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SSPs of Ferozepore, Ropar told to hand over charge Chandigarh, April 16 The senior-most police officers present at Ropar and Ferozepore would function in their absence, said sources in the Home Department. Going into the background of the matter, sources disclosed that the two officers were ordered to be shifted on April 6. But the charge was not relinquished by the two on the ground that the transfer orders had not been served on them. Punjab’s Additional Director General of Police (Operations) Shashi Kant — in charge of the election cell — was not available for comments. The two officers could also not be contacted for their version. Complying with the directions issued by the Election Commission, the Governor had earlier ordered Mr Surinderpal Singh to join as Superintendent of Police (Vigilance Bureau). Mr Chahal was, meanwhile, directed to be posted as Superintendent of Police (Chief Minister’s Security). Soon after passing the orders, the names of six officers were recommended by the Home Department to the Chief Election Officer for posting as SSPs of Ropar and Ferozepore. The officers, sources at the Punjab Police Headquarters confirmed, were Mr Gautam Cheema, Mr Rakesh Ahir, Mr Siva Kumar Verma, Mr Kumar Vijay Partap, Mr Rakesh Aggarwal and Mr Nelabh Kishore. The action against the two SSPs, sources maintained, was initiated on the basis of complaints filed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The members had alleged a violation of the election code in the state. |
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Congress to screen films on corruption by SAD govt Chandigarh, April 16 PPCC President H.S. Hanspal and Finance Minister Lal Singh were also present. A word with drivers of these ''media'' vehicles did not reveal much except that these were hired by different districts transport officers through truck unions. The drivers or cleaners or even the sound system boys accompanying the vehicles would not even reveal the constituency they were assigned to or the terms of their contract. ''We have been told that food and diesel will be given to us,'' whispered one of them before being asked by the Chief Minister's security personnel to get into their vehicles. Each van carries banners with pictures of Ms Sonia Gandhi and Capt Amarinder Singh with the slogan, ''Hath nal hath milao, Congress nu vote pao''. In the backdrop is the Congress flag. The TV sets have been mounted on makeshift platforms. Talking to media persons, the Chief Minister said the media vans would screen specially made documentaries that would expose the corruption indulged in by the previous SAD-BJP government and the campaign would be Badal-centric, showing how people in high places had indulged in corruption. These documentaries would also highlight the achievements of the government in the past two years. The main focus of the campaign would be efforts made to eradicate corruption from the politico-administrative system and steps taken by the government to make Punjab an investor-friendly state. Asked if the perceived ''non-performance'' of his government would help the Opposition get votes, Capt Amarinder Singh said, ''We will sweep the poll on the strength of our programmes initiated after assuming office. The feedback was that there was neither resentment nor hate against the government as was being falsely propagated by the Akalis and the BJP.'' He listed some of the achievements and took credit for smooth, swift and hassle-free procurement in the last rabi and kharif seasons or how the government had educated different factions of the Bharatiya Kisan Union about the constraints. ''Now even the Centre has relented and our sugar is being lifted. Beginning May 1, the outgo will be four lakh bags per month. This will release the parked money, worth Rs 535 crore to make payment to the sugarcane growers''. The Chief Minister ignored the question on the state of the financial health and also if the regular budget in June would show government intentions on additional resource mobilisation. |
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Panel to oversee Punjab Youth Congress affairs Chandigarh, April 16 Though some of the members of the Coordination Committee maintained that their first meeting had been convened at Punjab Congress Bhavan here tomorrow, sources in the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) denied knowledge of the meeting. Mr B.K. Hari Prasad, Secretary, All-India Congress Committee, was to preside over the meeting. PPCC sources, however, confirmed that the Coordination Committee had been set up but refused to reveal the names of those who had been taken on it. Announcement about its composition has come a few days after Mr Randeep Surjewala resigned as the IYC chief in protest against denial of party ticket to him for contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Hisar. The Indian Youth Congress chief, Mr Randeep Surjewala, had appointed Mr Raminder Singh Awla of Guru Harsahai (Ferozepore) in February this year to stir a hornet’s nest. Most of the senior Youth
Congress leaders aspiring for the top position in the PYCC unleashed a powerful attack against the new incumbent accusing him and his family of involvement in various criminal cases. The appointment was made in consultation with Mr Mukul Wasnik, a former IYC chief, and Secretary, AICC. Upset over the appointment, many delegations called on the senior party leaders, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi, and submitted memoranda, containing copies of the First Information Reports (FIRs) and other documents pertaining to alleged criminal record of Mr Awla. The AICC had been dilly-dallying appointment of a new PYCC chief. The previous chief, Mr Devinder Singh Babbu, now named in a
murder case, is absconding. Before going underground, he had put in his papers. But his successor, Mr Raminder Awla, too got into a controversy. Though Mr Awla submitted a detailed note to Mr Oscar
Fernandes, a Secretary of AICC, explaining his position with regard to various cases against his family, the
agitated senior leaders insisted on withdrawal of his appointment. As the youth leaders persisted with their demand, the AICC found a way out by entrusting the responsibility to a Coordination Committee to run the affairs of the PYCC. The appointment of Mr Awla, however, remains intact. According to sources, those named on the committee are Mr Gurkirat Singh Kotli, a grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, Ravinder Sharma (Gurdaspur), Amandeep
Cheema (Gurdaspur), Rocky Bhardwaj (Jalandhar), Bobby Sehgal (Ludhiana)
and Jagjeet Singh Dhanuala (Sangrur). |
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Amarinder asked to appear in court Chandigarh, April 16 The order was issued by Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) C.L. Mohal. Mr Sukhbir Badal, son of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Parkash Singh Badal, had filed a complaint against Capt Amarinder Singh, on February 4, 2002, under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. He had alleged that Capt Amarinder Singh, who was then President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), had defamed him by giving an advertisement in newspapers, alleging that his father had bartered Punjab’s river waters to Haryana in lieu of 22 acres at Gurgaon. A jubilant Sukhbir, talking to the media asked the Chief Minister to apologise for defaming him and his party. ‘‘Today’s order has vindicated our stand that Capt Amarinder is a liar. He has defamed us and my party and he should apologise for the same’’, he said. A local court had framed defamation charges last year against the Chief Minister in an another criminal complaint against him by Mr Parkash Singh Badal. Mr
Sukhbir Badal had alleged that he had been defamed in the “eyes of his relatives, colleagues and friends” by Capt Amarinder through a “defamatory” advertisement in different newspapers, claiming that Mr Parkash Singh Badal had “mortgaged the SYL waters to Haryana Chief Minister Mr Om Prakash Chautala in lieu of a 22-acre plot in Gurgaon (Haryana) valued at Rs 500 crore”. |
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Congress can’t exploit evidence, says Badal Wadala (Jalandhar), April 16 Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Democratic) chief, Mr Kuldip Singh Wadala, announced the merger of his party with the SAD headed by Mr Badal, who welcomed Mr Wadala and said the merger would strengthen the party in Doaba. Mr Badal said the evidence collected by the bureau was “case property” and hence could not be used in the campaign as announced by the Punjab Chief Minister during his visit to the city on April 14. “I have moved an application in a Ropar court to get the necessary directions issued to the state government and the bureau, which is working as a tool of the Chief Minister. Besides this, all ‘proofs’ collected by the bureau are fake,” said Mr Badal. He said the Congress lacked poll issues and was indulging in mud-slinging. The government had failed to prove its allegations against him that he and his family had collected property worth Rs 3500 crore, he added. “The Chief Minister has given a free hand to a group of officials to tarnish my image by registering false cases,” said Mr Badal. His party was yet to take a decision on the extension of support to the Indian National Lok Dal, he said. Speaking at the function organised to announce the merger of the SAD (D), Mr Badal said he was happy to see Mr Wadala back in the party fold. He recalled that it was Mr Wadala who had supported him in becoming the President of the SAD for the first time. Mr Naresh Gujral, SAD candidate from Jalandhar, said Mr Wadala was a close associate of his father and he was happy to see the homecoming of his “Chachaji”. Meanwhile, the Indian Ex-Services League (Punjab chapter) and the All-India Defence Brotherhood extended support to the SAD. This was announced by the league president, Col J.S. Mand (retd), and Brig Harbans Singh (retd), president of the defence brotherhood, in the presence of Mr Badal at the media centre of the SAD here. |
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Sukhbir accepts Amarinder’s challenge Bathinda, April 16 “I accept the challenge of Capt. Amarinder Singh of having a debate on any issue with him. Capt. Amarinder Singh can arrange the debate at a place of his choice and I will be there,” said Mr Sukhbir Badal while reacting to the statement of Capt. Amarinder Singh that Mr Parkash Singh Badal was avoiding a debate with him. Mr Sukhbir Badal, while talking to TNS, pointed out that his father had not run away from any debate. He added that it was a question of protocol and Mr Badal being the head of a party could have a debate only with head of another political party but Capt. Amarinder Singh was not heading any party. He pointed out that if Capt. Amarinder Singh was serious about the debate, then he should accept “my offer and decide the venue and time of debate according to his convenience.” He said Capt. Amarinder Singh had been avoiding facing the people during the election campaign of his party candidates and asked “how would he (Capt. Amarinder Singh) be able to participate in an open debate”? “Why has he been skipping important functions being organised by the Congress and spending most of his time in New Delhi when he should have made his presence felt in Punjab?” asked Mr Sukhbir Badal. He said Capt. Amarinder Singh was doing so because he had no agenda and feared that he would have to face the wrath of people for his “misrule” in the past more than two years. On the other hand, Mr Parkash Singh Badal had been going to the people in the state without any hesitation because he had given people-oriented rule when he headed the SAD-BJP coalition government in Punjab from 1997 to 2002, said Mr Sukhbir Badal. He urged Capt. Amarinder Singh to come out of the shell and leave “comforts” to serve the people of Punjab who had brought him to power by falling prey to the false promises made by him during the last Assembly elections. |
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Revolt makes things
tough for Dhindsa Sangrur, April 16 The SAD group of Dirba, having the patronage of Mr Baldev Singh Mann, SAD General Secretary and confidant of Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Andhra Pradesh, closed the election office of Mr Dhindsa at Dirba yesterday on the pretext that the group of Mr Gurbachan Singh Bachi, supporter of Mr Dhindsa, which had opened a parallel election office at Dirba, had made some comments against Mr Mann and his supporters. Activists of the Sherpur mandal of the BJP decided not to campaign for Mr Dhindsa, alleging that Mr Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Sherpur MLA, in the presence of Mr Dhindsa, had made some comments against Sherpur BJP leaders on the occasion of the opening of the election office of Mr Dhindsa at Sherpur a couple of days back. Mr Ajaib Singh Khetla, senior vice-president of the district unit of the SAD and convener of the 31-member committee formed to run the agitation for ousting Mr Bachi and his supporters from the SAD at a meeting on March 1 at Dirba, said today that the decision to close down the election office of Mr Dhindsa at Dirba was the decision of the 31-member committee. He said they would not campaign for Mr Dhindsa in the Dirba constituency till Mr Dhindsa did not take action against Mr Bachi and his supporters. He claimed that Mr Mann was not associated with the election office closure. Mr Satwant Singh Punia, president of the Sangrur district unit of the BJP, said the Sherpur unit of the BJP had brought the Kanjhla incident to his notice, but he had asked leaders of the Sherpur unit not to take such a hasty step as their grievances would be redressed soon. Mr Kanjhia could not be contacted. |
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He dares to put his money where his mouth is Amritsar, April 16 Talking to this correspondent, Mr Madanjeet Singh said the aim behind the foundation was to promote regional cooperation and peace through education and developing friendship among the people of South Asia. He said the main activities of the SAF were in conformity with the spirit of the SAARC Charter. Mr Madanjeet Singh pointed out that the SAF was working to expand grassroots educational programmes by launching post-graduate diploma courses on environment and sustainable development jointly designed by top faculty members of South-Asian open universities spearheaded by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). This programme had been launched at the third SAF general conference held in New Delhi in December last year, which he described as a landmark in distance learning. He said the next conference would be held in Pakistan in February next year. Talking about the simultaneous launch of 10,000 scholarships throughout the eight SAARC nations today to commemorate his 80th birthday, the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador said that out of these 8,000 would be given to Indian students, including the underprivileged youngsters from the SAF-affiliated SOS Villages and Scout associations. He said the foundation had set strict norms for selections, which would be conducted on the basis of the academic record while maintaining gender equality and ethnic balance. Mr Madanjeet Singh said he had a vision to make South-Asian countries a strong and prosperous union on the lines of the European Union. The Ambassador said he was greatly influenced by the Rome treaty of 1953 that made two warring countries, France and Germany, give to up hostilities. Inspired by the bond that the two countries together, Mr Madanjeet Singh had the wish that India and Pakistan too shed their animosity and turn this region into an area of peace and prosperity. Born in Lahore on April 16, 1924, after completing his post-graduation from Government College, Lahore, Mr Madanjeet Singh was involved in many cultural activities. He said the Indian-born Nobel laureates, Dr Hargobind Khurana and Dr Talwar, were his contemporaries in college. The Partition had left an indelible mark on his psyche and he volunteered to work in a refugee camp in Delhi while studying as a post-graduate student in technical chemistry. In 1953, he joined the Indian Foreign Service and served as Ambassador in Asia, South America, Africa and Europe before joining UNESCO in 1982. He founded the SAF in 2000 and for it kept aside US $ 200 million, which came from the wealth generated by the sale of stocks of Art Technology Group, an American software company promoted by his son, Mr Jeet Singh, who was also a trustee of the SAF. Dr Madanjeet Singh said he had visualised the formation of a South-Asian union and even named its currency, “SASIA”. He also planned to write a book on SASIA, to be published in all SAARC languages. |
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Pak Sikhs perform kirtan at Khadoor Sahib Khadoor Sahib, April 16 A jatha of 534 Sikh devotees, comprising women and children had reached Khadoor Sahib from Pakistan. The jatha is led by Mr Mahesh Singh Khalsa Chairman of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Singh Sabha, Kashmore, District Jacobabad, Singh. Baba Sewa Singh, chief organiser of the celebrations, welcomed the jatha in Darbar Sahib and honoured the jatha members with Siropas. Earlier, a high tech multimedia Sikh museum on LCD touch screens was inaugurated by Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Akal Takht. The museum is the first of its kind in the world. It has four LCD touch screens which provide vast information about the Sikh history and religion, Sikh generals, Gurmukhi script, Sikh scriptures and sports. The LCD screens can be operated with the touch of a finger and have main menu in three languages — Hindi, Punjabi and English. It has subject matter of approximately 50,000 pages. A robot would narrate the Sikh history to the devotees in a unique way. Apart from the LCD screens, the museum hall also has portraits related to the life of Guru Angad Dev. After the inauguration of the museum Bhai Gurdas Mini Auditorium was also inaugurated. This 300 sq feet area auditorium is equipped with multimedia projector and computer. A documentary on the “Bohar”, an old tree on the premises of the gurdwara, was also shown to the visitors on the occasion. In this documentary, the 600-year-old Bohar tree explains its experiences during its life span of 600 years. Meanwhile, three different processions started from Dera Baba Nanak and Matte di Serai (Muktsar). A number of ‘langars’ and ‘chhabils’ were organised by Baba Jagtar Singh of ‘Kar Sewa Wale’ and other Sikh institutions at many places. The organisers did not allow holding of any political function. However, senior leaders of different political parties, including the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh and Mr Parkash Singh Badal would visit the city on April 18 — the last day of the celebrations. Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, secretary, SGPC who inaugurated the Bhai Gurdas mini auditorium, said the committee would help in raising ‘Minar-e-”Sikhi’ and Gurmukhi Park to commemorate the contribution of the second Sikh Guru. |
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Remove visa curbs, says Pak jatha leader Tarn Taran, April 16 Mr Mahesh Singh Khalsa, leader of 500 Pakistani Sikh jatha, while talking to this correspondent at Khadoor Sahib, expressing
gratitude to the Sikhs in India for the love and affection shown to the jatha members. |
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Play on Jallianwala Bagh tragedy Amritsar , April 16 The author of the play wondered as to why no effort had been made to make ‘Jallianwala Bagh’ a national monument in the true sense though it has been considered as symbol of nation’s freedom movement by the masses. The play, ‘Jallianwala’ is the first-ever attempt to touch various aspects of the massacre . The only effort made in the past was ‘Khooni Baisakhi’ , a book of Punjabi poetry authored by Nanak Singh Kavisher in 1920 which was banned by the British Government . noted playwright Surjit Singh Sethi wrote ‘Kal Vi Suraj Nahin Charhega’ (sun won’t rise tomorrow) which had also failed to do in-depth study of the massacre. Based on historical facts , Dr Sheharyar presented the history of Jallianwala Bagh in a unique way . Incidentally, ‘Jallianwala’ has been published by the Nanak Singh Pustakmala , owned by Mr Kulbir Singh Suri , son of the great novelist -Nanak Singh. the play covered the events like honouring of General Dyer - the villain of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy at Akal Takht by Jathedar Aroor Singh, beating of Ms Sherwood, a Christian preacher, by certain unidentified persons in Amritsar and then looked after by the locals . Giving the life sketch of Dr Kitchlew , the author of ‘Jallianwala’ states that though he (Dr Kitchlew) was an ardent believer of Islam , he sincerely worked for Hindu-Muslim unity in the country . ‘I fired and continued to fire until the crowd dispersed, and I consider this is the least amount of firing which would produce the necessary effect. If more troops had been at hand the casualties would have been greater in proportion’ , thunders General Dyer after killing 379 natives and wounding 1200 others. The author says it was a deliberate and a calculated massacre . The author of the play mentions the speech of Dr Kitchlew delivered after the Jallianwala Bagh incident which reads , “This is a day of rejoicing. This day created a new age. This day made us one. Hindus and Muslims are not two, the only difference is that one party calls God ‘parmeshwar’ and the second calls Him ‘Allah’. The inhabitants of India are the product of this land. How can we be separated ?”. When water was being served at the local railway station as ‘Hindu pani and ‘Muslim Pani’ , Dr Kitchlew was instrumental in serving water to members of both the communities from the same pitcher. |
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US ready to renegotiate
with India Chandigarh, April 16 Giving a clear indication in this connection, Mr Chad R. Russel, Agricultural Counsellor for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the US Embassy at Delhi, said here today that the US had been making efforts for a breakthrough on the issues that had led to the impasse at the Cancun conference. “We are ready to appreciate as well as address the concerns of the Indian Government on agricultural issues which in the eyes of Indian authorities are sensitive”, said the official. “But all this would be subject to negotiations. India can prepare a list of sensitive issues which can be discussed across the table. And the US won’t mind if India retains a higher level of tariff on items such as food grains,” Mr Russel said. But on the non-listed products, India would have to lower the tariff to provide US access to the Indian market, he said. The US provides about $200 billion to its farmers annually in subsidies and other financial support. However, the US and the European Union had refused to accept the plea of the G-20 and asked the developing countries to shelve various tariffs on agriculture products to provide the US and the EU access to their markets. The US official said he was optimistic of a breakthrough in the deadlock. “As a serious discussion on agriculture-related trade in the WTO started only a few years ago, these are only teething problems. In due course, everything will be resolved”, Mr Russel
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Preneet harps on development Patiala, April 16 Speaking at a rally held at ward No 16 here today, she said the city had been neglected for decades and people were living without basic civic amenities. Addressing the gathering, a former MP, Mr Sant Ram Singla, said it was for the first time that PPSC former Chairman Ravi Sidhu and former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal came under the scrutiny of the vigilance. The district congress president, Mr Ved Parkash Gupta, alleged that due to wrong economic policies of the previous government, the state government was paying huge debt. Meanwhile, nine employees’ union today announced to join the Congress. The associations are: the Punjab Pradesh Employee Federation, the Punjab Power Employee Association, the Punjab Technical Employee Association, the Punjab Kirti Dal, the Punjab Kranti Maha Sang, the Helpline Club Patiala, the Punjab Patwar Union and the Punjab Diploma Holder Association. Earlier, Ms Preneet Kaur accompanied by the Finance Minister, Lal Singh, inaugurated an election office at Sanaour.  |
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Capt Kanwaljit dubs CM
autocrat Patiala, April 16 While addressing a gathering of around 800 teachers from different parts of the constituency under the banner “Adhyapak Dal” in New Mehar Singh Colony here, Capt Kanwaljit Singh said no government could function effectively without the active support of employees. He added that the Congress government had failed to work for employees, therefore, the Chief Minister had lost the right to rule the state. He appealed the teachers to vote for him and Mr Surjit Singh Rakhra, MLA, Samana said the Congress government had failed on all fronts and was responsible for inflation that had made the life of people of the state miserable. The president, Adhyapak Dal, Mr Harpal Singh
Teja, said that Capt Amarinder Singh government had failed to honour its promises like relaxing the ban on recruitment. |
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Punjab Cong told to back CPI candidate fully Bathinda, April 16 It is learnt that the high command is contemplating to ask Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also to accompany Ms Bhora to the Returning Officer. Dr Joginder Dyal, state secretary of the CPI, said the poor show at Talwandi Sabo had caused concern in the Congress high
command as well as the CPI. He said his party had conveyed to the “right quarters” that defeat in the Bathinda constituency would benefit the “communal forces” which were trying to grab power again. Dr Dyal said the CPI was expecting full support from the Congress and if it played any mischief, it would have to pay the price. At a meeting of Congress and CPI workers held here today, an election campaign committee had been constituted, which included a number of MLAs and former ministers of the Congress and other senior leaders. |
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Umeed Foundation being used for canvassing: Mann Sangrur, April 16 Mr Mann told The Tribune over the phone that the foundation had paid workers in the villages and these workers were campaigning for Mr Khanna. Thus Mr Khanna was using a humanitarian organisation for political purpose Mr Mann alleged. Mr Mann said the foundation had been set up for humanitarian purpose and it gets funds from donors, NGOs and from abroad. Mr Mann asked the Income Tax authorities to check the UKF’s accounts. He also asked Mr Khanna to come clean on the foundation. Mr Arvind Khanna, some days ago had clarified that the foundation was not helping him financially, rather he was helping it. He had also claimed that since the setting up of the UKF in 1998, 99 per cent funds had been provided to it by his family or friends. On the death of 22 women in Lucknow during the distribution of saris during Mr Lalji Tandon’s birthday celebrations, Mr Mann said the BJP was playing with the sentiments of the poor by distributing saris. |
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YC chief for ticket to Surjewala Phagwara, April 16 Talking to newsmen here, Mr Amla pleaded that party should give ticket to Mr Surjewala who should also review his decision. Mr Surjewala had done hard work for the Youth Congress and deserved the ticket, he claimed. His protest was justified, said Mr Amla. Mr Surjewala tendered his resignation on April 12 to Mr Oscar Fernandes, AICC General Secretary, In charge Front Organisations. He hoped that the Congress would not overlook Mr Surjewala. He declared that Youth Congress activists in Punjab would hold ward-wise and booth-wise election meetings in support of Congress candidates in Lok Sabha election. |
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Beopar Mandal unhappy with Congress Faridkot, April 16 Criticising indifferent attitude of the state government for not meeting any demand of the trading community or fulfilling promises made by the ruling party before the last Assembly elections, the mandal was under great pressure to oppose Congress candidates in the elections said Mr Bimal Gupta Patron of the mandal here yesterday. He added that many deputations of the traders including the senior representatives of the mandal met the Chief Minister in the recent past to draw his attention towards traders grievances but without result. |
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BSP nominee files papers Amritsar, April 16 Mr Raminder Singh, Deputy Commissioner-cum-returning officer, addressing a meeting of liaison officers, said video recording of all election activities would be conducted. The maintenance of expenditure registers by all candidates on a daily basis, would be ensured, he said. Three election observers each were appointed by the Election Commission of India for Amritsar and Tarn Taran. Mr Rakesh Gupta, Mr Sanjiv Kumar Mittal and Mr Rajneesh Goel were observers for Amritsar and Mr Sanjiv Gangadhar Dewalwar, Mr Ajay Kumar and Mr Manoranjan Sharan for
Tarn Taran. |
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2 file papers in Punjab Chandigarh, April 16 According to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the papers from the Amritsar parliamentary constituency were filed by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Ram Sharan Pal. Independent candidate Sham Lal filed his papers from Bathinda. The affidavits submitted by the two candidates regarding their asserts and background, were not made available. Officials asserted that the affidavits would be handed over only after the last date of withdrawal on April 26. |
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Independent files papers Bathinda, April 16 He declared that he had Rs 7,000 and nothing else. In the affidavits filed before the returning officer, he claimed that he had no house, no vehicle, no bank balance, no commercial or agriculture property and no other assets which could be measured in money. He claimed that neither was any criminal case pending against him, nor had he faced any criminal case before. |
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Annual Urs begins at Rauza Sharif Fatehgarh Sahib, April 16 Touching scenes were witnessed at the station as pilgrims were emotional to see their highest religious place. Mr Sayeed Abdula Bukhari, Sahi Imam, Jama Masjid, New Delhi, is also coming here tomorrow to pay obeisance. Urs, which is celebrated in the memory of great Sufi Saint Sheikh Ahmad Farooqui Sirhindi, will continue till April 19. Thousands of Naqushabandi Muslims from India and abroad are expected to pay their homage at Rauza Sharif, which is regarded as next to Mecca by Sunni Muslims all over the world. Meanwhile, the district administration has made all arrangements for Urs. A mela officer has been deputed and a dispensary will work round the clock. A bank counter for exchange of currency has been set up. Mr Shiv Kumar, SSP, said all pilgrims, particularly foreigners, would be provided adequate security. |
Plea to SGJC on Tohra’s widow Amritsar, April 16 They urged the judicial commission that both Bibi Joginder Kaur (widow) and Bibi Kuldip Kaur (daughter), being legal heirs of Tohra, should be made party. The applications were moved under Section 22, Rule 4, Section 151, CPC, of the Sikh Gurdwara Act. |
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Demand to shift
EVMs from college auditorium Amritsar, April 16 Principal Dr P.S. Bedi, said that he had written several letters to the Election Commission and as the state-election department to remove EVMs’ from the college premises. which The EVMs were stored here since last Assembly elections held in 2002. Dr Bedi said that a team of the state-Election Department had visited the college to shift the EVMs to another place but with announcement of Lok Sabha elections the decision had been deferred till the election was over. |
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5 pilgrims killed in accident Hoshiarpur, April 16 The deceased were identified as Joginder Singh (55) of Gurdaspur, Paramjit Kaur (28), Gian Singh (55), Nikka (25) and Shakuntla (40), all of Tanda Ram Sahai. The victims were coming from Gurdwara Santsar, Chandigarh, after attending a Baisakhi festival there. |
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Employees demand wheat loan Khanna, April 16 He demanded wheat loan of Rs 5,000 for each employees. |
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Construction of shops stayed Amritsar, April 16 The item deals with an approval sought for the construction of shops worth crores by Sri Durgiana Management Committee. The prime land on which the shops were being constructed was leased from the corporation to construct a primary school. The Local Government Department demanded an explanation from the corporation on the alleged illegal construction. Mr K.S. Kang, Commissioner of the corporation, said it would soon file a reply to the department giving reasons and details. The 12 shops were being constructed on 972 sq yards of prime land leased to the temple management by the corporation in 2002 after approval from the House in 2001 to build a primary school. The matter was first highlighted in The Tribune on January 18. The issue was raised by Mr S.S. Sharma, social activist. The corporation had admitted to the alleged violation by the Durgiana committee and had also made a request to the District Magistrate on December 3, 2003, and again on January 13, 2004, seeking police force to demolish the construction. However, the MC later put up the matter for approval in a House meeting. The corporation would also have to file a reply to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on a writ petition filed by Mr Sharma on the issue. The high court had observed that the Commissioner and the corporation “will see that the express terms and conditions of the lease are not breached by the Durgiana committee, which is a respondent along with six others in the case.” The commissioner said the reply would be filed soon as the next date of hearing was April 26. |
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High Court Chandigarh, April 16 In the petition filed through its president advocate Ranjan Lakhanpal, the human rights body has said that due to the high profile of those involved in the car, a fair investigation did not seem possible. Therefore, the case be handed over to the CBI. The petitioner has pointed out that the car, belonging to Mr Chahal and being reportedly driven by his son, had hit the scooter, resulting in the death of a woman pillion rider. Despite this, no FIR had been registered against those in the car. But Amandeep Singh, driving the scooter, had been booked. Alleging that events so far had shown that the police was playing a partisan role in the matter, the petitioner has said that the even though initial reports talked of the car being driven by Mr Chahal’s son, later the entire case was twisted to show that the car was being driven by a journalist. |
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Advocate charges DSP, SHO with trespass Kapurthala, April 16 Mr Sandhu alleged that on April 9 night all police officials allegedly entered his house by scaling the wall of his house and abused him. They allegedly gave him lathi blows and took him to police station where they allegedly coerced him into withdrawing the case got registered by him in connection with theft in his house against his neighbours. He alleged that his neighbours were supporters of the Congress and had the patronage of local Congress leader. Mr S.S. Dhaliwal, CJM, adjourned the complaint for April 30 for further evidence. |
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Multi-crore project on Attari railway station upgradation Amritsar April 16 The project has been mooted to advance infrastructure to the state-of-the-art level, with a restaurant or snack bar on the anvil in centrally air-conditioned surroundings of the railway platform. Mr M.S. Negi Customs Commissioner, said the plan to have air-conditioning at platforms 2 and 3 was envisaged in view of security concerns due to the running of the Samjhauta Express and the special trains plying to and from Pakistan, besides the international standards, computerisation and sensitive equipment. The project included increase in seating capacity from 100 to nearly 500, a high kilowatt substation for uninterrupted power supply, five more X-ray machines and doubling the number of toilets from 10 to 20. Electrical wiring and fittings, would be overhauled and 350 trolleys would be added to the existing 130. A medical clinic would be set up at the railway station and medical staff deputed. The mesh wire between the local and international rail tracks would be removed to make way for a concrete enclosure. The Punjab State Electricity Board, the Ministry of Health, and the water works department would undertake the project. The project had been forwarded to the Central Public Works Department by the Customs Commissioner for cost estimates on the project which would run into crores. A preliminary survey was conducted last month by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of home Affairs. Final details would be worked out at a high-level meeting between the Home, Finance and Railway Ministries shortly. Mr Negi would represent the Finance Ministry while the Divisional Railway Manager, Ferozepore, would represent the Railways and officials of the Intelligence Bureau would attend as representatives of the ministry of Home Affairs. Kharar council to get water from colonisers Kharar, April 16 The House agreed to make payment of the power bills to the colonisers for the water that would be drawn from these tubewells. The councillors said that since these colonies were thinly populated at present, the colonisers could easily spare water which could help in meeting the shortage. The president of the civic body, Mr Charanjit Singh, and the Executive Officer, Mr Jagjit Singh Sahi, had earlier held a meeting with four colonisers and requested them to give excess water from their tubewells to the town during the summer months. The House also decided that in future sanitation work would not be allotted to those contractors who had failed to provide satisfactory work. Councillors said that sanitation was in a state of neglect in the town and the new contract in this regard for the 12 wards should be given only through an open auction. A three-member sub-committee was constituted under whose supervision material for streetlights would be purchased. The House cleared the proposal to spend Rs 5 lakh to bring about an improvement in the condition of streetlights. Sodium bulbs and mercury tubes and other material was to be purchased by the civic body. The House also cleared the proposal to collect fees from the authorities of market committee for using the Dasehra Ground area for holding Apni Mandi. The council is purchasing a fogging machine for the town, apart from an air conditioner for office use. It was also decided that a clerk and a sevadar of the council would be available in the office to the public even on holidays. They could be given a compensatory leave on some other day. The House has decided to use one acre, out of the seven acres of land freed from illegal possession last month, for making a cattle pound. |
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Pollution board officials take samples from
ghee factory Kharar, April 16 Residents of the village had made a complaint to the pollution board to take action against the factory as it was allegedly creating pollution in the area. Mr S.P. Garg, Executive
Engineer with the board, told The Tribune, that a number of officials, including members of the scientific team from Patiala had visited the factory. Different types of samples, including those of the underground water, of the smoke from the chimney, ambient air levels etc were collected by officials. These, he said, had been sent to Patiala for analysis. A report in this regard would be given by officials in about 10 days. Residents of Khanpur had complained that the factory had been set up in the residential area and the air, water and noise pollution created by it had made their lives miserable. |
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Ropar, April 16 The nomination papers can be obtained from the office of the SDM, Ropar. The scrutiny of the papers would be carried out on April 24 and the candidate can withdraw their
nominations till April 26, she said.
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Carrying of fire arms banned Ropar, April 16 |
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Four booked over dowry death Hoshiarpur, April 16 Mr Balkar Chand of Dadwan village under the Deena Nagar police station alleged in his complaint that his daughter Naresh Kaur was poisoned to death by her husband and members of his family yesterday. He said Naresh Kaur was married to Balwinder Singh of Chhani Anand village on November 5, 2000, and he gave sufficient dowry. He alleged that soon after marriage her husband, father-in-law Kishan Singh, mother-in-law Surjit Kaur and brother-in-law Hari Singh started demanding more dowry and he gave them a motor cycle. He added that later they started demanding a Maruti car and when he did not fulfil the demand, they started beating up and torturing Naresh Kaur. He said his daughter informed his son over the telephone yesterday that her husband and other members of his family beat her up mercilessly and gave her poison in food. He said on receiving this information, they went to Chhani Anand village, from where they came to know that Naresh Kaur was admitted to the civil hospital at Mukerian, where on reaching, they found her dead. The police registered a case under Sections 304-B and 34 of the IPC against the four persons. |
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One held for tampering with gaushala land records Kapurthala April 16 Addressing a press conference here today, the Chairman of the Gaushala Action Committee, Mr Jagdish Kataria, said the SSP, Mr
S.K. Asthana, had given assurance to the members of the action committee that the remaining four suspects — District Revenue Officer Madan Lal, Naib Saidar Kanungo and two others — would be arrested within a week as the police had got non-bailable warrants against them from a judicial court. Following the assurance from the SSP, the action committee has decided to call off the agitation that was to be held on April 17 to protest against the police inaction. The action committee members thanked the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Rakesh Kumar Verma, for providing amended record of the gaushala land. |
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Teachers’ body ‘harming’ image of college Bathinda, April 16 In a memorandum signed by 46 faculty members of the college, submitted to the Principal Secretary, Technical Education and Information Technology, the staff members alleged that the so-called association had been working in an undemocratic fashion. They alleged that no general body meeting or elections to the body had been held for the past five years. In the memorandum, they alleged that the association had been hijacked by some vested interests and that the image of the institute was being harmed continuously. they added that the association had failed to take up the career advancement scheme for college teachers. Differences arose among faculty members after the college authorities ordered the cancellation of deputation of five staff members, who suspected that a section of the faculty members were behind the cancellation. They suspected that a section of faculty members had tried to frustrate their attempts to get a stay against the cancellation. Mr Lalit Mohan, secretary of the association, said no office-bearer of the association had ever issued any irresponsible or damaging statement. He claimed that all statements issued by the association were corroborated with documentary evidence. He claimed that the general body meetings of the association were being held regularly and all record in this connection was available. A section of employees whose deputation had been cancelled by the college authorities had been taken back in their respective postings. This followed a stay on orders of the college Principal. |
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Technical education
board to hold JET on June 13 Jalandhar, April 16 The decision had been taken during a meeting of the principals of the government-aided and unaided polytechnics of Punjab and Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Prof. Sachal Mahajan, the Chairperson of the board. Mr H.S. Nanda, Secretary of the board, said the prospectus for the JET — 2004 would be available at all designated branches of the State Bank of Patiala and the institutions affiliated to the board from April 22 onwards. The details regarding the availability of the prospectus could also be had at the board’s website www.punjabteched.com. He said the last date for the submission of the completed application forms would be May 8 while the admit cards would be issued by May 27. In case the applicants failed to receive the admit cards by May 31, duplicate admit cards would be issued on June 1 and 2 at the board’s Chandigarh office, he added. Giving details about the future prospects of diploma holders, Mr Nanda said the diploma could be an alternate avenue for such students for joining the IInd year B.Tech courses in reputed engineering colleges through Later Engineering Entrance Test (LEET) conducted by various universities. “We have published a refresher with all details of benefits for candidates appearing in the JET. These refreshers are available in the designated branches of the State Bank of Patiala and board related institutions,” said Mr Nanda. |
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Research student alleges harassment, probe ordered Patiala, April 16 Sources said Neetu Rani had submitted an affidavit to the authorities alleging that she was ‘harassed’ by guide, Prof Nirmal Singh Azad. The sources said the student had been working under him for the past four years. They alleged that he had been delaying her thesis for final submission on one pretext or the other. The Director, Public Relations, Prof B.S. Sandhu said the authorities had received a complaint against Professor Azad and the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Swarn Singh Boparai, had ordered an inquiry. He said an inquiry committee had been constituted. When asked whether Neetu Rani had been enrolled for research under the supervision of Professor Azad, Head of Economics Department, Ms Gurbachan Kaur Bhatia, said: “I am not aware if any such student has been enrolled. Every year a number of students get enrolled for Ph.D and it is not possible to remember the name of each and every student.” Meanwhile, Prof Azad claimed that no such complaint had been filed against him. |
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Rs 18 lakh UGC grant for Guru Nanak Dev varsity dept Amritsar, April 16 This is a rare honour for the university and the department to receive this grant among the Arts and Social Science Departments. The UGC has also appointed a senior professor of Punjab School of Economics and Registrar, Dr R.S. Bawa, as coordinator of this project. |
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Labourers’
children do parents, teachers proud Amritsar, April 16 According to former president of the club Mrs. Sukhwant Narinder Singh the students had been picked up from streets and given education in the past over two years. Mrs Singh said here yesterday that the club had provided their books with uniforms, stationery free of cost. She said that children were also given training in Arts and Craft. Mrs Singh said that the club would more children for giving them education free of cost in this year. |
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