Roadways staff block traffic
FARIDABAD, Oct 20 — Employees of the Haryana Roadways blocked the national highway for half an hour yesterday to protest against the stoning of a bus by some students.

• Factory burgled
• Bills’ dates changed
• Commercial sites to be auctioned
• Magician donates 70,000 to relief fund
• Surprise check at mandis
• Lok Adalat today
  
  
  
  
  
   
  

Paddy: Haryana awaits report
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — The Haryana Government is eagerly awaiting the report of the Central team which visited mandis in the state on Wednesday and Thursday in connection with the state government’s demand for a Punjab-type package for Haryana farmers.

A four-member Central team led by Mr B.B. Patnaik, Joint Commissioner (S&R), visited the mandis at Ambala, Ismailabad, Pehowa, Cheeka, Kaithal, Nissing, Assandh and Safidon. The team obtained information on the prices being paid by traders and millers to farmers for paddy which did not meet the specifications announced by the government. It also collected samples to examine the extent of damage caused to paddy and find out whether this had happened due to the same agro-climatic conditions which were said to have been responsible for the poor quality of paddy in Punjab.

Mr Dharam Vir, Commissioner and Secretary of the Food and Supplies Department of the Haryana Government, said the Central team had seen for itself that paddy was being sold to traders to below the minimum support price (MPS) announced by the Central Government. He said the state government was now waiting for the report of the chemical analysis of the damaged paddy. The report was likely to be prepared by this evening, Mr Dharam Vir said. The final report of the Central team should not take more than a day or two.

Paddy, amounting to more than 12 lakh tonnes had reportedly arrived in the mandis of the state till yesterday. While 6.88 lakh tonnes, out of 12 lakh tonnes, was procured by the government agencies, the remaining paddy was procured by millers. About 50 per cent of the paddy procured by the millers did not fetch the MPS, sources here said.

When the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, was today asked whether it was time for the farmers to look beyond the paddy-wheat rotation, Mr Chautala answered that the objective of the state government at this juncture was that the farmers should not be deprived of the MPS. He added that a state government team led by the Agriculture Minister, Mr Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, would go to Israel shortly for acquiring knowhow on modern agricultural methods which would be subsequently implemented in Haryana.

Agitating farmers block highway
From Bijendra Ahlawat

FARIDABAD, Oct 20 — Traffic on the National Highway No. 2 connecting Delhi with Mathura in Uttar Pradesh was disrupted due to massive blockade by agitating farmers of UP on the border near Hodal town. They are protesting against the ban imposed and denial of permission by the police to take paddy to the mandis of this district. Many vehicles, including buses and trucks were stranded near the border due to traffic jam on both sides of the border.

It is reported that over 300 tractor trailers loaded with paddy have been waiting for permission to enter Haryana but police officials and the local authorities have asked them to go back as these would not be allowed to come to mandis here as per the orders of the state government. UP farmers, who have been adamant on the demand of permission to unload produce at mandis like Hodal and Hassanpur in Faridabad district have decided to block the road traffic for indefinite period in protest.

The protesters reportedly damaged a Punjab Roadways bus coming from Agra to Delhi near the border by throwing stones on it. It is learnt that window panes of the bus were broken in the incident which took place this morning. While senior officials from both sides including the District Magistrate and the SSP of Mathura district reached the spot and have been trying to persuade the protesters to lift the blockade, the SDM and police officials from Hodal are also camping at the site. Queues of vehicles running into several kilometres could be seen on the highway and all linkroads. While the blockade was started at noon yesterday the police had been diverting the traffic from this side on link and kutcha tracks from various villages, but it is learnt that farmers on the UP side have started blocking the link roads also creating a serious problem for the motorists and the heavy vehicles.

It is reported that the agitating farmers have also threatened to block the railway traffic also, if their demand was not met. The railway track is hardly 500 metres from the scene. Almost all the arhatias at Hodal and Hassanpur mandis have reportedly gone on strike in protest against the decision of banning the UP paddy.

They have claimed that a large amount of money had been due from the farmers of UP and moreover 80 per cent of the arrivals in these mandis have been from UP. They added that the mandis in the district would become deserted if the farm produce from UP was not allowed here. While the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anand Mohan Sharan and the SSP also visited the scene but blockade had been continuing till the last report came in.

BKU to launch statewide stir
From Our Correspondent

SONEPAT, Oct 20 — The Haryana unit of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has decided to launch a statewide agitation against malpractices in the purchase of paddy by officials of the government procurement agencies in the state this year.

Announcing this, Mr Hari Singh Khokhar, president of the state unit of the BKU, told mediapersons here today that the executive committee of the union will hold a meeting tomorrow to chalk out the future strategy for launching an agitation on this issue. He warned that if the exploitation of the paddy growers continued then the union would have no alternative but to launch an agitation.

Mr Khokhar regretted that the state government had allowed those agencies to buy paddy from the growers at the support price fixed by the Centre which did not have funds even to pay salaries to their employees. This, he said, had led to the distress sale of paddy by farmers to the private traders and owners of rice shellers.

He also accused the Centre of adopting anti-Haryana attitude in respect of relief to the paddy farmers. He also criticised the role of the state government on this issue and alleged that it had failed to protect the rights of the farmers.

Later, a group of leaders of the BKU, led by Mr Khokhar visited the mandis in the city and accused the official agencies of rejecting the paddy on flimsy grounds. They also alleged that the officials were in league with the private traders and owners of rice shellers and were forcing the paddy growers to sell their produce at throwaway prices to the private traders.

Drought-hit areas will get water: CM
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, stated here today that instructions had been issued to the power and irrigation departments to ensure adequate supply of power and water to the drought-hit southern Haryana from November 1.Talking to newspersons here after his foreign visit, Mr Chautala said parts of Mahendragarh, Rewari, Gurgaon, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Jind and Sirsa districts had been hit by a drought. But it would be the endeavour of his government to bring the entire cultiviable land under sowing during the current sowing season by making adequate arrangements for power and water.

Hence 114 posts of constables would be filled from among outstanding sportspersons. The government would also shortly recruit another 1100 constables for the traffic police.

MUL workers hold condolence meeting
Tribune News Service

GURGAON, Oct 20 — Workers of Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) today organised a condolence meeting to mourn the death of a workman and an apprentice. While the worker had died on the factory premises in harness, the apprentice died in mysterious circumstances and his body was found in a nullah near the local railway crossing.

The Maruti Udyog Employees Union (MUEU), which is spearheading the agitation of the workers, reiterated its demand for an inquiry by an independent agency, preferably under the Commission of Inquiry Act, into the two deaths. The leaders of the union alleged a large number of apprentices were forcibly kept on the factory premises along with some workers.

Meanwhile, the district administration continued with its decision of Section 144 of the Cr.P.C clamped around the gates of the factory.

Anxiety continues among the agitating workers over the autopsy reports in connection with the two bodies. While the post-mortem of the body of the workman was conducted here yesterday that of the apprentice was sent to Rohtak Medical College and Hospital. The viscera of the workman has been sent to Karnal.The reports are keenly awaited.

The general secretary of the MUEU, Mr Mathews Abraham, appealed to the workers at the condolence meeting to continue showing unity. He along with other leaders of the union charged the management of adopting high-handedness against the employees.

The salient feature of the condolence meeting was the presence of a large number of family members, including women and children. They along with the workers raised slogans against the government. The speakers also alleged the administration was playing a partisan role in favour of the management.

The official version from the management is that production would reach about 850 by this evening. The management was said to be in touch with some employees who wish to return for duties but had apprehension of incurring the wrath of their agitating colleagues. The management, however, continues with its tough stand of signature on the “good conduct certificate” by the employees before resuming their duties. It has made it clear this provision would not be diluted or withdrawn to ensure discipline on the factory premises.

The district police chief, Mr Shatrujit Kapur, said with regard to the death of the workman the investigation was on. However, he said the workman was siding with the management as he had reported for duty after defying the union and signing the “good conduct certificate”. The son of the workman has, however, in a complaint to the police suspected foul play on the part of the management.

With regard to the death of the apprentice, Mr Kapur said as his body was found on the land of the Railways the case was being investigated by the General Railway Protection Force. The deceased had left the factory premises on Monday on health grounds and for a medical check-up. He did not report for duty the next day. His body was found the day after.

Another salient feature of the condolence meeting was the presence of a number of Congress leaders. They include Mr Khursheed Ahmed, Mr Khazan Singh and Mr Raj Singh Dahiya.

Proper use of funds must: Governor
From Our Correspondent

FARIDABAD, Oct 20 — The Haryana Governor, Babu Parmanand, has called for proper utilisation of donations so that the basic aim of service to masses was not defeated.

Speaking at the concluding day of the four-day state-level St John Ambulance competition at Palwal near here yesterday, the Governor said although the need for donations and active help of individuals and organisations had been growing, proper and optimum use of such funds in the target areas was also required. He said with growing population, basic needs like education, housing and employment had assumed a lot of importance.

He said it may not be possible for the government alone to provide all facilities and it was the duty of voluntary organisations engaged in social service to strive to achieve results.

Babu Parmanand asked officials and office-bearers of these organisations to ensure that the funds received by them were used properly. He said such competitions not only motivated the youth, but also helped in creating an appropriate environment.

He lauded the work done by volunteers of the St John Ambulance in the state.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anand Mohan Sharan, said the District Red Cross had organised a 10-day special camp at Palwal to provide free artificial limbs and other aids to the handicapped. Claiming that 700 persons had so far been benefited by the camp, he said it would continue till October 25.

The wife of the Governor, Ms Sudesh Kumari, gave away books, school dresses, sewing machines and artificial aids to the poor and handicapped on the occasion. A cultural show was presented by schoolchildren.

Pathania Public School, Rohtak won the first prize in Cadet Nursing Division and Nursing Division. The Home Guard’s team from Rohtak and Kalka and the police team from Bhiwani also won prizes on the occasion.

Six unnatural deaths reported
From Our Correspondent

FARIDABAD, Oct 20 — At least six persons have died and two others were injured in various incidents in the district in past 24 hours. The deceased include a student from Himachal Pradesh (HP) who reportedly fell from a train.

According to police sources, Mahender Pal Sharma, a resident of Bilaspur in HP, a student of Sagar University in Madhya Pradesh died after he fell off Dakshin Express train while going to Delhi. He was reportedly proceeding towards his home.

Raj Narain, an employee of the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPN) was crushed to death by a truck this morning while he was coming back from duty near Sarai Khawaja locality.

Meanwhile, a one-and-half-year-old boy identified as Aman, son of Satish was killed as he was overrun by a tractor at Saran village last evening. Two unidentified persons also died in two separate incidents of road mishaps in the town yesterday. One was a scooterist and other was a tractor driver. Puneet (5) of NIT (21-A) and Abhishek of Sector 14 were injured when they were hit by speeding vehicles.

In another incident, Babu Lal, a carpenter of jhuggi area of Sector 14 died as he consumed a poisonous substance.

‘Row over attending Tau’s birthday unfortunate’
From Our Correspondent

SONEPAT, Oct 20 — Mr Chiranji Lal Sharma, former MP and veteran Congress leader, today described the controversy raised by some Congress leaders particularly former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal on his participation in birthday celebrations of former Deputy Prime Minister and the Indian National Lok Dal leader Devi Lal as “unfortunate” and said he had neither indulged in indiscipline nor betrayed the party. His loyalty to the Congress any party was beyond doubt, he asserted.

Talking to mediapersons here, he said Mr Bhajan Lal was playing “dirty politics” and it was on account of his frustration that he had raised a controversy on this issue. On the other hand, Mr Bhajan Lal had deserted the Congress party in 1977 and had betrayed Ms Indira Gandhi, who had made him the Chief Minister of Haryana, he added.

Mr Sharma alleged that Mr Bhajan Lal was hob-nobbing with Mr Devi Lal and Mr Om Prakash Chautala, and added that he (Bhajan Lal) had never been sincere to the Congress.

He justified his participation in Mr Devi Lal’s birthday celebrations and said many other BJP and BSP leaders were also present on the occasion. He said he has not harmed the cause of the Congress but he had participated as a token of respect to the great leader of Haryana.

Roadways staff block traffic
From Our Correspondent

FARIDABAD, Oct 20 — Employees of the Haryana Roadways blocked the national highway for half an hour yesterday to protest against the stoning of a bus by some students.

According to sources some students threw stones on a bus near Alhapur village near Palwal, when it did not stop at the crossing near the village. The driver of the bus parked the bus in the middle of road and got other roadways buses stop there in protest against the incident. The blockade was lifted after intervention of police officials.

Meanwhile the police arrested two youths reported to be members of a car robbers gang. A Maruit Zen car (DLZCD 4936) has been recovered from their possession.

Factory burgled
From Our Correspondent

PANIPAT, Oct 20 — Kaushal Kumar Singh of Nepal, an operator with Gopal Telecom decamped with cash amounting to Rs 1,10,000 and valuables, including a fax machine, a laptop computer and important documents. A case of theft and burglary, under Section 381 of the IPC, has been registered.

Bills’ dates changed
From Our Correspondent

FARIDABAD, Oct 20 — The last date of acceptance of telephone bills in the district has been changed. According to a press note issued here today, the last dates for depositing the phone bills of various levels will be from October 30 to November 4 instead of October 27 to November 6. It is stated the last date for depositing bills of levels 22, 26, 28 will be October 30, while for levels, including 21, 23, 24, 25 and 31, the date will be November 3. For consumers of level 29, Hodal, Palwal, Tigaon and Pali the last date is November 1. The last date for levels of 41 and 27 will be November 4.

Commercial sites to be auctioned
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — The Haryana Urban Development Authority today decided to auction sites for shop-cum-flats, single-storeyed booths, showrooms and booths (constructed) at Hisar on October 30. He said these commercial sites would be allotted on a freehold basis.

Magician donates 70,000 to relief fund
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Oct 20 — Samrat Shankar, a magician, today presented bank drafts amounting to Rs 70,000 to the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The Transport Minister, Mr Ashok Kumar Arora, and Press Adviser to the Chief Minister, Mr Ram Singh Brar, were also present on the occasion.

Surprise check at mandis
Tribune News Service

AMBALA, Oct 20 — To ensure the process of paddy procurement in the grain markets of Ambala was going on smoothly, a suprise check was today conducted by a team.

The team led by a senior officer from Chandigarh visited among others, Ambala cantonment and Ambala city anaj mandis.

Lok Adalat today
Tribune News Service

AMBALA, Oct 20 — The 37th Lok Adalat to be held here tomorrow will be presided over by the District Sessions Judge, Ms Kiran Anand Lal.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Jagdev Singh Dhanjal, said this time the Lok Adalat would be held in the Sessions Court and in the respective courts. He said Lok Adalats helped in early justice, a release said.

He said under the Legal Aid Authority, all those whose annual income was less than Rs 25,000 could get free legal aid and for the SC and ST, there was no bar on income for getting free legal aid.