Ferozepur, August 25
In the absence of any earnest initiative from the Indian government juxtaposed with an atmosphere of political uncertainty in Pakistan, the reopening of Hussainiwala-Kasur border, which has been a matter of utmost concern for the residents of this border town for the past three decades, seems to be a distant dream.

The border was closed in the aftermath of 1971 India-Pakistan war when Pakistani forces had launched an aggression on India from this front.  

Over and above, the indications from the Ministry of Defence also suggest that there is no proposal to open the Hussainiwala border at present.

In response to the memorandum submitted by the DCC president Gurnaib Brar, defence minister A.K. Antony, in his letter DO No. 5(4)/08/US(P)/D(GS-V)/3734/RM, has cited certain infrastructural issues raised by the BSF authorities that were impeding its reopening.

When contacted, DIG BSF M.L. Wassan informed that the BSF authorities were not against the opening of the border for trade and transit. However, the requisite infrastructure has to be in place first, he added.

Wassan said the present Sutlej bridge along the Hussainiwala barrage was not strong enough to withstand the large volume of traffic.

“If we have to allow large vehicular traffic, another bridge has to be made either from Shameke or Bareke side which requires lot of funds and time,” the DIG informed. 

Some time back, the custom authorities had also conducted a survey to know the feasibility of reopening this trade route but nothing moved beyond that.

The Hussaniwala-Kasur border was the lifeline of traders dealing in export-import of dry fruits, vegetables and other commodities besides local cinema halls attracted a large number of Pakistani audience. However, its sudden closure in 1971 sounded the death knell for the prosperity of this town. All these years, political leaders from state as well as centre have been making tall promises of reopening of the border. But all assurances have turned out to be hollow and false. 

Earlier, during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Lahore, when the governments of the two countries had embarked on several confidence building measures, the residents grew optimistic that the day was not far when this border will reopen. However, the subsequent attack on the Parliament in India and consequent Kargil conflict eclipsed all their hopes.

Political analysts feel that the issue needs both political will and an atmosphere of goodwill and peace between the two neighbours hitherto separated by hatred.

However, in the present scenario, when Kashmir valley is burning over the Amarnath land dispute and the India-Pakistan relations seem far from being normal, the issue appears to have taken a backseat.  

Now, most of the traders have already shifted their bases elsewhere, and the few left behind are hoping against the hope that this border will reopen and the lost trade will be revived. The matter has also been raised umpteen times in the Parliament but without any tangible outcome. 

When contacted, Gurnaib Brar said he had recently met the defence minister regarding the reopening of this border and he promised to review the matter.

During the defence minister’s recent visit to this border town, Congress leaders, including Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Parminder Singh Pinki and Jagmeet Brar had also met him along with local delegations to urge him to take up the issue, but all in vain. 

When contacted, former MP Jagmeet Brar said he would soon meet the Prime Minister along with a deputation of local residents and urge the government to consider their long-pending demand.

Bathinda, August 25
The two accused in a three-year-old murder case were sentenced to life by the district and sessions judge, Kuldip Singh, today.

As per the details procured, a bloody clash took place in village Gurusar Sainewala on July 8, 2007, in which Malkit Singh, Balbir Singh, Gurdass Singh and Fateh Singh allegedly fired at Jasveer Kaur due to some old rivalry.

In retaliation, her son, Nar Singh also fired shots at them in which Malkit and Balbir were injured. The three injured, including Jasveer Kaur, were admitted to the civil hospital in Bathinda. A cross case under section 307 of the IPC and Arms Act was registered against both the parties.

Further, the two parties again opened fire in the emergency ward of the hospital the next day in which Nar Singh was killed while Balbir and Malkit sustained bullet injuries. In the clash, Nar Singh had used a .12 bore gun registered in the name of his wife Paramjeet Kaur.

A case of murder, including a case under the Arms Act was registered against Malkit, Balbir and Fateh at the Kotwali police station. On the other hand, Nar Singh, Surjeet Singh, Balwinder Singh and Beant Singh were booked under section 307 of the IPC. Meanwhile, Paramjeet Kaur was booked under the Arms Act as her gun was used in the bloody clash.

Giving details of the proceedings, advocate Charan Pal Singh Brar said, "Out of the three murder accused, police had earlier declared Fateh Singh as innocent and filed a challan against Malkit Singh and Balbir Singh, who were today awarded life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5,000 each for the case under section 302 of the IPC. Under the provisions of the Arms Act, they have been penalised with three years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000.

He added that Paramjeet Kaur had been imposed a penalty of Rs 2,000 as her gun was used in the incident, while the rest of his clients were acquitted today.

Bathinda, August 25
Residents of Parasram Nagar, Partap Nagar and other adjoining localities falling on the western side of the city are resentful of the closing down of the post office from the area.

Following the intervention by the district administration, the post office authorities have assured of reviewing the decision.

A deputation of the Bathinda Western Welfare Organisation led by its president Amit Chopra, had apprised Rahul Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, of the problems being faced by the residents of the areas after the closure of the post office.

The residents had been moving from pillar to post to get the decision reversed.

The residents of "across the railway lines" areas had on July 12 observed a hunger strike and burnt the effigy of local administration against shifting of the post- office from its existing location in the area.

The inhabitants rue that the area with a population of over 70,000 have to cover three kilometres for post- office related works at the Post-Office bazaar. They threatened that if their demand for shifting of post- office was not met, they would resort to massive demonstration in the area for which the postal authorities would be held responsible.

On the other hand, postal authorities said that they have made arrangements for the shifting of the post-office in that area which, they said, would start operating soon.

Bathinda, August 25
'Walk for your heart' and ‘care for the underprivileged’ programmes were organised to mark the Healthy Lifestyle Day here today.

The programmes highlighted the need for providing healthcare to the people living in slums.

The health programmes were jointly organised by the Fortis Hospital and Heart Care Foundation of India on the occasion of the Healthy Lifestyle Day with the theme for 2008, 'Make Every Mother and Child Count'.

Dr Emmanuel from DMCH, Ludhiana, stressed the need to care for the health of women and children from the underprivileged sections and said lifestyle-oriented disorders can be curbed effectively.

Citing the examples of healthy living, he said yoga, exercises and meditation are essential to keep diseases away.

He said that 'daily exercise is best against diseases' to 'health of women and children is imperative for general health in every household', the programmes tried to create awareness on a healthy lifestyle resulting in a healthy body.

A number of free check-up camps were also organised in the city. Awareness was also generated on how a large number of women die each year owing to negligence and complications during childbirth and pregnancy.

It provided guidelines for increasing the survival rate of girl child by focusing on the need to have safe and clean delivery at birth, exclusive breast-feeding for first six months, vaccination and oral dehydration therapy and treatment against dehydration and diarrhoea.

Dr Pritpal Singh, a cardiologist, said considering the rapid transition in lifestyle of our country, there is strong evidence that little exercise, the stress of living in a very competitive environment, coupled with urbanisation leading to adverse lifestyle changes in the form of altered eating habits like the intake of excessive amount of saturated fats, fat foods etc., has been compounding the situation.

"Cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke) is the leading cause of death in the country while diabetes is a major risk factor for developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels," he said. Research shows even small decreases in blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help people with diabetes live longer and healthier lives, he added.

Bathinda, August 25
Growth of Congress grass (Histroforus Perithinium) and other weeds in vacant plots in several colonies in the city are posing danger to the residents as these harmful plants are not only causing diseases to locals but have also become a haven for snakes and other dangerous insects.

Residents of Vishal Nagar, Tagore Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Model Town and other areas have been facing problems due to tall Congress grass, growing in abundance in vacant plots in the localities. Most importantly, in this rainy season, these weeds have become breeding ground for the snakes and other animals.

Besides, these harmful weeds cause skin allergies, asthma and respiratory diseases to residents.

After receiving several complaints from residents, this correspondent visited various localities only to know that the menace has taken wild shape, which requires immediate attention.

Growth of weeds in abundance in the city and the road sides clearly indicate that the authorities concerned have not bothered to remove the weeds for a long time.

Talking to TNS, residents alleged, "We have informed the authorities concerned about the problem several times but action is yet to be taken." "Many times, small snakes and insects had entered into my house through the rear. So this grass is posing danger to my family members," said a resident of Tagore Nagar.

When contacted, the executive officer of the BMC, Kamal Kant said, "We are aware of the menace, but most of the plots on which weeds have grown are private and vacant. We have been removing weeds grown at public places and roadsides. But if anyone registers a complaint about any particular site, we will remove it."

Abohar, August 25
A major cleansing operation was launched by the municipal council (MC) here on Saturday to remove the garbage that had accumulated in the 6-km-long sullage water carrier located near the Defence road here.

Shiv Raj Goyal president of the council along with councillor Surinder Vij, executive officer D.K. Goyal, PWSSB SDE Sita Ram Bajaj and inspectors of the sanitation department visited the site to have first hand knowledge of the problem.

Earlier the president, concerned over the inability of the administration in combating with the chronic problems related to supply of potable water and disposal of sullage water, had on Friday convened an emergency meeting of the officials of the MC and the PWSSB.

It was noted that complaints had increased manifold following incessant rains besides closure of canals for desilting operations by the irrigation department.

The officials explained that supply of highly-contaminated black water through the canals had left the local bodies high and dry in ensuring availability of potable water. Underground pipes in some localities had also got damaged as the same had outlived their life.

Shiv Raj Goyal said various development projects had been stalled for want of funds.

He said he would seek funds from Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during his proposed visit here.

Mansa, August 25
Several patients who have been suffering from jaundice, malaria and other diseases have expressed concern over contamination of water and streets littered with filth.

During a visit to many streets, including Channi di Chakki to Dhaliwal Chowk, Burf street and Dheer streets, by this correspondent, nearly 85 patients were found suffering from different diseases.

Surjit Kaur has jaundice level of 10 per cent, Sarooti has 9 per cent, Baldev Singh 5.5 per cent, Pala Singh 12 per cent, Jaswinder Kaur 6.7 per cent, Moni 8.5 per cent, Gagandeep 9.8 per cent, Harmesh Kumar 10.1 per cent.

All the patients said that stagnant water in the streets and contaminated drinking water due to the mixing of sewage in the pipes of drinking water were the main reasons for the spreading of the disease.

Many patients belong to poor families and they were not in the position to afford treatment.

Meanwhile, Jaspal Khokar, leader of the Radical Peoples Forum, Sukhcharan Singh Danewallia, leader of CPI (ML), Bhagwant Singh Sammaon, leader of Mazdoor Mukti Morcha, Pawan Kumar, a resident of ward number 9 and Kala Singh demanded that the administration should take appropriate steps to solve the problems.

Subodh Gupta deputy in-charge and officiating civil surgeon said that the main reason for the spread of such diseases was the mixing of sewerage with water in the pipelines.

He added that they had written to the sewerage control board and the municipal council for cleaning of streets and the drainage system.

Gupta claimed that the health department had been providing medicines in houses and hospital.

Ferozepur, August 25
With the motto of “Asha, Vishwas, Astha” to motivate its members, the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) has been ensuring that the soldiers does not have to worry about their families as they guard the international frontiers. The association looks after the better-halves of the sentinels.

The Ferozepur chapter of the AWWA, the Golden Arrow AWWA, held a week-long celebrations (August 16 to 23) to mark its Raising Day. Large number of educational and vocational activities as ‘run for fun’, tree plantation, ‘best out of waste’ competition, lectures on mushroom cultivation besides debates, quiz competitions and confidence building activities were organised during the week-long celebrations.

The celebrations culminated with a cultural programme organised by the members of the Golden Arrow AWWA.

While addressing the gathering on the occasion, Aneet Gill, president of the AWWA, lauded the efforts of the members of the association, who were engaged in ensuring the welfare and upliftment of the “Veer Naris” of the Army. She exhorted them to continue their excellent work.

Gill said that today, the role of the AWWA was to help families to become confident enough to meet the challenges in life thereby leaving their men to concentrate on their professional duties.

With the disintegration of joint families, the AWWA steps in to stand by a family in the times of joy, need and grief, she added.

Abohar, August 25
A member of the field and technical staff of the Public Works Department (PWD) was thrashed by the women, who were holding demonstration against non-availability of drinking water in Dharam Nagari locality on Friday, sources said. The worker had allegedly cast aspersions on them.

According to eye-witnesses, while the women were complaining to a senior officer that their locality had been denied the supply of drinking water for past 10 days, a PWD employee intervened and allegedly passed unethical remarks on them. Irritated, they caught hold of him and thrashed him up.

His son also received beating when he tried to intervene.

Councillor Suman Bala Chhabra, former councillor Rattan Lal and Dalbir Singh Dhaliwal district president of the Rashtriyawadi Congress Party (RCP) besides other residents reached there but the PWD worker had fled by that time.

The women had sat on an indefinite dharna demanding an unconditional apology of the field worker.

Meanwhile, residents of Green Avenue also reached the waterworks and complained that the water supply to their locality remained suspended for over a week.

They alleged that the sanitation workers were demanding money to clear the silt and garbage from the drains.

Bathinda, August 25
Parking arrangements for vehicles in the city have enough scope for improvement. A spacious and well managed parking arena enhances the beauty of the office, market, plaza, mall or whatever building it is.

Howver, it remains a major problem at key visiting sites in the city. According to Amarjeet Singh, junior engineer, parking remains a big problem at the Rose Garden. Actually, it was managed on a contract basis earlier, but now-a-days, the municipal corporation takes care of it. The daily income from parking fees here is an estimated Rs 700 but on holidays, it can exceed Rs 2,000. However, there is not adequate manpower to oversee the arrangements. Parking attendants have their own grievances saying they are blamed for the theft of a vehicles even if it is outside the parking area.

According to Babli, the parking contracter at Gandhi Market, there is no proper place for parking during the rainy season as the area is inundated with water.

The problem of parking is also acute at the railway station. No one is in charge of the parking here except for the railway authorities. It is supposed to be the duty of the railway staff but they are conspicuous by their absence there.

According to Harbans Lal, superintendent, Municipal Corpation, Bathinda, a bid was organised for private parking at the Rose Garden but there were no takers.

Regarding the flooding of the parking zones due to rain water, he said that the private contracter should write a letter to the MC and steps will be taken for the proper drainage of water from the area.

Mansa, August 25
The Congress would not allow the SAD-BJP government to sell public properties just because the state was facing a financial crunch, said district Congress president Ajit Inder Singh Moffer in a statement here today.

He asked the state government to instead generate finance from additional sources to meet the crisis.

Moffer alleged that the present state government had no plans to solve the problems of the people of Punjab.

The Congress would oppose the anti-people policies of the government and the party would hold a rally at Lambi on September 1 in this connection, he added.

To prepare for the rally, the party workers would meet at Jhuneer, Sardoolgarh and Mansa on August 28 and 29.

Abohar, August 25
The Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Society (IFFCO) has decided to increase its urea production by 5 lakh tonne, informed Surinder Kumar Jakhar, chairman of the society.

Speaking to newspersons at the new grain market here on Sunday after inaugurating a guar gum plant in the private sector, he welcomed the revision in fertiliser policy by the central government.

The IFFCO had already adopted energy saving drive in its plants at Kalol and Kandla in Gujarat, Phulpur and Aonla in Uttar Pradesh and Paradeep in Orissa.

The Central Agricultural Cooperative Union of Egypt (CACU) had signed an agreement with world's premier fertiliser cooperative with the objective of ensuring economic and social well-being of the people, particularly the farming community in their respective countries, and to also make available the expertise of the IFFCO in setting up a nitrogenous fertilizer plant in Egypt.

On DAP crisis in Punjab, he said supplies were being monitored by the government minutely. If subsidy is made available at the right time to the manufacturers, the situation might ease.

The Railways should also be directed to make rakes available for quick transportation. Some times, the importers had to dump the fertiliser at the sea port for many days for want of transportation facilities inside the country, Jakhar added.