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| Sunday,
October 22, 2000, Chandigarh, India |
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Increased intake frequency, more
units for Territorial Army CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — To meet the shortfall of officers in the Territorial Army (TA), the frequency of intake has been increased to thrice a year. Earlier, recruitment was held twice a year. Stating this while talking to Chandigarh Tribune here today, Western Command TA Group Commander, Brig Rakesh Mehta, added that TA units were facing a shortage of officers to the tune of 25 per cent. About 1,000 aspirants have been shortlisted for the written entrance examination to be held here tomorrow. Over 2,000 citizens from the region had applied to join the TA. Brigadier Mehta said the average annual intake of officers into the TA was about 20. “To meet the shortfall, the tenure of officers enrolled are extended, if required,” he added. To meet existing security requirements, the Territorial Army (TA) is being expanded and the raising of additional infantry units has been approved. This, according to the Group Commander, is being done to relieve the pressure on regular infantry units. TA units are increasingly being mobilised for counter insurgency operations, which is not part of their functions as per the original TA Act. Presently, one battalion from this group is deployed in the Valley, with another one is reported to move there in a few months. Brigadier Mehta said armour, artillery and air defence TA units had also been recommended, but were yet to be improved. The expansion of the concept of TA to the Air Force and the Navy is also hanging fire due to some “functional problems”. The expansion comes in the backdrop of a section of defence planners pushing for a need to follow the pattern adopted by some western countries, which lays stress of a TA-like military set-up as it reduces the need for maintaining a large standing army, besides serving as effective cost-saving measures and reducing the current administrative and logistical burden boggling the services. The TA, as per its conceptual plan evolved in 1948, envisioned 8 air defence brigades, consisting three units each, but these could not be raised due to lack of resources. Later, 14 artillery units were raised, which took active part in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. With air power coming up in a big way, these were converted into air defence units, which saw action in the 1971 operations. Post-war, 13 of them were made regular units. The 40,000-strong TA is composed of 25 infantry battalions and 14 “departmental units” for handling technical duties like communication, railway operations and field engineering activities and five ecological and wasteland development battalions. While the number of infantry battalions are being increased, there is no move to raise more departmental units. As part of the ongoing reorganisation, two railway TA battalions have been disbanded. An ecological battalion was raised at Delhi this month. As per plans, the battalion will, over the next five years, green about 21 acres of ecologically degraded area near Bhatti mines by planting 2.4 lakh saplings each year. Comprising ex-servicemen and funded by state governments, the annual expenditure on the maintenance and functioning of an ecological battalion is between Rs 50 lakhs and Rs 1 crore and there are no plans to raise any more ecological battalions. TA Group Headquarters also grants financial relief to those in distress. “While some relief is granted from our funds, some cases are forwarded to the Adjutant General’s Branch at Army HQs,” Brig Mehta said. “We are trying to get the quantum of relief increased,” he added.
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Days of theme parties are here CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — With the marriage season and days of festivity on, you are sure to be thinking of ways of making your wedding, shagun, sangeet or pooja special, but within the budget and tradition. Mix 'n match colours, designs and textures to give a distinctive look to the party decor. Pots, plants, marigold strings, cushions, curtains of net etc., gota, lace, roses and rose petals, silk and satins draped on peedis, settees, tables and chairs, chhaaj, hand fans, dry flowers, chiks, chatais, galichas blend well with the rustle of formal wear. A backdrop of aggarbati, incense and soft music complete the ambience of a function seeped in the sanctity of rites and rituals that go with an Indian marriage. Dig into your culture and you can come out with beautiful themes for your party. Add a little bit of creativity, minus the lakhs and you can give a 'different' look to your bash. This was revealed in a unique exhibition put up by Party Mantra in Hotel Mountview here this evening. Five stalls decorated in innovative themes of Ganpati, Vedic, Punjabi, Cupid and Royal offered just a glimpse into the vast ocean of ideas that you can fish in and come out with set-ups that can enliven the decor with material generally lying around in every home or can be easily had from designers. While the colour gold enriched the "Royal" theme, silver stood out in "Cupid", rich red in "Punjabi", mauve decorated "Ganpati" and orange dominated "Vedic". Embellishing a chair with a cushion with a phulkari cover, Ms Ashoo Balani of Party Mantra said designer weddings and parties are becoming popular as they save the hostess the bother of coordinating decor, floral set-ups, table layouts, invitations and gift wrapping. She can concentrate on the other preparations while leaving these things to the designer. Ashoo has worked in Mumbai on film and television sets, and has given shape to hundreds of themes for various functions. Now with partner Mankirat, she has set up the shop in the city. Mr Rajnish Jain, who provided the bridal wear for the display, said graceful sherwanis, three-piece suits, lehnga cholis embossed with dabka work, thread work, crystal work, zardozi, dori and sippi in silks, brocades, tissue, and net complement the setting perfectly. It seems the concept of beautiful theme parties, which has traversed to the city all the way from the metropolitans, is here to stay. Happy partying! |
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Jewellery,
cash stolen from house PANCHKULA, Oct 21 — Goods worth thousands of rupees were stolen from a house in Sector 15 by some unidentified persons as they broke into the house in absence of the owners. The robbers struck by breaking open the doors of the house. Mr Anil Sahkuja, owner of the house said jewellery worth Rs 22,000 and Rs 5,000 in cash were missing when he returned home today morning from Delhi. He had gone, along with his family, to attend some function at their brother’s house in Delhi on Friday. On their return, they found lock on the main door open and house ran-sacked. The four almirahs had been unlocked by the robbers and goods and other household items were scattered. As a precaution, they did not enter the house and informed the police immediately. A police team reached the spot along with a dog squad. The police have sought the help of forensic experts to take the fingerprints and other clues about the theft. The exact value of goods stolen from the house could not be ascertained immediately as the house owners were stunned and were not permitted to enter the house. A case had been registered. |
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Woman suffers
85 pc burns SAS NAGAR, Oct 21 — Jai Wati, a jhuggi dweller, received 85 per cent burn injuries when a stove burst accidentally in a slum area of Phase 11 here today. The saree worn by the victim caught fire when she was trying to lit the stove. The husband of victim, who on hearing the cries of the woman ran to save her, also received burn injuries on hands. The in charge of the Phase 11 police post said the woman had been admitted into Sector 32 Government Medical College and Hospital. The husband of the victim, who has also been admitted to the hospital, was not in a condition to give any statement. The statement of the mother of the victim, Shanti Devi, has been recorded. |
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Solemn ceremony marks Police Commemoration Day CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — Rhythmic bugle notes filled the air as Chandigarh police paid homage to 1,236 officers who lost their lives while on duty during the last year even as members of the President’s Police Gallantry Awardees Association condemned the way in which Police Commemoration Day was observed all over the country. Mr S.K. Madan, president of the association, said today too, like earlier years, a commemorative function was held at the Central police station. He, along with the other members of the association, questioned the logic behind not acknowledging their sacrifice with gallantry or other suitable awards. October 21 is observed as Police Commemoration Day in the memory of the 10 CRPF personnel who were killed by Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Leh in 1959. The incident had evoked a strong reaction from the people and the act was condemned by the international community also. Those killed were Constables Makhan Lal, Puran Singh, Dharam Singh, Norbu Lama, Tshering Norbu, Hangjeet Singh, Sarwan Dass, Shivnath Parsad, Beg Raj and Iman Singh. Today, a solemn commemoration parade was held in the Sector 17 police station. The UT Inspector- General of Police, Mr B.S. Bassi, read out the names of the officers who made the supreme sacrifice. Wreaths were also laid on a memorial by the IGP and other police officials. Meanwhile, Mr Madan said, “It is a shame that the family members of the martyrs are not honoured at any function even in the areas to which they belonged. Instead of just “parroting” the names of all the personnel of the police organisations who laid down their lives, we should dedicate ourselves to trace their families, listen to their grievances and try to mitigate their suffering with a view to acknowledge their supreme sacrifice in the right spirit”. A reason could be that perhaps in the unprecedented shock and grief, the then commanders forgot to recommend their names for awards, but it was never too late to make amends, he emphasised. He said from next year, other martyrs should be honoured and given badges of sacrifice, besides knowing their problems and alleviating their suffering. It would be more meaningful than spending crores of rupees organising functions and just reading out names which hardly served any purpose, he opined. The members agreed that such steps would enhance the morale of the police in the eyes of the public, he said. These personnel on patrol to the forward area were ambushed by the enemy, but kept on fighting though they were outnumbered and outgunned. While the enemy was equipped with automatic weapons, these men were armed with .303 bolt action rifles. All of them were in their early 20s. Their bodies were taken by the Chinese on this day and returned on November 13. They were cremated the next day at Hot Springs. |
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Aap Divali ke baad wale
Monday ko aiye... CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — Aap Divali ki baad wale Monday ko aiye
(You come on the Monday falling next to Divali). And this falls on October 30, nine days away. This is the message being unofficially given to visitors in various government offices as several of the employees will be enjoying a mega weekend extending over a whopping nine days by taking three days of leave. Government employees, who have planned their holidays in advance, will be on a luxurious weekend but work has come to standstill and all this much to the annoyance of the members of the public, who have had to bear with delay in work helplessly. Since the Friday evening routine work in almost every departments of the governments of Haryana, Punjab and the Chandigarh Administration had stopped due to the prevailing festive spirit. These included the offices that deal with public matters routinely and also those the revenue generating departments. Little things that effect everyday life like registration of new vehicles or making of driving licences have been postponed. Everyone wanting to get some clearance or some little work done in the Chandigarh Housing Board, PUDA or HUDA and the estate offices has been waiting. These little matters include NOC’s or depositing instalments. Yesterday visitors coming in for their routine work to the government offices were wisely advised by the skeletal staff to come only on October 30. Those wanting to get disputed telephone, power bills or water bills settled will have to wait for the government employees to return from the extended days-offs . A middle-level official explained that even if a small number of employees come to office it did not help the public as each section was handled by a different employees. The keys to the cupboard or the file cabinet concerned may be with the others. Most office-goers have wisely taken three days of leave on October 23, 24 and 25. With Saturday and Sunday being closed days an employees needs to take only three days of leave before enjoying the closed day on Thursday due to Divali and also the closed day on Friday. Though banks and post offices opened today the rush at these places was evident. The rush will peak by Wednesday. An employee in a Punjab office pointed out that several employees have preferred to take leave on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. An official, while showing the stack of leave request in his office, said we were helpless and nothing could be done but to advice visitors to come only on October 30. Almost all schools and colleges will also be closed from October 26 to 29. Besides the year is coming to close and there is a tendency among employees to exhaust the casual leaves. Several employees utilise such opportunities to visit their ancestral homes or go on outstation trips. The situation is even worse in the field offices. Contractors wanting clearance of pending bills have also been waiting and so have been others who do work on tender basis for the government. The offices that will not be effected include the railway reservation or the delivery of mail. |
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No Karva Chauth for them CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — When all women were praying for the well-being of their husbands and observing a fast for their long lives, there was in the city a group of women who were devoid of such tender thoughts. To the inmates of ‘Savera’, Karva Chauth was only a bitter reminder of the days spent with their families and husbands who had become their tormentors. This home for destitute women and children in Sector 43 has 16 inmates all abandoned by their families. Sangeeta, with her two children, was thrown out of her husband’s house in Sector 44 a few months ago. She observed no fast on Karva Chauth. She has no inclination to fast for the long life of the man who has put her in the present situation. ‘‘I observed this fast every time in the past eight years, and prayed for his well-being. This is the reward that I have got,’’ she says bitterly. The tales of the other inmates are similar to that of Sangeeta. They were all either harassed by their in-laws or their husbands. Some have divorce proceedings pending in courts. Disillusionment showed in Charanjeet’s eyes when she recalled her story. Her husband left home nine years ago, and has not since returned. ‘‘I will not do anything for the man who left me and an infant without a thought’’. Joghavali Devi from Chappra district of Bihar came to Savera two years ago. She says: ‘‘My husband took another woman and threw me out of the house along with three children. My parents also refused to give me shelter. As my husband was working in an Air Force station, I tried to follow him for 15 years. His last posting was in Chandigarh. Then he retired and went back to Bihar, leaving me alone. I do not want to pray for him.” Rekha has come from Ropar. Her husband deserted her because of her allegedly unsound mind. ‘‘If he is not interested in me, I am not interested in doing anything for him’’, she says. The ordeal of Parseeni started just after her marriage when her in-laws started torturing her for dowry. After a few months she was thrown out of the house. ‘‘I have even forgotten the face of my husband. How can I observe a fast for him?’’ Harpreet was ill-treated by her husband and in-laws. When she went to her parents they refused to give her shelter. ‘‘I was abandoned by all when ‘Savera’ came to my rescue. I have filed a suit for divorce. I hate my husband for all that he has done to me,’’ she affirms. |
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‘Exclude Panchkula
from Periphery Act’ PANCHKULA, Oct 21—A demand charter highlighting problems ailing the district was presented to the Governor of Haryana, Babu Parmanand, by local MLA Chander Mohan, here today. Addressing a press conference, the MLA said that the main demands were that the Kalka constituency should be excluded from the Periphery Act, uprooted rehri owners selling items along the national highway should be allotted alternative place, a government school for girls at Kalka and a girls' college at Panchkula should be opened besides providing roads and bridges in villages of the constituency. Mr Chander Mohan stated that the work of rehabilitating the shopkeepers of Old Panchkula and rehabilitation of Rajiv, Indira, Ambedkar and Madrasi Colony, started by the Congress government in 1995 had been completely ignore by the present government. Criticising the policy of the government to reshuffle officers at frequent intervals, he alleged that all officers who refused to buckle under pressure were being harassed by the police and that public-dealing was suffering in the process. He said that the vacancies in various schools should be filled up on priority basis, the Pinjore-Kalka bypass should be completed, an environment court should be opened in the city since Hisar was very far off. He also emphasised the need of opening a regional office of the Haryana State Education Board in the city stating that shifting of the office from the city to Bhiwani was not a wise decision which needed rectification. Criticising the Sarkar Aapke Dwar programme of the present government, he said that most of the people had gone back disappointed and the programme was a waste of time and money.  |
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Two-day satsang
concludes CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — Sant Thakar Singh Ji Maharaj, enthralled an audience of about 10,000 with his spiritual discourse on the concluding day of the two-day satsang programme organised by the Chandigarh Ruhani Satsang Society, near Math Mandir, Sector 20, here today. He stressed that human beings were still suffering in this world because the spirits in higher planes, both devilish and divine, were influencing his life. Man was too weak in spirit to counter or side with any by choice. The result was devilish influence causing havoc to us. He told the gathering that if a human being rose above his body consciousness and reached higher planes, he would be blessed with everlasting bliss and peace. |
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Elderly spend fun filled day CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — The inmates of Satya Sai Old Age Home, Sector 30, went for an outing to Shanti Kunj, Sector 16 today. The trip was organised by the members of Laughing Club, Sector 32 and Ideas for Advancement Club, Sector 46 . Apart from a community lunch and refreshments, games like tambola and cards were played by all of them. The children accompanying the members made the atmosphere more cheerful. The old people were playing with the kids like they would have played with their grandchildren. One of the oldest inmates, Ram Swarup, who is above 80 years, said,’’ I am really enjoying myself at this picnic. These people have made me feel special by giving me clothes as gifts for Divali.’’ Mrs Bimla Gupta, another inmate, said, “These people are giving an example for others to follow. Very few people think of others in this fast world. Today we are enjoying the company of youngsters. In order to promote such kind of gatherings more people should come forward said Mr Ram Avtar Prathan. “We all should devote some of our time to mix up with the neglected people of society. More and more clubs should come forward to do things like this.’’ he said. |
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Evening of bonhomie and nostalgia CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — As over two dozen former pilots of the IAF’s Camel Squadron, along with their spouses, got together for their first ever reunion, it was an evening of bonhomie, nostalgia and joviality. Among those who joined in the revelry were Group Capt S. S. Jaspal, a World War II veteran and one of the first commanding officers of the squadron. While most of the officers hailed from Chandigarh and its vicinity, a couple drove down from Patiala, while another officer made his way from Ludhiana. The get-together, held at Hotel Park Inn, which extended its hospitality to the fliers by way of offering substantial discounts on a lavish menu, saw old friendships being revived and the esprit de corps prevailing all round. The idea of the reunion was mooted by Wg Cdr M. S. Dhanoa and enthusiastically picked up by half-a-dozen officers at a chance encounter at the Air Force Officers’ Institute here. Wg Cdr C. S. Grewal volunteered to contact other ex-squadron officers while Wg Cdr S. K. Ahluwalia undertook to make arrangements of the venue. |
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Lawyers observe
strike CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — The District Bar Association observed a strike today in protest against the manhandling of an Advocate, Mr Siddharth Sanwaria, on the call of Moga District Bar Association for the transfer of Deputy Commissioner of Moga. The president of the District Bar Association, Chandigarh, Mr N.K. Nanda, said in a press note here today that the association observed strike to support their demand for the transfer of the Moga District Commissioner. The secretary of the association, Mr Beny Parshad Verma, alleged that an employee of Countrywide Finance Company had manhandled Mr Siddharath Sarwania of Sector 8. He further alleged that the local police had not taken any
action. |
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Plaza Carnival
celebrates anniversary CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — The Plaza Carnival celebrated its seventh anniversary this evening with lilting and foot-tapping numbers sung by Edwin and Erol of the Rodrigues, a local band, at Sector 17, this evening. It was their 166th show. Curious on-lookers and passers-by gathered at the venue to watch the dance performances by the Youth Wing members. The members were given awards and certificates by the chief guest, Mr K.A.P Sinha, officiating
Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. Children from Janta Colony did paintings and sold them at the Artists Corner. Students of the Government College of Arts made sketches of the public. |
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Colourful start to
fete PANCHKULA, Oct 21 — The annual two-day fete at Satluj Public School, Sector 4, got off to a colourful start here today, with the highlight of the day being the four dance floors specially made for the youngsters. Among other entertaining items was a fashion show which attracted a number of participants. Solo and group dance competitions also saw the students making a beeline to shake a leg and win a prize. Stalls of eatables, games and musical chairs also entertained parents and children alike who thronged the fete. The request stall, where the students played popular numbers for their friends, was the most frequented stall throughout the day. The Principal, Mr Krit
Serai, said the fete was aimed at inculcating enterprise among the students, providing an opportunity to become independent and enhancing their skills. |
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Clarification PANCHKULA, Oct 21 — This is in response to the letter published on October 19 in the
"Readers Write" column alleging supply of underweight cylinders. It is clarified that the LPG dealer has checked up his records and not found any consumer by the name mentioned in the letter. In reply Mr Rajbir Marya, the owner of the agency, has stated that the letter is an attempt to malign his agency and added that he has received no complaints in dealings with his customers. |
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Pickpockets active in the PGI CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — If you are going to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research take good care of your purse for pickpockets are active in the area. Even though just two cases have been reported in the past two days, sources say the number of pockets picked during the last few weeks may be higher than those brought to the notice of the police. They disclose that in most of the cases it is too late for the person to report the loss of his wallet to the police as the realisation dawns upon him after he boards the bus or rickshaw and looks for the purse in his pocket to pay for the fare. Even otherwise people do not report the matter to the police if documents like the driving licence or identity card are not lost. Senior police officials, however, insists there is no spurt in cases of pockets being picked. UT Superintendent of Police Baldev Singh says, “Such incidents do occur at all public places including the inter state bus terminus but cases of pockets being pickets are definitely not on the rise”. The cops also believe that the wallets are not being pulled out in the PGI by professional pickpockets, but by drug addicts staying on the institute premises. “Drug addicts are behind a large number of petty thefts,” discloses SP Baldev Singh. “Picking pockets and committing thefts is an easy way of paying for drugs.” As a precautionary measure, police officials suggest keeping the money in different pockets. “Do not put all you dough in one pocket lest you are not even left with money to purchase tickets for returning home,” says a senior officer. “Also, do not feel the purse again and again. It gives the miscreant the impression that you are carrying a lot of money in the wallet”. The police also recommends inexpensive wallets instead of the expensive ones. “It attracts attention. As soon as a veteran sees an expensive looking purse, he is tempted to take the chance of sliding it down his own pocket.” |
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Scooterist hit by
van, dies CHANDIGARH, Oct 21 — A Sector 21 resident succumbed to his injuries after the scooter he was riding was hit by a van on the road dividing Sector 45 and 46. According to sources, the deceased has been identified as Aman Bishnoi. The van driver, say sources, managed to escape from the spot. A case of endangering human life by driving rashly and causing death by a rash and negligent act under Section 279 and 304 IPC has been registered by the police. Sources add that further investigations into the case are on and the driver is likely to be arrested soon.
Three beaten up In a complaint to the police, a Sector 28 resident, Mr Sonu Kattial, today reported that he, his uncle, Mr Madan, and neighbour, Mr Jaspal Singh, were beaten up and threatened by Sector 37 resident Varinder Pal and others, armed with a sword, an iron rod a stick. According to sources, a case under Sections 323, 452 and 506 of the IPC has registered and further investigations are on.
Assault case Claiming to have sustained injuries, a city resident, in a complaint to the police, today alleged that he was beaten up by five or six students in front of a college. Taking up the complaint of Ashoki Jind Narain, the Chandigarh police has registered a case of rioting and simple hurt under Sections 147, 148, and 323 of the IPC. According to sources, the police is investigating the matter.
Arm fractured In another assault case, Mr Nanka of Kajheri reported that his arm was fractured after he was beaten up by Ranvir Singh. According to sources, a case under Section 325 of the IPC has been registered and further investigations are on.
Theft reported The theft of certain household goods was reported to the police by a Sector 2 resident, Mr Inderjit Singh Sandhu. According to sources, the theft was committed after breaking opening the locks. A case under Section 457 of the IPC has been registered and the police is investigating the matter.
Minor abducted On the complaint of an Industrial Area resident, alleging the abduction of his minor daughter, the Chandigarh police has registered a case against Mukesh. According to sources, a case of kidnapping under Sections 363 and 336 of the IPC has been registered and further investigations are on.
Water meter stolen The theft of a water meter was reported to the police by a Sector 28 resident, Mr V.K. Tripathi, from his residence. A case, according to sources, has been registered under Section 379 of IPC and further investigations are on.
Theft at PGI A Bathinda district resident, Mr Pritpal Singh, alleged that two bedsheets and two bags were stolen from old doctors hostel at the PGI, According to sources, a case has been registered, but no arrests have been made.
Car stolen The theft of a white Maruti car from near Nena Tikkar in Sirmour district has been reported to the police. According to complainant, Mr Himalaya Sewal, working as an officer with the Punjab and National bank in Panchkula, the car (CH-01-S-7264) was taken away on the night of October 12. The police has registered a case of theft under Section 379 of the IPC and is investigating the matter. |
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Gang of thieves busted, 5 held AMBALA, Oct 21 (UNI) — the police claimed to have busted an inter-district gang of thieves and burglars with the arrest of five members. Ambala range Inspector General of Police Hari Singh Ahlawat said here yesterday that over 2,000 liquor pouches were seized following the arrest of Ranjit Singh, Ravinder Kumar and Ram Lal. The pouches were meant for illegal sale at Jagadhari, Kurukshetra and Ambala districts, he said. He said the police also arrested two other members of the gang identified as Ravi Kumar and Vijay Kumar belonging to Uttar Pradesh and recovered two pistols from their possession. He said one of the pistols was allegedly used while committing burglary at Sector 4 in Panchkula. More cases of thefts and burglaries were likely to be solved with their interrogation. |
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