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| Saturday, December 2, 2000, Chandigarh, India    |
Harpreet
case accused gets pre-arrest bail SGPC chief gets letters on
graft Mann seeks CM’s
resignation ‘Poverty, indebtedness behind farmers’ suicides’ |
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Rs 2,700 crore for roads,
bridges Drive to end female
foeticide
Ram Kumar Goel
is BJP chief
Punjabi Mitterta mela honours Asma
Jehangir Pooja
Batra’s obsession for saag Eco battalion mooted to preserve Harike
lake Dal Khalsa decries Akal Takht chief Shots fired at wedding attended by
DC Surety of dead man:
bail of 4 cancelled 30 pc hike in Budget for potable
water planned: minister Rs 105 crore loan for Ludhiana
sewerage Rs 4 cr tax
evasion detected Sekhon visits
institute 10-yr-old boy
missing, abduction feared AIDS Day
observed
Fake doctor gets one-year
RI Gambler arrested 25 injured in
accident Four held for smuggling husk
Sanskrit marks not to be
excluded from aggregate Punjabi varsity cultural
fest
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Harpreet
case accused gets pre-arrest bail CHANDIGARH, Dec 1 — Dr Balwinder Singh
Sohal, who was involved in case pertaining to the death of Harpreet Kaur, daughter of SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, was today granted anticipatory bail by the UT District and Sessions Judge,Mr H.S
Bhalla. The Public Prosecutor had co ceded that Dr Balwinder Singhl, was not required for the custodial interrogation and has joined the investigation and the main accused Bibi Jagir Kaur, had already been allowed anticipatory bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. It was stated in the order that petitioner, Dr Balwinder Singh, belonged to the Punjab Civil Medical Services and there was nothing on the record to spell out that the petitioner was likely to flee or tamper with the evidence in any manner and above all the petition was not opposed by the Public Prosecutor. It was further stated that he had also joined in the investigation . Dr Balwinder Singh has been granted anticipatory bail, subject to the condition that he would not leave India without permission of this court and if he is holding any passport then the same should be surrendered in the court of the UT Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mr Sant Parkash. It was stated in the application that Balwinder Singh was corporating with the CBI and had nothing to do with case. Balwinder Singh was summoned four times at CBI office in Delhi and once by the CBI in Chandigarh for interrogation . It was also stated in the application that the prime accused in the case had already been granted bail by the court, therefore Dr Balwinder Singh should be granted a bail. It was also stated that Balwinder Singh was a doctor and at present was posted as Medical Officer, Subsidiary Health
Centre, in Jalandhar district. It was also mentioned in the application that Balwinder Singh’s name had neither been mentioned in the FIR and nor in the petition filed by Kamaljit Singh in the High Court. Therefore he should be granted anticipatory bail. |
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SGPC chief gets letters on
graft AMRITSAR, Dec 1 — Various congratulatory letters to the newly elected President of the SGPC, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, make a mention of corruption in the SGPC. Mr Arjun Singh Budhiraja, former General Secretary of the SAD, in no uncertain terms points out that the task ahead for the newly elected President is to rid the SGPC of “corruption, arbitrariness and factionalism that has been the hallmark during the tenure of the previous incumbent.” Mr Harbans Singh Manjpur, member of the SGPC of the Tohra group, points out at various instances of “corruption” indulged in by the former President. Mr Harminder Singh Gill, President, All-India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) and Senior Vice-President (AISSF) Manjit Singh Purewal have claimed that the “sanctity of Sri Akal Takht has been violated by the actions of Bibi Jagir Kaur, who is also involved in a scandal.” They have urged the President to provide a “corruption-free” administration to the SGPC. Shiromani Youth Akali Dal leader Kuldip Singh Kahlon has appreciated the “political manoeuvres” of Mr Badal to silence his detractors by chosing a man of the stature of Mr Talwandi. He has, however, cautioned the President to rid the supreme Sikh body of nepotism and corruption. The lone voice that gives former President Bibi Jagir Kaur the benefit of the doubt is that of member of the SAD Working Committee, Mr Ram Sarjan Pal. Sympathising with the Bibi, he says Bibi is a “victim of political manipulations.” In a press note, the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD) has demanded a thorough probe into the working of all departments of the SGPC and sealing of accounts and files. It has also demanded an inquiry regarding the “pilfirage
and misuse of funds of the shiromani committee” in a note to Mr Talwandi and Senior Vice-President Balbir Singh Pannu. The statement is issued jointly by Mr Onkar Singh Sharifpura and Mr Harbans Singh Manjpura, both executive members of the SGPC of the Tohra group. |
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Mann seeks CM’s
resignation PHAGWARA, Dec 1 — Hailing the historic verdict of the Supreme Court giving clean chit to Mr V K Khanna, former Chief Secretary, Punjab and congratulating Mr Khanna on the victory of honesty, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and Member of Parliament today demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in wake of Mr Khanna’s exoneration. Mr Khanna’s victory is victory of all those who had waged war against corruption and we are very happy over the apex court’s
judgement, Mr Mann told select reporters here this morning. Mr Badal, who had initiated disciplinary action against Mr Khanna, has no moral ground now to continue as the CM, asserted Mr Mann. More so, because yesterday’s judgement had passed strictures against Mr Badal and those two officers against whom Mr Khanna had boldly ordered CBI probe, continued Mr Mann. He accused Mr Badal of trying to mar the career of an upright and brilliant officer. Mr Badal is not secular but vindictive since he persecuted an officer belonging to minorities, quipped Mr Mann. Mr Khanna would have been Cabinet Secretary but for his being dragged in this cooked-up case since Mr Khanna is the seniormost serving IAS officer of the country, said Mr Mann. Mr Badal shielded the corrupt and hounded the clean, alleged Mr Mann. Maintaining that bureaucratic system was topsy turvy both in Punjab and Haryana, Mr Mann urged the Supreme Court to suspend Mr Bikramjit Singh, Punjab Home Secretary and SPS Rathore, Director-General Police, Haryana by taking suo motu
cognizance of charges of corruption against the former and of molestation against the latter so that public confidence was restored in bureaucracy. My party had all along been giving moral support to Mr Khanna, added Mr Mann. On February 7, 1997, on written orders of the then CM Mrs Rajinder Kaur
Bhattal, Mr Khanna (then Chief Secretary) had referred to the CBI the case of Mr Bikramjit Singh for accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income and the case of Mr IS Bindra for transferring 20 acres of public land to the Punjab Cricket Association that the latter headed that time. However, the Badal government launched disciplinary proceedings against Mr Khanna and tried to block CBI investigation against two officers. The upholding of High Court judgement by the Supreme Court had come as major embarrassment for the Punjab government but as big shot in Mr Khanna’s arm, it may be added. |
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Bibi’s photo removed AMRITSAR, Dec 1 — Photograph of Bibi Jagir Kaur, who unceremoniously, was ousted as SGPC Chief was removed from the SGPC’s information office which is being visited by VVIPs everyday and from the room of the staff today. Big reshuffle of the SGPC staff is in the offing. The loyalists and confidants of Bibi Jagir Kaur, including Mr Harjit Singh, personal assistant to the SGPC chief, Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, secretary, Prof H S Bolina, the newly appointed (honorary secretary) education and Mr Daljit Singh Bedi, publicity in charge could be on the ‘hit list’. Some important decisions, taken during the tenure of Bibi Jagir Kaur, as SGPC chief including “excess recruitment”, out of turn promotions may be reviewed. Some ‘populist decisions’ like enhancing of Rs 200 salary of the SGPC staff without the sanction of the executive committee are unlikely to be implemented. When contacted, Dr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, said he would resign as secretary immediately whenever directed by Mr Talwandi. He, however, claimed that Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Talwandi had asked him to continue as secretary. Virtually shattered, Mr Harjit Singh, assistant, to SGPC chief said that office-bearers of the SGPC were trustees and could do anything but it was for the first time in the history of the SGPC that physical search of an official was carried out. It may be mentioned here that pockets of Mr Harjit Singh were searched immediately after the removal of Bibi Jagir Kaur. His room was also locked by Mr Balbir Singh Pannu. The sources claim that Mr Harjit Singh who is also an assistant secretary had got the orders from Bibi Jagir Kaur as “additional secretary” few hours before her removal. Mr Pannu called Mr Harjit Singh and Dr Bachan to the office despite holiday in the SGPC and questioned about
certain files pertaining to the SGPC. After taking over as SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur had removed Mr Kulwant Singh and Mr Surjit Singh both secretaries, Mr Ranbir Singh personal assistant, Dr H S Dalgir, Director
Research, Mr Harbir Singh Bhanwer, Media Director etc. On the physical search of some pro-Bibi Jagir Kaur officials, Mr Pannu said he had to do this as there was apprehension that some officials might tamper with important documents. When asked whether he would demand an inquiry into the alleged corruption charges, he said he would submit details to the president. He, however, clarified that he won’t act out of vendetta. Open office rooms
of Bibi’s staff, orders Talwandi CHANDIGARH, Dec 1 — The SGPC chief, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, said here today that he had instructed the SGPC officials concerned at Amritsar not to cause any harassment to the personal staff of the former SGPC President, Bibi Jagir Kaur. He said he had told the officials to open the office rooms of her staff. Reports had come from Amritsar that certain SGPC officials locked up the office rooms of the personal staff of Bibi Jagir Kaur immediately after the election of Mr Talwandi as SGPC President. Mr Talwandi said he had got a telephone call from Mr Parkash Singh Badal this morning that the SGPC officials had locked up the office rooms. Mr Talwandi said he had expressed his displeasure to the officials. |
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‘Poverty, indebtedness behind farmers’ suicides’ CHANDIGARH, Dec 1 — A report compiled by the Movement Against State Repression (MASR) on suicides, purported to have been committed by farmers in Punjab in recent years, cites poverty and indebtedness among the possible reasons for such acts. It expresses its concern and observes that most suicides were committed soon after harvesting. While demanding a government census on suicides, the report suggests a way out to save lives in future. One of the suggestions is to constitute a debt conciliation board, as was done by the British under the Punjab Relief of Indebtedness Act, 1934. Among the short and long-term suggestions are crop insurance, relief of the family of the suicide victim, low rate of interest on loans and better facilities of education. It advocates the scrapping of reservation, finding a solution to the river water disputes, amendments to the Land Ceiling Act, raising the land ownership limit and revising policies applicable to the farm sector under the World Organisation, etc. The MASR report, “Rural suicides — a quantum jump,” is compiled by Inderjit Singh Jaijee, Baljit Kaur Gill and Aman Sidhu. The report says suicides are no longer taboo. It quotes newspapers and the Association of Democratic Rights to build up its own hypothesis on suicides, particularly in Mansa, Bathinda and Sangrur districts. Its estimate is that close to 3,000 suicides take place in Punjab annually. Suicide reports have also been quoted from Rajasthan and Haryana. The report regrets that neither the state’s intelligence agencies nor the media cared to investigate suicides. It expects the media to investigate at least 36 suicides listed in the document. “We will be happy if we are proved wrong”. It is, however, “unhappy” at the way the government initially reacted to suicides. First came a flat denial in 1998. The following year, it admitted some suicides taking place but denied debt and poverty as the reasons thereof. Now the government admits the reasons, debt and poverty, but refuses any direct support to the families of the victims. Hence, the demand for a census. MASR shows its concern over unfavorable farm economics. The
farmers, who were once owners, are turning farm labourers. This is a painful transition. Several of them, out of shame, prefer to work in villages other than their own. Moreover, farm losses are getting translated into social tensions, may these be between farmers and sharecroppers or between farmers and sharecroppers on the one hand and ahrtiyas and commission agents, who act as money lenders, on the other. A variety of reasons have been woven into the hypothesis as to what led a farmer to commit suicide. These arch from low investments in agriculture to reduced farm subsidies, escalating cost of inputs to hassles in the market. There is also the shadow of the WTO on farm produce and products. Farmers pay a high rate of interest, get a low allowance of irrigation water. They face uncertain weather, market and minimum support price for cash crops, etc. To offset indebtedness, farmers resort to the distress sale of their assets, farms to farm machinery. But the report is silent on ostentatious spending on social occasions by farmers. It does, however, point to the poor education facilities and a large number of liquor shops in villages. To hammer home its arguments, the report compares a farmer to a Class III/IV government employee and concludes: “The latter is better off despite the minimum support price promised to a farmer”. It also makes a telling comment on the “gains” of the Green Revolution: “Those who primarily profited were manufacturers of farm equipment, fertilisers, plant protection chemicals and the oil industry.” The report wants the Centre to heed Punjab’s demand for “open market price” for its produce and its offer to contribute to the public distribution system in equal proportion to other states. Punjab now carries the Cross of subsidising the weaker sections in the rest of the country while neither the industrial nor urban sector pays a penny towards the public distribution system. MASR quotes former Prime Ministers, eminent agricultural scientists and economists to build up its hypothesis on suicides, contributory factors and a way out. By way of relief, it suggests the payment of Rs 2 lakh to the victim’s family, a moratorium on interest on the existing loan repayment, legal services for debt resolution, reduction in the rate of interest on farm loans to 7 per cent, direct subsidy to farmers and institutional loans for cash crops to encourage diversification. The other suggestions are investment, government and private, in dehydration and cold store facilities, warehousing and silos, besides special schemes for suicide-prone blocks and proper school education (including vocational) in villages. There is need for the revision of land ceiling up to 80 acres, linking of the farm produce price to the price index restricting land sale for non-agricultural purposes and encouraging agro-processing. The report suggests “open trade points” with Pakistan for agricultural produce as in the case of China and Myanmar. It demands the generation of employment by heavy industry and the creation of a strong infrastructure for surface transport and communication. Using suicides as an indicator of the setting in of economic deterioration, the report favours fiscal autonomy to rejuvenate Punjab. |
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Rs 2,700 crore for
roads, bridges GURDASPUR, Dec 1 — Mr Sucha Singh Langah, Punjab PWD (B & R) Minister, talking to newsmen here today, said that Punjab would have roads’ network on “Canadian pattern” Mr Ujjal Dosanjh Canada-based billionaire NRI from Punjab had argued to provide technical and financial support in this regard, he added. Mr Langah said that during a recent visit of the Punjab Chief Minister to Canada, a meeting between Mr Badal and Mr Dosanjh could not take place due to pre-engagements of both. Mr Langah said that Mr Dosanjh had offered to visit Punjab during current month to finalise plans regarding the pavement of roads, and other development works. He said that plan regarding the execution of pavement of rounds would be completed before coming Assembly elections. In addition the minister said that the Punjab government had made a Rs 2700 crore package for the pavement of new roads and maintenance of old roads, construction of over- bridges on rivers and Railway flyovers. Mr Langah said that more than Rs 100 crore would be spent on the construction of overbridges on Beas near Naushehra ferry and over Sutlej near Jaghoran and Rahon. Global tenders are being floated shortly he said. Mr Langah said that Rs 400 crore would be spent on the construction of 29 Railway flyovers in the state. Funds for the construction of 14 Railway flyovers will be contributed by the Centre. Mr Langah said that the Amritsar-Pathankot highway would be uniformly widened to 33 feet. Other highways to be four-laned included Chandigarh to Ludhiana, Chandigarh to Moga, Chandigarh to Anandpur Sahib, Zirakpur to Patiala, Jalandhar to Amritsar, Jalandhar to Pathankot. In a package of Rs 2700 crore, the minister said that Rs 1100 crore will be contributed by the Centre. Rupees 1600 crore will be raised through bonds to be issued by the Punjab government. Formalities to raise bonds are under process, said the minister. On SGPC chief’s election for which he was a candidate, Mr Langah said that Mr Badal had used his political acumen to support candidature of senior party leader. By doing so Mr Badal had silenced his opponents and had brought unity in the rank and file of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), he said. |
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Drive to end female
foeticide FATEHGARH SAHIB: A campaign has been launched by Swami Ashutosh Prakhar Maharaj to arrest the growing tendency towards the killing of the girl child’s foetus after determining the sex. Even though female education has made tremendous strides everywhere, the craving among women for a male child remains unfulfilled leading to the termination of pregnancy, particularly of the girl child. Though the ratio of the girls has been constantly on the decline for several years leading to many sociological problems, the desire for the male child remains. The swami who had come to Mandi Gobindgarh in this district to perform ‘‘Durga mahayag’’ has formed the Prakhar Paropkar Mission to carry out social reforms. While talking to this reporter he said that his mission has planned ‘‘mata shakti sanrakshan yojna’’ (Plan to protect mother power). He watched every problem of the society in a religious and spiritual manner. Explaining the concept of this yojna, he said besides stopping foeticide it would send a signal to those indulging in unethical practices to stop and to hand over the baby girl child to the centre. The swami said he was inspired by the keen interest taken by Mr B.S. Sudan, Deputy Commissioner, in this mission and decided to set up the centre at Fatehgarh Sahib. At his request, he also addressed a seminar on this topic at Bachat Bhavan in which all the district officials participated. At the seminar he pointed out that the so-called educated society was involved in this crime. Everyone had a fundamental right to be born and live. Those who
willfully and deliberately deprive the child of his life before it is born, should be treated as cold-blooded killers and criminal proceedings registered against their including parents and doctors. This nexus had to be exposed and penalised. Social organisations should come forward to curb the malpractices and to persuade people to shun sex determination tests. He said his mission has decided to set up centres all over the country where care of the mother would be carried out. Any mother seeking aid would be admitted to such centres and after delivery, she would be discharged. If she did not want to keep the girl child, she could donate it to the mission and the name of such mothers would be kept secret. He said from the first day to the age of a year, the girl child would be taken care by one wing and from a year to 20 years in a separate section. The education of the girl child and schooling would be done at the centre and not at ordinary schools. After plus 2 the girl child would be prepared for competition and higher education. All expenses till her marriage would be carried out by the centre. He said setting up of higher education institutions was also on the cards. Addressing the workshop, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the Swami’s efforts to set up this centre at Fatehgarh Sahib. He assured full cooperation and promises to give land on lease for setting up this centre. He also directed the Civil Surgeon to take immediate steps to stop female foeticide and implement the law strictly. Mr H.S. Sandhu, Civil Surgeon, also addressed the workshop. |
Ram Kumar Goel is BJP chief PATIALA, Dec 1 — Mr Ram Kumar Goel, a practising advocate, has been appointed President of the City unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party following the “resignation” of Mr Pitambar Dutt from the post around ten days ago. Sources said the controversy surrounding the recent infighting over the control of the Bundela temple in the city was the reason for the change of guard in the city BJP unit. They said Mr Pitambar Dutt had gone against the interests of the RSS as his son was supporting the group aligned against the RSS . This, they said, while creating fissures in the smooth functioning of the party unit in the state had also led to complaints against Mr Dutt to the BJP top brass. Mr Ram Kumar Goel, who has taken over presidentship of the party now, is perceived to be a hard liner who is acceptable to the RSS lobby. |
Punjabi Mitterta mela honours Asma
Jehangir AMRITSAR, Dec 1 — Ms Asma Jehangir from Pakistani Punjab, chairperson of the Pakistan Human Rights Commission, was among the three prominent Punjabis honoured by the Raja Porus Hind-Pak Punjabi Mitterta Mela at Wagah border with friendship awards here. Others honoured were Ms Rupinder Kaur, an NRI Punjabi from Canada and Dr Jagtar Singh from the Indian Punjab. The mela has the distinction of being the only cultural annual event in the subcontinent which is dedicated to the memory of those 10 lakh Punjabis, who lost their lives in the disturbances on the eve of partition in 1947. The fifth mela was celebrated with great zeal as crowds gathered from the far-flung villages of Punjab. It commenced with the recitation of Gurbani kirtan, the programme of the mela included a friendship karvan composed of writers, artists and intellectuals from all over Punjab which started from Jallianwala Bagh with ceremony of placing wreaths at the memorial erected near the no “man’s” land. This karvan was flagged off by Ms Inderjit Kaur, mukh sewadar of Bhagat Puran Singh pingalwara and led by Dr S S Sandhu, an eminent surgeon and chairman, mela reception committee. Dr Tara Singh Sandhu, president, Folklore Research Academy (Regd) Chandigarh and noted journalist Satnam Manak. Front ranks of the karvan comprised of school children displaying mottos and banners high-lighting various messages of the Mitterta Mela surrounded by an atmosphere which was permeated by an aroma of peace, neighbourly goodwill and friendship. A seminar on the theme of “challenges and perspectives for Punjabi community in 21st century” was presided over by a presidium consisting of Mr Ashok Gupta, Mr Satnam Manak, Dr Harbhajan Singh Bhatia and Dr Paramajit Singh Sidhu. Dr Jolly and Dr Paramjit Singh Sidhu presented papers on the subjects of “globalisation and Punjabi community” and “Punjabi Language in 21st century” respectively. Discussion was initiated by Major Piara Singh, who set the tone of seminar by bringing into focus the economic challenges emanating from globalisation which were
hitting not only agriculture-based Punjabi community but the weaker societies of the entire third world participants included Vijay Kumar Saathi, Ex-MLA,
Commandant Gurmangal Singh, Mr Amarjit Singh Asal, Prof Jagir Singh. Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar, MP convener Punjab group of Congress MPs, while formally inaugurating the mela highlighted the need to protect the national highway in J and K in view of the number of gruesome incidents taking place in the aftermath of declaration of unilateral ceasefire by the PM. Highlighting the sad plight of the dependents of Kargil martyrs and the problems faced by the people of border area he stressed the need to utilise the entire amount of package sanctioned by the Centre for border area on the developmental works like roads, schools and hospitals in this area. He criticised the nefarious intentions of those who wanted to erase the memorial dedicated to the unsung martyrs of 1947 assuring that all steps would be taken to protect this sacred monument. Dr Tara Singh Sandhu, president, Folklore Research Academy presented the resolutions welcoming the unilateral ceasefire declared by the PM and appealing to the government not to subordinate the Indo-Pakistan relations in the fields of sports and culture because of political exigencies. Another resolution demanded that a joint administrative body consisting of the representatives of the SGPC and organisations of Pakistani Sikhs should be established for efficient management of the income accruing from Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan and ensuring that these funds were used entirely for the upkeep of these institutions and for the dissemination of humanistic values of Sikh religion. Another resolution demanded for the development and propagation of Punjabi language in both Punjabs was highlighted. Various steps were for the development of Shahmukhi script in east Punjab and Gurmukhi script in west Punjab were suggested so that cultural and literary exchanges could be facilitated. Replacement of visa system by an entry system was also demanded. An essential element of the mela as folk-singing session enlivened by singers like Kamaljit Neeru, Bhajna amli, Mohammad Siddique, Karamjit Bhangoo, Mandeep Sandhu, Nikka Singh Dardi, Ms Shakuntla, Sudesh Lehri and Master Dilbir. Concluding ceremony of the mela consisted of lighting oil lamps on no-man’s land by the office-bearers of the Folklore Research Academy Mr Nazar Singh Manshahia, Dr Charanjit Singh Nabha, Major Piara Singh, Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu, Mr Sohan Singh Salempura and some of the participants like Pargat Singh Garewal, president the Prof Mohan Singh Foundation, Kuldip Dhaliwal of the Hasham Shah Trust, Mr Teja Singh Bathinda, Jatinder Rania, Sumitter Singh Sekhon and Jasbir Singh Sandhu. Winding up the proceedings of the mela president of the academy thanked Namdhari Sampardai and Baba Mangal Singh Satlani who arranged langars for the mela. |
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Pooja
Batra’s obsession for saag JALANDHAR, Dec 1 — Punjab’s famed sarson ka saag also finds favour with the teen’s heart throb, cine star Pooja Batra, who otherwise is seemingly not too nostalgic about Punjab despite the facts that she has her roots here. “I have an obsession for the mouth-watering sarson ka saag, I had a bellyful of it just last night,” said a gleaming Pooja, who hail from Ludhiana and had her schooling there for quite sometime, while her father was posted there. Pooja has been able to established herself in the Bollywood and her fresh chubby face has got noticed by film lovers for her performance in the Sanjay Dutt starrer, “Pyar to Hona hi Thaa,” and the Anil Kapoor-Tabbo film,” “Virasat”. She is expecting a lot from her films like, “Nayak”, “Yahoo,” and “Dil ne Phir Yaad Kiya”, slated to hit the box office in January. Hurling loads of deceptive smiles on her fans, especially young school-going kids, Pooja tried her best to strike her long-lost connection with Punjab. But the effort turned more of a juxtaposition when she went on to say “I love macho-looking Punjabis. They are large-hearted. I belong to Punjab. I am a Punjabi. What else should I say about him?” retorted Pooja, who got visibly tired, upset over a few queries during her brief interface with the scribes. “I cannot understand what you have to say,” she seemingly snubbed a local scribe while combing her lustrous hair with her fingers. She said she had been a student of Ludhiana’s Sacred Heart School for about an year and, “fondly remember her days in that crowded city, otherwise full of life.” I have never said that I don’t like scribes,” she retorted when somebody tried to know about her alleged disliking for reporters. Seeking to part ways with the contemporary cinema, she goes on to compare it with the one of the golden days of 60s, she observed, “Techniquewise we may have improved ourselves a lot but not quality wise. That harmony, that perfect synchronisation in sequences and every frame for that matter is not there, which we relished and still do in the “Guide” of evergreen Dev Sahib. We, I think, have lost it somewhere in the haze and have joined the mad race of commercialism without visualising the consequences”, she added. |
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Eco battalion mooted to preserve Harike
lake HARIKE (Ferozepore), Dec 1 — To ensure prolonged participation of Army in manning the Harike wetland, the General-Officer- Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt-General Surjit Singh has mooted the idea of roping in an ecological battalion. Lt-Gen. Surjit Singh, who was here on maiden visit that coincides with the completion of a four-month pilot project to clear the wetland lake of hyacinth by the Army observed that an ecological battalion with hi-tech equipment and man power at its disposal shall be more effective in manning the area. Talking to mediapersons, Lt-Gen Surjit Singh explained that “motivated and disciplined” ecological battalion commanded by the Territorial Army would consistently keep a check on the growth of the hyacinth. He cited the instances of Uttar Pardesh, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh as some of the states which had engaged the ecological battalions to deal with the environmental challenges. Expressing concern over certain pitfalls identified during the pilot project, he warned that there are chances of Harike coming back to the square one, if the improved situation was not sustained. He, however, did not identify the pitfalls observed in Harike, but cautioned against a potential threat from encroachments. He disclosed that the systems and procedures developed by the Army for
hyacinth removal would be handed over to the Wetland Authority of Punjab after the completion of the second phase of the pilot project in April 2001. Lt. Gen. Surjit Singh also appreciated the efforts of the officers and men of Golden Arrow Division that took up the challenge and evolved improvised innovative methods, like static and dynamic booming and use of mortised winches. Earlier, Major General L.M. Tewari, General Officer Commanding Golden Arrow Division, apprised Lt-Gen. Surjit Singh of the details of the project. He also observed that more than 60,000 migratory birds had reached the wetland this year. Lt. Gen. Surjit Singh was also taken to a fabricated floating “machaan” (bird observation post). Major General Tewari disclosed that more fabricated floating ‘machaans’ shall be raised in the lake to benefit bird watchers, who could visit frequently here for research work without disturbing the bird movement. These ‘machaans’ shall be raised on pontoons. The Principal Secretary of the Punjab Council of Science and Technology, Mr Rajan Kashyap and the Ferozepore Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu were also present. Mr Kashyap observed that the water quality in the wetland had improved after the removal of the hyacinth. Underlining the need for promoting tourism in Harike, he announced, “Of the total budget allocated for the construction of a tourist spot, we may set aside funds for the construction of more fabricated machaans”. Ferozepore, Amritsar and Kapurthala which share boundaries with the wetland observed that only a disciplined force like the Army was competent to man the lake more effectively. He also sought to allay the apprehensions of Lt Gen Surjit Singh saying that encroachments shall not be allowed in the vicinity of the lake. |
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Dal Khalsa decries Akal Takht chief AMRITSAR, Dec 1 — The Dal Khalsa, today came out strongly against the posters and literature on Sikh history being distributed by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh in the border belt of Punjab terming these as highly provocative, objectionable and insulting for the Sikhs. The party spokesperson Mr Kanwar Pal Singh said that the RSS had been distributing posters in the entire border belt especially Amritsar, Batala, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur. The posters depict “Ek Onkar” (one God) at the bottom and above this symbol is a Hindu Goddess on one side and photographs of Swayam Sewaks on the other. “Since the Hindu philosophy doesn’t believe in one god, the depiction of Ek Onkar on the Hindu fundamentalist literature smacks of mala fide intentions. Moreover, placing ‘Ek Onkar’ at the bottom further adds insult to injury for the Sikhs” said the Dal Khalsa leader. He said that the poster and literature war declared by the RSS amounted to distortion of Sikh religion and would not be tolerated by the Sikhs. He added that justification of BJP organising secretary and Sangh spokesman Avinash Jaiswal that their organisation was rather preaching out the Sikh religion in every part of the country, did not hold water. Dal Khalsa leader claimed that there was strong resentment among the Sikh masses in the countryside over the controversial posters. In Batala districts Sikh youths tore these posters and set them on fire. In some villages the youths also confronted the RSS campaigners. Dal Khalsa activist criticised the religio-political Sikh leadership for keeping “mum” on the RSS’s intensified activities. He said that except Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, all Akalis had become passive to all insult and injury to the Sikh religion coming from their alliance partner the BJP’s Sangh brotherhood. Even though the Sikh representatives presented the RSS insulting poster to the Akal Takht Jathedar, it is unfortunate that the Jathedar had not yet taken any action nor “pulled up” the RSS leadership for distorting the Sikh religion. |
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Shots fired at wedding attended by
DC FEROZEPORE, Dec 1 — At least two gunshots are learnt to have been fired by an unidentified participant at a wedding attended by the Deputy Commissioner and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate here last night. Although the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu, denies having seen anyone firing shots in jubilation, several participants on condition of anonymity said that two gunshots were fired by an unknown person in the presence of Mr Sidhu. The incident took place at the HM High School premises, the venue of the wedding of a leading businessman, Mr Subhash Tully’s daughter. Mr Sidhu was also invited to the function. Ironically, the administration has imposed a ban on firing gunshots during social functions. While sources say that 0.12 bore gun was used by an unknown person for firing in jubilation, both Mr Sidhu and Mr Tully deny the incident. Although Mr Tully admitted that several guests were carrying the guns and had tried to fire in the air, he claims to have prevented them from committing the offence. On being contacted for comment, Mr Sidhu said that he attended the function for just 10 minutes and the incident might have taken place either before his visit or after he left the venue. Adding that he was there to offer “shogun” to the bride. He claimed that had the incident occurred in his presence, he would have taken the cognizance of the offence. This is not first instance of firing at a social function. Earlier, RSS activists had fired gun shots at the “shastra poojan” ceremony held at the Town Hall here on October 8. Despite demand by the opposition leaders for a thorough probe into that incident, the administration have failed to seize the weapons used at the RSS function. |
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Surety of dead man:
bail of 4 cancelled PATIALA Additional Sessions Judge Inderjit Kaushik has cancelled the bail of accused Arun Marwaha, Keshav Marwaha, Prem Lata Marwaha and Vikas Marwaha when it was revealed that Dharam Singh who had been offered as a surety by Arun Marwaha and as a witness to a surety by Keshav Marwaha had been dead since 1982, according to a ‘true copy’ of the order procured today. The Judge had ruled on the case on November 28. The judge ruled that the surety of the dead person and affidavit of the dead person was filed and the dead person was also cited as a witness and this was done in connivance with the accused. He said in this way a fraud was played on the court and the concession of bail granted to the applicants on August 8 had been misused by them. The Judge ruled that according to a police DDR of August 21, the accused had further threatened Ram Lubaya, who is the father of the complainant Vandana. He said this amounted to tampering with prosecution evidence. Earlier, the prosecution had argued that one Dharam Singh who had been dead since September 1982 and was a former resident of Dharampura Bazaar in the city, had been produced by the accused to offer surety for them. The counsel for the accused argued that the accused had not misused the concession of bail as they were in judicial custody when the bail bonds were furnished and as such had nothing to do with them. |
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30 pc hike in Budget for potable
water planned: minister PATIALA This was stated by Raja Narinder Singh, Minister for Public Works, while inaugurating the recarpeting of the 11,50-yd-long road along Dhuldi Gate at Nabha, near here, yesterday. He informed that Rs 1 crore had been sanctioned for the development of the Nabha assembly segment. Raja Narinder Singh added that Rs 25 lakh had been sanctioned for the recarpeting of lanes and bylanes in Nabha town. He appealed to the people to keep the town clean and provide and example in cleanliness to other towns. |
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Rs 105 crore loan for Ludhiana
sewerage CHANDIGARH, Dec 1 — The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) has sanctioned a loan of Rs 105.37 crore for the extension and augmentation of the sewer system in Ludhiana at an estimated cost of Rs 100.63 crore. Mr V. Suresh, Chairman and Managing Director of HUDCO, said the scheme envisaged the laying of 566 km length of lateral sewers and 65 km length of intercepting sewers and the setting up of a pumping station. He added the scheme would be executed by the PWSSB on behalf of the Municipal Corporation and take about three years to complete. Along with the Satluj Action Plan project it would be a boon to the
city. The scheme had been drawn up to meet the requirements of the entire population for the next 30 years. Mr Suresh indicated that HUDCO was in the process of sanctioning water supply and sewer schemes for Patiala, Bathinda, Rampura Phul, Nawanshahr, Khanna and Zirakpur. |
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Rs 4 cr tax
evasion detected BATHINDA, Dec 1 — In a major operation, the investigation wing of the Income Tax department has unearthed concealed income worth crores of rupees in the past two days. Official sources said 200 income tax sleuths raided at least 18 business establishments, including some petrol stations in Bathinda, Faridkot and
Ferozepore districts owned by two persons and detected the evasion of income tax to the tune of about Rs 4 crore. Income tax sleuths seized account books of these business establishments of last 10 years and took samples of the petrol. The operation was supervised by Mr Mohinder Singh, Additional Director, Income Tax, Jalandhar. They also sealed four bank lockers of the owners of the business establishments raided by them. Sources said income tax sleuths also managed to foil the bid of certain business establishment owners to escape. |
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Sekhon visits
institute AMRITSAR, Dec 1 — The Punjab Minister for Irrigation, Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon, made a surprise visit at Irrigation and Power Research Institute here. The institute is a pioneer in the field of irrigation and land reclamation for over 70 years. Mr Sekhon went around all laboratories of nine divisions of the institute, inspected research equipment and interacted with the research staff. The minister showed keen interest in the research work undertaken by the institute. The difficulties resulting on account of frequent transfer of Chief Engineer (Research) and poor allocation of funds were brought to the notice of the minister and he promised to sort out without delay. Two staff unions representing Class III and Class IV research staff also had personal hearing with the minister. Mr Sekhon promised to look into their grievances. |
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10-yr-old boy
missing, abduction feared LUDHIANA, Dec 1 — Ten-year-old Mangat Ram Mangi of Samrala Road is reportedly missing since last night. According to his uncle, Mr Bhim Sen Kehsab, who is also the district president of the Samajwadi Party, Mangat had left home around 5 in the evening and was watching the nagar kirtan procession. However, after everybody left, he did not return home. His parents got apprehensive and they filed a complaint in the police station. There is no clue about the whereabouts of the boy. Mr Keshab apprehended that the boy may have been kidnapped. He disclosed that on November 25 he was threatened by some people with abduction after he had appeared before the court of Ms Sukhwinder Kaur in connection with a hearing of a case. He had brought it to the notice of the judge who had provided him with a guard. He apprehended that the same people may have kidnapped Mangat. It might be a case of mistaken identity as they might have presumed Mangat to be his (Mr Keshab’s) son. The family has not got any ransom calls. The police has not registered any case into the matter. |
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Freedom fighters
honoured JALANDHAR, Dec 1 — Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga, a veteran freedom fighter, was honoured with the annual “Baba Banda Bahadur Award” by the Bairagi Mahan Mandal, Punjab at a function at Desh Bhagat Yaadgaar Hall here today. Addressing the function, Chaudhary Jagjit Singh, the leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, said Baba Bilga had played a lead role in the freedom struggle of India and the award named after Baba Bahadur was a tribute to sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters. Mr Krishan Kumar Bawa, the President of the mandal, said the country needed people like Baba Bilga who sacrificed every thing and shunned every worldly pleasure for the sake of the country. |
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AIDS Day
observed NAWANSHAHR, Dec 1 — The District Health Department organised a seminar at the truck union premises here today to mark World AIDS Day. The Civil Surgeon, Dr R.L. Sharma, presided over the function.
PATIALA:
Mr Bir said the District Red Cross Society would coordinate with social and voluntary organisations, government departments and various panchayats to spread awareness about AIDS in the district. He said a drive would also be started to ensure parents and teachers of growing children spelt out the dangers about AIDS and ways and means of avoiding it . The Deputy Commissioner said the Red Cross Society would also start a running trophy at block and tehsil levels for holding of declamation contests on the subject of AIDS. He said the contest would be so planned that a maximum number of children were involved in it. Later, Mr Bir and Rajindra Hospital Welfare Society president Ravinder Kaur Bir honoured those donating blood at a special camp organised on the occasion. More than 100 units of blood were collected on the occasion. A
painting competition was also held. Munish Kumar of Mohindra College,
Mandeep Kaur Manak of Government College of Girls and Rashu Jain of
Bikram College came first, second and third, respectively, in the
senior group. Ani Kumar and Narinder Kaur shared the honours in the
junior group. |
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Pensioners seek
facilities BARNALA, Dec 1 — Resentment prevails among 1800 pensioners here for want of various facilities at the local Treasury Office complex and in the State Bank of Patiala where they go for drawing pensions. They complain that there is no proper place or room at the Treasury Office complex where they can sit to fill forms. They have to do so in open space. There is no provision for drinking water on the complex. They complained that they had to face a great deal of inconvenience of covering a distance of 4 km after the clearance of pension bills to get cash payments from the State Bank of Patiala. |
Fake doctor gets one-year
RI BATHINDA, Dec 1 — Mr Gurbir Singh, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, here awarded one-year rigorous imprisonment (R.I.) and imposed Rs 5000 as fine on Mukesh Kumar who was running J.K. Hospital and doing illegal medical practice. In the judgement delivered last evening, the Magistrate, held that accused failed to prove that he was a registered medical practitioner (RMP) or having licence in this connection. The accused also stocking, stocked and exhibited the drugs for sale without having a licence in this connection. The judge held that accused was further held guilty of Section 18-A of the Drug and Cosmetics Act as he did not disclose the name and addresses of the persons and firms from he acquired the said drugs. According to the copy of the judgement procured by The Tribune today, the accused Mukesh Kumar was running a hospital namely J.K. Hospital, Bibi Wala Chowk, Bathinda without having valid licence of the RMP as defined under Section 2(ee) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act-1945. On 29.6.1995, Mr Ajay Singla, Drug Inspector along with Dr Parmod Kumar, District T.B. Officer of the office of Civil Surgeon Bathinda and peon, Mr Nagarinder Parsad raided the hospital of the accused for inspection. From the hospital 10 types of drug, one blood pressure apparatus, one stethoscope and one 5ml syringe with needle were recovered from J.K. Hospital. All drugs seized from the said hospital were covered under the meaning of ‘Drug’ as defined under Section 3(b) of Act. The drugs were lying on the table at the shop of the accused. The judge held that various defences by the accused in his defence failed to prove him not guilty. The accused also failed to prove himself as registered medical practitioner according to the Act. He stated that he was of the view that accused had committed a crime which was very serious because there was always risk to the general public at the hands of such persons doing medical practice without any qualification. He held that in this case even the benefit of probation could not be granted to the accused and the accused would have to undergo one year R.I. and would have to pay fine of Rs 5000. In case of default in the payment of fine, the accused would have to under go further R.I. of three months. The accused had been ordered further to under go R.I. for six months under Section 28 of the Drug and Cosmetics Act. Both sentences would run concurrently. The period of detention undergone by the convicted during investigation, inquiry and trial of the case would be set off against the substantive sentence. |
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Gambler arrested MALERKOTLA, Dec 1 — The Malerkotla police has arrested Mohammad Nazam and Mehboob Ali, residents of Sunami Gate, on the charge of gambling. according to DSP Kulshinder Singh, a case under the Gambling Act has been registered against the two. FOUNDATION STONE: The foundation stone of a Rajput
Dharamsala was laid by Mr Gobind Singh kanjhla, Social Security Minister, Punjab, at Dheeromajra village, 20 km from here, on Wednesday. He announced grants of Rs 1 lakh for its construction and Rs 50,000 for the repair of a Dalit
Dharamsala. |
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25 injured in
accident KAPURTHALA, Dec 1 — Twentyfive persons were injured, two of them seriously, in a collision between a bus and a four-wheeler near Bhulana village on the Kapurthala-Sultanpur Lodhi road this morning. The injured have been admitted to civil hospitals here and Sultanpur Lodhi. Some of the injured have been identified as Suraj Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Charanjit, Surinderjit Kaur, Prem Lata, Gurmanjit Singh, Amit and Hemant Kumar. According to the police, the four-wheeler going to Sultanpur Lodhi collided head on with the bus coming from Faridkot as the driver of the four-wheeler lost control. A case has been registered. |
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Four held for smuggling husk BATHINDA, Dec 1 — The police has arrested four persons who were allegedly involved in smuggling of narcotics including opium and poppy husk. In a press not issued here today, Dr Jatinder Kumar Jain, SSP, said Bala Ram of Badmer district of Rajasthan was arrested near Jethuke village and 1 kg of opium was seized from him while Mithu Singh of Bathinda district was arrested near Chakruldusingwala village for carrying 20 kg of poppy husk. Gursewak Singh and Gurmail Singh were possessing 14 kg of poppy husk and 7 kg of poppy husk respectively. Baljit Singh of village Mehraj was held for possessing a pistol and three live cartridges. In another case Sukhdev Singh, Sewak Singh and Rajwinder Singh were arrested under the Excise Act for possessing illicit distilled
and country made liquor. |
Sanskrit marks not to be
excluded from aggregate AMRITSAR, Dec 1 — The Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, has given his approval regarding the continuation of the practice of including Sanskrit marks in the aggregate. A deputation met him in this regard at the Circuit House here. Ms Laxmi Kanta Chawla, BJP MLA, led the 30-member deputation comprising Principals, heads of departments and teachers of government-aided private schools. Mr Tota Singh, Education Minister, Punjab, said those students who opted for Sanskrit had an advantage over others as they scored in the subject, resulting in students who opted for other subjects lagging behind. To which Ms Chawla replied that mathematics also had a high scoring potential and should a subject be put on hold because those opting for it were at a distinct advantage and others consequently at a disadvantage. After hearing both arguments, Mr Badal directed the Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, to continue to include Sanskrit in the former pattern by which aggregate marks would include the marks of the best of two languages (Hindi and Sanskrit). Lashing out at the government’s “indifferent” attitude towards promotion of Sanskrit she said: “Not even a single government college in Punjab has any facility for a master’s degree in Sanskrit.” She alleged that there were no arrangements for teaching Sanskrit even up to the matric level in government schools. She said that in the case of Sanskrit teachers who were retiring, their posts were being converted to other subjects, thus depriving Punjab of the rich heritage of the language. |
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Punjabi varsity cultural
fest PATIALA The results: Giddha: Mahindera College (recommended). Punjabi University, Bikram College, Physical College (commended). Classical dance: Punjabi University (recommended). Government Girls College, Patiala (commended). Bhangra: Punjabi University (recommended). Mahindera College (commended). Classical Instrumental (percussion): Shaifali of GCG, Patiala (recommended). Ashwani Kumar of Mohindera College (commended). Classical Vocal: Jyoti Sharma of GCG, Patiala (recommended). Husanbir Singh and Dalbir Singh of Punjabi University and Khalsa College, Patiala respectively (commended). Orchestra: GCG, Patiala (recommended). Khalsa College (commended). Group Shabad/ Bhajan: Khalsa College (recommended). Modi College, GCG, Patiala, Mahindera College (commended). Geet/Ghazal: Pooja Gill of GCG, Patiala (recommended). Hitesh Gupta of Modi College, Husanbir Singh of Punjabi University, Jyoti Garg of Bikram College,Nanak Shah of Khalsa College, Patiala (commended). Vaar singing: GCG, Patiala (recommended). Modi College, Khalsa College, Punjabi University (commended). One act play: Public College, Samana (reommended). Modi College, Mahindera College, Punjabi University (commended). Group mime: GCG, Patiala (recommended). Punjabi University, Public College, Samana, Modi College (commended). |
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