passengers buses.

In a press note issued here today, Mr Baltej Singh, president of the union said that the recent hike made in state road tax, token tax and permit fee was unprecedented and unbearable for the mini bus operators.

He pointed out that about two years ago before the installation of SAD-BJP Government, the state road tax was Rs 9,000 while token tax was Rs 3,000. The SAD-BJP Government in the first hike fixed the state road tax Rs 13,250 and token tax Rs 5,000 on July 1, 1997.

He added that Punjab Government had raised the state road tax to Rs 16,500 and token tax to Rs 7500.

He said as the mini bus operators were unable to pay such a hefty sum the Punjab Government should review the decision of hiking these taxes.