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Sikhs demand action against tainted leaders
Chandigarh/Mohali August 9 Rejecting the Nanavati Commission report, the Chandigarh unit of the SAD leader, Mr N.S.Minhas, said the commission had overlooked the role of Congress leaders like Jagdish Tytler, Sajjan Kumar and H.K.L.Bhagat. The report has just rubbed salt into the wounds of the victims of the anti-Sikh riots without delivering justice to them even after 21 years of the carnage. Ms Harjinder Kaur, a former Mayor, said it was shameful on the part of the government not to take action against the people whose names figured in the report. Members of the Sikh community took out a rally through Sector-17. They shouted slogans against the UPA government and sought action against Congress leaders who actively participated in the anti–Sikh riots. Terming the action taken report as “anti-Sikh” and “anti-minority”, the local unit of the BJP today alleged that the Congress-led UPA government was trying to protect its “leaders with criminal background”. In a press note issued here, the party alleged that the Congress had been trying to “shield” its leaders from the very beginning. Moreover, it was only during the tenure of the former Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that the Nanavati Commission was appointed to expose the “conspiracy” behind the brutal killing of thousands of Sikhs in the 1984 riots. Though the Nanavati Commission has not been fully able to “expose” leaders behind the killings, yet it was clear that some of them are at the helm of affairs in the Central Government. The action taken report was a cruel joke with thousands of widows and orphans, the party said. The BJP demanded strict action against the guilty irrespective of their high positions in the establishment. In Mohali, Ms Kashmir Kaur, president, Danga Pirat Welfare Society, Punjab-Ropar wing, led a protest rally against the Nanavati Commission report. Members of the society demanded action against Congress leaders who were allegedly involved in the riots. They said they were shocked with the contents of the report since it had denied them justice. “We demand the resignation of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Punjab Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh. The report has brought past memories alive and we would carry the protest till we get justice,” said Ms Inderjit Kaur, a former Municipal Councillor of Mohali. In a statement issued here today, the SAD leader, Mr Amrik Singh Mohali, also condemned the report and said the Congress government had always discriminated against Sikhs. Patiala: The Sikh Students Federation (Mehta) group held a protest near the State Bank of Patiala, Mall road Chowk, against the inaction of the UPA-led Central Government over the Nanavati report. The protesters blocked the traffic on the Mall for nearly 30 minutes thus forcing the commuters to take alternative routes to reach their destinations. The protesters, led by the Federation’s president, Mr Mohinder Jeet Singh Kala, burnt an effigy of Mr Jagdish Tytler and other leaders. They also raised slogans against the UPA government, which according to Mr Kala, had failed to protect the interests of the “Sikhs who were at the receiving end during the riots”. Others who present on the occasion were Mr Harsimran Singh, Mr Prabhjot Singh Vickey, Mr Gurpreet Singh, Mr Rajinder Singh, Mr Rohit Sharma and Mr Manpreet Singh Mani.
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Manmohan must quit: Kang
Mohali, August 9 Stating this here at a press conference, the vice-president of the dal, Mr Kiranbir Singh Kang, said other Sikh Congress leaders should also resign en masse from their posts so that the victims of the violence, who had been seeking justice for the past 21 years, could feel that there were leaders who stood by them. He said the Nanavati Commission Report presented yesterday clearly showed that the Congress was against the Sikhs. He demanded legal action against Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar on the basis of the report. He said his party would oppose the attempts of the Congress government at the Centre to shield those guilty of perpetrating the 1984 atrocities. The party would with the support of like-minded parties, organise protests in the country for seeking action against the guilty and justice for victims. In a separate statement, an SGPC member, Mr Hardeep Singh, said even nine probe panels had failed to give justice to the victims of the 1984 riots over a period of 21 years. This was a blot on the democracy and the legal system. He said the vague report and the lackadaisical attitude of the Centre were along the expected lines. He regretted that neither the Congress nor the BJP had taken interest in issues related to the Sikhs. The Congress, he said, in a bid to secure the votes of the majority community, had got innocent Sikhs killed. The BJP set up a commission as part of its strategy to win over the Sikhs and later “used” them for its own ends. He said if the BJP was really serious for the Sikhs, it would have ensured that the panel submitted its report when it was in power at the Centre. The SGPC member demanded an unconditional apology from Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi for the Operation Bluestar and the 1984 massacre of Sikhs. He also demanded free houses for the victims and Rs 50 lakh each as compensation.
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Protest against invoking 85th amendment
Chandigarh, August 9 Addressing the rally, various speakers came down heavily on the attempts of the Amarinder government to implement the amendment with a view to placating the Scheduled Castes. Since the matter was pending with the Supreme Court, the Punjab Government should await the court decision before implementing it, they said. Meanwhile, the police had to use water canons to disperse the agitationists. Protester Arun Kumar, president of the Gurdaspur unit, was injured during the protest. Those who spoke on the occasion were Mr Shyam Lal Sharma, chief organiser, Mr Harbans Singh Sidhu, president, Mr Prabhjit Singh, general secretary, Mr Jarnail Singh Brar, spokesman, and Mr Nirmal
Singh, senior vice-president.
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Samajik Nyaya Andolan in action
Chandigarh, August 9 In a press conference held before the protest march, Banta Ram Valmik said, “We are being sidelined by the so-called leaders of the Dalits who have been appointed from among the Category B castes and not among us.” They demanded resignations of Suraj Bhan, Chairman of the Scheduled Castes Commission, and Mrs Santosh Chaudhary, who is heading the National Safai Karamchari Union, including the resignation of Ms Selja Kumari, Union Minister of State for Poverty Alleviation and Employment. “They represent castes falling under the B category and proclaim themselves leaders of the Dalits,” said Banta Ram. They also demanded that the posts of 381 college lecturer and seats for primary educators should be filled on the basis of the two categories.
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PEC students’ dream comes true
Chandigarh, August 9 Their dream to learn and experiment was fulfilled when four students -Shakeel Ahmad, Nitin Patil, Tarandeep Singh and Manoj Kumar Dhadwal- chose Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, Kanpur, as their grooming ground. During their three weeks’ stay, they learned how to assemble aircraft parts. They also got to know its fabrication and saw the production of its composite parts. “It was a wonderful experience as I became aware of the working and management of big industries and acquired tips on new methods like how to minimise the wastage. Besides, we shared many fun-filled moments together,” said Nitin Patil. “One thing which I felt is that our country is not advancing on the metallurgy front. We found it difficult to understand the composition part. I hope that engineering students receive more such exposures. It will really help in our research work”, said Manoj. Neha and Shveta, who went to IIT,
Mumbai, had a terrific experience. They worked upon a hotwire project for about a month. The best thing was that they worked with complete freedom, which instilled great confidence in them. Talking about their plans, both girls said they were looking forward to appear in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). They would move to the USA for higher studies as they feel that in India the scope was limited. Sumeet Trehan, who also went to IIT,
Mumbai, but worked on a different project for two months felt that the training at undergraduate level would definitely help in career building. I think I know many things now and can handle things in a better way, he added. Sudhir and Diwakar had a wonderful time while learning at Hindustan Aeronautical Limited,
Bangalore and their project was LCA-fourth generation of light combat aircraft. The most exciting experience was when we visited a wind tunnel where a model of aircraft had been kept. “But we missed our Punjabi food. At one time, we wasted the entire day in searching for a Punjabi dhaba” they said laughingly. Arun Chandu, T. Shashikant, Anand and Ria went to the Defence Research and Development
Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, for studying the liquid rocket propulsion system. They also learned about various facilities of ramjets and scramjets. Observing many tests gave them an insight of the subject. The most interesting part was when they gave comprehensive presentation of what they learnt from scientists. “It was a lifetime opportunity for us to a get a detailed know-how of the confidential experiments going on there like Prithvi and Agni missiles”, the students said.
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Admn, Dell ink MoU on C-Toss program
Chandigarh, August 9 On behalf of the UT Administration, the MoU was signed by Mr S.K.Sandhu, Secretary of Information Technology, with Mr Romi Malhotra, Managing Director, Dell International Services (India). The C-TOSS program is aimed at providing quality manpower for the IT industry and courses have been introduced in more than 20 government colleges and at least six local colleges in this regard. The C-TOSS program provides soft skills training to school and college students in the city and the region. The module of C-TOSS include training in communication skills development, global culture, voice and accent training, customer service and basic computer training. Mr Malhotra said Dell would help the Society for Promotion of IT (SPIC) of Department of Information Technology in defining industry benchmark equivalence scores, refining the training curriculum and imparting training as per industry needs. Later, while addressing a seminar-cum-interactive session on “Role of C-Toss in Providing Career Opportunities” to mark the golden jubilee celebrations at Government College for girls, Sector 11, Mr Malhotra said “The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has a projected demand of one million jobs in near future. It is an opportunity to not only earn but also grow.” Dr Manjit Kalra, Principal of the college, lighted the lamp to mark the occasion. Mr D.S. Mangat, DPI (colleges), and Mr Vivek Atray, Director, IT, Chandigarh Administration, were also present. Principals of various colleges were also present along with groups of students and faculty members.
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India need to work hard, says D.P. Azad
Chandigarh, August 9 The Tribune spoke to some cricket savvies about the series. It is the better team that grabbed the series. India with the new coach and new captain, played the series and managed to reach the finals. Though the third team (West Indies) was not that strong, the main contest was between the Lankans and the Indians. After seeing the performance of the Indians, it seems that the “Boys in Blue” have to work hard for the 2007 World Cup. D.P. Azad, first Dronacharya of cricket
New skipper Rahul and coach Greg Chappell were left wondering at the end of the IndianOil Cup Triangular Series as to what had happened to the formidable Indian team that was not able to perform to their potential. It goes without saying that the Indians are a bunch of prolific individual performers but the spirit of the team was missing. The new coach, with all his latest techniques, has not been able to instill any confidence in the team.
Sushil Kapoor, former manager, Punjab Ranji team
All new experiments of Greg Chappell did not click. It seems that Chappell was not in tune with the vibes of the Team India. But the time will tell the real effects of his experiments. Though the team lost the series, Yuvi’s coming back in form is a good sign for the coming series in Zimbabwe.
Amit Uniyal, Punjab Ranji player
Actually, Greg Chappell is just carrying forward the existing team. It is not justified to comment after dismal performance in just one series as the performance gets polished match by match. I think the new coach needs more time to synchronize with the players. It is important to work on the third department, fielding, which correlates with the highest level of fitness of the players.
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Passing Thru
What brings you to the city?
I have come on the invitation of Dr Santosh Agrawal of Shivalik Hospital and Trauma Centre, Mohali, for a two-day arthroscopy camp organised at the hospital. What is arthroscopy? It is a live surgery for various knee and shoulder disorders using key-hole surgery (video arthroscopy) method. We carried out a knee ligament replacement through the key-hole on a Mohali boy Gur Iqbal Singh who was injured in an accident two years ago. How seriously are sports injuries taken in India? Unlike ordinary persons like you or me, injuries sustained by sportspersons are a professional hazard. It can mar their entire career. Moreover, they are more susceptible to serious injuries. In India, however, since majority of the sportspersons are from middle class families, they do not get the attention they deserve in case they get injured. What do you suggest to improve the situation? Sportspersons should be insured for injuries. This can be done either by the employer or by the sponsoring company. This would go a long way in helping those who have potential for sports but are hampered due to the cost of treatment. — Chitleen K. Sethi
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Reservation block at rly station soon
Chandigarh, August 9 Beginning with two reservation counters, the number of counters will be increased to six depending upon the demand, said an official of the Northern Railways. Trials are being conducted to check the connectivity of computerised reservation counters before the facility was inaugurated. “ We are working hard to make the facility operational soon”, said the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Ambala, Mr R.K.Tandon. Apart from being located in a separate complex, the new facility will ensure that normal functioning at the station, including the movements of the passengers entering the station, is not affected due to rush at the reservation counters. The existing reservation counter on the Panchkula side of the station will continue to function. The Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Ambala, Mr Aneet Dulat, said initially two reservation counters would function. There were plans to install the unreserved ticketing system (UTS) on the new premises. The facilities are being added as part of the expansion and upgradation of the station. For the benefit of the physically challenged persons, low-height booking windows were being added. Mr Tandon said there were plans to add touch-screen facility at the station. The facility would enable the passengers to know the status of their reservation and general inquiries about the schedule of trains. There was a also a plan to put up electronic boards to indicate the location of a specific coach at a given platform. Due to the increased revenue from the passenger traffic, especially by the Shatabdi Express trains, the Northern Railways has already given its nod to the expansion and upgradation of the station, including a “budget hotel” by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation. With the expected completion of the Chandigarh Morinda section of the Chandigarh- Ludhiana rail link , the passenger traffic is expected go up.
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A harrowing love tale comes to happy end
Chandigarh, August 9 After a year of separation and harassment at the hands of Snehlata’s father, the couple finally reunited for good today. They were not so happy to get back together again as they were over the absolution from grave charges of kidnapping and forgery which the girl’s father had levelled against the love-struck boy and his family. A jubilant Snehlata said, “My father had slapped false FIRs against my husband and his brother-in-law M.K. Sehgal who facilitated our wedding in June last year. They were charged with abducting me and forcing me to marry Raman. My father went to the extent of declaring me mad and underage to prove my husband wrong.” But the High Court today allowed the writs in which Raman Khanna and Sehgal requested for quashing of FIRs and all subsequent proceedings. After days of resilience, the couple restored a portion of their wounded pride. As for Sehgal, who stood for the cause of love, today was like a fresh birth, a new beginning. As for the story, it is too dramatic to be retold in entirety. But to begin with, it is about a love story gone sour due to the bride’ father’s whims. Refusing to accept his daughter’s inter-caste wedding, he got an FIR registered against Khanna and his brother-in-law soon after the wedding. He then made good with her daughter, sent her packing to Rajasthan and kept her in confinement. It took Khanna to file a habeas corpus petition in the High Court to see his wife again. Meanwhile, Snehlata’s father devised new ways of troubling Raman. He stated his daughter was mentally unsound. Then he cooked up another vague story. Recalls Snehlata, “He said his elder daughter Snehlata, a major, was dead and that I was Sonu, an underage. He got a school certificate in which Sonu’s age was lesser.” Doubts were finally cleared when the HC ordered a bone ossification test of the girl, and it was proved that she was
a major. Drained in this long legal battle which came as a crude wedding gift for Raman, he said, “We lived apart for over six months, faced serious criminal charges and paid a heavy price for love. My brother also bore the brunt of helping me.” For his part, Sehgal, Director/Principal at M.M. Institute of Management, Mullana (Ambala) said, “The chronology of events was such that we never got a breather. We went to jail, got anticipatory bail and struggled to reunite the couple until November 23 last year when the High Court ordered Snehlata’s father to restore her to her husband.” In a way, the wedding that took place in Arya Samaj Mandir, Chandigarh on June 20 last year got solemnized in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today.
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Workshop on cyber laws
Chandigarh, August 9 Over 50 senior officers from the Chandigarh Police, CBI, Central and the state government departments, Air Force, PSUs banks and other state police organisations attended the course. Eminent Punjab and Haryana High Court Advocate Harpreet Singh Giani educated the participants on how in the digital world ‘laws have become, flaws, reality has become virtuality and jurisdiction has become fiction”. Mr Giani stressed on the need for stringent and effective global cyber laws to check cyber crime. Mr N.C. Sood of the GEQD talked about the background of the laboratory in Shimla that now also has a unit in the city. He said the Shimla laboratory was the second oldest in the world only next to Scotland Yard. He also mentioned the details of cases handled by the laboratory and assured quality service at pace with the technology development. Mr Rajiv
Dugal, Director, Risk Manager and Security South Asia of Master Card, talked about the useful progenies of the modern and innovative technology for money matters and its transaction. He also suggested certain preventive measures while making online transactions.
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Admin urged to regulate changes in houses
Chandigarh, August 9 Addressing a press conference here, house owners alleged that though the committee submitted its report on June 7, yet the administration was dragging its feet on its implementation. The issue of the need-based changes was discussed at the meeting of the Advisory Council on January 31 this year. MP Pawan Bansal had pointed out that since about 99 per cent houses had building bylaws violations, one-time relaxation should be granted to residents, Mr Surinder Pal Chauhan, convener of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Jagriti Manch, said. However, instead of granting any relaxation the administration was bent upon harassing residents. The need-based changes, made by the residents, neither encroached upon the public land nor posed any hindrance to the public, Mr Yash Pal, a resident, alleged. A press note demanded that a survey should be conducted to find out total need-based changes. After the survey, a uniform policy may be framed to regulate the need-based changes in all cases instead of the current pick-and-choose policy, it demanded. The press note warned that the residents would be forced to boycott the Independence Day celebrations, if their genuine demands were not met.
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Residents opt for voluntary demolition
Chandigarh, August 9 In certain cases, open spaces adjoining the houses have also been illegally occupied. The cases of voluntary demolitions have been reported from sectors like 38(West), 40, 41, 42, 44, 45 and 47, official sources said here today. The official said one of the main reasons for the voluntary demolition was that these residents were trying to get their properties converted into a freehold instead of the existing leasehold. An owner of a CHB dwelling was eligible to convert his property into a freehold after five years.
TNS
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Drive at your risk
Akash Ghai Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 9 The roads separating Sectors 32-33 and 33-34 going towards Sectors 45 and 44, respectively, are in need of repairs. Both roads are full of potholes and uneven patches. The condition is pitiable near the roundabouts of Sectors 32-33 and 33-34. On the roundabout of Sectors 32-33 a caution board has been installed in the middle of the road. But it only enhances the risk to road users as it blocks almost half the road. Moreover, the roads have been dug up on both sides for widening. The dismantled cement tiles of footpath, which have been placed on both sides of the road, have further reduced the width of the road, putting motorists and pedestrians to a lot of inconvenience. “I am unable to understand why the roads have been dug up before the monsoon which not only worsens there condition but also expose the motorists to danger”, said Ms Amarjot Kaur, a resident of Sector 33. Talking about the road separating Sectors 44 and 45, Mr Vikram Khanna of Sector 45 said, “As the road is full of potholes and pebbles, my bike gets punctured once or twice a week”. As all roads in southern sectors are in a pitiable condition the residents of these sectors have no better option. Repair of all these roads is the need of the hour and the authorities should wake up before its too late.
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MC chief faces revolt
Panchkula, August 9 Barely four months after he took over as president, as many as 12
councillors, including BJP councillors, today met the Chief Minister and sought his removal. These councillors alleged that the president was involved in a case of embezzlement.
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Estate Office inspector held for graft
Chandigarh, August 9 Sources in the CBI said Dev Singh Chauhan, a resident of Janta colony, Sector 25, had lodged a complaint alleging that Kapil Sharma, posted as Sub-Inspector in the Estate Office, was demanding Rs 2,500 to move his file in connection with the allotment of a plot against his juggi no. 134 in Janta Colony. Acting on the complaint, the CBI laid a trap and caught the official red-handed. A case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, has been registered. The sources added that searches were being conducted at the office and the residence of the accused.
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65-year-old man hit by CTU bus, dies
Chandigarh, August 9 The police said Banta Ram, a resident of Sector 43, was going down the road when a CTU bus, which was taking a turn, hit him and he fell on the road and sustained multiple injuries. Banta Ram was taken to the PGI where doctors declared him brought dead. The police has registered a case of causing death due to rash and negligent driving against bus driver Mukhtiar Singh. He was later released on bail. The police said the post-mortem of the body would be conducted tomorrow.
Scooters stolen
Mr Om Prakash Arora of Sector 22 lodged a complaint to the police alleging that his scooter (CH-01-Q-3572) was stolen from the site behind the General Post Office in Sector 17. Mr Balwinder Singh of Sector 37 reported to the police alleging that his Kinetic Honda (CH-01-F-6535) was stolen from his residence on August 7. Similarly, Mr Narinder Singh of Sector 22-C filed a complaint to the police that his scooter (CHQ-9834) was stolen from the Sector 34 market. Three cases of thefts have been registered in the various police stations of the city.
Purse snatched
Ms Phoola Devi of Sector 41-A reported to the police alleging that two scooter-borne persons snatched her purse containing Rs 8,000 and a mobile phone in Sector 37. She was reportedly travelling in a rickshaw when the snatching took place last night. A case has been registered.
Dowry
Ms Salma of Khuda Ali Sher lodged a complaint with the police alleging that her husband Harneesh Khan alias Bittu of Tehuri village in Kurukshetra district in Haryana was harassing her for dowry. She told the police that her marriage took place in July, 1995. A case under Sections 406 and 498-A and Section 4 of the Dowry Prevention Act has been registered in this regard.
Smack seized
The police arrested Sikander, a resident of Dadu Majra Colony, for carrying 1.40 gm of smack. A case under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance Act has been registered against the accused.
Assaulted
Mr Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Dhanas village filed a complaint to the police alleging that Jasbir Singh and Kulbir Singh, both residents of the village, threatened and assaulted him at his residence last night. He sustained injuries and was admitted to the General Hospital, Sector 16. A case has been registered against the accused.
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Peon held for stealing Rs 1.5 lakh
Dera Bassi, August 9 According to the police, the accused, Harish Kumar, was arrested for stealing money from the office of Mr Rajesh Kumar. He was nabbed from Dera Bassi bus stop last evening when he was trying to flee from the area. The police has recovered a sum of Rs 1,45,500 from his possession.
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Israel rolls out red carpet for IT firms
Chandigarh, August 9 He reached the city in the evening after visiting Amritsar and Jalandhar. “Bilateral ties are incremental in nature and the trade between the two countries is strategic encompassing all spheres of economy,” said Mr Danieli. Israel, at present, had a robust economic trade of $ 2.5 billion with India and 60 per cent of the country’s GDP comes from overseas trade, he added. And India had since last year become the largest exporter in Asia. Referring to the road map for Indo-Israel relationship, he said the potential areas of mutual interest were the IT sector, pharmaceuticals, software development , sophisticated chemicals, medical equipment, etc. In fact, Teva, a leading pharmaceutical firm of Israel, which features among the top 10 in the world, was also present in the Indian market. During the past 13 years, the trade between the two countries had been growing at a rapid rate of 25 per cent, he added. The Ambassador invited IT companies to invest in Israel, particularly in the area of software development and training. This would also help generate more employment in both countries. He would meet the Punjab Governor and the Chief Minister to discuss the trade opportunities that exists for the two countries in the agro sector and irrigation. While praising the agriculture development in the state, he said, “We have a lot to learn from Punjab in the area of agriculture.” Mr Danieli is of the view that visit to various states of the country help him provide a proper feedback to those interested in setting up base in India and an insight into the ground realities. Tourism could be another area where both countries need to work together, he noted.
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