L U D H I A N A   S T O R I E S


 

Murder over ganja
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
A quarrel over allegations of stealing ganja led to the murder of a migrant labourer by one of his friends here today. According to police sources, the deceased, Bezar, was a resident of Bihar and was working at the dairy of Kuku on the Tajpur road. Bezar and his friend, Hari Ram, were habitual ganja smokers and used to stock its some quantity with them.

Hari suspected that his friend had been stealing ganja for the few days and he confronted his friend today. This led to a wordy duel between them. Things took a violent turn when the accused started pelting Bezar with bricks. One brick hit Bezar, who succumbed to his injuries later.

The accused has been arrested.

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Mystery shrouds deaths of two persons
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Two persons died under mysterious circum stances in separate incidents in the city here today. According to police sources, 55-year-old Surjit Singh, a headmaster at a school at Phav Bhora village, was killed on the spot when the double barrel gun he was cleaning, went off accidentally. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

In another incident, the body of a 19-year-old boy Tony was recovered from the railway tracks near the Fauji colony.

Sources said that the deceased had been living with his grandparents for the past many years. A few days back, his grandfather had purchased a new motorcycle for him on which he used to roam about all day long.

Angered at his aimless wandering, his grandfather took the keys of the motorbike from him last night.

This reportedly upset Tony who left home in a fit of anger.

He is said to have consumed some poisonous substance.

The police is investigating both cases.

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Pension still a dream for INA veteran
Kanchan Vasdev
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Belying the claims of the state government that it has forwarded a Ludhiana-based INA veteran’s pension case to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the ministry has stated that it has not received any such case.

The Home Affairs Ministry’s communication has once again dashed the hopes of Ms Sarjeet Kaur, an octogenarian INA veteran, to the ground as she had been fighting her case for the past more than five years.

The reply comes in the wake of an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Union Home Ministry asking it about the status of Ms Sarjeet kaur’s case. The state government had presented before the High Court that her case was with the Union Government and the delay was not on its part.

But the letter by Mr P.K. Kaul, Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, has angered the elderly woman, who claims that she could die anytime considering her frail health and age without getting her dues.

Ms Sarjeet Kaur, 80, a resident of Bhaini Aroran village, had been moving from pillar to post after Independence to get recognition for her and her husband’s contribution in the country’s freedom movement, but to no avail. Though the Central Government had declared both Ms Sarjeet Kaur and her late husband as freedom fighters she was yet to get pension benefit that was given to other INA veterans.

Despite getting relief from the Punjab State Commission for Women and the SDM, Raikot, that she should be given pension, it was unfortunate that she was yet to receive pension.

Interestingly, in his report the SDM, Raikot, had stated that Ms Sarjeet Kaur had submitted that her husband late Hazoora Singh Chahal should be declared a freedom fighter and she should be given the due financial help. The SDM had written to the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, that the case of the petitioner should be considered sympathetically as the same was supported by the government policy.

In another report, the SDM had said it had been proved beyond reasonable doubt that Hazoora Singh was imprisoned for more than six months along with his companions in Singapore when he was a member of the INA and that he should be declared a freedom fighter.

Unfortunately, the findings of the SDM, Raikot, have not been implemented till date. Time and again, the petitioner has been writing to the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, and has been personally meeting the officials concerned.

Ms Sarjeet Kaur has been fighting for the recognition of her husband’s contribution to the country’s Independence. Hazoora Singh Chahal, her husband, was with Netaji Subash Chander Bose in Singapore during 1944 and 1945. She claims that she had to throw her newborn baby while at Singapore, as she could not bear the condition of the starving infant. Substantiating her claims, she shows the picture of her baby bearing a stamp of a studio in Singapore.

According to the documents produced by Ms Sarjeet Kaur, Hazoora Singh had joined the INA on February 23, 1944. He worked as a Havildar with 1/8 Guerrilla, First Battalion, A.Coy no. 34451. His area of operation was Ipoh Perak, Malaya, and Capt Bhaskar C.Com of Maharashtra was his Commander.

The documents also show that he was imprisoned for seven months in various jails at Ipoh and the Bidda Dari Camp in Singapore. He had to surrender in November 1945 to the British Army. He had also furnished this information to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, after the Deputy Secretary, Government of India, had asked him through a letter (no. 27L/11997/74) addressed to him in 1974.

His correspondence with various governments, including Punjab and India, continued for more than 40 years, but even then he did not get any pension or economic relief, which was provided to the members of the INA. He did not get pension even after another INA veteran, Lt Kirpal Singh, INA, 2/8, Guerrilla Regiment, had declared under oath that Hazoora Singh was imprisoned in Ipoh with him for several months.

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E-governance programme to modernise police
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 17
The computer and telecommunication wing of the state police has established a working group to implement the common integrated police applications (CIPA) and e-governance program. Practical training of the constituents has been started.

The group that would further be expanded to sub-groups consists of eight IPS and five PCS officers besides six NGOs, one from each range. Bahadur Singh, SHO, city police, has been selected for the course from district.

Mr S.M. Sharma, ADGP (Computer and Telecommunication) had asked all DIGs to send one NGO from each range so that the task of modernising and computerising police stations was finished within the stipulated period. “The sub-groups would be assigned specific time bound tasks so that the implementation of CIPA and e-governance can be accomplished without further delay,” reads the letter written by Mr Sharma to the ranges.

Mr Sharma maintained that officials of various ranks having adequate knowledge of computer applications and practical police working had been inducted in the groups.

The training of NGOs had been started at Chandigarh on Thursday. Though intensive training was yet to start, the experts have prepared a plan that would impart education to the present group and the knowledge thus gained would be dispersed among other cops.

Senior members of the groups include Mr A.S. Rai, SSP, Ludhiana, Mr Kuldeep Singh, Mr S.K. Asthana, IPS, Mr P.K. Sinha, IPS, Mr Amit Parsad, IPS, Mr Arun Pal Singh , Mr Nilabh Kishore, IPS, Mr Rakesh Aggarwal, IPS, Mr Daljinder Singh, DSP, Mr Jasdeep Singh, DSP, Mr Chaman Lal, DSP, Mr Sukhwinder Mann, DSP and Mr Simrat Pal Singh Dhindsa, DSP.

Sources informed that computers had been dispatched to certain police stations and the project would be implemented soon after the completion of the one month training of the present group of NGOs. Direct data feeding provision of scanning would be provided at these police stations.

The need for a common integrated software development was discussed three years ago when the police chiefs of all states and union territories had met in the Capital for their annual conference.

Computerisation will also help in efficient management of resources, including manpower, finances, materials and inventory besides enhancing performance in the areas of management of processes and process re-engineering.

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Tribune Impact
School under flyover gets walls
Kanchan Vasdev
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Bringing smiles on the faces of slum children, who had been studying in a school run under a flyover, the Education Department has started constructing walls on both sides of the bridge to save them from the vagaries of weather.

The children’s plight was highlighted in these columns today. The department had started the construction two days after a Tribune team had gone there to photograph the children.

Around 2-foot high wall was erected on one side of the flyover. Workers said they would raise an eight-foot high wall on both sides, leaving space for a door. They added that the work would be completed within three or four days.

While the construction had started, the garbage dump remained intact just five metres away from the school. Swarms of flies and stench could be witnessed today also. It seemed the children’s plight failed to move the Municipal Corporation authorities.

The teachers, who were sick of goons drooling over them, said they had a sigh of relief. At least they would feel safe in an enclosure other than an open space.

‘‘There was no wall on Saturday. But today when we came in the morning there were bricks and construction work had started. Now at least we will be able to teach comfortably during the windy season, ’’ said a teacher requesting anonymity.

She added that the work had started only after the Tribune team reached the spot. Otherwise the authorities were promising them the same but those were not realised. The teachers said that their parents did also not like the idea of their working under a flyover which was just opposite a slum. All kinds of elements could be seen hanging around during the school hours and they found it quite unsafe to work there.

‘‘Earlier we had to work very hard to make children concentrate. They would keep looking at passersby and rag pickers.’’ Teachers demanded that the garbage dump should also be shifted from there.

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Streamlining traffic is new SSP’s priority
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Mr A.S. Rai, who took over as Senior Superintendent of Police, here, today has said he would ensure law and order at all costs.

He also emphasised that corruption would not be tolerated at any stage. He said proactive action would be initiated all sorts of corruption by the department.

Mr Rai said streamlining the chaotic traffic in the city would be one of his top most priorities. Mr Rai has served as SP Traffic, Ludhiana, also.

He said there must be greater cooperation between the police and the public. He was looking for cooperation from the people and would extend all support to the common man.

The new SSP also asserted that polite behaviour with the public would be his priority.

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COMMUNITY
 

Modern skin care treatment comes of age
Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, April 17
Cosmetology has come up in a big way to give a new smart look to individuals as skin-care products and agents have become a billion-dollar industry the world over these days. Of late, cosmetology has travelled a long distance and those looking for a soft, fair, glowing and spotless skin have a lot more choices.

According to Dr Alka Dogra, Professor and Head, Department of Skin and VD at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, here chemical peeling, most commonly done with glycolic acid peels, is the widely acceptable method for improving the visible signs of ageing, sun-damaged skin and treatment of various dermatological conditions like acne, scars, hyperkeratosis and hyper pigmentation (blemishes).

In this method , glycolic acid is used in different strengths which is progressively increased. First of all, a pre-peel treatment is carried out and after peeling, a post-peel care of the skin is performed. Protection from sunlight is a very important part of the post-peel skin programme. Excessive build-up of dead skin leads to dryness and premature skin ageing. The damaging environmental factors like UV damage, air conditioning and air pollution makes the skin thick and dull. The peels help to remove dead skin cells in a process called exfoliation.

Another popular skin treatment is the use of topical anti-oxidants, says Dr Dogra. Topical anti-oxidants in the form of vitamins C and E are very useful when applied topically. These have an advantage over oral formulations for their property of stabilising the nascent oxygen, responsible for most of the problems of the skin like photoageing, wrinkles and discoloration. The anti-oxidants effectively neutralise chemical reactions generated when the skin is exposed to environmental insults.

‘‘Together, vitamins C and E form a synergistic antioxidant combination that provides unmatched protection from photoageing. Their effect is further enhanced when combined with a broad spectrum sunblock. The most surprising discovery is the ability of this combination to prevent the mutation of skin cells, associated with formation of skin cancer.

She informed that dermal fillers have gained much acceptance for smoothening the wrinkles and folds, shaping facial contours and lip sculpting. In this procedure, restylane is one of the products used, which is basically a stabilised hyaluronic acid. However, it is a costly injection and the effect of one injection stays for about six to 12 months after which period the treatment has to be repeated.

Commenting on dermaceutical products like collagen creams, Dr Dogra observed that these creams are supposed to be nourishing and moisturising products to keep the skin young. For them to be effective, these must be absorbed by the skin and reach the level of dermis where collagen tissue is present. These creams have their limitation and it is really doubtful whether they reach the required level.

Other latest techniques for giving the skin a new look are ‘‘micro-dermabrasion’’, commonly known as lunch-time peels and laser. The former is the latest procedure for skin exfoliation in which a controlled vacuum is used to move sterile micro aluminum crystals to abrade the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin) and thereafter the microcrystals, as well as the abraded skin are vacuumed away. After multiple treatments, the skin removal procedure can eliminate pigmented spots, correct keloid scars and burn scars.

Unlike dermabrasion, laser treatment is quite expensive and for different indications of skin, a different laser is needed. Focusing on radiofrequency ablation, Dr Dogra said it is an effective physical therapy for removing warts, moles, freckles, naevi etc. It is basically a high frequency, low temperature radiosurgery, which is done by a machine. It is also called cold cautery in comparison to already available surfrecation and electric cautery. It provides a bloodless field and lesions like actinic keratosis, small and big moles, xanthomas, mucosal warts, dilated capillaries, scars and skin tags can be safely removed.

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Gurdwara management flayed for honouring
Baba’s aide

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
The Shiromani Khalsa Dal (SKD) and Dal Khalsa have condemned the management of a gurdwara in Ludhiana which honoured one of the aides of self-styled Baba Bhaniarewala with a siropa.

Mr Major Singh Khalsa and Mr Sarbjit Singh Ghuman, spokespersons of the outfits, said it was a matter of concern that a follower of the Baba, who has been excommunicated from the Panth by Akal Takht, had even been allowed inside the gurdwara in Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar. The Baba had been found guilty of flouting Sikh tenets and denigrating the Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib, they pointed out.

They said the Baba had openly admitted to burning the Granth at many places and had gone as far as compiling his own granth. He had also exhorted the people to come into his fold and start installing the granth in gurdwaras, they alleged.

It was the responsibility of the management to keep a watch on such persons and not allow them to create a rift among the community. It was an open secret that the person honoured, Gurnam Singh Kler, had installed a granth of the Baba at his residence which was thrown out by the Sikh sangat a few years ago, they said.

The duo also said that the matter should be investigated by the SGPC and Akal Takht and punishment pronounced so as to deter others from following suit. It was shameful that such an incident had happened in the home town of SGPC chief Avtar Singh, they added.

The SKD also demanded an end to the sycophancy culture being encouraged in the SGPC and other Sikh institutions. It was a matter of concern that the religious fervour at the historic melas in the state had been crassly politicised and vitiated. The custodians of the Sikhs were more interested in staging a game of onemanupship than creating awareness about the rampant drug abuse and apostasy among the masses, Mr Khalsa said.

He also said that the practise of bestowing siropas in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib should be largely restricted to a deserving few.

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EU delegation sees greater cooperation among South Asian nations
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Members of the European Union parliamentary delegation have predicted greater cooperation amongst the South Asian countries on the pattern of the European Union. The members were addressing a civic reception organised in their honour at the Satluj Club by senior Akali leader and former MP Amrik Singh Aliwal.

The delegation members, who were led by Ludhiana-born Neena Gill, said, they saw no reason that why the South Asian countries could not come together on various economic, political, cultural and civilisational issues. The cooperation would lead to greater peace and stability in the region, they pointed out.

The delegation also visited Punjab Agricultural University today and held a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, Dr K.S. Aulakh, and other officials of the university.

Ms Gill congratulated the university for its role in making Punjab self-sufficient in food-grains. She said during her 30 years stay in England, she used to remember her native land. Looking at the pace of work here, the delegation expressed its desire to extend full cooperation to the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aulakh said the university, established in 1962, was the second agricultural university of India. He said around 84 per cent of the total area in Punjab was under cultivation.

The delegation also visited the Museum of Social History and field crops research area of the university.

Dr V.K. Sharma, Registrar and Mr Avtar Chand Rana, Comptroller of the university, were also present on the occasion.

The delegation also held a meeting with the members of the Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings.

The delegation members showed keen interest in IT, auto parts and hosiery. They said these sectors had greater scope for cooperation with various EU countries.

Mr Inderjeet Singh Pradhan, Mr Avtar Singh, Mr G.S. Kahlon, Mr Surrinder Singh and Mr Upkar Singh were among those present at the meeting.

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Industrial workers to go on strike on April 20
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 17
In protest against the increasing exploitation of workers by employers, the blatant violation of labour laws, police repression and the failure of the government to accept their genuine demands, more than five lakh industrial workers and labours at the brick- kilns in the state would go on strike on April 20.

Stating this at a news conference here today, the national vice-president of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Mr Raghunath Singh, and the general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Mr Bant Singh Brar, served a veiled threat to the Congress government in Punjab to take remedial steps without any further delay to address the grievances of the working class failing which they would be left with no other choice than to go on an indefinite strike.

They said in addition to the industrial and brick-kiln labours, the farm workers, FCI labours and palledars, anganwadi workers and activists of other trade unions would also join the strike.

Both Mr Raghunath Singh and Mr Brar refuted the claims of the Congress government about development and industrial growth in the state. They alleged that during the Congress regime and its predecessor SAD-BJP government’s rule more than 8,500 industrial units in Punjab had closed down and the governments had miserably failed to enforce even the obsolete Factories Act (enacted in 1948) in more than 2,800 brick-kilns.

The trade union leaders were sore over increasing attacks on trade union activists and attempts by the employers to curb the constitutional trade union rights of the workers. The government either remained a silent spectator, or at times even extended overt and covert support to the exploitation of labour. They pointed out that the crucial issue of the enhancement of minimum wages of unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled workers was hanging fire for quite some time and the state had been relegated to seventh position in the country in the matter of minimum wages for workers.

The leaders reiterated that the agitation by the workers would continue till the government ensured scrupulous implementation of all labour laws, the trade unions were granted registration and minimum wages were enhanced to a level that the workers and their families could be assured of two square meals.

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Two NRIs honoured
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 17
Two NRI’s — Mr Dalbir Suman Halwarari from England and Mr Tanjit Singh from the USA — were honoured by the Sabhyacharak Saath at a function held here yesterday.

Mr Jasmer Singh Dhadd, chairmman of the group, which holds “Miss World Punjaban” contests every year, said they had decided to honour the two NRI’s for their contribution in the promotion of Punjabi culture.

Mr Halwarari, who runs a 24-hour channel in England, is an announcer. He delves into Punjabi culture and brings out facts and makes the younger generation know about the culture and tradition. Mr Tanjit Singh is a journalist and contributes to several Punjabi papers printed in the USA. He is also a bhangra coach.

Mr Dhadd said the younger generation gained a lot from their adopted countries but lose out on culture and native traditions. These two NRIs were doing commendable service in promoting the cause of Punjabiat and Punjabi way of life, he added. The function was compered by TV artist Nirmal Jaura.

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Seminar on responsibility of media
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, April 17
Media, a vehicle to bring about social change, is the only hope for society, asserted speakers at a sub-division level seminar on the ‘Responsibility of media in the present scenario’ organised by the Press Club at the Officers Club at Malerkotla town, near here on Sunday. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr Indu, SDM. Ms Razia Sultana, Parliamentary Secretary, was the chief guest.

Terming corruption to be universal phenomenon, Mr Mohamad Mustafa, IG, Border Range, Amritsar, in his keynote address said, “Unfortunately, a section of the media, which includes the Western media, has fallen prey to corporate powers that were bent on corrupting the voice of the silent masses. But genuine reporters should understand that people differentiate between good and bad and it is high time that we should know that media is the only hope for victims of political and bureaucratic suppression.”

Mr G. K. Singh, OSD to the Deputy Chief Minister, called upon journalists to recollect the contribution of media in the Freedom struggle and set an example before other sections of society.

Dr Pritpal Singh Sohi, a lecturer at Government College, Malerkotla, discussed changes in media that had brought about drastic transformations in society. He claimed that media played a vital role in bringing changes of all sorts in society. Transformation to capitalism, implementation of globalisation and change in mind set of the people was brought about by the media, maintained Dr Sohi.

Mr Ravinder Puri, president, Journalist Association Ahmedgarh, Mr Ashok Joshi and Mr Mohinder Gupta, president and general secretary respectively, Press Club, claimed that certain forces had been trying to gag the media.

Mr Jatinder Bhola, president, Municipal Council Ahmedgarh, Ms Kulwant Sandhu, principal, Government College, Malerkotla, and Prof Rafi Mohamad also spoke on the occasion.

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Tributes paid to Dr Ambedkar
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, April 17
The Organisation of Young Lawyers (OYL) today organised a function at District Courts complex to celebrate the 115th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

Speaking on the occasion, Balwinder Goel, former Bar president and member of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, said Dr Ambedkar was the prime architect of the Constitution of independent India.

Secretary of the District Bar Association Rajneesh Gupta, chairman of the OYL Sandeep Kapoor and various office-bearers, including Rohit Thapar, Malwinder Singh Ghuman. Rana Harjasdeep Singh, Virender Sekhon, Kamalpreet Singh and Shashi Kant Verma, were among others present on the occasion.

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CRIME
 

4 injured in group clash
Our Correspondent

Khamano, April 17
Four persons were injured in a group clash over the issue of collections on Baisakhi at a gurdwara at Haryana village, near here.

According to the information available, one group was led by the president of Gurdwara Shri Guru Ravidas and the other group was led by the former president of the gurdwara committee.

The injured were rushed to Civil Hospital, Khamano. The police has registered a case in this connection under Section 323, 324, 148, 149 of the IPC against Rulda Singh, Ajit Singh, Sarabjeet Singh, Jaswinder Kaur, Labh Kaur, Mohinder Kaur and Nasib Singh.

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BUSINESS
 

Murti food’s new outlet
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 17
Murti’s Food Establishment launched its new outlet, Murti’s Food Smith, here today. Mr Rakesh Pandey, Minister of Science and Technology, inaugurated it.

Mr Rakesh Gupta, director of the company, said the outlet would sell pickles, juices, sauces and canned food, including dal makhani, channa masala and palak paneer.

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