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| Monday, January 1, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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More Sikh bodies oppose RSS stance
Punjab’s New Year gift to college teachers Infiltration has reduced: Jagat Maestros throw down gauntlet at each other
SHSAD to start panthic awareness campaign |
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| BJP to organise camp on Jan 9
NFL farmers’ meet concludes Falcon on verge of extinction Stray animal menace in Malwa PSEB men to take out flag march Eye surgeons’ convention held MLA seeks probe into raid at his house Dharna staged for overbridge construction Cops organise eye camp Pensioners Day observed
Stone laying: MP, admn lock horns Councillors sore over move to cut funds Work on academy to start within month
Woman, daughter missing, search on Residents seek arrest of cheats
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| More Sikh bodies oppose RSS stance AMRITSAR, Dec 31 — Meetings are on in the panthic circles to discuss the situation created by RSS chief Sudershan Chauhan’s statement on celebration of Gurpurb. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti is discussing the issue with other members of the Sikh clergy, while taking a serious note of the matter. The RSS had announced its intention to take Guru Granth Sahibs from gurudwaras to various temples to hold a joint celebration of Gurpurb on the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh. It is learnt that the stand of the Akal Takht Jathedar on the issue will be announced tomorrow. Sikh organisations had taken strong exception to the RSS statement and called for a restraint to be imposed on such activities which were detrimental to the identity of the Sikhs. Today, some more Sikh organisations came out, denouncing the RSS statement. Akal Federation, in its statements, said the RSS was taking advantage that its ally BJP was in power. Akal Federation president Narain Singh stated that celebrating the Gurupurb while placing the Guru Granth Sahib amongst idols of Hindu gods and sound of temple bells amounts to disrespect to panthic tradition, which disallows idol worship. Taking a tough stand on the issue, All-India Sikh Students Federation president Harminder Singh Gill announced a protest rally, starting from Sri Darbar Sahib and culminating in a dharna at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on January 10. | |
| RSS ‘path’ plan postponed JALANDHAR, Dec 31 — Bowing to the pressure mounted by Sikh organisations, the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat (RSS), finally post-poned its programme to hold fortnight long Guru Granth Sahib ‘paths’ from January 5 to 21 in temples all over Punjab to celebrate the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh. The Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, particularly its Organising Secretary, Mr Sudarshan Chauhan, raised a lot of dust when it had announced that ‘paths’ would be organised at different temples in the state. All panthic bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara, Parbandhak Committee, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal headed by Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the Rashtriya Raksha Dal, almost all factions of the All-India Sikh Students Federation and Dal Khalsa, reached it sharply and dubbed it as an RSS conspiracy to penetrate in the Sikhism. These organisations also criticised Mr Parkash Singh Badal for keeping silent on the issue. Though the RSS has postponed its plan to hold ‘paths’, it has decided to hold recitations of “Raamavtaar”, a part of “Dasam Granth”, authored by Guru Gobind Singh. Mr Chauhan, in a statement here today, said the decision of postponement was an outcome of protests by Panthic organisations and the so-called Panthic leaders drenched in ego and hate’. He appealed to the Sikhs that since the Hindu and Sikh were “one and the same”, they should save themselves from falling in the trap and ‘separatist’ mindset of such leaders. Meanwhile, the local Geeta Mandir Committee has also postponed its programme to celebrate the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh at the Geeta Temple on January 31. Earlier, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, supporting the stance of the SGPC chief, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi, had said the proposed programme of the RSS was violation of the ‘rehat maryada’. A section of the RSS has already disassociated itself, including its Punjab unit chief, Mr Sewa Singh Chawla, from Mr Chauhan’s earlier announcement by describing the move as a personal initiative of the RSS, “not being endorsed by the RSS, which could not do anything against the Sikh code of conduct.” | |
| SHSAD claims credit for ending row LUDHIANA, Dec 31 — The Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD) led by Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra appears to have scored over its rival, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), by claiming credit for resolving the controversy raised by the RSS to take Guru Granth Sahib to temples. The SHSAD leadership has been claiming the credit for the RSS decision not to go ahead with its programme after strong resistance from several Sikh quarters. In fact, it was after a meeting between Mr Tohra and senior RSS leader Lala Lajpat Rai that hints were dropped by the RSS leadership that it may not go ahead with the scheduled programme supposed to begin today from Ludhiana. Despite strong opposition from several quarters, the RSS leadership had insisted upon going ahead with the programme. The SHSAD leadership has been claiming that the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, was sidelined on the issue, not only by the BJP-RSS, but even by the SGPC chief, Mr Jagdev Singh Talwandi. While the RSS announced the programme reportedly without taking Mr Badal into confidence, Mr Talwandi fired another salvo much to the chagrin and embarrassment of Mr Badal seeking Central intervention for resolving the controversy. Great significance is being attached to the meeting between Lala Lajpat Rai and Mr Tohra at the residence of SHSAD legislator Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, on the occasion of the death anniversary of his (Mahesh Inder Singh’s) father. Although Mr Talwandi also attended the anniversary, he did not meet any on the political leaders like Mr Tohra or Mr Rai. The positive outcome of the meeting is described to be a good score for Mr Tohra. Mr Rai’s announcement of abandoning the programme, if it goes against the Sikh maryada, is being described as a positive signal from the RSS and, impliedly, by the BJP as well, that he is also in the reckoning of the BJP leadership. The BJP has been trying to keep all its options open and hence it decided to please Mr Tohra. This is being considered to be a prelude to realignment of political forces in the state for the forthcoming Assembly elections, much to the worry of Mr Badal. Mr Badal has a few other worries also. Mr Tohra’s proximity with the Union Home Minister is no secret. So is that of Lala Lajpat Rai. In fact, Mr Rai was instrumental in bringing Mr Badal close to Mr Advani. The Chief Minister rushed here today to meet Mr Talwandi after he sought Central intervention to resolve the crisis related to the RSS move. The two had a closed-door meeting for about an hour at Mr Talwandi’s residence here. | |
| Tandon calls for end to row HOSHIARPUR, Dec 31 — The controversy between various Sikh organisations, including SGPC leaders and the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, an offshoot of the RSS, over the proposed taking of Sri Guru Granth Sahib into temples on the occasion of Gurpurb is most unfortunate and is not in the interests of Punjab as well as the country. This was stated by Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Minister for Local Bodies, Punjab, at press conference at the local canal rest house here today. He said the controversy would create problems and disturb peace in the state. He pointed out that the Sikh religion was created by Sikh Gurus to save the Hindu religion during the Muslim rule in the country. He said paintings of Lord Krishna were displayed in the upper storey of the Golden Temple, Amritsar, and a painting depicting Ramlila in Gurdwara Tarn Taran. He said Hindus and Sikhs were brothers and nobody should try to separate them. Mr Tandon said Mr Sucha Singh Langah, PWD (B and R) Minister, Punjab, had recently organised 500 “paths” of Ramayana at Dhaliwal in which Hindus and Sikhs from all walks of life participated. He said leaders of the RSS always paid respect to all Sikh Gurus and followed their teachings. He appealed to all Sikh organisations and leaders of the SGPC to end the controversy in the interests of the country. Referring to octroi, Mr Tandon said it was not possible to abolish it as more than 70 per cent income of municipal councils was from octroi. He said there were many discrepancies in collecting octroi through private contractors and the government was now seriously reconsidering its decision regarding the privatisation of the Octroi Department. It was now proposed to allow municipal councils to collect octroi through their own sources. Referring to the single rahdari system by paying Rs 10, he said it was being changed now. Traders would have to pay Rs 20 for crossing 5 octroi barriers of different towns and Rs 50 for crossing 7 barriers. Mr Tandon said a meeting of the presidents and executive officers of all municipal councils of Punjab would be held in Chandigarh on January 3 to discuss various issues relating to the Local Bodies Department. Mr Brij Lal Rinwa, state chief of the BJP, who was also present at the conference said the BJP and the SAD would jointly contest the Assembly elections under the leadership of Mr Parkash Singh Badal. He said keeping in view the performance of the BJP, it would claim at least 40 seats in these elections. He said the BJP would have no objection if the SAD forms an alliance with any political party except Congress and the Communists. Later, Mr Tandon, Mr Rinwa and Mr Tikshan Sud, Minister of State for Excise and Taxation, along with senior leaders from Punjab went in a procession to the Police Lines where a rally was organised. Mr Sud said Rs 70 lakh was being given directly to panchayats for development purposes. Mr Balbir Singh, Minister of State for Higher Medical Education, Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Mr Sohan Singh Thandal, Minister of State for Civil Supplies, Mr Hans Raj Nakra, President, district unit of the BJP, Mr Varinder Singh Bajwa, President, district unit of the SAD, and local leaders of the BJP and the SAD also addressed the rally. |
| Badal meets Talwandi LUDHIANA, Dec 31 — Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal held a marathon closed-door meeting with SGPC chief Jagdev Singh Talwandi at the latter’s residence here this evening. Talking to mediapersons, Mr Badal claimed that he had come on an invitation by Mr Talwandi for dinner with him. “We just enquired about each others well being and exchanged New Year greetings”. The Chief Minister denied that they discussed the RSS issue. “Everybody should respect other religions and I have been reiterating this time and again”, Mr Badal said. The SGPC chief, Mr Talwandi, said the issue had already been settled with the RSS deciding not to go ahead with the programme. Asked about various aspects of the settlement of the issue, Mr Talwandi said, he would be disclosing the same within the next two days. The SGPC chief stressed that he had no differences with the Chief Minister on the issue as alleged by certain vested interests. Mr Badal and Mr Talwandi were accompanied by the editor of a Jalandhar Punjabi daily. | |
Punjab’s New Year gift to college teachers PHAGWARA, Dec 31 — In what can be called a New Year gift of the Punjab Government to the private college teachers. The pension-cum-gratuity would be granted to them with effect from April 26, 1999. This was declared here this evening by the Punjab Minister for Higher Education, Mr Mohan Lal. Talking to newsmen at the local Victoria International Public School, the minister said the teachers had agreed to the cut off date and the new proposal. When asked about the time frame for implementation of the scheme, the minister said the process would be completed in a month. The scheme would benefit over 10,000 staff of 172 non-government college. The teachers had been agitating since long for pension and gratuity with effect from 1992. However, the new cut off date (26 April, 1999) would adversely affect those who had retired since April, 1992. In another bonanza, the minister also declared that Rs 4.20 crore arrear for 26 day strike would also be released. A grant of 10.20 crore for January and February months would also be cleared, he said. A meeting of Principals Federation had also been called at Chandigarh on January 4 to discuss other issues including creation of work culture in colleges and schools, minister said. Steps would be taken to implement norms of 180 teaching days. He said Rs 207 crore are being spent on education this year. The issue of less staff in government colleges had been solved with the appointment of 600 part-time lecturers. |
| Infiltration has reduced: Jagat HOSHIARPUR, Dec 31 — Mr Gurbachan Jagat, Director-General, BSF, said the recent ceasefire declared by the government in Jammu and Kashmir had not only relieved the people of the valley but had also reduced the infiltration of militants in the valley and recruitment of local youths to a greater extent. He was talking to mediapersons here today. Mr Jagat said it was not a ceasefire but actually suspension of active combat operation in the valley. This had not only raised the image of India in the world but made the people realise that the government was serious for solving the problem for ever. But, militant groups and Pakistan Government did not respond to it properly. He said that the fencing of the border in Jammu region would start soon. But it could not be possible in Kashmir valley due to its topographic conditions. He said majority of the local militants had stopped their activities and people of the valley were also fed up by the militancy as their trade which was totally dependent on tourism had been ruined. Mr Jagat said 80 per cent of the militants were from Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said 50 per cent of BSF jawans were maintaining the internal security of the country. He had come to attend the bhog ceremony of his mother on her first death anniversary. |
| Spurious drug factory unearthed BATHINDA, Dec 31 — This desert town, known as the heartland of Malwa region, has emerged as heaven for spurious goods manufacturers. There has been a significant rise in the supply of these goods particularly medicines and other cosmetics. The location of the town is beneficial for the smugglers and manufacturers as the district shares its borders with Haryana and Rajasthan. The district police has unearthed another factory manufacturing spurious drugs. Krishan Kumar, a resident of Amrik Singh Road of the city was arrested for manufacturing spurious drugs under the brand name of “Kamini” which is a registered trade mark of Multani Pharmaceuticals, New Delhi. Lalit Kumar, owner of the Bobby Medical Store has also been arrested for sellings these drugs. In October a spurious drug factory manufacturing cough syrups was unearthed and 488 bottles of cough syrup were seized from the accused. Police investigations revealed that Lalit Kumar was involved in cases of selling drugs earlier also but when his brother Ashwini Kumar of All Well Medical Store was arrested, he changed the modus operandi and switched over to the manufacturing of “Kamini” which found a ready market in the city. Dinesh Kumar Sharma conducted the raids on the factory and shops said that it was easy for the culprits to sell drugs in the name of medicines as the cases often go unreported. Giving details of the recoveries made from the culprits Mr Sharma said fake labels, stoppers, 124 packed tablets, and a number of empty bottles were seized. The culprits have been active in the trade of fake medicines for the past six months, he added. Dr Jatinder Kumar Jain, SSP, said the district police had effectively controlled the activities of the culprits and had achieved major breakthrough in unearthing the fake trade rackets and to stop the smuggling of narcotics, including the biggest haul of opium seized last month. The culprits have been granted a remand of two days for further investigations and a case has been registered. Action would be taken to get the license of the culprits cancelled. The district police has arrested 24 shopkeepers for selling spurious medicines in the recent past, Mr Jain added. |
| Maestros throw down gauntlet at each other JALANDHAR, Dec 31 — The three-day Shree Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan concluded with the promise by music lovers and their favourite performers to meet once again to carry forward the 125-year-old tradition and to enjoy the biggest classical music extravaganza of the northern part of the country with the same enthusiasm and zeal, mingled with the blessings of Baba Harballabh at the famed Devi Talab Temple. What was unusual, but at the same time relished by the audience, was the clash between two maestros in harmonium — Mehmood Dhaulpuri of the Gwalior Gharana and Ustad Bhure Khan of the Patiala Gharana — and their instruments during their hour-long “jugalbandi”. Both artistes made those present in the “pandal” chant “wah wah, kya baat hai,” with their superb performance when they unfolded the intricacies of different ragas on an instrument, which till now has been dubbed Western and alien to the Hindustani classical music but has finally been recognised as its part and parcel. So much so that at a point they reached a flashpoint and virtually threw down the gauntlet at each other over the use of “swaras” and their purity. While Ustad Bhure Khan raised a point on the seniority of Dhaulpuri, the latter in turn left his performance midway and ridiculed the former for having used “ashudh swaras” during the presentation of raga “Puria Dhanashri”. Ustad Bhure Khan also stopped playing, blaming there was no coherence between the “taanpura” and “tabla” players. As the verbal duel between the two started hotting up, tabla player Sudhir Pande of the Benaras Gharana, who was seemingly enjoying their “do-or-die spirit”, quipped: “Agar aaj in ustad logon se bach gaya, to pure sau saal jeeun gaa.” Ustad Bhure Khan commented in a satirical way, “Agar nahin bajtee na bajaao, magar aankh mat dikhao.” Both maestros claimed supremacy over each other. The organisers tried to blow the crisis over by requesting them for their solo performances for 10 minutes each, during which Ustad Bhure Khan presented “Chandrakauns” and “Merukhand” and ragas and Dhaulpuri created magic with raga “Yaman”. A tearful Dhaulpuri later claimed that Ustad Bhure Khan had not achieved a level of excellence, but had mastered only a few “tukdas”. Kalpini Komkali, daughter of famed artist Kumar Ghandharva of the Gwalior Gharana, initiated a mellow “alaap” in the style for which her gharana is known all over the world, followed by a beautiful “bandish” in raga “Nand”, “Gobind been bajai, sab sakhion ko rijhai”. Her presentation, “Ajhun naa aaye”, a “chotta khayal” with “teen taal”, mesmerised the audience. Kalpini went nostalgic when she presented a “bandish” of her father, “Rajan ab to aa jaao”, and later a “thumri”, “Nadia ab naa main jaaongi”, followed by a “taraana” in “mishar kaafi”, based on different “swaras”. Bhuvnesh Komkali of the same gharana played tabla in the company of Pandit Dinkar Sharma. Komkali conceded the demand of the audience by singing “bhajans” of Saint Kabir like “Sunta hai guru giani”. Sitarist Ustad Sujaat Khan of the Gauripur Gharana played his instrument in a harmonious way when he came out with raga “Jhinjhoti” in “Bilambat laya”. The performances of Principal Madhup and veteran sarangi player Pandit Ramnaryan also enthralled music lovers, who braved chilly winds despite good arrangements made by the Harballabh Mahasabha. Madhup sang, “Na jaanu na jaanu” in raga “Bhimpalasi”, known for its naughty undercurrents and nature. She was accompanied by Dinkar Sharma on the harmonium and Suresh Talwalkar on the tabla. London-based tabla player Davinder Pal Singh played along with Ustad Mohan Malsayani on the harmonium, while last year’s winner (tabla) Neraj Shandalya presented a soulful “teen taal” on his instrument. Noted compere Surendra Seth, too, made his presence felt as and when he interrupted with his sonorous voice to make an announcement. Earlier, Lala Lajpat Rai, MP, announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh, followed by Rs 2 lakh by local MP Balbir Singh to the Harballabh Mahasabha. |
SHSAD to start panthic awareness campaign NAWANSHAHR, Dec 31— Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary, Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD), while talking to mediapersons here yesterday said the party would mobilise people against the anti-panthic and anti-people policies of the state. The party would launch a “Panthic Chetna Jagao Punjab Bachao” programme from January 3 at Muktsar and organise meetings and rallies in different parts of the state till February 10. Prof Chandumajra accused the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, of downgrading the “Panthic maryada” by centralising political, religious and administrative powers which ultimately had resulted in losing his grip over the administration. The SHSAD leader said the Chief Minister had virtually paralysed the District Development and Planning Boards in the state by distributing grants to panchayats. |
| BJP to organise camp on Jan 9 PHILLAUR, Dec 31 — Punjab BJP General Secretary Avinash Jaiswal and member Narotam Dev Ratti while describing the SAD-BJP alliance as strong as rock, have said they will again come to power after getting an absolute majority in the next general elections of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and form the government under the Chiefministership of Mr Parkash Singh Badal. Talking to newsmen here yesterday both BJP leaders described the possibility of mid term poll as a false propaganda of the Congress. Mr Jaiswal and Mr Ratti said the state working committee meeting of Punjab BJP-cum training camp would be held from January 9 to 11 at Moga instead of January 8 to 10 as scheduled. |
NFL farmers’ meet concludes ROPAR, Dec 31 — The 10-day farmers’ meet in the National Fertilisers Ltd (NFL), Nangal, concluded today. Around 1,000 farmers from Gurdaspur, Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda, Jagraon, Ludhiana, Moga, Nawanshahr, Ropar and the adjoining areas of Himachal Pradesh attended the meet and were given information regarding the proper use of fertilisers. The NFL unit had organised this programme on the occasion of the commissioning of the highest prilling tower in the country by revamping the urea plant here. The new circular prilling tower is 104.5 metres high and has a diameter of 22 metres. The General Manager of the Nangal unit, Mr Chitkara, while giving information to the farmers about the new prilling tower, said with the installation of the tower, the quality of the Kisan urea, produced by the unit, had improved and could be compared with the best in the industry. He said the urea produced by the NFL would help the farmers in attaining maximum nutrition for their crops, using minimum quantity of fertiliser. Just like fertilisers produced in the developed countries, the Kisan urea of the present unit would now not stay on the leaves and would also decay slowly ensuring maximum nutrition for the crop, Mr Chitkara said. Farmers were also taken to the urea plant and shown the process of urea production. Later, talking to newspersons, Mr Chitkara said the expansion of this oldest plant of the NFL was approved by the Centre in 1999. The contract for the execution of this work was given to M/s Urea Casale, Switzerland. The work, at a cost of Rs 161 crore had been completed much before the scheduled time. With the commissioning of this plant, the production capacity of the present unit had increased from 1,000 metric tonnes to 1,500 metric tonnes a day. Besides, the plant would help in minimising pollution, he said. |
| Falcon on verge of extinction FEROZEPORE, Dec 31 — In the absence of a long-term conservation policy, the falcon, that symbolises the heritage of Punjab, is on the verge of extinction. The bird was sported by the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, and a legend suggests that his falcon had hunted a “teetar” at Wazidpur village, near here. The district also has a history of affluent landlords often using the bird for hunting and games. Although wildlife sources admit that the falcon is the state bird of Punjab, no official scheme has been formulated for its conservation as yet. The bird, like the vulture, is on the verge of extinction and remains on the endangered species’ list. Sources in the Punjab Wildlife Advisory Board reveal that the matter has frequently been discussed in its meetings, but a long-term conservation policy, like ban on its hunting, a save falcon campaign or the creation of a sanctuary, is yet to become a part of its agenda. One of the members of the Board, Mr Pritam Singh Kumedan, told TNS that there had also been a debate as to whether the falcon should actually be notified as a state bird. It was argued that it was a symbol of cruelty and known for hunting small birds. As of now, some isolated and symbolic efforts have been made to ensure the conservation of the falcon. One of the crossings in the city, connected to the Muktsar road, has been dedicated to the bird. The Ferozepore Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu, explained that since the route had been used by Guru Gobind Singh to arrive in the area, it was befitting to install the statue of a falcon on this road. “This is one way of reminding the public of the heritage value of the bird”, he said. However, the Punjab Wildlife Conservator, Mr R.K. Luna, said a long-term policy was on the anvil to save the falcon and other endangered birds from extinction. Adding that the “shaheen” category of the falcon was most commonly available in Punjab, he said, “Although the exact population of the falcon in Punjab is not yet known, it is certainly on the verge of extinction”. He assured that the Board was still in process of formulating a long-term policy for the conservation of the falcon. |
| Stray animal menace in Malwa BATHINDA: This city, known as heartland of Malwa, has become a haven for stray animals which have emerged as a major cause for road accidents. Apart from road accidents, these strays have also been giving sleepless nights to farmers of the surrounding villages who have been organising “thikri pehra” to save their crop from these marauders. This town, which has been witnessing unprecedented growth in population and expansion, has been facing an acute shortage of basic amenities. The town’s sewerage problem has not been solved even after many years by the municipal authorities. In addition, stray animals create problems. Children who play in the streets and in front of their houses, have to get rid of these stray animals. At almost all mohallas, streets and major chowks can be seen pigs, cows, donkeys and dogs moving here and there. When drivers of two and four-wheelers enter the city, they have to steer clear of these strays. Many a time, particularly at night, these animals are maimed or run over. The farmers have been suffering losses caused by stray animals. These animals enter the fields and destroy crops. To some extent, residents are also responsible for the menace. Those who keep cows to get milk from them do not feed them properly and leave them to move freely the whole day and herd them only in the evening. The same is the case with pigs. Most residents are of the opinion that the district administration should take steps to stop this practice. They allege that the district administration had done nothing to impound these strays. Poojanwala mohalla, Guru Nanak Pura mohalla, Partap Nagar, Paras Ram Nagar, Arya Samaj Chowk, Bathinda-Barnala Road, Bibwala Chowk, Sirki Bazar, Mehna Chowk and even the GT Road are some places where strays hover. The residents of Poojanwala mohalla alleged that whenever they made efforts to remove pigs from the streets, their owners, generally sweepers, boycotted duty and as a result the residents had to face insanitary conditions. They said the authorities concerned were unable to take action against sweepers. The manager of the local Gaushala Committee, when contacted, said it was not doing anything special to catch the strays as they did not have funds. The gaushala had already been flooded with cows and it was not possible to accommodate more due to lack of funds. Mr Shiv Kumar Mittal, Executive Officer of the Municipal Committee, admitted that stray animals had become a big problem, not only in this town but in the whole state. The MC had been making efforts to solve this problem and now it would arrange an ‘‘animal catcher’’ machine. He pointed out that the Ludhiana Corporation had such a machine and he, along with the MC president, would go there to see its functioning. The MC may go in for the machine, if they found it to be worth its buy. |
| PSEB men to take out flag march BATHINDA, Dec 31 — Activists of the Struggle Committee of the Technical Services Union of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) will take out a flag march in collaboration with the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta) in the constituency of the Power Minister, Punjab, in protest against the policies of the government. In a statement issued here yesterday, Mr Karora Singh, member of the committee constituted for talks between the activists and the Superintendent Engineer, said the decision to intensify the struggle against the PSEB management and the minister was taken when they came to know that the transfer orders of Mr Sukhmander Singh, circle president of the union, had been cancelled. He said the circle president had been transferred to Patiala and now they had no other alternative except to continue their struggle in this form. He clarified that their initial struggle was against the Minister of Power and the Board Management and not against the Superintendent Engineer but due to his policy of victimisation, the activists had expressed resentment against him also. |
| Eye surgeons’ convention held TARN TARAN, Dec 31 — A state-level convention of the PCMS Eye Surgeons Association was organised at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital here yesterday. Problems being faced by the eye-specialists were discussed during the convention. Dr Kashmir Singh Aulakh, president of the association, said here today that Dr Baldev Raj Chawla, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, presided over the convention, while Dr Daljit Singh was the guest of honour. Dr Daljit Singh delivered a speech on recent advances in Ophthalmology. The association brought the problems of the eye surgeons to the notice of the Health Minister. |
| MLA seeks probe into raid at his house ABOHAR, Dec 31 — The raid conducted at the residence of Mr Mehtab Singh, President, Congress Human Rights Cell, Ferozepore district, has evoked sharp criticism. Mr Mehtab Singh had been elected to Punjab Vidhan Sabha thrice from Jalalabad (west) constituency but joined the Congress a few years back. He was nominated president for the district by Mr Umrao Singh, state President of the Congress Human Rights Wing. The former MLA told newspersons today that the CIA staff of the district allegedly stormed his residence at Nukerian village on December 29. He was not present in his house. His wife resisted the entry of the police as no male member was present but she was pushed aside. The police searched every corner of the residence but nothing objectionable was found. The incident caused panic in the village. Mr Mehtab Singh said he tried to contact the senior police officers but they were not prepared to disclose the reason behind the raid which was in gross violation of the rules laid down by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The police was not accompanied by any sarpanch and had no search warrant for conducting the raid. He had lodged the complaints with the Governor, Chief Minister and the DGP (Punjab). Capt Amarinder Singh and other senior leaders of the PPCC were also informed about the incident. He demanded that the in charge of the CIA staff be placed under suspension immediately. Mr Sajjan Kumar Jakhar, President, District Congress Committee, Mr Vinod Kumar, district organiser, Congress Sewa Dal, Mr Mangat Ram Chayal, district secretary, Human Rights Wing condemned the police for harassing Mr Mehtab Singh’s family without any valid reason and urged the DGP to order an inquiry into it. They said the district police had already been served a number of notices by the national as well as state Human Rights Commission for blunt violation of human rights. | |
| Dharna staged for overbridge construction BATHINDA, Dec 31 — Members of the Khooni Phatak Hatao Sangharsh Committee today staged a dharna at the railway crossing at Paras Ram Nagar to protest against the alleged apathy of the government for delaying the construction work of railway overbridge. The Municipal Councillor of the area, Mr Vijay Sharma, had threatened to immolate himself if the construction work of the overbridge was not started by December 31. Residents of the area were demanding that the long-pending demand of construction of the overbridge be fulfilled. Mrs Gulshan Behl, a member of the committee, addressed a rally on this occasion. She said the police had been unable to trace the president and the secretary of the committee thus uncertainty continued about the fate of both. |
| Cops organise eye camp KAPURTHALA, Dec 31 — A police-public meeting was organised at Khalu village yesterday. Mr Iqbal Singh, SSP, Mr Tulsi Ram, SP (Detective), and Mr Baldev Singh Dhaliwal, DSP (Sub-Division) attended the meeting. Addressing the meeting, the SSP cautioned the public against the activities of “kale kachhewale” in the villages. He urged the people to report to the police about the movement of any suspecious found in their villages. The SSP redressed the grievances of the people on the spot. He said under the community policing scheme the district police organised the seventh free eye checkup camp at Khalu village. |
| Pensioners Day observed MOGA, Dec 31 — Pensioners from all over the state yesterday observed Pensioners Day on the premises of Bhupindra Khalsa Higher Secondary School here. Mr Jagjit Singh and Mr Charchand Singh, both retired headmasters who had come from Canada and the USA, respectively urged the government to give Punjab pensioners the same benefits which pensioners in these countries were given. The president, Punjab Pensioners Association, Mr Hardev Singh, urged the government to accept Punjab pensioners’ demand and implement recommendations of the Fourth Punjab Pay Commission. |
Stone laying: MP, admn lock horns JALANDHAR, Dec 31 — Phillaur MP, Santosh Chaudhary and the district administration have locked horns over the issue of laying of a dispensary foundation stone. The MP has alleged that the administrative officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), create hurdles in her way to lay the foundation at Bhogpur township, a part of her parliamentary constituency, allegedly to please the ruling SAD-BJP government. Ms Chaudhary, however, maintained that she was finally allowed to lay the foundation stone of the proposed dispensary building, for which she had provided a grant of Rs 10 lakh out of her MP Local Area Development Fund, after she threatened to raise the issue in Parliament. Narrating the “unsavoury” developments to The Tribune, Ms Chaudhary, alleged that she was being ignored by the pro-Akali administrative officials. She said as the people of the area were facing problems on account of the poor condition of the dispensary building, she granted an amount of Rs 10 lakh for it on June 6, along with an amount of Rs 3.70 lakh for the Dharamsala township. But despite the rule that any project under the MP Local Area Development Scheme should be initiated by the administration within a period of 45 days, she said project took months to reach the initial stage. “Moreover, I was surprised to learn that I could not lay the foundation stone as it was the prerogative of the Chief Minister, even as the guidelines clearly specify that an MP could lay the stone of a project for which money has been provided by him or her. What was more insulting was that the CMO questioned us how we dared to build a dispensary at Bhogpur, when his department was planning to set up a similar project at nearby Dalli village,” alleged Ms Chaudhary. She further alleged that her supporters were not allowed to make arrangements at the place till 10 a.m. yesterday, by the police and the administration, who had even deployed heavy police force around the place. “It was possible only after my supporters, led by Mr Kamaljit Singh Lalli, Adampur MLA, threatened to stage a dharna in front of the building in case I was not allowed to lay the foundation stone,” said Ms Chaudhary. Criticising the role of the CMO, Ms Chaudhary said there was a provision of departmental punishment in case any official was found creating hurdles in any project launched by an MP. She alleged that the officials wanted to appease the Chief Minister by making him lay the foundation stone of the project. On the other hand, Mr Keshwa Prasad, Deputy Commissioner, denied the allegation that the administration had any bias against the MP and said the norms regarding the MP Local Area Development Scheme specified that a board depicting the details of the project be put at the site. “However, the norms don’t say anything about the right of an MP to lay the foundation stone of a project. We won’t do anything against the norms,” assured Mr Prasad. |
| Councillors sore over move to cut funds AMRITSAR, Dec 31 — Many councillors in the Corporation House are discontented over the reported move to cut down expenditure on various development projects demarcated in the wards of councillors belonging to the opposition parties. After the mammoth agenda of 250 development items passed amid pandemonium during the meeting of the House on November 3 chaired by the Mayor Brij Mohan Kapoor, the corporation is finding it difficult to sanction funds for various projects. The projects had piled up as five earlier meetings of the House were deferred due to the “unbecoming” reports of former Mayor Subhash Sharma. At present, the corporation is in a precarious position to cut down on the expenditure. The axe is likely to fall on the projects in the wards of opposition candidates. However, the Deputy Mayor, Mr Lakha Singh Gumtala, of the Shiromani Akali Dal, during his brief tenure of 26 days as officiating Mayor had placed more than 100 items of development projects on the agenda, including those of opposition councillors’ wards. The District Congress Committee (Urban) has alleged that development activities of the corporation have come to a standstill. The committee alleged that estimates of Rs 16 crore, passed during the last meeting, and estimates of Rs 10 crore in development projects, are still pending at various stages. “The water and sewerage facilities need immediate attention. The city roads are also in bad shape and need immediate attention,” said Mr Jugal Kishore Sharma, president of the committee. |
| Work on academy to start within month ROPAR, Dec 31 — The work on the Junior Leaders Academy (JLA) at Anandpur Sahib will be started within a month. Army officials have approved the 718-acre, 6-kanal and 17-marla land acquired for the academy in five villages — Torapur, Mindwan, Dhanora, Lakher and Samleh — extending from Kotla to Anandpur Sahib. The Army will give to the state an equal area of land from their camping grounds in lieu of the land given to them for the academy. The process of the transfer of land between the Punjab Government and the Army authorities will be completed within a month. This information was given by the Deputy Commissioner, Ropar, Mr G.S. Grewal, while talking to newsmen here on Friday evening. Mr Grewal said earlier 198 acres, out of the total land acquired for the JLA, was forest land. There was a problem in getting the permission from the Ministry of Forest and Environment to clear the forest. So, after a fresh demarcation, the forest land in the proposed academy has been reduced to just 28 acres. This much forest land can be easily adjusted in the academy plans, without its destruction. A high-powered committee headed by the Chief Secretary, Punjab, has also been formed to expedite to process, he added. The JLA at Anandpur Sahib is being brought up to hone the intellectual and physical skills of Army officials below the rank of the Junior Commissioned Officer, so that they can compete for promotions. An infrastructure for about 20,000 persons, including the Armymen and their families, will be brought up in the academy. |
Woman, daughter missing, search on ABOHAR, Dec 31 — Search for Darshna Rani and her two years’ daughter is still in progress even as her parents express fears that she might have been thrown into a canal by her in-laws. According to a complaint lodged by Mr Mangat Ram of Deewankhera village in this subdivision, his sister Darshna Rani was married to Hari Chand of Jhotianwali village in Fazilka subdivision four years ago. The complainant stated that they had given gold jewellery, TV, refrigerator and a buffalo, besides other goods in dowry but her in-laws were reportedly not satisfied with it. They had been allegedly coercing Darshna Rani to ask her parents to give a two-wheeler and cash for starting business. As the parents were unable to meet the demand, she was subjected to torture and sent back to her parents, the complainant alleged. Darshna gave birth to a daughter and was restored to her in-laws. Mr Mangat Ram said he had received a message from Jhotianwali village that Darshna Rani had been missing alongwith her two years’ daughter since December 23. Her in-laws expressed ignorance and were unable to explain the circumstances under which she had disappeared. Since then a search operation is going on. The tail-ends of the canals in the subdivision are being searched. Message has been flashed to adjoining areas but so far no clue has been found. |
| Residents seek arrest of cheats TARN TARAN, Dec 31 — Resentment prevails among residents of the town against the police for its “failure” to arrest the persons responsible for defrauding some of them of lakhs of rupees. They want the arrest of the owners of “Bala Ji Traders”, against whom a case under Sections 406 and 420 of the IPC was registered at the local city police station in April. The case was registered on the complaint of Mr Dalbir Singh and other residents of the town who had alleged that the owners of “Bala Ji Traders” collected lakhs of rupees from them in the name of providing them with articles of daily use at a lesser price. The owners collected the amount in advance after assuring them that the articles would be given to them after 15 days. The proprietor of the company had identified himself to the local authorities of the Income Tax Department as Mani Kundu, son of Shanker Dev of Chander Colony, near Bath Palace, Tarn Taran, giving his permanent address as resident of Madurai, district ‘Tamil Nadu’. He got the sales tax number from the local office of the Sales Tax Department giving wrong facts which have now been verified. The company collected lakhs of rupees from residents and functioned from February 12 to March 3. |
| 2 booked for raping minor PHILLAUR, Dec 31 — A 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped by Kala and Bhana at Dherian village. Medical examination of the girl has been conducted. The Nakodar police has registered a case under Sections 376, 506, 451 and 34 of the IPC. The suspects are still at large. | |
| Pak national arrested TARN TARAN, Dec 31 — Pakistan national Munir Afzar (16) of Teacher’s Colony, Kharia Cantt in Lahore, was arrested by Border Security Force (BSF) men from the Rajoke checkpost yesterday. He was later handed over to the police at Khalra police station, where a case under the Indian Passport Act was registered against him. |
| Bid to kidnap woman ABOHAR, Dec 31 — An attempt to kidnap a woman was foiled by some local residents. The car-borne miscreants, however, managed to flee. The woman was going to the local hospital on a rickshaw. When the rickshaw crossed Major Surender Chowk near the SDM’s residence, an Esteem car blocked its way. Three persons came out of the car and tried to drag the woman into their car. The woman raised an alarm, following which some persons from a nearby petrol station came to her rescue. The miscreants, however, managed to escape. The police was informed of the incident but the miscreants could not be nabbed. | |
| Liquor shop looted PHILLAUR, Dec 31 — Five armed miscreants looted a liquor and a medical shop at gun point at Mao Sabib village in this sub-division last night. According to the police, the miscreants who came in car looted one carate of liquor and Rs 5,000 cash from the liquor shop. They also looted Rs 3,000 from the medical shop and drove away in the dark. |
| Promila Syal’s remand extended PATIALA, Dec 31 — Patiala Duty Magistrate Gopal Arora today extended the police remand of four accused in the Golden Forest ‘duping’ case to January 1 besides remanding Ms Promila Syal in judicial custody till January 13.The accused, who were produced in the court here by Vigilance officials, had earlier all been remanded in police custody on December 28. Those who have been remanded in police custody are — Neena Syal, H.K. Sinha, Lehmbar Singh and A.L. Syal. Vigilance sources said it was likely that one of them could be produced in a Jalandhar court tomorrow.
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