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Dera: We didn’t do it, cancel case against chief
Edu minister cancels visit to Abohar
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Cancelled trains prolong passengers’ woes
Moga returns to normalcy, 36 sent to judicial custody
Sec 144 imposed in Ferozepur
Festival of colours
SGPC elections
malwa diary
Protest over rising prices
Violence robs Holi of its traditional colour
‘Beware of IT risks’
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Dera: We didn’t do it, cancel case against chief
Bathinda, February 28 Accusing the Central government of falsely implicating Dera chief Gurmit Ram Rahim in a two decade old murder case, hundreds of Dera followers today staged a dharna outside the Mini-secretariat, here today. Despite being encircled by a strong posse of policemen, including senior officials, the Dera followers raised anti-establishment slogans and demanded the cancellation of the case. Speaking through loudspeakers, some of the protesters announced that they would continue the dharna till the administration ensured the unconditional release of their colleagues, who were arrested on Saturday evening. Later, a delegation went to the residence of the Deputy Commissioner to submit a memorandum to him for forwarding it to the Union government. The memorandum mentioned: “We demand that the false case should be cancelled, otherwise, it may incite the religious sentiments of the large population of Dera followers, for which the Union government and the administration would be directly responsible.” Receiving an assurance from the outgoing DC of Bathinda, Rahul Tewari, the delegates held a press briefing at the DC’s residence itself. They flatly denied any direct or indirect role of the Dera Sacha Sauda in the widespread violence on Saturday evening. Condemning the violence, Gora Lal, a member of the state committee of the sect, said, “Hurt over the incidents of violence, the Dera chief especially sent three of us to take an account of the situation and has urged all to maintain law and order.” When questioned about the arrest of Dera followers, the members of the delegation said, “We have been collecting details to ascertain whether those arrested belong to the Dera or not. Chances are high that the violence could be the handiwork of some mischievous elements with the aim of defaming the Dera which always spreads the message of brotherhood and peace.” “Doing its best for social causes, the Dera is emerging as a problem for political leaders, who have started finding the sect as a hurdle in their growth,” they added. Replying to a query, an aggressive Dera follower Veer Pal Kaur said, “If all this had been done by the Dera followers, then it would have started from Bathinda city. Moreover, it could be the worst affected city of Punjab in such a scenario as a large populace of the city is of Dera followers, who remain ready to make any sacrifice for the Dera chief.” Later, the delegation members held meeting with their colleagues and lifted the
dharna. It may be mentioned that the effects of Saturday’s incidents of violence was evident throughout the day. An uneasy calm prevailed in the district as all roads remained cordoned off but the markets and transportation services were the worst affected. Sources informed that all buses of the Badals-owned Orbit Transport Company also remained off road today. |
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Edu minister cancels visit to Abohar
Abohar, February 28 Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav and SSP SPS Parmar visited the sub-divisional town and reviewed the situation. The city police have registered FIR under various sections of the IPC against 50-60 unidentified persons accusing them of rioting, arson and damage to government property, it is learnt. A complaint had been lodged jointly by local in-charges of the Muktsar and Ferozepur depots of Punjab Roadways and Rajasthan Roadways identified as Jaipal, Binder Singh and Makhan Singh. The buses of Orbit Transport were parked inside the police complex to avert damage. Meanwhile, scores of policemen drawn from all police stations of this sub-division participated in a flag march that was carried today in the afternoon to instill confidence among the citizens. Hundreds of passengers had a difficult time as trains were not available till 12 noon and no bus plied till 3 pm. The 3007 Udyan Abha Toofan Express arrived here at 12.05 pm and left for Sriganganagar after ten minutes. The passenger train from Sriganganagar arrived at 2.50 pm. Selective movement of some buses on short routes was allowed after 3 pm. There were many including a Pune-based computer engineer Sahil Chuchra and scores of army personnel who had to miss flights and connecting trains from Chandigarh and New Delhi today as no means of transport were available to reach there. Even the taxi drivers refused to go on long trips. Praful Chander Nagpal adds from Fazilka: The violent protest by Dera Sacha Sauda followers continued unabated till midnight in Fazilka and Jalalabad sub-divisions. About half a dozen miscreants believed to be followers of Dera Sacha Sauda set ablaze the ambulance of the Civil Hospital in Jalalabad at midnight. Dr Dalip Kumar, Civil Surgeon, Ferozepur said the department has registered FIR against unidentified persons. The miscreants also smashed the glass doors of the ATM of the main branch of the State Bank of India and the Canara Bank. As a safety measure, almost all the banks pulled down the shutters of ATMs to prevent damage. Besides, the trains leaving from Fazilka for Kotkapura at 8 am, to Bathinda at 3 am, to Ferozepur at 6 am, to Rewari at 9.15 am, to Kotkapura at 10.45 am, were also cancelled. All Punjab Roadways buses remained off road. Police personnel have been posted at the entrance and exit gates of the bus stand to prevent damage to the buses. |
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Cancelled trains prolong passengers’ woes
Bathinda, February 28 Taking precautionary measures, including torching of Tapa station and also of the coach of a train, reportedly by the followers of Dera Sacha Sauda on Saturday evening, the railway had cancelled several trains and short terminated many to avoid further damage and other untoward incident. Sources in the railway told The Tribune on Sunday evening that the trains remained cancelled as the same could not reach their destinations following yesterday’s cancellation or short termination. “The normalcy would be restored Monday onwards,” sources said. The huge rush in view of the Holi festival coupled with unavailability of trains compounded the hardship for the travellers as their attempt to reach their home early was thwarted. The 2482 Sriganganagar-Delhi Intercity Express was cancelled on Sunday, railway sources said and added that 335/336 which runs between Ambala and Sriganganagar, 345/346 which runs between Jind and Ferozepur, 1SHB, 2 SHB, 3 SHB, 4 SHB , 1/2 FKB, 1BD, 1/2 FB were cancelled on Sunday. The 4711 which runs between Haridwar and Sriganganagar was cancelled between Sriganganagar and Dhuri. The 4731 Intercity Express was also cancelled on Sunday as the 4732 was short terminated at Ambala. The 2137 did not reach Bathinda as the same was short terminated at Delhi on Saturday night. As far as the restoration of normalcy at Tapa station is concerned, sources said working condition had been established at the station. “The railway passed a train at 5.30 am on Sunday and the required communication level to run trains was restored around 7 am,” source said. As far as the restoration of status quo in terms of infrastructure is concerned, the railway sources said that it would be too early to say in this regard. “The destruction was enormous. Almost all the necessary infrastructure was torched. The block instrument was burnt, furniture was also burnt, computer also suffered the same fate, the computerised unreserved ticket system has also been reduced to ashes,” sources said, adding that it might take nearly a week. Meanwhile, security personnel remained extra vigil throughout the day. “Safety and security to passengers besides railway property remained top priority at the stations as well as in the trains as the same have been witnessing huge rush due to festival,” sources in the RPF said. |
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Moga returns to normalcy, 36 sent to judicial custody
Moga, February 28 District Magistrate Satwant Singh Johal and SSP Ashok Bath said that the people were gradually coming back to their daily routine and public transport services were resumed in the morning. "We are extra-vigilant and are keeping a close watch on all developments," they said. The police produced as many as 36 persons involved in the rioting incident before the court of Kuljit Pal Singh, who sent them to a judicial custody of 14 days. Although, 10 women were also taken into custody last night but they were released by the police after preliminary investigations. The supporters of the Dera had damaged and burnt as many as 19 buses, besides, torching four bogeys of a train. A criminal case under sections 307, 427, 436, 124-A, 186, 149 of the IPC and sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act was registered against them in the police station (city). In Baghapurana, the police had registered a criminal case under sections 307, 427, 436, 353, 124-A, 186, 148 and 149 of the IPC and sections 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act against Harnek Singh, former Sarpanch of Marhi Mustafa village, and 400 other persons. SHO of the Baghapurana police station Pratap Singh said the Sarpanch had incited the followers of the Dera to damage government property. The protesters had torched three buses and a motorcycle besides attacking a police party here. Meanwhile, three passenger trains passing through Moga district were suspended by the railway authorities. The damaged bogeys of the Satluj Express train had been kept at the local railway station while the other bogeys had been sent to Ludhiana. The railway police had registered a separate criminal case against as many as 20 persons under the provisions of the Railways Act and various other laws. On the other hand, the local leaders of various Sikh organisations met local DSP Gurmeet Singh and demanded from him to take stern action against all those who went on rampage and damaged the government property. |
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Sec 144 imposed in Ferozepur
Ferozepur, February 28 SSP SPS Parmar said the district has been divided into five sectors under the responsibility of gazetted officer to monitor the situation. He said security around the railway station, post offices and other sensitive locations has been beefed up and regular patrolling was being held. He said the situation was under control. |
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Festival of colours
Bathinda, February 28 Eco-friendly Holi is a two-way protection as it makes the festival of colours healthy for our environment and safe for us. “Colours of Holi are full of the spirit of bonhomie and brotherhood. What makes the shades of Holi colours so unique in India is the way it brings society together and strengthens the secular fabric,” said Savita, an Art of Living (AOL) teacher in Bathinda. “No wonder, the importance of colours cannot be denied on Holi. However, harmful colours can be
the perils of Holi. Sharp articles contained in the colourants can cause skin allergy and adversely affect the eyes, especially, sub-standard shiny colours which may often be the result of powdered glass added to the colours. So people must be very careful while playing with colours,” opined Dr Ravinder Mittal, a skin specialist here. “Chemical-based, particularly black thick colours, can harm the skin. At times, people while applying colours rub it hard which can often damage the skin. Those who have oily or sensitive skin need to be more careful,” said Simran, beauty therapist, Habibs, Bathinda. A dry Holi? Holi celebration is incomplete without water. Holi marks the change of season. The climate becomes warmer around Holi and water provides a welcome relief from the heat, stated Sanjay Kumar Garg, a businessman. The idea of dry Holi may be alien at first. Dousing each other with buckets of water is an integral part of Holi celebrations. However, in the present scenario, when there is an acute scarcity of water, to what extent is it fair to make wasteful use of water just for the sake of celebration, questioned Snowrattan, TTA, BSNL. Children resort to throwing balloons and plastic bags at each other and passersby. It can often cause serious injuries to external organs. “Synthetically formed colours can lead to eye irritation, swollen eyes, watering ears and much more. Besides, remains of plastic bags and balloons pollute environment as well. So parents should stop their kids from doing so,” suggested Dr Ajay Gupta, a paediatrician. “People can express their love and gratitude for each other by applying a symbolic tilak on the forehead and hug each other. Instead of colouring each other, throwing water or balloons, why not to throw love at each other,” said Anal Lawerence, principal, St. Paul’s School, Bathinda. |
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Mahila Praharis inspire girls
The four-day training and visit programme that concluded this weekend in Bhag Singh Hayer College for Women located at village Kala Tibba of Abohar sub-division was a unique experience for the participants as well as for the
organisers. Most of the participants hailed from farming families. The premier cooperative IFFCO had been organising such a camp for the last decade under its women empowerment programme but it was for the first time held in any college. “Not only me but students too earlier had the impression that IFFCO is known only for manufacturing and marketing fertilisers but the camp has enlightened us about its broader social face now,” said Dr Parminder Sharma, principal of the college.
Sharing their experience students including Sonia Khod and Simranjit Kaur said they felt deeply benefitted by the lecture given by the Art of Living trainer Renu Kamra. Eminent beautician Nisha Chawla gave valuable tips on perfect personality. Sarabjit Kaur imparted training on mehandi designing. “Visit to the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering Technology (CIPHET) was very useful. The visit to the international border gave us unforgettable moments. Meeting Mahila Praharis of the BSF near the Zero Line was not only thrilling but inspiring also. Really for the daughters of rural families all this was beyond imagination.” Convener RK Upveja, senior manager at the Abohar-based area office of IFFCO, said experts were surprised to find that the participants took keen interest in jam, squash and jelly making and prepared the same with high content of quality. Senior field officer Dr Ramesh Verma from Rajasthan found the roll call a bit difficult but interesting that eight of the participants were named Amandeep Kaurs and four were Mandeep Kaurs. IFFCO chairman and International Cooperative Alliance director Surinder Kumar Jakhar gave away certificates and gifts to the participants during the valedictory function. He accepted the demand for organising the camp in the college. — Raj Sadosh Serving the humanity
To serve humanity and provide vision to the poor patients is the mission of the Lions Club, Fazilka (Border). Since its formation about four years back, the club has been organising free eye camps regularly. The fourth eye camp concluded here on Sunday at the local civil hospital which was presided over by the local MLA Surjit Kumar Jyani. The president of the club Sandeep Makkar informed this correspondent that so far more than 4,000 patients have been examined in these camps. In addition to this, cataract surgery of 549 patients was conducted by a team of specialist doctors with the help of an eye mobile team of Ferozepur. The most significant aspect of organising such camps is that more than 70 per cent patients are implanted costly intraocular lenses. Besides, the patients are also provided with spectacles which is free of cost. The dedicated members of the club includingPardeep Dhawan, general secretary, RK Sharma, project chairman, Rajinder Bajaj, Sat Pal Watts, Ashok Gilhotra, Ramesh Bharti, Rajesh Grover, Neeraj Kumar looked after
the patients and their attendants. They provided the patients and their attendants with food and other articles as well. — Praful C. Nagpal Unity in diversity!
Evoking a spirit of unity in diversity, peace and brotherhood, the seven-day national integration camp organised by the Nehru Yuvak Kendra on the premises of the DAV College for Women concluded here on Saturday on an emotional note, leaving an indelible imprint on hundreds of youths who had come from various states. The camp held under the auspices of the zonal director NYK Jaswinder Singh Kunar, saw fervent participation from enthusiastic young boys and girls. Camp commandant Raghubir Singh Khara said that the camp was inaugurated by the Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon whereas Sher Singh Ghubaya presided over the valedictory function. Khara said in order to spread a message of peace and communal harmony, the participants took out a “Sadbhavna Yatra” which passed through the main areas of the town and culminated at residence of Sukhpal Singh Nannu CPS who organised a reception for all the participants. He said to acquaint the participants with the Punjabi culture and heritage, they were taken to Amritsar and various other locations in the state including historical places like
Mudki, Hussaniwala and Talwandi Bhai. The participants planted saplings brought by them at various locations. Showcasing theme of national integrity, the participants presented a beautiful cultural programme which was applauded by the audience who enjoyed every moment of the same. Vafadar Khan from J&K, Monika Thakur from HP won laurels for their spell-binding performances. On the occasion of valedictory function, the
participants from various states presented a choreography on “ Vande Mataram” which made everyone emotional. Khara said that the camp would not have been a success without the active support of the district administration, Dr Pushpinder Walia, principal, Gurnam Sidhu, state awardee, Mehardeep Singh, Gurdarshan Aarifke, Gurdev Singhn, writer, Harcharan Singh Sama, Nasreen, Jagtar Singh, besides others. — Anirudh Gupta |
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Protest over rising prices
Mansa, February 28 Currently he is on a tour of Sangrur, Mansa and Ludhiana districts to organise party workers for Delhi rally. The CPI, CPI (M), Forward Bloc and RSP would participate in the rally and raise their voice against policies of liberalisation and privatisation persuaded by UPA government, he added. These policies are resulting in the widening of the gap between the rich and the poor. Only a few people have been holding a lion’s share of the total wealth of country, he pointed out adding that the free marketing policies of the present government were resulting in rising prices of the essential commodities. Despite this, UPA was reducing subsidies on agricultural inputs and increasing fertiliser prices. The communist leader rued that 52 per cent people of country have no land and land reform laws were not implemented in letter and spirit. Due to the discriminatory policies of the UPA, industrialists have been migrating because industrial packages were being given to Himachal and Uttarakhand, he alleged. Criticising the SAD- BJP government, Dr Dayal said this government could not implement its promises made during the elections. He said the CPI demanded food security by strengthening the public distribution system. Peasants should be provided with reasonable prices for foodgrain and land less people should be provided land, job under the NREGA scheme and policies of privatisation should should be rejected, he added. |
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Violence robs Holi of its traditional colour
Sriganganagar/Abohar, February 28 Conductor Jasveer Singh Ramgarhia has identified five of the 25 persons while lodging the FIR under various sections of the IPC alleging that they intercepted the bus, set it on fire and thrashed him. Last night’s violence has made Holi a low-key affair. Most grocery shops had to wait for customers today. The traditional “dhamaal” singing groups too were not much enthusiastic owing to poor response from the organisers of the Holi functions. —
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‘Beware of IT risks’
Ferozepur, February 28 This was the concluding message given by different speakers, who addressed the state-level seminar organised on the topic of ‘Transformation of Banks in face of Information Technology, Benefits and Challenges,’ at the local RSD College late last evening. The seminar was sponsored by ICSSR, Chandigarh. Distinguished persons in the field of Banking and Finance attended the seminar as resource persons. Principal Dr Suresh Sharma welcomed the resource persons, guests and delegates. Prof JR Prashar, seminar director, gave a brief introduction regarding the seminar. —
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Bathinda, February 28
Bathinda, February 28
The four-day training and visit programme that concluded this weekend in Bhag Singh Hayer College for Women located at village Kala Tibba of Abohar sub-division was a unique experience for the participants as well as for the
organisers. Most of the participants hailed from farming families. The premier cooperative IFFCO had been organising such a camp for the last decade under its women empowerment programme.
Sriganganagar/Abohar, February 28
