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January 12, 2002, Chandigarh, India
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Decision on Punjab Cong list today New Delhi, January 11 AICC sources said another reason for the list not being released today was the non-availability of senior Congress leader Arjun Singh in the Capital. Mr Arjun Singh, who has served as Governor of Punjab, has played an important role in discussions on deciding party candidates. The MPs and senior Punjab Congress leaders, who are not satisfied with the recommendations of the PCC, have been meeting Mr Arjun Singh to convey their viewpoint. Mr Arjun Singh was in Riwa today and is likely to return by tomorrow. Sources said while the highcommand wanted to have final round of discussions with Mr Arjun Singh before it released the list of candidates, the party had not been able to decide candidates on at least four seats. Though the party had initially planned to release names of 102 candidates today (keeping four seats pending), it later deferred the decision to tomorrow. However, the list could be delayed further if the high command is unable to satisfy the party MPs over their demand of ticket to their relatives and the alliance with the CPI. In their individual meetings with the Congress President, the party MPs have been conveying their opposition to the alliance with the CPI, saying that nine of the 11 seats given could have been won by the Congress. The five MPs have also pointed out that most of the seats given to the CPI were from their constituencies and they were not taken into confidence before the seat-sharing arrangement was concluded in Chandigarh. Efforts are also being made by the high command to accommodate the viewpoint of former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur
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SAD-BJP combine survives irritants Chandigarh, January 11 If the peasantry is traditionally a vote bank of the Akalis, the Hindu-dominated urban and semi-urban constituencies vote and support BJP. The Congress, which flaunts its “secular” credentials, also depends upon the urban constituents and has a base in rural constituencies as well. And the BJP now claims to have made inroads into at least 5,000 villages, courtesy, the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat. The SAD-BJP have completed a full five-year term, despite “irritants” that often showed wrinkles in their relationship. The BJP is aware of the tremendous support it has from the SAD. It has been riding piggyback on the sops and concessions extracted from the SAD for the urban constituents. The abolition of octroi is an added bonus point for the BJP. But its stand on some issues, like honouring of families of terrorists at Akal Takht, voting rights to Sehajdhari Sikhs in the SGPC elections, implementation of the Nanakshahi calendar, RSS shakhas in villages, setting up of people’s commission to hold “trial” of police officials etc. often agitated the SAD. Yet, the two remain yoked. The BJP has 18 MLAs, who won in alliance with the SAD in 1997. All are hopeful of renomination. A political science teacher and analyst at Panjab University, Prof P. S. Verma, says that the 18 seats that BJP won in 1997 is twice the highest tally of its earlier incarnation (Bharatiya Jan Sangh) of 1967. For those seats, the poll percentage (valid votes) was 8.3. In 1967, it won eight Assembly seats with a poll percentage of 9.8 and in 1969 it again won eight seats but with 9 per cent votes. In 1972, it scored a zero with 4.9 per cent votes. In 1980, it won just one seat polling 6.4 per cent votes. In 1985, it could manage four seats with a poll percentage of 4.4 and in 1992 (when the Akalis boycotted) BJP got six seats polling 16.65 per cent. But it had contested 67 seats (out of a total of 117). The overall poll percentage then was very low.” Contrast this with the 1998 Lok Sabha results. The BJP won three Parliament seats, the highest ever. It failed to win any seat in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections when it had put up six candidates. The BJP scored a decisive lead in all seven urban-dominated assembly segments in 1998.The SAD-BJP together won 11 Lok Sabha seats, polling 43.88 per cent votes and leading in 80 Assembly segments. The Congress could not open its account. The consequence of SAD-BJP fighting and breaking up of the SAD was reflected in the 1999 Lok Sabha elections. Their squabbles enabled the Congress to win eight out of 11 seats it had contested, out of a total of 13, securing 38.19 per cent votes — the highest score of the Congress since the 1980 Assembly elections. Professor Verma says, “The 1999 poll analysis revealed that BJP led in just 11 Assembly constituencies and SAD in 22 as against the Congress leading in 66 constituencies. Moreover, in 22 out of 28 town-dominated Assembly segments, the Congress polled 50.15 per cent of the total votes polled in all 28 against 39.42 per cent secured by SAD-BJP.” The BJP, despite winning three Lok Sabha seats in 1999, did not do well in the seven urban-dominated constituencies of the three Parliamentary constituencies. The Congress surged ahead in these, though, BJP MLAs represented five of the seven. In the three Lok Sabha seats that BJP won, it polled 37.50 per cent votes and led in 33 Assembly segments. Again, in the three Lok Sabha seats contested by
BJP, out of 27 Assembly constituencies 16 went the Congress way and of the 11 in which BJP maintained a lead, eight were represented by SAD
MLAs. The Congress was ahead of the BJP in four of the five Assembly constituencies represented by BJP
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Badal kills two birds with one stone Sangrur, January 11 They are also of the view that by replacing Mr Kanjhla with Mr Piara Singh Panj Graian, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, SAD chief, has got rid of a person who allegedly “created” a situation of “humiliation” many a time for him. Mr Badal has had to even tender an apology on behalf of Mr Kanjhla during the past years. With this, Mr Badal has also tried to win the hearts of the voters of the Sherpur Assembly constituency as there is a resentment among panches, sarpanches and other sections of society against Mr Kanjhla. In the case of Mr Ranjit Singh Balian, who was a strong claimant from Sangrur, it is being said that Mr Balian has been made a “scapegoat” just to ensure the victory of Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, son of Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the SAD secretary-general and union minister, from Sunam. So, in place of Mr Balian, party ticket from Sangrur has been allotted to Mr Sanmukh Singh Mokha, a popular Akali leader from Sunam. Mr Mokha was instrumental in the defeat of Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa in the February 1997 Assembly elections from Sunam. In view of this, the party leadership felt if Mr Mokha was not accommodated this time, he might
create a serious hurdles in the victory prospects of Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa. It was very much clear to the SAD, that Mr Mokha would contest as an Independent candidate from Sunam, if he was not given party ticket. It is also learnt that there were reports with Mr Parkash Singh Badal that many Akalis of the constituency were “annoyed” with Mr Balian due to his “bad” behaviour. It may be mentioned here that a few days ago after receiving information that party ticket would be given to Mr Mokha, a large number of supporters of Mr Balian asked him to contest as an Independent but Mr Balian preferred the “wait and watch” policy. The SAD has made Mr Gaganjit Singh, son of Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor, Uttaranchal, its candidate from Dhuri which was contested in February 1997 by Mr Surinder Singh Dhuri, a protege of Mr Barnala. Shifting of the Barnala family from Barnala to Dhuri has not surprised many as it was a known fact that its first preference was Dhanaula, from where Mr Gobind Singh Longowal would now contest. The SAD has announced its ticket from Barnala for Mr Malkiat Singh Keetu, sitting Independent MLA. It is learnt that he had sought the blessings of Barnala family a few days ago, while SAD’s ticket from Lehra has been given to Giani Niranjan Singh Bhutal who will contest against Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former Punjab Chief Minister. |
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Fresh attempt for Akali unity Patiala, January 11 According to sources, Mr Kanwal met the Chief Minister on behalf of the former SGPC chief through the Education Minister, Mr Tota Singh. The sources said though a rapprochement could not be effected following the meeting, both sides were likely to continue the process in the coming days. The sources said due to fresh attempt to effect unity, which were picking up a feverish pitch during the past few days, the SAD had refrained from putting up candidates in most of the seats held by Tohra loyalists. The sources said though the SAD had put up candidates in three seats — Khadur Sahib, Zira and Joga — Which were held by Mr Ranjit Singh Chhajalwadi, Mr Inderjit Singh Zira and Mr Baldev Singh Khiala, they said these nominations were not likely to come in the way of future unity between both factions. This, they said, was because the Chief Minister had indicated some time back when the unity parleys had started that he would not accommodate these three legislators because of the personal “vilification campaign” unleashed by them against him and his family members. Though Mr Tohra could not be contacted, party senior leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said Kanwal had met the Chief Minister earlier also, could have met him recently also though he did not know of the latest move. Mr Chandumajra said feverish activity was going on in Delhi as well as on the part of the Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala to effect unity among both factions. He, however, said there was no question of any climbdown on the part of the SHSAD on the two issues of restoring the dignity of former Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh and apologising for violating the “Hukaumnama” on the Akal Takht. |
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Dhindsa, Bhunder emerge key players Chandigarh, January 11 Mr Dhindsa has not only ensured the renomination of his son, Mr Parminder Singh, but also secured ticket from Sangrur Mr Sanmukh Singh Mokha, who had contributed to the defeat of Mr Dhindsa from the Sunam constituency in the 1997.In fact, to secure ticket for Mr Mokha, Mr Dhindsa has sacrificed, Mr Ranjit Singh Balian. Mr Dhindsa has also got his two other associates — Mr Balbir Singh Ghuns and Mr Malkiat Singh Keetu — nominated from the Bhadaur and Barnala constituencies. In the Mansa-Bathinda belt, it is Mr Balwinder Bhunder, who has shown his political clout. Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh (Mansa), Mr Harbant Singh Datewas (Budhlada), Mr Mohan Singh Bangi (Talwandi Sabo), Mr Makhan Singh (Pakka Kalan) and Mr Sikander Singh Malooka (Rampura Phul) are all Mr Bhunder’s camp followers in the party. He has got himself nominated from Sardulgarh where he had been defeated last time by Mr Ajeet Inder Singh Mofar, an Akali Dal (Mann) candidate. |
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Party men revolt against Bhunder Mansa, January 11 The rebels claim that their candidature has been ignored at the altar of “adjusting” certain favourites close to the ruling family. Sources said at least three heavyweights — Mr Baldev Singh Khiala, Mr Jaswant Singh Phaphre Bhai Ke and Mr Mohinder Singh Dodra — have been urged by their supporters to contest as Independents, queering the pitch for Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, Mr Harbant Singh Datewas and Mr Jagdeep Singh Nakai, the official SAD nominees from Joga, Mansa and Budhlada, respectively. Mr Khiala had left the SAD two years ago following differences with Mr Parkash Singh Badal. The candidature of the former has the approval of two SGPC members, Principal Jagjit Singh and Mr Kaur Singh Khara. Sources said Mr Jaswant Singh was a loyal members of the SAD who had gone to jail 11 times in various Akali morchas since 1967and was the party nominees twice in 1977 and 1980. The seat was allotted to the Janata Party in 1977 following an alliance. Similarly, the seat was again given to the CPI in 1980 when his campaign was in its third week. Despite the slights, he remained a loyal worker. The sources said development was an outcome of the”autocratic” style of functioning of Mr Bhuder. He is yet to come over his humiliation in the previous elections and blames all the old time workers for his defeat. Giving an example, the sources said it was Mr Bhunder who was responsible for “driving a wedge” between Mr Khiala and Mr Badal. Mr Khiala was an old horse of the party, a four time legislator from Joga constituency and was reportedly in line for a plum cabinet post. This was not “liked” by Mr Bhunder who allegedly used his clout with the Chief Minister and the outcome was the parting of ways between Mr Badal and Mr Khiala. Mr Bhunder allegedly ensured that no one from the district was adjusted in the entire five-year term of the SAD regime. No major developmental project were got sanctioned during this period. Instead, the lone cotton mill in the district was reportedly auctioned. Similarly, none of the six SGPC members from the district was given a post at any level in the organisation. The alienation of the district in the power structure was complete, the sources pointed out. Meanwhile, hectic preparations are under way for the rally to be held at the Gurdwara in Phaphre Bhai Ke on January 15. |
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PUNJAB BACKGROUNDER-II Chandigarh, January 11 A careful analysis of the election results since 1967 would reveal that the percentage of votes polled by national parties, mainly the Congress, with the exception of 1977 and 1997, have been more than 50 . In 1967, for example, when Punjab had its first coalition government — the United Front — the Congress had polled 36.56 per cent of the total votes against 26.47 per cent votes polled by all state parties. The overall votes polled by national parties, including the Congress, Jana
Sangh, CPI, CPM, Praja Socialist Party and Swatantra Party — was 56.60. In 1969, the share of national parties rose to 58.34 per cent, with the Congress increasing its share to 39.18 per cent while the state parties accounted for only 30.44 per cent of the votes. In 1972, when the Congress returned to power in the State, the share of the national parties increased slightly to 58.77 per cent while those of state parties dropped to 28.73 per cent. The Congress had taken its poll percentage to 42.84, which had been surpassed only twice afterwards, first in 1980 when the Congress got 45.19 per cent of the total votes polled and again in 1992 when it got 43.71 per cent votes. The 1992 election was exceptional in the history of Punjab. The mainstream Shiromani Akali Dal boycotted the elections. A faction of the dal, led by the then rebel Akali leader, Capt Amarinder Singh, contested 58 seats and won only three. This was the only occasion when the percentage of votes dropped to 23.82, the lowest ever. The other lowest being 64.33 in 1980. The share of national parties dropped to 40.29
per cent, the only time below 50 per cent, in 1997 when besides 26.59 per cent of the votes secured by the Congress, all the national parties, including the BJP, CPI and CPM had aggregated 40.29 per cent. The most distinguishing aspect of Punjab politics has been that the Akalis, even at times securing clear majority, have been aligning themselves with the Jana Sangh/Bharatiya Janata Party. This combination alienated both Sikh and Hindu votes from the once powerful Congress. The emergence of the Bahujan Samaj Party in the 1992 elections saw this political outfit of the downtrodden getting 16.32 per cent of the valid votes polled which in the 1992 elections was more than three times than that secured by the Akali Dal led by Capt Amarinder Singh. Interestingly, the BSP had bagged nine seats against three by the Akalis. The
BSP, however, failed to maintain its tempo and in the 1997 elections, after witnessing a vertical split-leading to the formation of the Bahujan Samaj Morcha headed by Mr Satnam Singh Kainth — saw its share of vote coming down to 7.48 per cent of the total valid votes and its share in the Vidhan Sabha dropping to one. The electorate in Punjab have known to participate in the process enthusiastically, averaging more than 64 per cent in all the previous elections held in the State so far. Till date, the Shiromani Akali Dal has never crossed the 40 per cent barrier. Its best performance was in 1985 when it got 38.01 per cent of the total valid votes. In 1997, this percentage dropped slightly to 37.64. Besides the Congress and the Akali Dal, other main players in Punjab politics have been Jana Sangh/BJP, CPI, CPM and briefly the Janata Party, which in the 1977 elections polled 14.99 per cent votes to win 25 seats out of 41 candidates put up by it. The Communists — the CPI and the CPM — put together have been aggregating about 9 to 10 per cent of the total valid votes polled. The exceptions were the 1967 and 1969 election when they polled less than 8 per cent but since 1972 they have been averaging 9 per cent and above. In the 1967 elections they polled 8.46 per cent votes , 7.91 per cent in 1969, 9.77 per cent in 1972 and 9.60 per cent in 1977 winning eight, six, 11 and 15 seats collectively, respectively. In 1980, they crossed the double figure mark, aggregating 10.52 per cent to win 14 seats — nine by the CPI and five by the CPM. Since then, their share , both in percentage of valid votes and seats in the Vidhan
Sabha, has been dropping as in the 1997 elections, they got only 4.77 per cent of total valid votes with two seats in the Vidhan
Sabha.
(Concluded)
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Breakthrough in vikas patra racket Jalandhar, January 11 Mr Gaurav Yadav, SSP, stated here today that about six lakh Indira Vikas Patras and Kisan Vikas Patras worth about Rs 300 crore at maturity had been stolen from the Patna railway station while being dispatched from Nasik to Guwahati in 1995. This was an organised inter-state racket. The CBI had registered cases and some accused had been arrested. “The fraud was first detected in Jalandhar in 1998 when it came to light that 12,825 stolen vikas patras were pledged by the racketeers to raise loans to the tune of Rs 2.28 crore from different banks of the city. The vikas patras were later traced to be part of the Rs 300-crore scam”, he said. Subsequently, Naresh Kapur, resident of the local Model Town, was identified as the kingpin. He was arrested in 1998 but escaped from police custody when he was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital in Amritsar. Raman Kumar, resident of Namak Mandi in Amritsar, who was arrested in 1999 was acquainted with Dalip Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Vijay Singh, accused of engineering the racket. Raman Kumar acted as a link between the trio and a gang of thieves headed by Naresh Kapur. Six banks were duped of Rs 2.28 crore. A special investigation team identified Raman Kumar, Sunil Dhanuka, and Raj Kumar Pandit, residents of Amritsar, Arun Kumar of Ludhiana, Jasbir Singh of Jalandhar and Gurnam Singh of Gurdaspur as the main accused. Mr L.K. Yadav, SP, said a police party had been sent to arrest another accused at Dehra Dun. The police arrested Naresh Kapur, his wife and daughter from their residence in the Rajinder Nagar locality of Dehra Dun yesterday. |
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2 SSPs get life term in fake encounter case Chandigarh, January 11 The seven — Assistant Commandant
(BSF), Dilbagh Singh, SP, Kuldip Singh, SP (retired), Jaimal Singh, and four BSF security personnel,
Jagdish, Mohan Lal, Mange Khan, Kuldip Singh — were sentenced to life imprisonment by the UT Additional and Session Judge, Mr Lakhbir Singh, this evening. Three more personnel were also involved in the case — two of them, Mukhtar Singh and Joginder Singh, had died and one, Sukhjinder Singh, had been declared proclaimed offender. The complainant, Ms Surinder
Kaur, wife of the deceased, Sube Singh, had filed a criminal complaint in the court, as the police had refused to register an FIR in the case. The complainant had filed a complaint under Sections 302, 342, 120-B and 149 of the
IPC. The complainant had stated in the complaint that her husband Sube Singh, a JBT teacher in Government Primary School, Gurdaspur
Bhaian, was whisked away by the police from his house on October, 2 1984. The police party, led by
SHO, Jaimal Singh, also took away Jaspal Singh. Both victims were taken to the Shahpur Kandi rest house and subjected to inhuman treatment. It was also alleged that the police party along with the BSF took Sube Singh in a Matador towards the Indo-Pak border and killed him and declared his body as unclaimed. On November 26, 2001, in the same case, the UT District and Sessions Judge, Mr
H.S. Bhalla, had granted a compensation of Rs 2.68 lakh to the complainant acting on a suit filed by her against the Union of India, State of Punjab and eight others for recovery of Rs 5 lakh as compensation on the account of the alleged murder of Sube Singh in a fake encounter. |
Raksha Dal list to be out on Jan 15 Faridkot, January 11 It will contest from 25 Assembly segments and the names of eight constituencies have already been announced. They include the Chamkaur Sahib, Nangal, Pathankot, Narot Mohra, Dinanagar, Gurdaspur, Dhariwal and Kahnuwan. This was disclosed by Col Harcharanjit Singh (retd), vice-president of the state body, while talking to this reporter here yesterday. He said the RRD had adopted the line of upholding the democratic traditions of the country, of providing good governance and eradicating corruption. It would also work to strengthen secularism and strive for a casteless society, besides a check population explosion and poverty, he added. The vice-president made it clear that his party would not join hands with any political party. |
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Akali Dal (D) list Jalandhar, January 11 Releasing the list, the SAD (Democratic) president, Mr Kuldip Singh Wadala, who himself had opted out of the contest, said the other parties of the Lok Morcha would announce their candidates from the seats allotted to them separately. As per the list, the Democratic Akali Dal would contest six seats in Jalandhar district while the rest are scattered through out the state. The following are the nominees: Noormahal — Mr Kuljit Singh Basi, Nakodar— Mr Sucha Singh Johal, Lohian — Mr Udham Singh Aulakh, Kartarpur (Res) — Mr Gurnam Singh Kahira, Banga — Chaudhari Harbans Lal, Phagwara — Mr Darshan Singh Dumeli, Adampur — Mr Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Phillaur (Res) — Mr Gulshan Rai, Gardhiwala — Mr Mohan Singh, Raikot — Mr Rajwinder Singh Hisowal, Ferozepore (City) — Mr Harjinder Singh Khalsa, Zira — Mr Jagraj Singh Lehra, Dhariwal — Mr Jasbir Singh Zafarwal, Qadian — Mr Gurinder Singh Bajwa, Chamkaur Sahib — Mr Shamsher Singh Maloya, Kapurthala— Mrs Jagpal Kaur Sangha, Amritsar South- — Mr Satnam Singh Kanda.
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Panthic Morcha to field 87 candidates Amritsar, January 11 Talking to press here today, Mr Ravi Inder Singh said his party could not reach an electoral alliance with the party that was allegedly responsible for the denigration of Akal Takht. He said the ruling SAD was no more panthic so it had allegedly violated the age old Sikh institutions. The Panthic Morcha leader said his party was ready to forge an alliance with like-minded parties, but the candidates would be selected an merit only. Meanwhile, the Panthic Morcha leaders toured the border belt where a large number of residents had moved due to heightened tension in the region. |
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Two Morcha claimants for Mansa seat Mansa, January 11 The two have already started their election campaign. Mr Manshaia, while talking to this correspondent, said Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, president, Sarab Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD) and senior leader of the morcha, had assured to nominate him as candidate of the morcha and asked him to start his campaign. Mr Jawahke, too, claims to have been nominated by the morcha and has already got his posters published. |
Giani Kewal
Singh resigns Amritsar, January 11 Giani Kewal Singh had resigned when Mr Surjit Singh, Additional Sessions Judge, Bathinda, dismissed the revision petitions filed by Mr Barjinder Singh and Ms Joginder Kaur, a close relative of the jathedar yesterday. The revision petitions were filed against the orders of a Talwandi Sabo court which had issued non-bailable warrants against Giani Kewal Singh, his son Barjinder Singh and Joginder Kaur. The non-bailable warrants were issued on the petition of Mr Amarjit Singh, brother of Sharnjit Kaur (daughter-in-law of Giani Kewal Singh) who had allegedly committed “suicide” by jumping into the “sarovar” of Gurdwara Likhansar, opposite the residence of the Jathedar. When the Bathinda police had refused to register an FIR against the Jathedar, Mr Amarjit Singh moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court which directed the police to lodge an FIR. Mr Amarjit in his complaint had alleged that his sister was forced to commit suicide on May 18, 1997, due to dowry demands. |
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Tight security for Maghi Mela Muktsar, January 11 The authorities have pressed sniffer dogs, anti-sabotage teams and spotters into service to provide foolproof security to the pilgrims and other VIPs who will visit the town to pay their obeisance in the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib and other gurdwaras apart from taking a dip into holy pools. Police sources said an officer of the rank of SP along with policemen in plain clothes had been deployed around the gurdwaras to avoid any untoward incidents. Checkposts had been set up at about 17 points, including entry points. Patrolling had been started. About 2,500 police men, including officers, had been deployed for security arrangements and each police man had been directed to perform his or her duty as per the instructions given in the model code of conduct enforced in the state in view of the coming assembly elections, they added. The entry of heavy vehicles had been restricted in the city from tomorrow and these would be diverted through special routes. On January 14, no vehicle, heavy or light, would be allowed entry in the city. Passes would be issued to private vehicles on the basis of merit. The district police authorities had so far received information regarding the holding of political conferences by the SAD, BJP, the Congress-CPI, the Panthic Morcha, the BKU (Lakhowal) and the Lok Bhalai Party. The district administration has also made elaborate arrangements in this connection. Ms Rakhi Gupta Bhandari, Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Mela Officer, while talking to TNS said eight temporary bus stands had been set up. She added that arrangements for water, toilets and medical care for the pilgrims and others had been made. About more than one lakh people were expected to visit the mela. At every temporary bus stand, a medical-aid team had been stationed. Sub-Control rooms had been set up at entry points on the Kotkapura road, Bathinda road, Malout road, Aboher road, Jalalabad road, Guru Har Sahai road, Ferozepore road and Buda Gujjer road. Ms Bhandari said entry passes to government vehicles would be issued by mela administration while private vehicles would be issued there by the police authorities. The SDM had been given the powers by the District Magistrate for granting permission to different political parties for holding their conferences. About 20 different departments of the Punjab Government would also hold their exhibitions during the mela. The shopkeepers, circus owners and others who deal in folk delicacies, have started pitching their tents in and around the mela site, she added. |
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Sena men stage dharna against cow slaughter Gurdaspur, January 11 According to Sena activists, Mr Ramesh Nayyar, vice-president of the Batala unit of the Shiv Sena, was informed yesterday that a large scale slaughter of cows had been going on at the village. Mr Nayyar along with the activists reached the village and found 100 carcasses of cows and calves. Harjinder Singh, Baljinder Singh, Satpal Singh, Jagir Singh and Mastan Singh, all residents of Sunaiyya village said today that their skins and meat were being sold by Vijay Masih, Tau, Nanda, Raju, Ripan and Kesho, all residents of villages in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala and Amritsar. The police has registered a case under Section 295A, IPC, and 3/4 Cows Slaughter Act against the accused. However, no arrest has been made so far. When SHO was asked to comments in this regard he said the police had taken the matter seriously and would not allow slaughter at the village. |
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Vinod Sharma back as
Chief Warden (Zoos) Chandigarh, January 11 It may be recollected that Dr Sharma had been appointed to the same post after culmination of his medical leave on January 2 this year. Three days later the Forest Minister, Mr Surjit Kumar Jyani, cancelled one portion of the order. The Minister withdrew the financial and administrative powers of Dr Sharma while allowing him to continue as Chief Warden Zoos. Today the Punjab Government issued an order saying the Government had ordered to maintain status-quo regarding powers to Dr Vinod Sharma. The order says: “The government’s orders may be implemented immediately under intimation to the government failing which suitable action would be taken for not implementing the orders. In the orders it has made clear that all financial and administrative powers regarding Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhat Bir, Tiger Safaris and Deer Parks shall be exercised by Dr Vinod Sharma as before September 10, 2001. After a cardiac attack of May 5, Dr Sharma was admitted to the intensive care unit in the PGI for one month. Since then he was advised medical leave for five months. During his medical leave, Mr R.K. Luna, Additional Wildlife Warden was appointed as the Director of the Zoo and all the powers being enjoyed by Dr Sharma were also delegated to him. Following the orders issued by Mr R.P.S. Pawar, Secretary to the Forest and Wildlife Department, Dr. Sharma rejoined the office on January 3, but controversies arose over the powers. |
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SCs’ confederation
not to back SAD-BJP Chandigarh, January 11 Addressing a conference Mr Udit Raj, alias Raj Ram, chairman of the confederation, said the BSP had never protected their interests. He accused the BSP leadership of allotting the party ticket to general category persons for contesting the coming Assembly elections in UP by taking money from them. Flanked by Mr Jasbir Singh Pal and Mr Karamvir Singh, presidents of the Punjab and Haryana units of the confederation, respectively, Mr Udit Raj said the confederation would support only that party in the Assembly elections which would promote and protect the interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. He told mediapersons that the SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab had done nothing for Dalits. It was for this reason that they had decided to work against this alliance and vote for any other political party. Mr Udit Raj said BJP leaders were under the influence of the RSS and it was for this reason that the Union Government was not in favour of permitting members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes to embrace Buddhism. He told mediapersons that the confederation would back only that political party in the Assembly elections which would support reservation and the abolition of the caste system. He said once the caste system was abolished, the Dalits would not seek any reservation. The confederation would hold rallies in Punjab at the tehsil and block levels against the SAD-BJP alliance on January 15 and 16. He said: “We shall strain every nerve to ensure the defeat of the SAD-BJP coalition in Punjab.” Mr Udit Raj said their struggle would continue for getting reservation in promotion at all levels. |
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Espionage: accused get police
remand Bathinda, January 11 The district police chief, Dr Jatinder Kumar Jain, addressed a formal press conference with the arrest of three persons, including two engineers, and seizure of equipment, including global positioning system (GPS) and differential global positioning system (DGPS). Dr Jain said the police was not under any sort of pressure despite the fact that the accused were employees of a Mumbai-based company having collaboration with a multinational company and investigations would be held in free and fair manner. He said the accused were having credit cards and had taken photographs of petrol stations government press, Jodhpur, and other vital installations. The accused were arrested while they were taking photographs of a rail track in Bathinda district. He pointed out that after collecting the information and photographs, the accused were feeding the same into their laptop computers, making copies and sending them to their head office in Mumbai. The accused, who used to roam in a white Tata Sumo fitted with a red light atop, used to stay at hotels. They were working for Fugro Geonics Company. They had been taking the photographs on the pretext of laying down optical fibre cables for which they were not having any authorisation. Information gathered by TNS revealed that the state police authorities had alerted the police after the incident. |
| Controversy
trails Punjab Nursing Council SAS Nagar, January 11 Pushing the Punjab Nursing and Registration Act under
the carpet, a notification nominating eight members to the council has
been issued by the Department of Medical Education and Research,
Punjab. The notification was issued on December 26, 2001 — the day
the Assembly elections were announced in Punjab. Sources in the Health Department said the notification was pushed through on December 26, as political masters feared that announcement of the Assembly elections could derail the nominations. Sources in the Punjab Health Department reveal that as per the schedule of the Punjab Nursing and Registration Act, 1932, the council should have 13 members, eight nominated and four elected. The Director, Health is the ex-officio members-cum-president of the council. Of the eight nominated members, at least four have to be Nursing Superintendents of institutions mentioned in the schedule. The name of the institutions in the schedule can be changed by the government from time to time. However,
in the notification issued by the government, all members named in the
notification are not as per the schedule. Also the appointments have
to be made in the name of the institution and not by name, as
mentioned in the notification. The sources said the body was
incomplete as the process to elect four members had not been
undertaken. The term of the last body of the Punjab Nursing Council
expired in November 2000. |
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Matrimonial dispute: 9 sentenced Pathankot, January 11 According to 23 pages judgement delivered on Wednesday Baljinder Kaur, who got married to Bikramjit Singh had strained relationship with her husband who wanted to reside at Batala, whereas she wanted to stay at Sukha Raju village. On September 7, 2000, Bikramjit Singh, his father, Sarup Singh, and brother, Sukhjinder Singh went to Khanowal village for some work. While they were returning to their village, at about 9 pm they were accosted in the sugarcane field by Gurnam Singh, father-in-law of Bikramjit Singh, his two sons Baljit Singh, alias Balli and Dalip Singh, alias Doctor, Lakhwinder Singh, Gurpal Singh, Sukhdev Singh, alias Begi, Bikramjit Singh, alias Lovely, Harbhajan Singh and Balwinder Singh for maltreating Baljinder Kaur. The accused struck the heads of Sarup Singh and Bikramjit Singh against the road resulting in their death. Sukhjinder Singh, however, managed to escape and lodged FIR with Dhariwal police station under Sections 302, 307, 148 149 of the
IPC. |
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Police remand in embezzlement case Fatehgarh Sahib, January 11 The Public Prosecutor told the court that as the matter was of serious nature and related to the embezzlement worth Rs 1 crore and the accused, Kultar Singh, had revealed to the police during interrogation about having a passbook of Punjab National Bank, Sector 17, Chandigarh, in his custody, so the police had to recover that passbook, hence further police remand should be given. The CJM remanded both of the accused in police custody till January 12. |
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Punjabi news channel from Jan 14 New Delhi, January 11 Mr Jugal K. Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of STV Enterprises, its parent company, told reporters here yesterday that the channel was aiming to reach over 15 million Punjabis living in more than 100 countries. The channel airing 80 per cent of its news relating to Punjab, also intends to “bridge the gap” between the people of India and Pakistan by focussing on cultural happenings in the neighbouring country’s Punjab province. |
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EATING OUT Patiala With no experience in the field, but loads of enthusiasm on their side, the brothers went around scanning the market of not only Patiala, but also Chandigarh. Ostensibly taking the best of all, they evolved a menu that should suit most tastes and pockets. Situated in the heart of the city right opposite the Head Post Office in Leela Bhavan, the only problem that the hotel faces is that of lack of enough parking space. Realising this difficulty encountered by their customers, they have bought an adjoining area of 700 sq yards for this purpose. Their 70-seater multi-cuisine restaurant, Zaika, offers breakfast (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.) lunch (11 to 3), and dinner (7 to 11), besides tea and snacks (3 to 7). Food lovers can dig in a variety of Chinese appetisers, Continental treasures and Indian delicacies. Beginning with creamy veg/non-veg starters from the soup tourine or jaljeera and lassi/butter milk, you would do well to savour their spring rolls and fried rice. Embellished with finely diced green and red veggies, these transport you to the realm of luxury and have your appetite whetted for the main course. As you bite into your pick of chilli chicken, lemon/garlic chicken or fish or cheese treats, complement these with a choice of salads. Other than the normal onion and green salad, also available are Italian, Russian, kimchi and chicken mayonnaise. The Indian fare seems to have come straight from wheat and paddy fields. The assortment of fresh rotis, parathas and naans and rice do justice to tandoori chicken or spicy murg kadai along with the Punjabis’ favourite curd/raita. If Chinese is your preference, go in for noodles, rice, manchurian and chopsuey. The dessert of ice-creams can be washed down with beverages that include refreshing tea, coffee, juice and shakes. Zaika has colourful tiles with artistic woodwork and glass panelling adding to the ambience. The Banquet Hall with a capacity of 200 persons and the conference/kitty hall (for 40) complete with audio-visual aids, attract a large number of gatherings for marriages, birthdays, anniversaries and kitty parties. |
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Remove council chief: residents Fatehgarh Sahib, January 11 |
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Kanjhla accepts CM’s decision Sangrur,
January 11 This was stated by Mr Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Social Security
Minister, Punjab, and MLA from Sherpur, while talking to The Tribune
last night over the phone. Mr Kanjhla said the party president had
taken the decision in the larger interests of the party. |
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Seminar on Onkar Bani concludes Amritsar, January 11 The seminar was organised by the Department of Guru Nanak Studies of the university. Mr Gurbachan Singh Bachan, secretary, SGPC, in his paper said Bani stated every aspect of “gurmat”. |
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Thieves active in border villages Moga, January 11 |
Requests on film on cars to go to EC Chandigarh, January 11 “It is learnt that many political workers are trying to obtain police manpower under the ‘pretext of security risk’, permissions for the use of black film on vehicles and even escort vehicles, all of which are likely to be misused during the elections. This would be against the spirit of the directions of the Election Commission of India for ensuring free and fair elections. “It is directed that no fresh request of this nature should be entertained and recommendations, if any, should be forwarded to the Election Office for approval. The recommendations should be backed by solid intelligence and made very sparingly,” the letter said. Meanwhile, the Election Commission today approved the transfer of 22 PCS officers who have completed four years at a place . The list was sent by the Punjab Government a few days ago. The commission also approved the transfer of 67 officials of the Labour and Employment Department. They include eight assistant labour counciliatory officers, six deputy directors (factories), 19 labour inspectors (grade I) and 34 employment officers. Talking to newsmen here this evening, the Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Mrs Usha Sharma, said 317 complaints against vilation of Model Code of Conduct had been received by the commission. The commission has sought comments from the departments concerned and, in certain cases, referred the complaints with
comments of departments to the Election Commission of India. |
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Fake voters: EC seeks
information SAS Nagar, January 11 The Electoral Officer, Mr Jaipal Singh, said the votes had been deleted during physical verification by the electoral staff. He said facts of the case had been submitted before the commission. Meanwhile, the President of the Block Congress Committee of SAS
Nagar, Mr Kuljeet Singh Bedi, alleged that fake votes had been made to defame the Congress leader before the elections. He claimed that Mrs Garcha had got the fake votes deleted during the last elections of the SAS Nagar civic body. |
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DC’s direction to poll staff Fatehgarh Sahib, January 11 The Deputy Commissioner said that no officer would be allowed to indulge in activity, which may have the effect of influencing voters in favour of some party. He said any official found using his official position during election campaign would be dealt as per the code of conduct by the Election Commission. He said that as the Election Commission had introduced the electronic voting machines, the services of more technical staff and supervisors were required. |
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Nod for 3 Chief Commissioners Chandigarh, January 11 Mr S.C. Grover, who was acting as Chief Commissioner Chandigarh and posted at Amritsar, has got the CBDT’s nod for the post in Chandigarh. Mr D.R. Verma has been appointed Chief Commissioner, Amritsar, in place of Mr Grover. Mr Verma has been promoted to the post after having remained as Commissioner in Delhi. The board has also appointed a Chief Commissioner in Shimla for Himachal. Mr Grover told TNS from Amritsar that he would be able to assume charge in the third week of the month. |
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Khadi board staff to launch stir Chandigarh, January 11 According to a press note, the union gave an ultimatum to the board management and the government to release the salaries by January 15 or face an agitation. The union president, Mr Raghbir Singh Dhaliwal said the staff were facing financial hardship due to the non-payment of their salaries. The union had withdrawn its agitation on September 18 last year following an assurance by the board management and the government in this regard.
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DAV overall winner of youth fest Bathinda, January 11 Overall trophy in dancing: Government Rajindra College, Bathinda, Overall trophy in music (classical and light): DAV College, Bathinda, Overall trophy in fine arts: DAV College, Bathinda — 1; and Government Barjindra College, Faridkot — 2. Overall trophy in Theatre: DAV College, Bathinda. Overall trophy in literary activities: DAV College, Bathinda. The results of individual events (merit wise) are as follows; Classical instrumental (percussion) taal vadan: Gurpreet Singh (DAV, Bathinda), Gurpreet (GRC, Bathinda). Classical instrumental (non-percussion) sur vadan: Kiran (GRC, Bathinda); Arashdeep (Guru Nanak Khalsa College (GNKC), Bathinda; and Jaspreet Singh (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government College (SBSGC), Kotkapura. Classical vocal: Tarandeep Kaur (GNKC, Bathinda); Roop Kamal Kaur (GRC, Bathinda); and Jaspreet (SBSGC, Kotkapura) Orchestra: GRC, Bathinda, and DAV, Bathinda. Giddha: Government Barjindra College (GBC), Faridkot; Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Bathinda; SD Girls College, Mansa; and Government Rajindra College, Bathinda. Classical dance: Natika Batish (GRC, Bathinda) and Antriksh (DAV, Bathinda) Bhangra: DAV, Bathinda; GBC, Faridkot; Government Nehru Memorial College (GNMC), Mansa; and GRC, Bathinda. Group Shabad: SSD Girls College, Bathinda; DAV, Bathinda; GBC, Faridkot; and GNKC, Bathinda. Group song: GNKC, Bathinda; DAV, Bathinda; SSD, Bathinda; GNMC, Mansa; and GBC, Faridkot. Geet/ghazal: DAV, Bathinda, GNKC Bathinda; Guru Kashi College (GKC), Talwandi Sabo; SBSGC, Kothakapura; and Mata Sahib Kaur Girls College (MSKGC), Talwandi Sabo. Lok geet: DAV, Bathinda; MSKGC, Talwandi Sabo; TPD Malwa College (TPDMC), Rampura Phul; GRC, Bathinda; and GBC, Faridkot. Vaar gayan: DAV, Bathinda; GNKC, Bathinda; GRC, Bathinda; GNMC, Mansa; and GBC, Faridkot. Poetry recitation: Punjabi University Regional Centre (PURC), Bathinda; and DAV, Bathinda, National College, Bhikhi; GBC, Faridkot; Government College of Education (GCE), Faridkot; MSKGC, Talwandi Sabo; GRC, Bathinda; and SBSGC, Kotkapura. Debate: Sandeep Kumari (GBC, Faridkot) and Neetu (PURC, Bathinda); Sudha (University College of Education (UCE), Bathinda; Jatin (GRC, Bathinda); Rajwinder (PURC, Bathinda); Pardeep Inder Singh (GCE, Faridkot; and Harsh Sukhija (DAV, Bathinda) Elocution: DAV, Bathinda; UCE, Bathinda; SBSGC, Kotkapura; GCE, Faridkot; DAV, Bathinda; GNM, Mansa; and GCE Faridkot. On-the-spot painting: DAV, Bathinda and GBC, Faridkot; GRC, Bathinda; TPDMC, Rampura Phul; and GBC, Faridkot. One act play: GBC, Faridkot; MSKGC, Talwandi Sabo; and DAV, Bathinda. Rangoli: Shivali Arora (GBC, Faridkot); Sukhdeep (DAV, Bathinda); Mandeep Kaur (GNM, Mansa); Ranjeet (DAV, Bathinda); and Mandeep (GRC, Bathinda) Poster painting: Anupam and Sandeep (DAV, Bathinda); and Anantdeep (GNKC, Bathinda) Collage making: Jasbir Singh (GCE, Faridkot); Parkash (GBC, Faridkot); Amandeep (DAV, Bathinda, and Lavleen (GRC, Bathinda) Cartooning: Ranjeeta and Bharat (Both DAV Bathinda); Baljeet and Veerpal (GNKC, Bathinda); and Ankit (GRC, Bathinda). Clay modelling: Narinder (GNKC, Bathinda); Rakshminder Kaur (DAV, Bathinda); Mandeep Kaur (GBC, Faridkot); and Deepti (GCE, Faridkot). Fancy dress: DAV, Bathinda and MSKGC, Talwandi Sabo; SD College, Mansa: GCE, Bathinda; SSD Girls College, Bathinda; SBSGC, Kotkapura; TPDMC, Rampura Phul; and Bhai Asa Singh Girls College, Goniana. Mimicry: GRC, Faridkot; DAV, Bathinda; and
GRC, Bathinda. |
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