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Elahi for relaxation in visa restrictions
Haryana Cong tells EC to announce
Mann’s move to
expose Chautalas
Sonia emerges queen of hearts
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HUDA earns profit but fails to hold draw of lots
HUDA drive against illegal
hoardings
M.S. Shastri quits HPSC
Traders get hoax letters from S. Africa
12 grenade dischargers recovered from rail track
Journalists, cops exchange views
Major Lalit cremated in Jind
Need to carry out cleanliness drive, says councillor
Flood-hit farmers to get relief
Inter-college declamation
contest
Shun leather, students urged
Four get life sentence
3 held for trafficking cows
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Elahi for relaxation in visa restrictions
Gurgaon, December 6 Speaking at a function organised in his honour here, Mr Elahi expressed the hope that the peace initiative taken by the people of the two countries would continue its forward march. “Lagta hai hakumaten peeche rah jayengi aur log aage niklege”, he said, giving a touch of emotion to the informal peace initiatives by the commoners on the two sides. He went on to say that the difficult phase between the two countries was over and the process of peace and friendship that had begun with the initiative of people would culminate in eternal peace. He was optimistic that the earlier era of competition of different kind between the two countries had been irreversibly replaced by the competition among the sportsmen to win glory in the play ground and in the area of love and affection. As greater issues concerning the well being of the people on both sides needed to be addressed urgently, it was imperative for the political leaderships to come together and work for the common goal, he said. Mr Elahi said during this maiden visit to India he was touched by the warm welcome accorded to him and the members of his delegation at all places which they visited. He further said Haryana and Pakistan could share their experiences even in agriculture to usher a new era of prosperity. He praised Harayana for the all round development it had achieved. He urged the Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr Om Prakash Chautala,who accompanied him on the occasion, to initiate steps to usher in exchange programmes for legislators, students and sportsmen. Dwelling on his meeting with Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, he said he urged him for starting a bus service between Amritsar and Lahore. According to Mr Elahi, Dr Singh informed him that he had accepted the invitation of the President of Pakistan, Mr Parvez Musharraf, to visit Pakistan. Earlier, while welcoming Mr Elahi, Mr Chautala said as the people of both the countries had common language and cultural affinity, there should be no visa restrictions as was the case with the European Union, whose members had the same currency. Mr Chautala further said that in the context of even the most developed countries approaching India and Pakistan on ground of their high market potential, the scenario would be yet very different if the two
neighbours of the Indian subcontinent bonded together. Mr Chautala announced that he would gift a “Murrah” breed buffalo to Mr Elahi as a token of affection. He reminded that this breed had been instrumental in strengthening the economy of Haryana. He also gifted a tractor manufactured by Escorts and presented famous “Jalebis” of Gohana ( Sonepat district) to the visiting Chief Minister. |
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Haryana Cong tells EC to announce Assembly poll
Chandigarh, December 7 The delegation, which was headed by Mr Bhajan Lal, comprised Mr Shamsher Singh Surjewala, a former Haryana Congress president; Mr Randeep Surjewala, President of the Youth Congress; and Mr Surender Singh, a former MP from Bhiwani. The Congress leaders told the commission that the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, was bribing voters by announcing various allurements, which would put an additional burden of Rs 1000 crore per annum on the state exchequer. He also wanted to create a financial and political crisis before the new government. They told the commission that by holding the panchayat elections before the Assembly poll, Mr Chautala wanted to divide the community so that it would become difficult for the Election Commission to ensure free and fair poll in the state. They also alleged that the Chief Minister would appoint his hand-picked persons, particularly those whom he had nominated to the HCS, as Returning Officers so that the elections could be rigged. |
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Mann’s move to
expose Chautalas
Karnal, December 7 Talking to The Tribune during his stopover here on route from New Delhi to Chandigarh this evening, he said Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala and his father late Devi Lal played a ‘fraud’ with the farming community and Punjabis in particular whenever they came to power. He had gone to Delhi to meet Justice Kuldip Singh, Chairman of the Delimitation Commission, to request him to de-reserve Punjabi-dominated reserved constituencies of the state so as to provide a chance to the minorities to be part of the decision-making process of democracy in the state. He alleged that many politicians had promised to grant second language status to Punjabi but no one had ever fulfilled the promise. He reminded Mr Chautala of his poll promise of renaming Kurukshetra University to Guru Gobind Singh University. “Chautala and his family has betrayed Punjabis and Sikhs in particular who had always supported the Lok Dal”, he said.
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Sonia emerges queen of hearts
Chandigarh, December 7 Ms Gandhi’s birthday on December 9 has turned out to be an occasion for competition among three chief aspirants for the coveted office to show their respect for the Congress president. Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Lok Sabha member from Rohtak and former HPCC chief, is organising a rally at Gohana to celebrate Ms Gandhi’s birthday. The occasion has been named by Mr Hooda as “Tyag Divas” (sacrifice day) to underscore Ms Gandhi’s refusal to become the Prime Minister. Mr Birender Singh, also a former PCC president, is organising a “Gaurav Divas” function at the Arjun Stadium at Jind on the occasion of Ms Gandhi’s birthday. The Jind district Congress committee is organising a “grand workers meeting” to celebrate the event. Mr Bhajan Lal, the latest entrant in the race, has dubbed December 9 as ‘Sadbhavna Divas’. A press release issued from the party office here said Mr Bhajan Lal had directed presidents of all the District Congress Committees to organise functions and pray for the long life of Ms Gandhi. The DCCs have been also asked to distribute fruits in hospitals and clothes to the poor and needy. A function will be also held at the PCC headquarters here. Significantly, AICC general secretary and in charge of the party in Haryana, Janardan Diwedi has given strict instructions to Haryana Congress leaders to desist from holding separate programmes on the same day. However, as far as the December 9 programmes are concerned, the organisers are not too bothered about Mr Diwedi’s instructions. |
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BJP to go it alone in Haryana poll
Kurukshetra, December 7 |
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HUDA earns profit but fails to hold draw of lots
Panchkula, December 7 The money, deposited as a fixed deposit in a bank, is getting HUDA a collective monthly interest of around Rs 6. 30 lakh ( Rs 75. 68 lakh is the collective annual interest), or a daily interest of over Rs 21,000. Till date HUDA has netted a profit of Rs 63 lakh as interest on the earnest money deposited by applicants. The scheme for the two sectors in Jagadhri was floated by HUDA on February 12, 2004. As many as 18 residential plots in Sector 18 and 35 plots in Sector 15 were offered under this housing scheme. As many as 1161 applications have been received by HUDA for the plots (of size 10 marla, six marla and four marla) in Sector 18, and 1014 applications have been received for plots (of size 1 kanal, 14 marla, 10 marla and six marla) in Sector 15. However, these applicants have a long wait till HUDA authorities decide on when the draw of lots is to be held. With the number of applications from oustees for the 10 marla plots in Sector 18 the same as the total number of plots on offer, the authorities have been unable to decide on how to hold the draw. If the oustees’ applications for allotment of residential plots in Sector 18 are considered, then all plots on offer will go to the oustees, and none would be available for the applicants in the general category. Sources inform that as against 12 plots of 10 marla size on offer in Sector 18, they have received 12 applications from oustees. The option now is to increase the number of plots of this size, and since HUDA has two other plots (of 10 marla) available here, the HUDA authorities have now sought permission from the state government for including these two plots in the draw. With this there would be 887 applicants for the two plots in general category. When asked about the profit that HUDA was earning because of this delay, officials agree that HUDA is getting additional revenue by way of interest. “As per the rules, we have to hold the draw of lots within six months from the date the scheme is floated. Because of a large number of oustees’ applications received for the residential plots in Sector 18, we are considering on how to accommodate the applicants in the general category. The matter is being discussed at the top level, and the opinion of the legal cell of HUDA has been sought,” informed a senior official in HUDA. Till the time a decision is taken, HUDA’s gain is the applicants’ loss.
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HUDA drive against illegal
hoardings
Panchkula, December 7 However, as the HUDA staff was busy removing the hoardings, including the signboards of police posts/ police stations and the traffic police which had advertisement strips running on one side, a team of Sector 5 police station took offence to the HUDA drive and took away the truck in which these billboards had been kept after removal. The HUDA authorities maintained that these billboards were illegal and the Police Department could not put up these on their own. The matter was then brought to the notice of the HUDA Administrator, Mr T K Sharma. The latter then called up the Superintendent of Police, Ms Mamta Singh, and it was with her intervention that the truck was finally got released. The HUDA Administrator reportedly said the beat boxes of the police, which also had illegal hoardings, would not be removed till HUDA itself built beat boxes. Officials of HUDA said no one could put up hoardings or billboards without their (HUDA) permission. They said HUDA was incurring losses to the tune of Rs 30 lakh because of these illegal hoardings. As many as four teams were formed and about 200 illegal hoardings were removed from various sectors. |
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M.S. Shastri quits HPSC
Chandigarh, December 7 With Mr Shastri’s resignation, the HPSC would get an entirely new look as all old members of the HPSC had stepped down in recent times and the state government inducted fresh members to replace them. Exactly a week before (November 30) a new Chairman and a member were inducted into the HPSC. Earlier, other members of the commission had resigned and new members were inducted in their place. The recasting of the HPSC by the Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, at the fag-end of his tenure has prompted the Opposition parties to allege that Mr Chautala’s plan is to retain members nominated by his government at the HPSC even after a new government takes over in Haryana after the Assembly elections slated for early next year. The tenure of HPSC members, including the Chairman, is six years or 62, whichever is earlier. All the new members and the new chairman of the HPSC would continue to hold their office well into the tenure of the next government. Removing a member is an extremely cumbersome process.
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Traders get hoax letters from S. Africa
Ambala, December 7 The ‘highly confidential’ letters narrate the story of a political asylum-seeker in South Africa whose father had been murdered in Zimbabwe and he now has a fortune of $ 18.5 million. The letter writer, Mr Carlos Ndlovu, is willing to part with 25 per cent of the money inherited, if the businessmen ‘help’ him out. The Senior Vice-President of the Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr N.C. Jain, cautioned that such letters were a hoax. “I, too, had received a similar letter recently. We became suspicious and on checking the address, it was found to be fake,” he said. Dr Jain said normally, the letter writer attempts to fleece the businessman who responds to the appeal. “I suggest that no businessman should send any money without carrying out 100 per cent verification,” he said. The letter received from South Africa states: “I am Carlos Ndlovu from Zimbabwe, the first and the only son of the late Dr Arnold Ndlovu communicating to you from Johannesburg, South Africa. I, on behalf of my family, decided to solict for your assistance to transfer the sum of $ 18.5 million inherited from my father into your company or private bank account.” “Before his death, my father, on one of his many trips abroad, took me to Johannesburg to deposit the sum of $18.5 million with a private security company as if he foresaw the looming danger in Zimbabwe. The money was deposited with a security and finance company on our arrival in Johannesburg largely for its safety. The source of this money was for purchase of agro-allied equipment for the government.” The letter adds “unfortunately, my father was among the few black Zimbabwean rich farmers murdered in cold blood by agents of the ruling government for his alleged opposition to the government’s new land act. Heads of government from the western world, especially the UK and the USA have voiced their condemnation.” The letter points out, “As it stands now, I am the only person that has access to the money and the necessary documents needed for its collection. We are now living in South Africa as political asylum-seekers and the financial laws and regulations of South Africa do not permit us certain financial rights. In view of this, I cannot invest this fund in South Africa, hence, I am asking you to assist me to transfer it out of South Africa for investment purposes in your country.” The lucrative offer is made in the final paragraph of the letter. “For your efforts, we are prepared to offer you 25 per cent of the total sum while 10 per cent will be set aside for expenses incurred during the course of this transaction and the remaining 65 per cent for the family’s investment abroad. Please note that this transaction is risk-free and the major thing I ask of you is to assure me the safety of the money when transferred into your account.” |
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12 grenade dischargers recovered from rail track
Dabwali (Sirsa), December 7 After the recovery of the grenade dischargers, which were scattered in about 2 km between Dabwali and Bring Khera village, the traffic on the Bathinda-Dabwali rail section was suspended for a while. The district police and general railway police (GRP) personnel have intensified joint patrolling on all rail tracks that fall in their respective areas. The grenade dischargers were inscribed: ‘3 DG Grenade Discharger 81 mm smoke lot number 221 GA OK 2001’. A large number of residents of the area thronged the police station where the dischargers were kept. Mr H.S. Doon, SP, Sirsa, said the dischargers might have fallen from a train transporting the ammunition. Ruling out the involvement of anti-national elements, he said any firm comment on this issue could be made after a proper inquiry. He said a joint investigation would be launched in this connection. The grenade dischargers had been handed over to the Army. It would verify that to which unit the dischargers had been given and fix responsibility for this negligent act. He said a team of military personnel, led by Major Kiran Achraya, Ammunition Depot (AD), Bathinda Military Station, reached the police station. Major Acharya said the dischargers were used in battle tanks during wartime to create a sheet of smoke to dodge the enemy. Mr Doon said a thorough investigation would be done into the case and recoveries of ammunition in various parts of this region, in the past year would also be taken into consideration. He said the two gangmen would be suitably rewarded.
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Journalists, cops exchange views
Hisar, December 7 Several journalists commented on the functioning of the police and listed problems they had to face due to the indifferent attitude of police officials. At the same time, they also appreciated the supportive approach of some police officers. The police officers present on the occasion presented their point of view. They aired their grievances before their superiors. A traffic police constable gave a demonstration on following the traffic rules. Addressing the gathering, Mr Resham Singh, Inspector-General of Police (Hisar Range), appreciated the role of media as the fourth pillar of a democratic society. He asked the police personnel to cooperate with the reporters by providing them right information promptly. Mr Resham Singh also advised the newsmen to assess the possible impact of their reports on the society before publishing these. He appealed to them to refrain from giving news which could trigger unpleasant situations. Mr Saurabh Singh, SP, Fatehabad, was also present on the occasion. |
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Major Lalit cremated in Jind
Jind, December 7 Shopkeepers downed their shutters as a mark of respect when the procession carrying the martyr’s body passed through the markets of the city. It started from Defence Colony and passed through Urban Estate, Rani Talab, Palika Bazar before culminating at Bankhandi cremation ground. Flying officer Neeraj, who is the younger brother of Major Lalit, lit the pyre. The SP, Mr Manjit Singh Ahlawat, the SDM, Ms Ranjeet Chaudhary, the City Magistrate, Mr Vikram Singh Malik, the DSP, Mr Sahib Ram Nehra, the MLA from Jind, Mr Mange Ram Gupta, and a former minister Mr Kulbir Singh Malik, paid tributes to the martyr. Army officers and soldiers, who accompanied the martyr’s body from Delhi to Jind, also paid floral tributes. The Army band played mourning tune and the soldiers fired into air as a mark of respect to the martyr. Major Lalit was born on September 27, 1976, at Nizampur village in Sonepat district. His father, Mr Raghubir Singh, is a retired teacher and mother, Shakuntla, is a housewife. Lalit did his schooling from Sainik School, Kunjpura, and graduation from Government College, Jind. In 1999 Lalit joined the Indian Army as Commissioned Officer after qualifying Combined Defence Service Exam. His first posting was at Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir and after six months he was transferred to Ranchi. His younger brother Neeraj is serving in IAF as Flying Officer. Lalit got married to Asmita of Rohtak district about two years ago. |
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Need to carry out cleanliness drive, says councillor
Ambala, December 7 The leader of the Congress in the Municipal Council, Ambala Sadar, Mr Hira Lal Yadav, observed that there was lack of cleanliness in the Ambala Sadar area. He stressed that there was a need to carry out a special cleanliness drive. The president of the MC, Ambala Sadar, Pt Shankar Dass, criticised the statement given by the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Om Prakash Chautala, holding Pandit Dass responsible for the lack of lights along the NH near Ambala Cantt. “The proposal had been passed by the House. So it is wrong to hold me personally accountable,” he said. The BJP Municipal Councillor, Mr Kamal Kishore Jain, sought a piece of land for the Geeta Gopal organisation for the construction of a sports complex. A Municipal Councillor stated that lop-sided development had taken place in Ambala Sadar with more money being provided to the wards where the Municipal Councillor belongs to the Vikas Parishad. |
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Flood-hit farmers to get relief
Ambala, December 7 The district administration has received Rs 41 lakh as the compensation amount on the basis of a special girdawari which was carried out. The Deputy Commis-sioner, Ambala, Mr R.P. Gupta, said four teams had been formed to disburse the compensation amount among the flood-affected farmers. The teams were led by the Additional DC, the SDM, the City Magistrate and the District Revenue Officer. They were already visiting the villages, and the farmers who did not receive the compensation amount during the visit of the team could collect it later from the tehsil. The team led by the Additional DC would visit Mahmoodpur, Pattishe-khan, Khaira, Shekupur, Metlan, Chugna and Alaudinmajra. The team led by the SDM would cover Naggal, Segti, Segta, Bishangarh, Adomajra, Sakrahon, Mallour and Niharsi. The team led by the City Magistrate would visit Kaleran, Baknour, Hasanpur, Niharsa, Jagoli, Gaursiyan, Nakatpur, Sounta and Bhunni. The team led by the District Revenue Officer would visit Pattijatan, Pattikalalan, Mastpur, Tar, Amipur, Ismailpur and Tangriyan. |
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Inter-college declamation
contest
Ambala, December 7 Dr
R.P. Kapoor was the chief guest. Among others Dr Kiran Angra, Mr Om Prakash Aggarwal, Mr Prem Nath Gupta, Mr Adarsh Kumar, Mr
A.N. Kapoor, Ms Sangeeta Bhatnagar and Mr Madan Lal were present. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kapoor threw light on the vital issues of environment conservation and the role of the youth in conserving ecology and promoting human
values. The first prize was won by Mohit of DAV College, Ambala City, the second by Mukta of MDSD Girls College, Ambala City, and the third by Sukhvansha of SA Jain College, Ambala City. The consolation prizes were won by Shreta of MDSD Girls College, Updesh of the SLDAV College of Education and Gurpreet of MDSD Girls College, Ambala City. Debate competition
A debate competition was held at PKR Jain Senior Secondary school
today. The topic was, “Is law more important than religion”. The function was presided over by the school Principal, Ms Jyotsna Sachdeva. The first position was won by Shruti, the second position was shared by Tanvi and Paluk and the third position went to Ms Shagun. |
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Shun leather, students urged
Ambala, December 7 Participants expressed concern over the deteriorating moral values among the youth. They blamed the electronic media and exposure to “undesired” culture. Koumudi bagged the first prize in the contest. An exhibition on the cruelty to animals was also held. It was resolved that the participants would shun leather. They said the reason for rising violence was due to consumption of non-vegetarian food. The school Principal, Ms Jyotsna Sachdeva, encouraged the participants. The school managing committee President, Mr Bharat Bhushan Jain, asked the students to launch an awareness campaign. A talent hunt competition was also held in the school. |
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Four get life sentence
Bhiwani, December 7 According to the prosecution, the complainant Rajesh Kumar had purchased a jeep from Gurgaon on which he employed Ashok Kumar and Shree Bhagwan as driver and cleaner respectively. On October 23, 1993 four youths hired the jeep which was never returned. Both driver and the cleaner were murdered. |
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3 held for trafficking cows
Yamunanagar, December 7 Mr Subhas Goel, president of the Gau Raksha Samiti said after receiving information that cows were being taken to UP, the members of the samiti swung into action and managed to free the cows. He said there were two more persons who could not be caught. He also claimed that Narinder, a member of the samiti, sustained injuries during a scuffle with the smugglers. The police however, said it had laid a trap.
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