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Sunday,
June 9, 2002, Chandigarh, India  
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Of battered plans and farmers’ stir Centre urged to
bring Prithviraj’s remains Goldsmith dies after being beaten up by ASI, 2 others
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Haryana not to buy Sathi Ex-legislator
joins Congress Parents of Kaluchak
victims honoured
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Of battered
plans and farmers’ stir Chandigarh, June 8 According to an official version, the root of the stir is the farmers’ obduracy for free power and unwillingness to clear dues. In Jind district till March, of 1,40,094 rural consumers 66017 were defaulters. Eighty-six per cent of the defaulters belonged to the domestic category, while 14 per cent to the agriculture category. The 75 per cent waiver scheme was welcomed by consumers in Jind district and more than 50 per cent (34869) out of the 66017 defaulters, settled their arrears by May 15. By May 31, when the extended period of the scheme came to a close, more than 75 per cent of the defaulting consumers had cleared their arrears. In Jind sub-division, out of total defaulting amount of Rs 71 crore, Rs 35.22 crore was pending against 12 villages. These are, Rajpura, Ramrai, Paunkeri Kheri, Igrah, Bibipur, Ghimana, Kandela, Shahpur, Naguran, Alewa, Dalamwala and Shamlo Kalan. Naguran, Alewa, Paunkeri Kheri and Ramrai showed positive response to the 75 per cent waiver scheme, the official said, adding that recovery teams were successful also in making dent in the remaining eight villages. “These villages are considered the backbone of the BKU. During the past one year, the BKU had held sit-ins, rallies and blockades in Jind district on 20 different occasions. Their main objective was to deter people from paying electricity dues. Main force working behind the BKU agitation are the villagers who are using electricity illegally, through kundi connections, and these elements were financing the BKU”. The official theory, however, is clearly in variance with the focus of the agitating farmers which is to put pressure on the state government to withdraw the cases filed against the BKU leaders relating to violent incidents at Kandela and other places in Jind district which took place between December and May. “On December 31, an eight-point agreement was signed between the state government and the BKU. However, instead of implementing the agreement, the government started a crackdown on the BKU on April 13”, Mr Ghasiram Nain, president, BKU in Haryana, told this correspondent during an interview at Kandela. “Mr Chautala thought that there would be no protest against his policy as the farmers would simply adore the 75 per cent waiver scheme”. While the BKU has put the demand for withdrawal of cases as a pre-condition for its taking part in any negotiation, it maintains that writing off of the arrears and other issues can be settled in the course of talks with the government. Sources here said that withdrawal of cases would not be necessary for the cases relating to the incidents in December and May. “The police is yet to file charge sheets in the court regarding these cases. BKU leaders against whom cases have been filed can be discharged by the police through the court”, the
source said. Mr Om Prakash Chautala, it seems, is watching the situation before taking any step for meeting the BKU’s primary demand. Mr Ghasiram Nain, Mr Bajinder Singh, president of the BKU in Hisar, Mr Dharamvir Hooda, President of the BKU in Rohtak, and other leaders, who have evaded arrest so far are apparently apprehensive that the government may later take action against them. The government side, it seems, is worried that if it accepts the BKU’s demand for cancellation of the cases, it may open the floodgate for other demands. At the same time it is going to be difficult for the state government to use force for the removal of blockades put by the BKU supporters as killing of six agitators has put the government on the defensive. Critics of Mr Chautala, including those in his own party, are pointing accusing fingers at him for the deaths. Mr Chautala is clearly in a soup and it is his own doing which has landed him in the bowl. “Had he showed some token recognition to the BKU and announced a scheme of even 60 or 50 per cent waiver on the total dues, he would have been hailed by the farmers”, said a villager at Kandela. The state government first tried to corner Mr Nain when the hostages were released by the BKU last month and government functionaries went around telling that no deal had been struck with the BKU for getting the seven hostages, including two DSPs released. Villagers, however, continued backing Mr Nain and waited for the deadline of May 28 set by him for the release of BKU leaders following which the BKU gave a call for blockade of Haryana roads as the government did not abide by its assurance. Next, the state government tried to split the BKU by opening dialogue with its imprisoned leaders and paving way for their release on bail. As none of these tactics worked, now Mr Nain has been appealed to take part in talks by a statement issued through Mr Rampal Majra, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Haryana. |
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Centre urged to
bring Prithviraj’s remains Ateli (Mahendergarh), June 8 The meeting, at which a former Union Minister and prominent Congress leader, Mr K.P. Singh Deo, was the chief guest, was well attended in the face of scorching heat in the Ahirwal part of South Haryana. Those who took part in the meeting included the local Congress MLA, Rao Narender and Rao Daan Singh and Mr Shashi Parmar-both Congress MLAs in the present state Assembly. From the BJP state leaders, Prof Ram Bilas Sharma, Mr Kailash Sharma and Rao Shiv Rattan Singh also took part in the function. Those from outside Haryana who attended the meeting were the President of the Haryana Rajput Sabha, Capt Vikram Singh, and a former MLA from Uttar Pradesh, Dr S.P.S. Chauhan. The function was organised by a former Director-General of Police, Orissa, and a native of Mahendergarh district, Mr D.P. Singh. All leaders expressed the view that the present Union Government should initiate diplomatic efforts in right earnest with the government in Kabul to bring back the mortal remains of Prithviraj Chauhan and Rao Tula Ram. Incidentally, Rao Tula Ram, a local of Ahirwal belt of Haryana and hero of the first war of Independence had gone to
Afghanistan, never to return. As for Prithviraj Chauhan, the prevailing view point is that after the defeat of the Emperor at the hands of Mohammad Ghori, the Sultan of Ghazni, in the battle of Tarain, he was taken as a captive to Afghanistan. The Emperor, along with his court poet, Chand Bardai, was slained in the court of Mohammad Ghori. The audiences were disappointed over a former Prime Minister, Mr Chandra Shekhar, and a former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat failing to keep a date with them. The organisers had publicised that the two leaders would take part in the function. |
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Goldsmith dies after being beaten up by Ambala, June 8 Anil Kumar (35) died after he was beaten up by the ASI belonging to the detective staff and two other persons at the Chota Bazar residence of his in-laws in Ambala City. The incident took place at about 6.30 pm, and after Anil Kumar collapsed, he was rushed to a local doctor who pronounced him dead. The victim had dealings with a leading jeweller of Chandigarh and a case had been registered against Anil Kumar by the jeweller over some dues. However, the family members of Anil Kumar claimed that the dues had been settled and there was no reason for the detective staff to have intervened in the issue. The Sarafa Sangh was up in arms over the death of Anil Kumar and it demanded immediate action against the policemen who are alleged to be involved in the incident. The sangh demanded that a full-fledged inquiry should be held into the incident so that the truth comes out. Mr Shish Pal Bhola, BJP Ambala Cantonment Mandal President, said that it was a clear case of human rights violation. “We want that justice should prevail. Stern action must be taken against the policemen involved who have killed Anil Kumar. It is a heinous crime and the perpetrators should be brought to book,” he said. A number of people had turned up near the mortuary of the Civil Hospital, Ambala City, where Anil Kumar’s postmortem was conducted. The Superintendent of Police, Ambala, Mr Manoj Yadava, assured the gathered people that the guilty will not be spared. “ASI Janak Singh has been immediately put under suspension and he has been sent to the lines,” he said. Mr Yadava said that he had personally gone through the case file and carefully studied it. “Things may not have come to such a pass if, even once, Anil Kumar had approached me with problem. We are available 24 hours a day. There was an important meeting at Chandigarh today and I have stayed back just to ensure that the matter is properly looked into,” he said. Among others, the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Naraingarh, Mr Maheshwar Sharma the Executive Magistrate, Mr G. Ram, and the DSP, Mr Uday Shankar, were present. Anil Kumar’s wife, Neelam, in her statement to the police said that ASI Janak Singh of the detective staff had been looking into the case which was registered against her husband in the beginning of this year. She said that a settlement had taken place with the jewellers after Anil had paid the dues. Neelam claimed that ASI Janak Singh continued to harass her husband and he was even picked up by the police. He was released the next day in the evening. “I asked my husband that when settlement had taken place why are they bothering you. He told me that ASI Janak Singh had forced me to sign on plain paper and was demanding money,” she stated. Referring to the incident, Neelam said that yesterday evening at about 6.30 pm, ASI Janak Singh and two others came to their residence. “Anil was taken to the first floor of the house. They then began to mercilessly beat up Anil. We pleaded to the policemen that Anil was undergoing treatment but to no avail. Thereafter, Anil died and ASI Janak Singh and the two others ran away from there,” she said. Incidentally, the local residents said that late last night they had to undertake a demonstration near the police station to ensure that the police takes action. They stated that they were forced to undertake a demonstration at about 1 am last night after the policemen on duty seemed to be reluctant to take prompt action. Neelam has sought that a case of murder should be registered against the accused persons and she should get justice. However, Anil Kumar’s father, Mr Satpal, alleged that the jewellers were responsible for the death of his son. “They are powerful people having a lot of money. They are behind the murder of my son,” he alleged. Mr Satpal claimed that they had documentary evidence to show that his son was being harassed despite all dues with the jeweller being settled. “I fail to understand why my son should be targeted by them,” he said.
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Haryana
not to buy Sathi Chandigarh, June 8 While the scheme enabled the consumer to have 75 per cent of the arrear waived by paying the 25 per cent balance, it was also having the provision of getting 50 per cent of the pending amount waived if the remaining 50 per cent was paid in instalments. While Rs 80 crore had been recovered as power dues, bills amounting to Rs 156 crore had been settled under the scheme. The figures relating to the scheme, which came to a close on May 31, was announced by the Chairperson Power Utilities, Ms Meenaxi Anand Chaudhary, at a meeting of the DCs and SPs presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala here today. While referring to the recent incidents of violence and blocking of roads in Jind district, Mr Chautala said that the agitation was handiwork of some people who had tried to mislead a section of people to gain political mileage. Mr Chautala said that 30 per cent more power had been utilised during the recent sowing season of paddy. He said that it appeared that some people had sown more of summer paddy (Sathi) and added that the government would not buy Sathi. Mr Chautala also announced that Haryana had ranked first in the country in utilisation of funds under various rural development schemes of the Union Government during 2001-2002. Mr Chautala said that phirnis of all the villages would be upgraded and added that repair of damaged chaupals in the villages would be taken up on priority. While expressing satisfaction over the progress made regarding construction of latrine in each school, the Chief Minister said that in 6642 out of 6901 primary and secondary schools, construction of latrines had been completed. Mr Chautala said that in the remaining schools also, latrines should be constructed by the end of this month. Mr Chautala also said that 20 lakh saplings of poplar would be planted on panchayat land during this year which would be maintained by the Forest Department for first eight years. It was stated that the Forest Department would distribute seedlings free of cost to farmers, panchayati raj institutions and government departments, while a nominal price would be charged from boards, corporations and private industries. The Chief Minister was informed that out of a total 33213 announcements made by the Chief Minister during the Sarkar Aapke Dwar programme, 15376 had been completed and work on 11737 was nearing completion. |
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Ex-legislator joins Congress Chandigarh, June 8 Mr Mann had represented the Badhra Assembly constituency in 1977 as well as in 1987. He was the Chief Parliamentary Secretary during 1987 -1990 when late Mr Devi Lal was Chief Minister of Haryana. In a press note, Mr Mann said that farmers of Haryana were in dire straits. The Congress was the only party capable of addressing the aspirations of common people, including farmers, he said, adding that he and his followers will meet at his residence at Dadri on June 14 . |
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Parents
of Kaluchak
victims honoured
Ambala, June 8 Kalka MLA Chander Mohan honoured Sub Atar Singh and his wife. They were given a memento and a shawl. Mr Mohan paid rich tributes to the deceased. He condemned Pakistan for cross-border terrorism. The president of the Haryana unit of the front, Dr Veeresh
Shandilya, said it was planning to meet the Haryana Governor so that Sub Atar Singh got adequate compensation. He said the incident was a grim reminder of the prevailing situation in the valley and Pakistan must be given a befitting reply.
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Science
centre open tomorrow Kurukshetra, June 8 Stating this to mediapersons here today, the Project Coordinator, Mr S. Kumar, said that this had been done for the benefit of visitors and pilgrims who visit this holy town on Somvati Amawasya, which comes once or twice a year. The centre normally remains closed on Mondays.
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Inflated
power bill alleged Ambala, June 8
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Kisan Club
meeting
Ambala, June 8 The meeting was held to inform the farmers about the latest agricultural techniques. The Deputy Director, Agriculture, Dr Banwari Lal, presided over the meeting.
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