Bathinda, November 28
Condemning the Mumbai terror attacks, Simranjeet Singh Mann, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), blamed the incapability of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guards for the mayhem. He also accused the powers aspiring for a Hindu nation of jeopardising the unity and integrity of the country. Mann was here today in connection with a case of sedition pending against him.

Talking to the media about the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, he said the party was yet to decide its candidate for the Bathinda constituency. He added that the party would be contesting from all seats barring Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar constituencies.

Mann further said the SAD (A) would like to form an alliance with only those parties who were ready to spearhead the cause of minorities, including the Dalits.

The SAD (A) chief said every chief minister of the state except late Darbara Singh belonged to Malwa. But the condition of the region was still pathetic. "There is no proper sewerage system in villages as the sewage spills on to the lanes. There is no arrangement for food for poor in this region that has the most number of anaemic children."

Flaying SAD (B) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mann said if instead of talking he focussed on attending to the problems of the commoners, the situation would be better.

Dhiman Singh Mand, former MP, and Gursewak Singh Jawaharke, general secretary, SAD (A), were also present on the occasion.

Fazilka, November 28
The security of pilgrims visiting Lord Shiva Temple at Katasraj in Pakistan has been beefed up following terrorists strike in Mumbai. The information has been disclosed to The Tribune by a local resident Rakesh Nagpal, vice- president of the group of pilgrims visiting Katasraj in Pakistan these days.

According to Nagpal, Katasraj pilgrims group comprising 76 devotees was led by the president Shiv Pratap Bajaj and Nagpal himself, as the pilgrims were camping in Katasraj temple and their programme has been changed at the instance of Pakistan government in the light of terrorists attack at Mumbai.

Nagpal said that Federal Minister of Pakistan government, Shahbaz Bhatti has assured the pilgrims that their security has been tightened and they do not need to worry. However, they were directed to complete the obeisance programme by 9 am on Thursday.

Following the directive, the devotees performed the “Shivling Pooja” hastily before 9 am and boarded the Lahore-bound buses.

Their team reached Lahore by 3.30 in the afternoon at Gurudwara Dera Sahib. Some of group members appeared to be scared due to terror attacks in Mumbai. However, the Pakistan security officers reassured them and allayed their fear.

They said that since the pilgrims are the guests of Pakistan government, elaborate security arrangements have been made for them. Nagpal, further revealed that according to their official programme, the pilgrims were to return to Lahore on November 28, but the programme was curtailed and they had to return to Lahore on November 27.

Earlier, pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome and a felicitation programme was also organised, which continued till late evening on November 26. A dinner was also hosted by the Federal Minister Bhatti. The slight change was made on November 27 in the morning all of a sudden.

The Federal Minister said that the historical holy shrine of the Hindus at Katasraj would be protected at all costs in view of the sentiments of their Hindu brethren. The minister said that the Pakistan government has also worked out a renovation project of the historical shrine. Rs 1300 crore shall be spent for this purpose and the renovation work has been commenced, said.

Nagpal said that now the pilgrims will be camping for the remaining three days of their visit in Lahore. Today, they visited the famous Anarkali Bazaar and food street of Lahore and will visit other places in Lahore on the remaining two days.

The group of Katasraj pilgrims will return to India on December 1, disclosed Rakesh Nagpal.

Bathinda, November 28
Dharam Prachar Lehar and Sikh Virsa Sambhal Muhim societies, working under the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), conducted programmes in villages of the Malwa belt to promote Sikh customs and culture.

These societies were conducting programmes for the past 10 days. Baldev Singh, president of these societies, announced that those who were baptised during these programmes would be taken on a visit to the gurudwaras of Pakistan, free of cost.

To spread awareness about Sikhism, these societies organised programmes at Joganand, Bhokda, Khyaliwala, Akilia Kalan, Goniana Khurd, Goniana Kalan and Amargarh villages.

Today was the concluding session of this programme which was held at Har Raipur village gurudwara, where around 138 people were baptised and around 155 vowed to keep hair.

According to Baldev Singh, around 1220 people were baptised during these programmes. Apart from those who were baptised, around 1650 people vowed that they would not cut their hair. All those who decided to keep hair were given 'siropas'.

During the ten day event, a rally used to be organised which went through the entire village where the programme took place and during this rally people were told about the glory of Sikh culture. The main objectives of the programme were to convince youngsters to keep their hair as per the Sikh custom, to make people aware about the declining sex ratio in Punjab and to what alarming levels it has declined, to spread awareness about female foeticide and to help those addicted to drugs. A list of those who wanted to give up drugs was made and they would be sent to Shri Guru Ram Dass Medical Hospital in Balla, Amritsar, for free treatment.

The 'Panch Pyaare' from the Akal Takht in Amritsar had come to baptise people who showed keenness during the programmes conducted by these societies at various villages.

For spreading awareness about Sikhism, films based on the subject were shown to people using a projector. “Sardari,” “Banda Bahadur,” “Sarwans Dani Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji” were some of the films shown.

Taminder Singh from these societies said, "Baldevji initiated the decision of taking people to the gurudwaras in Pakistan and made it a reality."

Bathinda, November 28
Those living in the periphery of the Bathinda branch of the Sirhind canal should gear up for a possible tragedy which may occur anytime before the end of the financial year 2009-10. For, the canal authorities do not have enough funds to repair the canal, which is considered to be the lifeline of the Malwa region and is lying broken at innumerable points.

The authorities are ‘overconfident’ that it would pose no trouble to the residents of the nearby areas. They appear to have a justified reason for it as monsoons are still away. However, come monsoons and the water would spill over to the several low-lying areas around, the way it happened the previous year. Repairing the damaged banks now would only avert the tragedy.

Due to continuous soil erosion, breaches have developed all through the banks of the canal. Since last year, the leaders in the ruling party are claiming to revamp the canals across the state at an estimated cost of over Rs 3,000 crore. But the ground realities have a different story to narrate. Even after a year has passed since the announcement, the condition of the Sirhind canal has only deteriorated.

Harlabh Singh Chahal, XEN, Canal Division, Bathinda, when contacted, said the department had submitted its request for funds to the Government of India for renovating the entire 85-mile long canal. It was in the process and hopefully, funds would be released by next financial year, he said.

It has been reported that the state irrigation department had planned to spend crores on rehabilitation and strengthening of major canal systems. However, the authorities concerned in Bathinda have admitted that the canal required immediate repairs but for lack of funds, they were helpless.

According to information available, the canal department here has asked for an estimated Rs 275 crore to revamp the canal.

However, there is no certainty about the funds.

Meanwhile, Chahal informed that the average breadth of the canal, which is 85 feet now, would be reduced to 50 feet as the plan aimed at increasing the depth of the canal. It would leave more space on one of its banks, which can be utilised for developing a major district road. If done, it would reduce the covering distance significantly. For example, the distance between Bathinda and Raikot would be reduced by over 20 km.

Bathinda, November 28
All hopes of pay and pension parity of Armed Forces have been shattered by the outcome of Sixth Central Pay Commission (SPC).

In a press release issued here today, Lt.Col Daya Singh (retd) of the Indian Ex–Services League said the anomalies created by its recommendations in pay scales of serving soldiers and pensions of ex-servicemen, having been tabulated vide Special Army Instruction 1/S/2008 and government order issued by MOD on November 11, 2008, respectively, makes it amply clear.

The main grudges are so rueful that 'rank structure' being part of pay and pensions has been rubbished, he pointed out. First, Military Service Pay (MSP) withheld from January 6 to August 31 this year will affect the pay and allowances of all those who retired between this period with consequences of reduced pensions based on same pay scales/band as no arrears of MSP will be drawn. Secondly, it is the first time that element of pay as MSP of serving personnel has been denied.

Thirdly, pensions of sepoy/widows drawing Rs 1275 per month have been raised to Rs 3,500 minimum, whereas a havildar getting 1430 per month will also get the same amount.

Fourthly, even senior officers like Lt Col, Maj Gen and Lt Gens have been given a blow this time. A Lt Col will get only Rs 14,600, where as a Colonel will draw Rs 26,050 per month as pension. Now, a Brigadier will get Rs 26,150 per month but his seniors upto Lt Gen will draw only Rs 24,566 as pension. However, a Lt Gen being an Army commander or Vice-Chief will get Rs 40,000, Rs 15,000 more than the same rank.

According to Singh, thus, the demand of 'One Rank, One Pension' of all ex-Servicemen has been thrown to the winds though agreed upon two decades ago and thereafter by successive governments at the Centre.

The new formula of pension is 'Higher the rank, lower the pension'. The reasons for such anomaly are not known. Will this add to the morale of the armed forces or personnel retired recently or about to retire hereafter, Singh asked.

Bathinda, November 28
The valiant bikers of 'Wheels and Waves' from Sada Ek regiment returned to their base, Bathinda Military Station, today. The motorcycle rally was flagged off on November 17. Apart from instilling the spirit of adventure, the bikers had gone with the aim of identifying the problems of ex-servicemen in the area and to prompt the youth to come forward and join this noble profession.

The bikers zoomed in as Maj Gen D.C. Katoch welcomed them back home. The rally comprising 15 Sappers was led by Capt Devadesh Sah assisted by Capt Vishal Patil. They covered 2,500 km approximately covering the plains of Faridkot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ropar and Chandigarh in Punjab and explored the sturdy terrains of Garhwal and the Kumaon region.

The most exciting part of the trip according to Capt Devadesh Sah was rafting in the Ganges near Rishikesh. "I think it was the most exhilarating part. We covered almost 30 km by rafting It was thrilling and something I would always remember,” Capt Devadesh added.

"Overall, it was a memorable experience. Not many get to do it. Wherever we went, we were received affectionately by people. It was more than we expected," Capt Vishal chipped in.

The sappers also visited the holy places en route like the Golden Temple and Anandpur Sahib. "We had just informed about our arrival to the ex-servicemen of our regiment but other ex-servicemen also greeted us warmly and made arrangements to the best of their capacity," they said.

Despite poor road conditions, cold and rough weather, the team was successful in their undertaking. They noticed that people were negligent about the openings and career opportunities offered by the Army.

"We distributed pamphlets and related material to the youngsters who came forward and expressed their interest in joining the forces. The youth of Punjab and Uttarakhand are keen to join defence services but they lack knowledge about how to go for it. We informed them about everything related to a career in the Army," Capt Devadesh said.

The members also cited that people told them about the recruitment for the Army being conducted at selected places. People said they wanted the recruitment process to be held even in the interiors of this area.

Because of the recruitment happening at selective places, a majority remains unaware about it, they averred.

The rally also took note of the problems being faced by the ex-servicemen and informed them about the various schemes and policies being run by the government at the Central and state level for them.

Fazilka, November 28
Situated on Indo-Pak border, Fazilka has become the first in the region to implement the unique concept of “car-free zone” today. The Municipal Council (MC), Fazilka, has declared the clock tower area situated in the heart of the town as car-free.

No motorised four vehicles and heavy vehicles would be allowed to move in this zone for 12 hours during day time from 8 am to 8 pm. Special emphasis through traffic calming devices and permanent barriers at four locations has been installed to make this zone as pedestrian and cycle friendly, keeping in view the threat to global warming and to check traffic woes.

Credit for the successful implementation of this concept goes to Anil Sethi, newly-elected president of the MC. The residents of this town are already doing many things to promote non-motorised vehicle for transport within the city.

“The 21st century is governed with the agenda to pacify the effect of global warming and I am sure the town is going to be the flag-bearer for the cause through energy conservation and transportation,” said Sethi. 

More than 70 per cent of the air pollution was contributed by the transportation sector alone, he added.

The MC has also started a campaign to remove encroachments for last two weeks successfully. Now, the main bazaars of the town are giving a picture of the wide roads.

Abohar, November 28
The 88th birthday celebration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, spiritual head of the Bochasanwasi Aksharpurushotam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and three times recipient of the Gunnies Book of World Record, scheduled for December 6 in Mumbai, and the silver jubilee celebrations of Mumbai Mandir have been cancelled. The Murti-Pratishtha and Diksha ceremonies have also been cancelled.

Swami Ishwer Charan, director of the international services of the organisation, informed over the phone from Ahmedabad today that the decision to cancel the mega event has been taken as the commercial capital of the country, Mumbai, suffered a tragic and devastating terrorist attack. In view of this national tragedy, all ceremonies including the 88th birthday function stands cancelled. The Murti-Pratishtha and Diksha ceremonies have also been cancelled.

He further informed that following this national tragedy, programmes to celebrate Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s birthday at all BAPS centres have been cancelled. Instead, all centres will hold prayer assemblies for the victims of this tragedy.  All devotees have been requested to take note of these revised arrangements.

The creator of over 625 temples all over the world besides Akshadhaams, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has prayed for the peace of the innocent departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured victims. He has offered prayers and condolences on behalf of the global BAPS family to the kin of the innocent people, who have been killed and injured in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India.  “We continue to pray for the victims and their loved ones at all of our centers across the world.  Terrorism shakes the very root of stability in our world.  We pray that no country, people or community ever have to deal with such a horrific attack again”, Swami Ji was quoted saying.

Pramukh Swami said, “It is imperative that we stay strong and have faith.  We strongly feel that violence is not the answer to terrorism.  We encourage people around the world and especially in Mumbai to stay calm and at peace.  BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will continue to offer its support in this time of tragedy. Our condolences go out to the families of the innocent people and pray for a rapid end to the tragic situation in Mumbai.”

Swami Amrutvadan, spokesman for the Mumbai festival, said that thousands of devotees all over the world had confirmed participation in the December 6 event, for which a mini town had been developed, but the terror strike and loss of life there prompted the cancellation.

Abohar, November 28
A suspected drug addict was nabbed during the wee hours today as he allegedly put an important record of the revenue department on fire in the “Patwar Khana” located in Sunder Nagari here close to the state highway.

A resident, Swaran Singh, reportedly saw smoke coming out of the office of revenue patwaris at about 2.30 am and informed the city police. Members of the Revenue Patwar Union, led by its president, Jagdish Kherwa, also rushed to the site.

They found a suspected drug addict hiding himself in the bathroom attached to the office.

Preliminary inquiries indicated that he broke open the locks of the office for theft, but finding no currency there, he put the record on fire in desperation.

During the same night, some miscreants burgled three shops on the Sriganganagar road market by breaking open the shutters of a veterinary surgeon’s clinic, a bakery house and a grocery shop. Emptied cash boxes, which were taken away by the miscreants, were found abandoned in the government elementary school on the same road, sources said.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the CIA staff arrested one Rani of Sadulshehar under the NDPS Act, sources said.

As per reports, she was nabbed near the village Kikkarkhera with 1.5 kg of opium and was later remanded to police custody for a day by a local court.

Mansa, November 28
The pollution level in the river Ghaggar that passes through Punjab and Haryana is on the rise as industrial effluents are getting mixed with its water.

Earlier, farmers used its water to irrigate their fields and reaped good harvest. Cattle too drank its water. But now, effluents from the factories of Chandigarh, Patiala, Sangrur and Narwana are polluting its water.

Ajit Inder Singh Moffar, MLA from Sardoolgarh, and Ved Parkash and Sawanjeet Singh of Budhlada, said the polluted water was becoming a major problem for the people of Mansa district as it had also polluted the ground- water of nearby villages.

Yogesh Goyal, chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, said they had been making efforts to control the rising pollution adding in the Ghaggar. But since the matter was inter-state, cooperation from other states was required to solve the problem, he added.

Abohar, November 28
A team from the Pest Control Department of the Punjab Agricultural University, led by A.K. Dhawan, on Wednesday conducted a survey on the working of the integrated pest management (IPM) centres in Abohar and Khuyiansarwar development blocks.

The team comprised scientists P.K. Arora, Anand Aneja, Harvinder Singh Grewal, Kamaldeep Singh, Jasbir Singh, Amardeep Singh, Swatantar Singh and Amrik Singh.

They informed that the state government had set up IPM centres for the benefit of cotton growers in the region.

Some suggestions made by farmers would be reported to the state authorities for consideration by N.S. Malhi, director, Extension Education in the PU.

Bathinda, November 28
ADC Upjit Singh Brar passed orders to all concerned for checking noise pollution. Due to the marriage season on, people face problems due to loudspeakers. Even religious functions cause noise pollution by playing speakers at loud volume as ordered by the Supreme Court.

According to the orders, no loud speaker would be played from 10 pm to 6 am. Homes where marriages are taking place are supposed to limit the volume of their speakers. The orders would have to be followed till January 25. Anyone found violating these orders would be liable for action.

Bathinda, November 28
For the first time in Bathinda, a perforated intestine was operated upon using vision magnifying equipment. The patient, Shankar, was discharged today from the Deep Multi/Super Specialty Hospital, where the surgery was performed. The surgery was performe djointly by doctors Vikas Chhabra and Kiran Chhabra.

The doctors said that generally, while performing surgery of the intestine, a 20-25 cm incision is performed. But because of the new technique, the surgery can be performed with four minor incisions of one cm each and the patient can resume normal work in 10 days.

Being from a humble background, managing director of the hospital Jaswant Singh also arranged two units of blood for him.

Bathinda, November 28
The Indian Public Educational Society is organising a one-day workshop on Sunday. The theme of the workshop is "Think English and speak English fluently." Ashok Sadiora will inaugurate it while S.D. Maan, an expert, will present a comprehensive paper. R.K. Nanda, project chairman, said spoken English was the need of the hour and schools must encourage students to learn the skill.