MC chief named in knife attack on rival
Protest in town; school closed
Our Correspondent

Ahmedgarh, August 10
There was an attempt on the life of Mr Ashutosh Vinayak, secretary of the local Vidya Pracharak Sabha that runs MGMN Senior Secondary School and a former state president of the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party, here late yesterday.

In protest against the attack, the school run by the sabha remained closed today and hundreds of students took out a protest march in the town. Townsfolk rushed to the local Civil Hospital where Mr Vinayak had been taken after the attack.

He had been brought there after having lost a lot of blood. He received several stitches near the right elbow and the left eye. According to Mr Vinayak, he had gone to Raikot Adda on the Chhapar road to intervene in a possession dispute involving one of his kin who owned some ancestral property there.

One of the tenants of his relative had started building steps outside the shop in violation of a court order. After had persuaded the shopkeeper to stop the construction, Kishori Lal Badhan, president of the local Nagar Council, Ravinder Puri, a councillor and a correspondent of a Jalandhar-based Punjabi daily, and Sonu, his nephew, came there and told the shopkeeper to go ahead with the construction.

Mr Vinayak said: “Badhan and Puri, who were in an inebriated condition, told their cronies to kill me, following which, I was attacked with a knife. I got stabbed in the arm in trying to shield my stomach. They continued to beat me up with hockey sticks and lathis till I fell unconscious.”

In his statement to the police early today, Mr Vinayak said it had been an attempt to kill him and sheer luck had saved him. Ravinder Puri and Sonu are already facing charges, along with two others, in a case of murder committed recently.

Mr Rajan Vinayak, to whose aid Mr Ashutosh had rushed, was also injured in the attack. The police, later, took Mr Ashutosh and Mr Rajan to Civil Hospital at Malerkotla for a thorough medical examination. It will register a case on the basis of the examination report.

Mr Ashutosh Vinayak had, earlier, spent about 15 days in judicial custody, as he had been charged under the Untouchability Act on a complaint filed by Badhan.

Liquor barons resort to price war
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
After about a year-long truce, the two liquor barons here have once again declared war on each other, by slashing the prices of all brands. However, the government’s direction that the prices cannot be brought down below a certain level has forced them to sell liquor at the minimum prices fixed by the government.

Liquor trade in Ludhiana is evenly controlled by two groups led by Mr Ponty Chadha and Mr Mann Singh Garcha. Each group is always on the look out to establish its superiority over the other. Apprehending losses, the two groups had reached an agreement not to bring down prices in competition. But the arrangement did not last long and both groups announced slashing of prices last month.

Almost all liquor vends in Ludhiana have now put up banners mentioning the new prices. However, due to the directions of the Excise and Taxation Department, the vendors are only mentioning the minimum rates fixed by the department. But it is learnt that the vends are offering liquor even at lesser prices than displayed.

While it may not make much difference to the two liquor barons, the small contractors are feeling worried as they have been severely hit by the price war. Obviously, they also have been forced to bring down the prices. Some of the contractors said, this year, they were apprehensive of losses. The Excise Department officials are maintaining silence since they feel that they do not have any role to play in the matter. An official pointed out, “We can only ensure that the prices are not slashed below a certain level, but if they sell it below that price it is difficult to check it.” 

Cops to go undecorated on Independence Day
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
While the district police department is gearing up to provide a complete security cover for the Independence Day celebrations, disappointment prevails among the police personnel due to non-recommendation of any cop’s name for receiving an award at the Independence Day celebrations function in the district.

Even as only five days are left for the annual feature, the district police department has yet not sent any cop’s name. Sources said the chances were remote of recommending any name as the police department has even not discussed the issue so far.

A number of disappointed cops, speaking strictly on condition of anonymity, told Ludhiana Tribune that owing to the good work done by them in policing the district in the last one year or so, they were hoping that several of them would get some award or a recognition of their meritorious service on the Independence Day.

They said no award was given last year also and they were thinking the department would recommend some names this year but unfortunately this had not been done.

The cops said it was not that they would not work hard or better after getting awards but such encouragements were always required to motivate the force.

The hopes of the cops had increased as a number of remarkable achievements were made by the district police in the last one year. While the system of awarding a state or national-level award was a long and drawn-out process and required immense achievement, awarding at the local level was in the hands of the disrrict authorities only.

A record of the achievement indicates the level of hopes the cops had. The district police had solved several murder, sodomy and kidnapping cases within a short time and had recovered a kidnapped child.

As many 14 cops were given recommendation certificates for this feat.

Sources said it was hoped that some cops might also get an honour at the Independence Day celebrations but this had not happened.

Then, the PCR motor-cycle squad was credited with bringing the crime rate down in the city. Besides, they had caught at least 80 persons in hit and run cases, a figure that had increased at least 10 times from the previous years.

Some policemen had been given certificates of recognition but again none of them had been recommended for an award.

The CIA wing of the district police had received over 150 merit certificates in the last six months only but again none of them was recommended for any award.

Then, there are several social workers attached in the police department who, while discharging their duty, were doing exemplary social work. They too had not been noticed.

‘Enemies within’ drug, rob soldiers
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Two Army men, who have fought terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, were drugged and robbed of Rs 1,000 on board a Jammu-Madras train late yesterday. The soldiers were found lying unconscious at the railway station here today and taken to Civil Hospital.

In the hospital, too, the soldiers received a shabby treatment and were given only one bed. So far, no one from the Movement Control Office here has visited the hospital to take care of the Army men.

The soldiers, Hakkam Singh and Dayal Singh, belong to Sangrur and Sunam, respectively, and had boarded a train from Jammu yesterday at about 9.30 pm. Two civilians with a Haryanavi accent gave the Army men some biscuits to eat. The next thing the soldiers remember is finding themselves in the hospital here.

More than the loss of money, valuables and gifts for their families, what has hurt the soldiers most is the manner in which the two were cheated. The Army men are still under the influence of the drug and are not able to speak clearly.

“Anti-social elements do not even spare soldiers who have been fighting to save the country. We had Rs 2,000 with us, along with some clothes and two stereos that we had bought for our families. All that has been taken away. The way we have been treated is disappointing,” said the soldiers, who lay on a single bed, with no arrangement for food or clothing.

The railway police has registered a case and a search for the robbers is on.

PSHRC asks Punjab Secy to probe harassment charges
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Taking notice of the sexual harassment of students by the Principal of the Government Polytechnic for Women (GPW), Jalandhar, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) has directed Ms Romila Dubey, Secretary, Punjab State Technical Education and Industrial Training Board, to look into the matter personally, conduct an impartial inquiry and initiate necessary action against the accused as warranted by law.

According to Mr D S Gill, Chairperson of the International Human Rights Organisation (IHRO), his organisation had approached the PSHRC, making a complaint against the Principal, Mr Naresh Nagpal and his son Kunal, for abusing some girl students. He had submitted the complaints by the students besides news clippings of the incidents.

He said Ms Nisha Bhati, an old student of the Jalandhar GPW, was first made a target of sexual harassment by the principal’s son, Kunal, who reportedly tried in vain to “forcibly pick up her at 11 PM last year from her hostel in a car for satisfying his sexual urges.”

In another incident, Naresh Nagpal had reportedly asked Nisha to spend one night with him in lieu for completing her shortage of attendance. Similarly, another girl had slapped the face of the Principal when he tried to catch hold of her from the wrist and tried to make physical advances right inside his office,” said the complainant.

Ms Nisha Bhati, in her statement, had submitted before the commission, and testified that two girls - Shashi Sonia and Vineeta — had allegedly committed suicide in the hostel and in her residence, respectively, as a result of sexual harassment at the hands of the Principal and his son.

Many other girl students had verified this fact in their statements, adding that some selected girls were reportedly called to his office by the Principal late at night through an attendant, Santosh Kumari.

Meanwhile, Ms Inderjeet Kaur, secretary, IHRO women’s wing, in her letter to Ms Dubey, has urged that “you will follow the procedure and guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court (AIR 1997, 3011) in case of Vishaka Vs State of Rajasthan, by immediately transferring and suspending the Principal so that he may not hinder or influence the inquiry.”

“You would, as per the SC directions, report the matter to the police as the act and conduct of the Principal attracts the offences under the IPC for starting criminal proceedings against him. While taking disciplinary action a complaint committee should be constituted with at least 50 per cent women therein and its chairperson should also be a woman,”added Ms Inderjeet Kaur.

It was also intriguing, that an order by the minister concerned to the effect that the Vigilance Bureau should investigate the sexual harassment cases and misuse of funds by Principal Naresh Nagpal had not been taken care of as yet, she added in her letter.

COMMUNITY

Experts for inclusion of course on human rights
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
“In a national consultation held at Bangalore, eminent jurists, journalists, educationists and human rights activists from all over the country demanded the inclusion of a chapter on human rights in the syllabi prescribed for schools and colleges,” said Prof K.B.S.Sodhi, former president of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union, one of the participants from the city.

The demand was raised in the wake of frequent and flagrant violations of human rights in the country. The consultation was held from August 2 to August 4 under the auspices of ‘Vigil India Movement,’ a human rights organisation based at Bangalore, on the theme, “human rights in the wake of rising commercialisation”. Briefing the mediapersons here, Prof. K.B.S. Sodhi, regional secretary of the Vigil India Movement, said 125 delegates from 12 states who participated in the consultation.

Participants and resource persons included Mr N. Ram, Editor, Front Line, Ms Teesta Setalvad, Editor, Communal Combat, Justice St. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, former Judge of the Supreme Court, Mr Justice Nittoor Srinivasa Rau, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Mr Justice Bala Krishnan of Karnataka High Court, Prof K.N. Panicker, Vice-Chancellor, Sree Shanrkyacharya University, and Mr Harsh Mander, IAS, who resigned in the wake of Gujarat riots.

Condemning the genocide and massacre of innocents by the forces of communal fascism, the participants demanded that an exemplary punishment be given to the culprits responsible for the beastly brutality committed on women and children in Gujarat.

They also demanded speedy rehabilitation of the victims of the riots through sincere, fool proof and adequate measures.

Mr Harsh Mander was conferred with M.A. Thomas Human Rights Award for his bold and unprecedented services rendered to the refugees in Gujarat during and after the riots. The award carries a citation and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

Controversy mars EEPC elections
Vimal Sumbly
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
The elections to the cycle panel of the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) have been marred by the controversy with one of the contestants, Mr Satish Dhanda, alleging fraud. He said that some of the voters were delivered empty envelopes supposed to contain the ballot papers.

Ludhiana happens to be one of the important centre for the elections to the cycle panel of the EEPC as out of 80 voters 40 belong to the city. About 10 voters, including Mr R D Sharma of the Safari Bikes, Mr Onkar Singh Pahwa of the Avon Cycles, Samir Industries and others did not get the votes as the envelopes delivered to them were empty.

There are two contestants for the post of the president of the cycle panel of the EEPC. They include Mr Satish Dhanda and Mr Narinder Singh, both from Ludhiana. The elections are conducted through postal ballots by Sharma Kajaria and Company of Kolkotta. Mr Dhanda disclosed that he received a message from one of the voters that he had got empty envelop without ballot papers.

Mr Dhanda said he alerted other voters including Mr Chaman Lal Tangri of the Samir Industries. Mr Tangri opened the envelope in front of the postman and found it empty. Meanwhile, Mr Dhanda also reached there. He claimed that the postman confessed to them that he had been paid Rs 2000 by some rival party members to take out the ballot papers. He later handed over the postman to the police.

On the other hand Mr S.C. Ralhan, chairman of the EEPC for the northern region, in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Commerce alleged that the “rigging of elections was under process”. He demanded that the entire election process should be stopped besides seeking summoning of the total EEPC records. He alleged that this was being done by certain vested interests in connivance with some officials of the EEPC.

Mr Ralhan alleged that the election authority had been provided with the tampered voters’ list by the council as some ineligible members had been fraudulently included in the voters’ list. He also listed details of some voters for different panels who he claimed were not eligible to be voters.

The northern regional chairman also alleged that the election authority had deliberately rejected the nomination forms of certain candidates who did not tow the line and were not prepared to be party to some illegal activities. He said, northern region was being deliberately kept out as 14 of the total 18 nominations cancelled were from the North only.

DMCH functioning normally, claim authorities
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
The DMCH authorities today claimed that the institution was working almost normally with a significant increase in the number of patients examined and admitted for treatment.

According to a DMCH press note, the new emergency wing is showing signs of activity as the admissions here have picked up. A total of 69 patients have been admitted here. Laboratories are functioning round-the-clock.

According to the press note, all operation theatres have been put under the command of a senior officer for better coordination in working of the surgical and specialty theatres.

In view of the rising number of admissions, another ward of 51 beds has also been started. Hospital OPDs started on August 1 and since then 1,353 patients have been provided medical services. Today itself, 205 patients were examined in the OPDs. The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre is also functioning. Fiftyfive patients have been provided services by this unit since August 1.

The Medicine Department is having 26 indoor patients. According to the press note, routine surgical facilities have been made available and the facility of surgeries in complicated cases will be started soon. The dialysis wing has also started functioning. Teaching classes have started, says the press note.

260 veterinarians honoured
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Veterinarians should keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of biological diseases so that the country could be saved from the outbreaks of such diseases and affect economy of the country. This was stated by Punjab Transport Minister Tej Prakash Singh while presiding over the second day of deliberations of the ongoing three-day 28th Indian veterinary conference on the PAU campus here today.

He pointed out that the country was agrarian and the income from livestock contributed substantially to the economic set-up and prosperity of the farmers. ''It is due to the contributions made by the scientific community that we are now facing a problem of plenty in foodgrains.''

The minister cautioned that in view of the ground realities it was not possible for further inputs in the agriculture sector, so it was in the interest of the farmers to diversify in the fields of dairy farming, poultry and piggery. He said there was great scope for improvement in these fields.

Commenting on world terrorism, he said the world was sitting on a keg of dynamite and any future war could be waged by resorting to bio-terrorism which would have a telling effect on the economy of the country. Hence, the need for caution and taking preventive measures in this context, he stressed.

Mr K.S. Aulakh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, said that it was a matter of pride that the scientists of the university had made great contributions towards the Green Revolution in the country but it was also a cause for alarm that the sums sanctioned by the government for research and development were less than 10 per cent as compared to other countries.

Medals and life membership certificate were presented on the occasion. As many as 260 veterinarians from across the country were also honoured. "Vets Bulletin", a monthly magazine of PSVOA, was distributed among the participants.

Meanwhile, a memorable cultural evening was organised for the delegates at Pal Auditorium under the leadership of Dr Rajvir Singh, president, Dance, Drama and Music Club, College of Veterinary Sciences.

Vishaldeep, Baljit Singh, Avtar Singh, Abhishek Thikra and Punet Muker presented melodious songs. Amit Setia gave an excising dance on an English number. Harmeet, Gagandeep and Gunjan Gakhar gave brilliant performances through their solo dances. Mimes depicting the Green Revolution were presented by students of the COVS under the guidance of Dr Ashish Chander Sood, who also stole the show by choreographing these students for a patriotic dance number.

Bhangra performed by students of the COVs under the leadership of Dr Kanwaljit Singh was well appreciated by the audience. ''Trinjan'', a rural folk dance, was performed by girls students of the COVS led by Prabhjt Kaur Sekhon and Gagandeep Kaur.

The participants of the cultural programme were encouraged by the cash prizes. A sum of Rs 2,500 was awarded by Dr G.S. Chahal, Director, Animal Husbandry, Punjab, Rs 2,016 by Dr Reddy from the Andhra Pradesh Veterinary Association, Rs 1,000 each was given by the president, Indian Veterinary Association, Dr R.S. Sharma, and Dr Mamtani from the Intas group.

Riot-hit families threaten agitation
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
The Danga Peerit Welfare Society, Punjab has threatened to resort to agitation if the government continued with its indifferent and apathetic attitude towards rehabilitation of the riot-affected families.

A meeting of the society held here with Mr Surjit Singh in the chair said that the allotment letters of 327 booths in the Urban Estate, Dugri, provided to the riot victims by the previous government had not so far been issued. Similarly, the issue of allotment of houses in CRPF Colony in Dugri was also hanging fire for quite some time now.

Those present in the meeting urged the government to take stern measures to curb the provocative activities of Noormehlia sect, headed by Ashutosh and also put Baba Piara Singh Bhaniarawala under preventive detention. Condemning the incident in Malout in which police had fired upon peaceful demonstrators, the Society demanded that the erring police officials be booked under relevant laws.

Prominent among those present in the meeting were Mr Gurdev Singh, chairman, Mr Surjit Singh Saluja, secretary, Mr Amarjit Singh Dhawan, Mr Amarjit Singh, chairman, Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Dugri, Mr Pritam Singh, Mr Sukhminder Singh Laati, Mr Gurcharan Singh, Ms Gurdeep Kaur, Ms Gurcharan Kaur, Ms Harbans Kaur, Mr Darshan Singh and Mr Devinder Singh Bittu, councillor.

Cut out like Sehwag
Asha Ahuja

Ludhiana, August 10
“Sir, could we have your autograph?” a cricket-crazy mob asked Jeewan Sharma, a look-alike of Virender Sehwag, when he visited a local restaurant last year. It was much to his surprise and he thought it was an occasional mistake on part of cricket fans, but then, it started happening time and again.

The day Jeewan realised he looked like Sehwag, things changed for him forever. Now, wherever he goes, hundreds of eyes follow him. The moment he enters a public place, cricket fans there consider it a pleasant surprise. A modest 25-year-old man of a small town, Samrala, Jeewan had never imagined that he would ever get so much of attention. His lips break into a smile when he narrates his experiences with cricket fans.

“Everyone’s first reaction is that of surprise, as they never expect Sehwag to be among them. Then, they look at me for long, to make sure that I am indeed Sehwag. However, after I reveal myself, they tell me that I look exactly like him. People have duplicates in reel lives, but it is happening to me in real life. I love cricket, but my first love is bodybuilding and my coach was the first one to tell me that I resembled Sehwag. I took his remark lightly, but, now, when children come to me for autograph, I realise how right he was,” says Jeewan.

Much as he wants to meet Sehwag, it is difficult for him to do so because he supports his mother and sister by working as a cutter in a hosiery unit. Financial constraints stop him from following Sehwag on tours, but he follows cricket matches keenly. “I wish that the Indian cricket team had super confidence in its abilities and didn’t collapse under pressure. The run-outs really disappoint the fans,” says Jeewan.

His favourite cricketers are Kapil Dev, voted the greatest Indian cricketer of the century by Wisden, Adam Gilchrist of Australia and, now of course, Sehwag. He follows Sehwag’s career keenly and wishes that he does well. He is hopeful that, somewhere, some time, he will meet his look-alike, Sehwag.

No choice, but to sue cable guys
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Win Cable and Siti Cable have an agreement that these cable TV networks will not cater to the subscriber base of each other. Persons of Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, Tagore Nagar and several other places here, who say that this violates rights of consumers, have, now, threatened to move court against the cable operators.

Dr Ajay Aggarwal, a cable TV subscriber who lives in Shaheed Udham Singh Nagar, says: “Cable TV subscribers of my colony were not satisfied with the service, but no other cable operator was willing to provide us with connections. The cable operator everyone approached said he had an agreement on this with our guy. The consumer, thus, has no choice.”

He said the cable operators charged arbitrary rates and gave a poor service. The cable operators are, thus, stifling the consumer’s liberty to choose, for which, these can be taken to consumer court. The district administration has been urged to intervene in the matter.

Helpage India, serving the old
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
“I have retired”— the words suggest inactivity and old-age. But at Helpage India, an NGO, the effort is to try and bring a new dawn in the lives of the retired and elderly.

With industrialisation and urbanisation, the traditional Indian joint families and value system have disintegrated and majority of elderly are left to fend for themselves.

Of the 77 million elderly in India, over 40 per cent are from below the poverty line, 65 per cent are widows, 90 per cent from the unorganised sector with no social security, 73 per cent are illiterate and dependent on physical labour.

The NGO is primarily dedicated towards their cause. Over two-decade old, it has supported projects worth crores.

The organisation supports over half of the old-age homes in the country, organises lakhs of cataract operations every year and tries to provide self-dependence by giving the elderly a source of income and livelihood. Over 17,000 persons are supported financially by the NGO which also provides treatment and medical facility at their doorstep with the help of mobile medicare units throughout the country.

PFA organises animal camp
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
An animal welfare-cum-awareness camp was organised by the local chapter of the People for Animals (PFA) here today. As many as 100 horses and mules were vaccinated against tetanus in the camp. They were also treated of their injuries by veterinarians led by Dr Bhupinder Singh Gill, Director, Jeev Daya Sadan. The owners were educated about keeping good care of their animals.

According to a communique from the PFA, Dr Ajay Jain and Ms Anupama Jain, both honorary Animal Welfare Officers of the Animal Welfare Board of India brought various cases of overloading of animals to the notice of the police post, Miller Ganj. Two offenders of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 were challaned by the police.

Probe ‘frauds’ in Technical Education Dept
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha, former Technical Education Minister, Punjab and MLA from Kila Raipur, has sought a probe into the frauds in the Technical Education Department and Punjab Technical University’s distance education courses.

Stating this in a press release, Mr Garcha condemned the inspection order passed by the Technical Education Department in the study centres of the PTU by principals from Gurdaspur and Bathinda. He said that while dozens of other universities, including those from Sikkim, Rohtak, Kurukshetra, Manipal, Bhopal and Rajasthan, are also conducting distance education courses in the state from centres equipped with poor infrastructure, only the PTU was blacklisted for inspection. He alleged that while the inspection teams did not find any discrepancies in the centres, they were forced to write reports against a few of them.

Mr Garcha also condemned the recent orders passed by the Principal Secretary, Technical Education, regarding restraining the PTU from holding fresh admissions to distance education courses. While the students had obtained stay on the orders from the High Court the very next day, he said that the Secretary should not have exercised such powers without the approval of the Minister of Technical Education.

Badal desperate to save corrupt: SHSAD
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
Joining issue with the former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on the issue of district-level dharnas against the Congress government being organised by his party, the Youth Wing of the Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal (SHSAD), has said that it was a desperate bid by Mr Badal to save his corrupt colleague.

In a statement, the secretary general of the wing, Mr Sukhwinderpal Singh Garcha, described the hue and cry by the SAD as an attempt to save thieves. “Mr Badal and his party functionaries are trying to save those corrupt ministers in the erstwhile SAD-BJP government, who have amassed wealth worth crores by sucking the blood of people. That Mr Badal and his family members were the main beneficiaries of the corrupt practices by the then ministers was clear enough from the confessional statement of a former SAD Minister Sucha Singh Langah, who is in jail,” he said .

Mr Garcha said, “the agitation launched by Mr Badal and his coalition partner, Bharatiya Janata Party, is a ‘chor bachao morcha’, which is aimed at misguiding the people and diverting their attention from the real villains. The then ministers, both from SAD and BJP, had crossed all limits of misuse of power and filling their personal coffers at the cost of the people in the state.”

The Akali Dal activist asked the government to hold an inquiry into the unholy nexus between Mr Badal, Langah and hard core militant Wassan Singh Zaffarwal and bring out the real truth before the people. “The people have a right to know as to how the wanted terrorist entered Punjab and why there was intelligence failure on his arrival. Further, those persons, then occupying high positions, who had played an important role in bringing Zaffarwal from abroad to Punjab, should also be exposed and brought to the book,” he added.

AIYAD’s 11-point programme for ‘new Punjab’
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, August 10
The All-India Youth Akali Dal (Badal) has announced an 11-point programme to mobilise the youth for the creation of a “new Punjab”. The programme, to be implemented under the directions and guidance of Mr Parkash Singh Badal, president, and Mr Sukhbir Badal, general secretary, of the parent organisation, would aim at preparing the youth so that they could provide a strong foundation for effective implementation of the programmes and policies of the party.

Stating this at a news conference here today, the AIYAD chief, Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, disclosed that under the 11-point programme, the party would educate the youth about history, achievements and sacrifices made by the Shiromani Akali Dal, launch an intensive campaign against drug addiction and other intoxicants, expose the self-styled babas and motivate the people to be true followers of God.

He said the party would strive for revival of religious faith based on spiritual and moral values and motivate the youth towards self-employment to make them self-reliant and self-confident. The other programmes intended to be taken up by the party in a big way include an educational campaign to highlight the need for cleaner environment and better public health and hygiene, promotion of the Punjabi culture and reconstruction of rural society, steps to strengthen grass-root level democratic institutions, drive against social evils and inculcation of patriotism and nationalism among youth.

In another significant move, Mr Dhillon, who had replaced Mr Amrik Singh Aliwal as president of the youth wing of the SAD a few months back, also came out with a list of district presidents as well as other office-bearers of the AIYAD. He announced 16 district presidents and as many as 160 other office-bearers of the party, which included 10 senior vice-presidents, one secretary-general, 27 general secretaries, 29 vice-presidents, 28 organising secretaries, nine secretaries, 18 joint secretaries, four press secretaries, four finance secretaries and five propaganda secretaries.

The following are the new office-bearers of the party:

District presidents: Mr Gurpartap Singh Tikka (Amritsar Rural), Mr Daljinder Vir Singh Virk (Amritsar Urban), Mr Sukhvir Singh Wahla (Gurdaspur), Mr Jaswinder Singh Anokharwal (Nawanshahr), Mr Jatinder Singh Lali Bajwa (Hoshiarpur), Mr Indermohan Singh Kadian (Ludhiana Rural), Mr Kanwaljit Singh Dua (Ludhiana Urban), Mr Gurinder Singh Gogi (Ropar), Mr Khushpal Singh Sarpanch (Sangrur Rural), Mr Hardip Singh (Sangrur Urban), Mr Gurpreet Singh Shergil (Fatehgarh Sahib), Mr Jaswinder Singh Jassi (Patiala Rural), Mr Mohinder Singh Virk (Ferozepore), Mr Gurchet Singh Bargari (Faridkot), Mr Gurlabh Singh (Moga Rural) and Mr Kanwaljit Singh (Moga Urban).

Senior vice-presidents: Mr Jagmohan Singh Dogranwala, Mr Kiranvir Singh Kang, Mr Manjinder Singh Kang, Mr Bikramjit Singh, Mr Rajinder Singh Sandal, Mr Avtar Singh Malla, Mr Avtar Singh Johl, Mr Satinderpal Singh Dhatt, Mr Parminderpal Singh Khalsa and Mr Ikbal Singh Sandhu.

Secretary-general: Mr Baljit Singh Neelamahal

General secretaries: Mr Chamkaur Singh Veerewal, Mr Jagdish Singh Veedowal, Mr Manpreet Singh Mani, Mr Gurdip Singh Mundian, Mr Narinder Singh Sekhwan, Mr Satnam Singh Makhu, Mr Balraj Singh Bhundar, Mr Gurpreet Singh Malooka, Mr Lakhwinder Singh Laut, Mr Balwinder Singh Sikandarmajra, Mr Faujinder Singh Mukhwailpur, Mr Kulwant Singh Joshan, Mr Tejinder Singh Salana, Mr Mohinder Singh Lehra, Mr Kashmir Singh Thind, Rana Ranbir Singh, Mr Rachpal Singh Talwara, Mr Niranjan Singh Hassanpur, Mr Ravikaran Singh Kahlon, Mr Narmal Singh Malli, Mr Nirdev Singh Aakri, Mr Nishan Singh Manianwala, Mr Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Mr Parampal Singh Sekhon Machaki, Mr Rajn Garg, Mr Nirmal Singh and Mr Harwinder Singh Kakran.

Vice-presidents: Mr Gurjit Singh Khalsa, Mr Paramjit Singh Kahlon, Mr Rachpal Singh Dhaliwal, Mr Lakhwinder Singh Lakhi, Mr Parminder Singh Pannu, Mr Sukhjinder Singh Kaoni, Mr Ranjit Singh Rana, Mr Barjinder Singh Brar, Mr Gurpreet Singh Advocate, Mr Gurmel Singh Randhawa, Mr Rajinder Singh Bhatia, Mr Kuldip Singh Aulakh, Mr Gagandeep Singh Judge, Mr Harinder Singh Garcha, Mr Harjinder Singh Laati, Mr Surjit Singh Azad, Mr Yugwinder Singh Dhaliwal, Mr Jatinderpal Singh Saluja, Mr Harprabhpal Singh Barnala, Mr Lakhbir Singh Moolechakk, Mr Kirpal Singh Arora, Mr Gurmukh Singh Tibbar, Mr Sukhjinder Singh Jaura, Mr Paramjit Singh Nawanashahr, Mr Harpeet Singh Basant, Choudhry Yash Pal, Mr Naresh Dhingan, Mr Lakhbir Singh Lucky Jaito and Mr Paramjit Singh Advocate.

Organising secretaries: Mr Gurdev Singh Bahadarke, Mr Harpeet Singh Dang, Mr Tejinder Singh Shunty, Mr Manjinderpal Singh, Mr Amritpal, Mr Karamjit Singh Urang, Mr Kulwant Singh Sandhu, Mr Rajinderpal Singh Walia, Mr Inderjit Singh Makkar, Mr Ikbal Singh, Mr Kulwinder Singh Bhatti, Mr Ranjodh Singh Padda, Mr Rajinder Kumar Sarpanch Jyotipur, Mr Harcharan Singh Chaminda Devi, Mr Bittu Gaba Isse Khan, Mr Charanjit Singh Brar, Mr Amrik Singh Bitta, Mr Karnail Singh Zeerakh, Mr Harjit Singh Walia, Mr Gurmel Singh Chhiniwal, Mr Paramjit Singh Daudhar, Mr Satwinder Singh Pandori, Mr Jarnail Singh Garhdiwala, Mr Sukhwinder Singh Sukha, Mr Tej Pal Singh Kurali, Mr Ashok Bedi, Mr Ranjit Singh Bhau, Mr Sulakhan Singh Hundal and Mr Kamaljit Singh Tuli.

Secretaries: Mr Tarsem Singh Bhinder, Mr Hardev Singh Kauns, Mr Taranjit Singh Bindra, Mr Satbir Singh Khalsa, Mr Devinder Singh Hathoor, Mr Sukhwinder Singh Kamboj, Mr Augustine Das, Mr Sarbjit Singh Chhapa and Mr Jaswant Singh Sekhon.

Joint secretaries: Mr Gurpreet Singh Khalsa, Mr Balwant Singh Kang, Mr Bakhjinder Singh Bali, Mr Baljit Singh Gobindpura, Mr Manjit Singh Raja, Mr Gurpreet Singh Cheema, Mr Karamjit Singh Josh, Mr Chhinderpal Singh Sangwal, Mr Ikbal Singh Chagla, Mr Jatinder Singh Tinku, Mr Pritpal Singh Gurugarh, Mr Ravi Grover, Mr Surjit Singh Ghanori, Mr Hardeep Singh Ghunnas, Mr Jagjit Singh Sarpanch Dhandra, Mr Ajaib Singh Bhauna, Mr Rajinderpal Singh Siraj and Mr Hardeep Kumar Moga.

Finance secretaries: Mr Sarbjit Singh Garcha, Mr Mohinder Singh Chhajjalwandi and Mr Gurdeep Singh Pindi Paint.

Press secretaries: Mr Kulwant Singh Ranike, Mr Sukhjinder Singh Bararwal Bali, Mr Navdeep Bhandari and Mr Narinder Singh Dhindsa.

Propaganda secretaries: Mr Ikbal Singh Mukhi, Mr Balwant Singh Kang, Mr Surinderpal Singh Goldy, Mr Bikramjit Singh Lucky and Mr Joginder Singh Dugri.

Members of the Working Committee: Mr Gurmeet Singh Mintu, Mr Ram Singh Dhandari, Mr Sham Singh Mangat, Mr Harjit Singh Oberoi, Mr Gurpiar Singh Dhaliwal, Mr Jaswinder Singh Barkhandi, Mr Amaljit Singh Bhatia, Mr Gurpeet Singh Vicky, Mr Rahul Dua, Mr Harjit Singh Grewal, Mr Gurdeep Singh Advocate, Mr Tejinder Singh Sandhu, Mr Sahib Singh Saabi, Mr Amarjit Singh, Mr Harpeet Singh Khalsa, Mr Shaminderjit Singh Lakhowal, Mr Harjinderpal Singh Guru, Mr Navdeep Singh Ghumman, Mr Manpreet Singh Deol, Mr Bhag Singh Sarpanch, Mr Manjit Singh, Mr Mewa Singh Sandhu, Mr Gurnam Singh Srpanch Chuharwal, Mr Sharanjit Singh Garcha and Mr Jagjit Singh Jagga.

Labourer shot at
Our Correspondent

Khanna, August 10
A migrant labourer was injured when he was shot at by some persons at his residence near a mosque in Khatikan Mohalla on Friday Night. His wife was also injured in the incident.

The victim, Gavandi, was rushed to the Civil Hospital, Khanna, from where he was referred to the CMC Hospital, Ludhiana.

The police has rounded up some migrant labourers, including two women, in this connection. A family dispute is said to be the reason behind the incident.

According to information, around 2.30 am on Friday, some persons came to his residence with firearms. They woke up the victim and shot at him. A bullet hit him on the left side.

According to the wife of the victim, Bimla, the accused had come on a scooter. She alleged that her brother, Vijay Singh, was behind the attack. The brother of victim, Ram Babu, said the victim had some dispute with Vijay Singh, five days ago, in which the victim was injured. He alleged Vijay Singh had hired some persons from Ludhiana for the attack. These persons were also migrant labourers living in the garb of Sikhs.

One migrant-turned-Sikh, identified as Narotam, has been rounded up by the police, along with Vijay and his wife, Triveni.

A police party went to Ludhiana to record the statement of the victim. No case has been registered so far.

Cash, jewellery stolen
Our Correspondent

Sahnewal, August 10
An unidentified person robbed the house of a lady at Jandiali village in broad daylight while she was not present in her house on Thursday.

According to the complainant, Gurnam Kaur, a widow, she was out of her house when an unidentified person broke open the locks of her house and stole Rs 30,000 and 1 kg of silver ornaments.

A case under Sections 454 and 380 of the IPC has been registered at Sahnewal police station but no arrests have been made so far.

Two injured: A rickshaw-puller and two other persons sitting on the rickshaw were injured and hospitalised when a truck hit them at Sahnewal Chowk on Friday.

The rickshaw-puller, Dargesh Kumar, who is admitted to Civil Hospital, Ludhiana, said that a truck (DL1-GA-3331) hit his rickshaw, thus breaking his rickshaw and injuring him and two others, Ram Nivas and Tiger. A case has been registered under Sections 279, 337, 426 and 427 of the IPC. The truck driver fled leaving the truck behind.

Knife seized: ASI Premnath of Sahnewal police station recovered a knife from the custody of Sanjay Singh, son of Jaswinder Singh, at a naka at Dharaur village yesterday. A case has been registered under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and the accused taken into custody by the police.

Traders against surcharge on power bills
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Several city-based associations, representing various trades, have condemned the levy of a 10 per cent surcharge over energy bills over Rs 2,000. In an appeal to the state government, these associations have stated that if immediate steps were not taken to reverse the decision, they would resort to an agitation.

The associations that include the Federation of Tiny and Small Industries of India, the Ludhiana Focal Point Association, the Ludhiana Electroplaters Association, the United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association and the Federation of Dyeing Association said that the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) was applying pressure tactics on the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) through the Punjab Government by declaring the closure of one or other thermal plant.

The associations said that the state government had already opposed the proposed hike of 25 to 47 per cent of the PSEB before the Regulatory Commission. The state government has also opposed the demand of 3 per cent profit put forth by the PSEB. They have now urged upon the PSERC not to hike power tariff as the saleable cost per unit comes to Rs 2.60 paise, whereas the PSEB is already charging more than the delivered cost from SPMS and LS connections.

Navrang ventures into furniture trade
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 10
Navrang Enterprises leading traders of electronic appliances have ventured into the furniture trade. The group in collaboration with Ozurt Systems Private Limited has launched the Truzo brand of furniture and would be the sole distributors for Punjab and Chandigarh.

Addressing a press conference, before the launch, Mr Varun Goel and Mr Amit Goel, Directors, Navrang group, announced that it would be imported furniture in the price range aimed for affluent and upper middle classes.

The showroom would be inaugurated tomorrow by Mr Rajesh Aggarwal, the managing director of Ozurt System.