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August 15, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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TRIBUNE IMPACT Ludhiana, August 14 Mr Harkesh Singh Sidhu, Managing Director, Pepsu Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC), has also issued instructions to the General Manager, PRTC, Mr Izat Rai, to coordinate with the DTO to check the illegal operation of these buses that were affecting the profits of the PRTC and Punjab Roadways as well. Private bus operators admitted privately that they were forced to stop their operations as the traffic police has also started challaning if they stopped at the railway station. Punjab Roadways officials also informed that the they had not seen so many buses near the bus stand these days. They were also planning to start night service on some routes to meet the rush of passengers. However, Mr Bhupinder Singh, DTO, Ludhiana, denied any increase in checking. He said,“We are just conducting routine checking to stop the illegal plying of buses. The challans are being issued as usual against those who are running buses without proper documents.” A leading private bus operator, who did not wish to be quoted, said, “The officials have rather increased their ‘rates’ after the publication of the news. Now we have to pay extra to the auto-rickshaw owners to bring passengers at the right place”. The buses to Delhi and Bihar are continuously operating from new places. It is learnt that private bus operators have also decided to oppose the illegal plying of Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) and Haryana Roadways buses on the Ludhiana- Chandigarh route and the Ambala- Amritsar route. A writ petition is also pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the CTU for illegal operations in the region. The petitioner has alleged that the CTU was illegally running more than 30 buses on the Chandigarh- Ludhiana route against seven permits resulting in heavy loss to the state exchequer and the other transport operators. The next date of the hearing is August 22. |
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Heavy rain in city Ludhiana, August 14 Following scattered rain over the city last afternoon, there had been an appreciable fall in the day-time temperature. It was a little after 3.30 am that it started pouring. It kept on raining for about six hours, with short intermissions in between. Parts of the Ludhiana-Chandigarh road, Shingar Cinema road, Brown road and the road between Bharat Nagar chowk and the general bus stand were literally deluged. Several low-lying areas in the old city and along the Budha nullah were also flooded. Though it stopped raining a little after 9.30 am, it remained cloudy for most part of the day. |
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JD(S) seeks action against Shamsher Singh
Dullo Ludhiana, August 14 In a memorandum submitted to the Governor Punjab, Lt Gen J R Jacob, the party alleged that during his tenure as minister Mr Dullo had “resorted to all sorts of malpractices in order to fill up his coffers”. The party pointed out, although Mr Dullo was held guilty, no action was taken against him. Addressing a press conference here today, leaders of the party Mr Harish Khanna, the state president, Mr Subash Beri and Mr Jagjit Singh alleged that Mr Parkash Singh Badal was shielding Mr Dullo for the reasons best known to him. Reacting to the charges of Mr Dullo that Mr Subash Beri was maligning him as he had seized two truck loads of liquor, Mr Beri at a press conference here today asked what had happened to those two trucks. He also questioned why no FIR had been registered in the case. “Should this mean that Mr Dullo disposed off the two truck loads and pocketed the money himself”, he asked. The Janata Dal leaders also demanded action against the Principal Secretary Home, Punjab Mr Bikramjit Singh, against whom the CBI has sought permission for prosecution. The party leaders demanded that the government should allow the CBI to prosecute him as he has prima facie been found involved in corrupt practices, Mr Khanna alleged. He said, it was necessary to restore the faith of general public in the democracy and integrity of the government. The Janata Dal leaders also demanded action against the former Director General of the Punjab Police, Mr K.P.S. Gill, in view of the disclosures made by some police officers that they had allegedly killed people during militancy on the instructions of senior officers including Mr Gill. |
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Answersheets
case: parents urge minister to intervene Ludhiana, August 14 In a representation the parents of the students have urged Dr Manoranjan Kalia to intervene so as to ensure that the careers of students whose examinations were cancelled and then debarred from taking the next supplementary examinations are nor ruined. It has been alleged in the representation that the whole drama has been enacted by the council just to save the chair of the Chairman. They have claimed that in August, 2000, a sitting member of the council, Dr Satish Rana, challenged the appointment of the Chairman and alleged mismanagement in the council in the High Court. The court has already directed the state government to decide the matter relating to the removal of the Chairman. Even a contempt petition has been filed by the same member of the council as the government failed to take any action against the Chairman. The representation also says that one student, who had appeared in the professional 1 examinations from Lord Mahavir College had applied for recounting of her marks. It was found 10 marks had not been added to the final score. After recounting she topped in her class. This, they say, showed the state of affairs of the council. In another case, a girl student was surprised to see her answersheet, when she had applied for recounting. The front page of the answersheet was hers and but the rest of the pages were not. When she raised her voice against this, the matter was hushed up and she was declared successful, the parents have claimed in the representation. The parents of the affected students have protested against the subcommittee which includes the Registrar-cum-Secretary of the council, as the attempted answer sheets of the students were kept in the custody of the Registrar who had been once suspended. The parents have demanded a fair inquiry by anyone other than these two members or the Registrar. They have suggested that a committee may be constituted with any central council member and the senior-most medical officer from the state. Meanwhile, members of the Homeopathic Students Welfare Association, Punjab, have discussed the issue about an undertaking sought by Baba Farid Medical University from students following affiliation of various colleges by the university. The students have appealed to the council not to adopt any confrontationist attitude in the matter to ensure that the next examinations scheduled for September are held on time keeping in mind the interests of the students. |
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Pig devours
10-month-old baby boy Ludhiana, August 14 The parents of the child used to earn their lively hood by working as domestic part time servants in the different houses in the village. The police said on Monday morning at about 11 ’o clock they had gone out on their routine duty leaving the child behind as usual. The couple were also keeping some pigs with them as they used to supplement their meagre resources by buying and selling pigs. On the fateful day one of the pigs finding the baby alone, ate up its two legs and arm. When they came back they found the child besmeared in blood all over. The child was taken to the village doctor who declared him dead, the police said.
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Brave sons of Punjab who did the nation proud Ludhiana has always been in the forefront as far as contribution towards the national defence by any region is concerned. There are over 300 highly decorated soldiers from this district, some of whom have achieved honours and awards as high as Param Vir Chakra (PVC). On the occasion of Independence day, the city residents are all set to remember all those great soldiers of the nation, who made the city proud. Decorated soldiers from Ludhiana, include Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and other gallantry award winners. On the top of the list is Fg Off Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who belonged to Rurka Isewal village and was decorated with Param Vir Chakra posthumously. The sublime heroism, supreme gallantry, flying skill and determination above and beyond the call of duty displayed by Flying Officer Sekhon in the face of certain death have set new heights in the Air Force traditions. He was a pilot of a Gnat detachment based at Srinagar for the air defence of valley against Pakistani air attacks. On December 14, 1971, Srinagar airfield was attacked by Sabre aircraft. Flying Officer Sekhon was on reediness duty at that time. Immediately nearly six enemy aircrafts were overhead and they began bombing and strafing the airfield. In spite of the mortal danger of attempting to take off during the attack. Flying Officer Sekhon took off and immediately engaged a pair of the attacking Sabres. In the fight that ensued, he secured hits on one aircraft and set another on fire. By this time other Sabre aircraft came to the aid of their hard-pressed companions and Flying Officer Sekhon’s Gnat was again outnumbered this time by four to one. Even though alone, the Flying Officer engaged the enemy in an unequal combat. In the fight that followed, at treetop height, he almost held his own, but was eventually overcome by the sheer weight of numbers. His aircraft crashed and he was killed. Subedar Malkiat Singh of Lohat village, Baddi, received Maha Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery and leadership. He was commanding a platoon of a battalion of the Punjab Regiment which was occupying a defended area on the Eastern Front. His position was attacked in strength by the Pakistan infantry and armour. Sub Malkiat Singh moved from trench to trench encouraging his men. The enemy came within 50 yards and subjected his position to effective light machine gun fire and grenades from covered positions. With utter disregard for his own safety, he crawled forward to engage the enemy and even though wounded killed two enemy machine gunners before he was hit by an enemy tank as a result of which he died. Major Bhupinder Singh set an inspiring example of personal sacrifice and bravery in the best traditions of the Indian Army. Major Bhupinder Singh, Squadron Commander, Hodson’s Horse, led his squadron with distinction in the battle of Phillore and Sodreke in Pakistan between September 11 and 19,1965. With skilful deployment and bold action, his squadron was able to cause a large- scale destruction of Pakistani tanks and other equipment. Although his tank was hit on several occasion, he continued to remain in affective command and, by several acts of personal gallantry, inspired his men to fight courageously. On September 19, 1965, in battle of Sodreke his tank was hit and caught fire. While abandoning the tank, he was burnt severely and died. Brigadier Hardev Singh Kler displayed outstanding courage and complete disregard of personal safety in the face of the enemy in keeping with the best traditions of the Army. He was commanding a Mountain Brigade on the Eastern Front during the recent operations against Pakistan. His handling of the troops during Jamalpur battle showed great professional skill and by personally going in thick of the battle, he provided great inspirations to his troops who had laid seize behind enemy positions south of Jamalpur. Despite heavy causalities on the enemy to break through were foiled. He inflicted heavy causalities on the enemy and captured 379 prisoners as well as large quantities of weapons and ammunition. Brigadier Mohinder Lal Whig displayed conspicuous gallantry and outstanding leadership. He was commander of an infantry brigade group in the Kargil sector on the Western Front. His brigade was assigned the task of capturing the enemy posts overlooking Kargil and advancing to ‘Olthing Thang’. These pickets located on dominating heights were well fortified and protected with wire obstacles and mines. The Brigadier planned the operation with professional competence and skill. In spite of the altitude being over 12,000 feet and the temperature 20 degree below zero, he led his troops with determination. Rich tributes will be paid to these heroes at the Independence Day celebrations here tomorrow. — Shruti Setia |
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Residents
demand inquiry against Fatehgarh Sahib, August 14 They alleged that the Sectional Officer of the council, who is getting the work done has no technical knowledge and earlier too the sewerage laid by him at Anand Colony, Rajpura, had collapsed and had to be re-laid. Moreover, according to a state government circular (memo No. 8/216/97-5lg-4/11581 dated 28.10.97) the B class councils in the state cannot undertake the lying of sewerage on their own and the work has to be got done by the Sewerage Board. They alleged that the Sectional Officer of the council was adamant on laying the sewer for his vested interests, earlier too during his posting in Rajpura and other places he had been involved in cases of irregularities in work and had also been suspended. Meanwhile, the office of the Deputy Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner (G) is flooded with the complaints against the SO and during “sangat darshan” programme of the Deputy Commissioner, the residents had complained regarding sub-standard works being done by the council, misdeeds of the SO. A majority of the municipal councillors and the residents have demanded in complaints that an inquiry should be conducted to look into the misdeeds and the corrupt practices of the SO. However, the officer concerned was not available for comments. |
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War hero’s kin await justice In contradiction to claims of the government of taking care of the families of martyrs, the next of kin of a martyr, who made the supreme sacrifice during the Indo-Pak war in 1965, are yet to be given a acre 10 plot, as announced by the government at that time. While the parents of Sepoy Nath Singh, Gobind Singh (Father) and Harnam Kaur (mother) had kept on waiting for the land till their death, it has still not been allotted to his two sisters even after the verdict of trial court, Sessions Court and High Court, thanks to the “caring attitude” of the state government towards the family of a ‘shaheed’. Nath Singh, Sepoy (No 4442779) of Raikot tehsil and district Ludhiana, had breathed his last in Khemkaran sector, while bravely fighting the enemies of nation. Thereafter, as per the policy of government, Gobind Singh, father of the martyr made streneous efforts to get the land for about 12 years but with no result. He died in 1978. Harnam Kaur, mother of the deceased filed civil suit in court against the state government in 1988, alleging therein that no information was provided to them regarding the allotment of land measuring 81 kanal-3marlas, in the name of Gobind Singh. Later on, Somnath allegedly in connivance with certain officials, forged a power of attorney in 1982 and sold a big-chunk of the land. When the fraud came to the knowledge of the then, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, he got an FIR registered against Somnath at police station Sahnewal in 1985 and subsequently the mutation of the sale made by the accused persons, alongwith the cancellation of allotment. Harnam Kaur had further alleged that the above facts come to their knowledge on the receipt of a letter (dated 24-6-1986), sent by the SDM, Ludhiana to them. But thereafter no land was allotted to them. Unfortunately, Harnam Kaur too died while the case was pending and her two daughters — Pritam Kaur and Malkiat Kaur — were impleaded in the case as legal representatives. State government contested the case but admitted regarding the policy of the government and employment of Nath Singh in Army. Trial court decreed the suit in 1995 with the directions to state, for allotting 10 acre land and giving possession of the same within 3 months, to the family of the martyr. Finding no illegality and infirmity in the judgement of learned lower court, Mr M.L. Sarpal, the then Additional Sessions Judge, Ludhiana, dismissed the appeal filed by state in 1997. “It was a matter of great concern that 32 years have passed and the appellants (state government)
had not allotted the 10 acre land to the family of the ‘war hero’ who sacrificed his life in Indo-Pak war in 1965.”, observed Mr M.L. Sarpal. The learned judge further remarked that during the appeal, appelants should have allotted the land to the aggrieved as per the decision of trial court but they slept over the matter and “it shows utmost inefficiency on their part”. The court further observed that there was no need to remand back the case as in the lower court, state took 25 adjournments and even then did not examine even a single witness. Justice B.K. Bali of the Punjab and Haryana High Court also dismissed the appeal filed by state government with the observations that there was no scope for interference with the concurrent finding of facts recorded by the courts below. Now the execution proceedings are pending before a city court, where allegedly proceedings are being delayed due to the non-cooperative attitude of the state. Sisters of Nath Singh filed a revision under Article 227 of Constitution before the High Court. The judge disposed of the petition on March 16, 2000, with direction to the court to expedite the proceedings. Reportedly, thereafter on November 3, 2000, the Attorney Mohinder Singh also brought the facts to the knowledge of the Inspecting Judge of Ludhiana, Mr Justice Amarbir Singh Gill. Now the executing court is giving very short adjournment to state for complying with the judgement and decree, earlier passed. Reportedly, Rma Singh, Tehsildar, Ludhiana, also gave an undertaking to the court for compliance within one month. Having full-faith in judiciary the family members of martyr are waiting for justice. |
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LUDHIANA CALLING As the country celebrates the 55th Independence Day, there seems to be little enthusiasm among the general public. Except for the children who have had fresh lessons about the freedom movement and Independence not many people seem to be bothered about the importance of the day. The thin attendance at the Independence Day celebrations serves as a grim reminder of the widespread cynicism prevailing everywhere. Moreover, the fear of terrorist attacks has also discourages people from attending these functions. However, the enthusiasm of small children is the only silver lining to the cloud of cynicism.
There may be widespread cynicism about the Independence Day celebrations in the country, but there are many others who still exhibit keen sense of belonging with the country. And they celebrate each national festival with deep sense of involvement. This year the BCM Arya Model School has got the invitation cards for the Independence Day celebrations printed on tricolour, a unique act indeed. (see picture)
Competition, who bothers? The entry of a private player, HFCL through ‘connect’ telephones last year had evoked high expectations among the telephone customers and fear among BSNL employees. However, since the customers have failed to find any striking difference in the services of both. The BSNL officials are no more worried about the competition. Mr V.S. Srivastava, GM, BSNL said proudly, “The Connect has failed to make any dent on our business as the one or two bowls from a sea of customer base cannot make any difference. In fact, the waiting list for new connections has increased to more than 20,000.” But he forgets to mention that the customer service of BSNL has also declined as there is no competition in the field of customer service, said a customer with disgust.
Gifts to cherish The Ludhiana Sanskritik Samagam, a cultural organisation with Mr Sunil Kant Munjal at its helm, has given two unique gifts to the Ludhianivis. Before it came into existence three years ago, the cultural scene involving performing arts in the city was quite-dismal. But thanks to the samagam 20 different kinds of programmes, including plays by famous artists like Jaya Bachchan and Kadar Khan, were staged in the city. Singers of great repute like Shubha Mudgal, Shankar Mahadevan, Hari Haran regaled the audience with excellent songs. Naseerudin Shah is slated to perform on October 16. The other gift that the samagam has given to the city residents in punctuality. Two years ago it was a different story, for people came in quite late sometimes even keeping the performing artists waiting much to the dismay of the organisers. The credit for making people punctual should go to the chief-guests too. The Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.K.Sandhu and the Municipal Commissioner, Mr S.S. Sandhu are always punctual. Three cheers for Ludhianavis for appreciating culture in large measure and understanding the value of punctuality.
Celebration with a difference Independence Day celebrations in city schools are not just limited to mere hoisting of flags and recital of “Vande Mataram” by the students. Instead, schools have come up with innovative ways to celebrate Independence Day this year. While some schools are organising exhibitions on Indian culture and freedom struggle, others are holding cultural programmes and yet others are being shown movies on freedom struggle. At Kundan Vidya Mandir, city branch, a cultural programme was organised and antakshri of patriotic songs was arranged for the teachers. Guru Nanak International Public School and BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School students prepared models to enhance creativity and knowledge.
Tail piece There are as many kinds of truck and tempo drivers as there are different models of these vehicles. Each of them has a different taste from the rest. Their sense of humour and philosophy of life is best reflected in the various slogans, epithets and rhymes painted at the rear of the vehicles. One of the drivers, an obvious believer in the power sycophants hold these days, had this to offer for public consumption on the back panel of his truck. “Roti kum khao, neend nahin ayegi. Chamchon ki sewa karo, naukri nahin jayegi” (Eat less to avoid sleep, serve the sycophants to ensure that you do not lose your
job).
Sentinel |
I-Day
celebrations Ludhiana, August 14 Members presented a dance item on the patriotic song ‘dulhan chali lo pehen chali teen rang ki choli’. The ladies represented the states of Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Assam, Kashmir, Punjab and Maharashtra in the programme. The students and staff of Kundan Vidya Mandir, city branch, celebrated Independence Day by organising a cultural programme here today. The programme began with the recital of “Vande Mataram” in chorus, followed by a poem titled ‘Jahan har koi balidani’ by Sherry. Shiva recited his poem, ‘Phir pyara tyohar aa gaya’. Nikita and Sumedha danced on the Hindi number, “Yeh duniya ik dulhan” and Neha Katyal recited the poem, “Janam divas”. An “antakshri” contest was held for the staff members in which three teams — “Vidwaan”, “gunwaan and budhimaan” competed. Ms Vibha Sharma, president, Hindi Sahitya Parishad, was the chief organiser. Ms N. Mannan, Headmistress, appreciated the efforts of the students and told them about the importance of the day. The students of GMT Public School celebrated Independence Day by organising inter-house competition on patriotic songs. Sweets were distributed among students. Mr G.S. Thind, Director, laid stress on inculcating the fundamental duties. Ms Heema Jassal, Principal, gave a message of love and brotherhood. The programme concluded with the recital of National Anthem. Tiny tots of Disney Land Playway School also celebrated the day in a unique way. The faces and arms of the kids were painted with saffron, white and green colours. The kids were given national flags. Ms Rajeshwari Dhir, Principal, was also present on the occasion. |
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Pak flag, Musharraf’s effigy
burnt Ludhiana, August 14 Led by the front leaders, including Chairman Varun Mehta and president Parveen Bakshi Sony, the activists also took out a procession raising slogans against Pakistan and its President. Later, the front also organised a rally in the Civil Lines area. Addressing the rally Mr Sony lashed out at Pakistan for abetting terrorism in India. He also criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Government for its failure to curb militancy and provide safety to the people there. Mr Sony urged the President of India to dismiss the Farooq Government in Jammu and Kashmir as it had failed to safeguard the life and property of people there. He warned that the people of the country would no longer tolerate the killing of innocent people and advocated stern measures against terrorism. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mehta warned against the nefarious designs of the anti-national forces and terrorists in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East. He said their one-point agenda was to divide the country which would not be allowed at any cost. He asserted that the country stood united together to face any such challenge posed by the anti-national forces. |
Woman
abducted Ludhiana, August 14 Mr Balbir Chand, a resident of Civil Lines, has complained that Krishan Kumar alias Monu had abducted his wife and also stolen some gold ornaments from his house. The police has registered a case under Sections 366, 360 and 506 of the IPC. Murder case |
Traders seek restarting of post office Ludhiana, August 14 In a memorandum to the minister, the Federation of Yarn Trade and Industries convener, Mr Chanan Singh Ahuja, has stated that the city post office had been located in Purani Kotwali for about 100 years. He said the landlords had filed a suit in the court for the vacation of post office building on the ground that the building had become unfit for use and could collapse at any time. Mr Ahuja said the postal department had been asked to set up city post office in Chaura Bazaar, but the department was not making any serious efforts in this regard. He said the department had once invited tenders for accommodation in the Chaura Bazaar area, but later cancelled the same. Mr B.N. Baswal, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Ludhiana, when contacted said the department was facing difficulties in getting a new building for the post office in Chaura Bazaar. He denied dilly dallying on the part of the department in this regard. |
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BIZ CLIP Ludhiana Course concludes: One-month entrepreneurship development course concluded on Tuesday. The course was conducted for women to develop skills in hosiery and readymade garments by the Small Industries Service Institute. Mr Satpal Gosain, Deputy Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, was the chief guest. According to Mr J.S. Kular, Director, SISI, 34 women entrepreneurs attended the course.
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