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Vigilance to probe bungling in Mukerian project
Hoshiarpur, January 2
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has initiated an inquiry into the construction of the 18 MW Mukerian hydel power project of the PSEB. Sources available here said the technical wing of the bureau was conducting an inquiry into the alleged bungling that led to the failure of the project and wastage of crores of rupees.

Chief Justice favours segregation of jail inmates
Amritsar, January 2
Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Vijender Kumar Jain today assured women prisoners that he would look into their cases on the basis of merit. He suggested to the District and Sessions Judge to take up their cases expeditiously. The Chief Justice favoured lenient view in the cases relating to old-age prisoners.

Inmates of Central Security Jail explain their problems to Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Vijender Kumar Jain in Amritsar on Tuesday. — PTI

Farmers protest outside DC’s office
Amritsar, January 2
Braving severe cold and dense fog 600 farmers led by farmer leader Mr Satnam Singh Pannu today gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office for courting arrest as part of protest against the government for not fulfilling of their demands. However, the district administration did not arrest them. Mr Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu, convener, Kisan Sangharsh Committee (KSC), said they would again gherao the District Collector’s office tomorrow.
Farmers raise slogans against the state government outside the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar, on Tuesday. — Photo by Rajiv Sharma

He gave his prime to the country, but was forgotten
Ferozepore, January 2
Having spent the prime of his life being tortured by Pakistani forces, Gurbaksh Ram, a former Indian spy, is a disillusioned man today.

Govt fails to implement vital decisions
Chandigarh, January 2
Failure to issue an ordinance by the Punjab Government to set up Guru Gobind Singh rural university has deflated the move on this important project. The Council of Ministers at its meeting on December 15 had given its approval to the proposal on the university.

POLITICS

Final list of SAD candidates by Jan 10, says Badal
Sherpur (Sangrur), January 2
In an announcement for small farmers with holdings up to three to four acres, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), today said that the SAD-BJP alliance would provide tube well power connection on priority to end wait for tube well connection. 

Setback to SAD in Dhuri
Jhundan announces candidature
Dhuri (Sangrur), January 2
In a major setback to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its candidate, Mr Gaganjit Singh Barnala, in the Dhuri Assembly constituency, Mr Iqbal Singh Jhundan, a leader of the SAD, today raised a banner of revolt against the party leadership when he announced his candidature as an independent candidate from Dhuri in protest against the allotment of SAD ticket to Mr Barnala for the Dhuri seat.

Shift Razia Sultana’s husband: SAD
Malerkotla, January 2
Mr Parkash Singh Badal, president of the SAD, today demanded transfer of all police and civil officials, including Mr Mohamad Mustfa, IG, Punjab, and husband of local Congress MLA Razia Sultana, in view of the Assembly elections.

‘Chandumajra joining Badal not to affect third front’
Mansa, January 2
Senior vice-president of the SAD (Amritsar), Mr Daljeet Singh Bittu, today stated that the coming together of Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr Parkash Singh Badal would not have any effect on the third front.

COMMUNITY

Depts issue orders in back date
Chandigarh, January 2
Although the Election Commission has enforced the code of conduct in Punjab, it is being violated by certain departments. Sources said that transfer orders were being issued in back dates by these departments.

Cold wave claims 3 more lives
Bathinda, January 2
The intense cold wave sweeping the region has claimed three more lives in the past 24 hours here, taking the toll to 11 in the past one month. Most of the victims were beggars. Sources said the body of a beggar was found on the Maal Godam road here today.

Labourers warm themselves around a bonfire to fight chill in Bathinda on Tuesday. — Tribune photo by Kulbir Beera

Six die in mishaps
Bathinda, January 2
Six persons died in four mishaps during the 24 hours in the district as dense fog enveloped the region for the second day.

Vidya Sagar is Rotary (Mid Town) chief
Patiala, January 2
Mr Vidya Sagar has been elected as President of the Rotary club, Patiala (Mid Town) for the Rotary year 2008-09.