 |
|
|
SAD, BJP to play ‘power’ politics
Farmers demand money for development
Farmers stage a protest near the venue of the function for laying the foundation stone of the Rajpura
thermal plant on Tuesday. Tribune photo: JS Virdi |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Harassment by Commission Agents Farmer sets himself afire Ferozepur, March 2 Tirlochan Singh, a farmer of Satiyawala village of this district, committed suicide after setting himself on fire after he was denied payment in lieu of the land sold by him to two commission agents of Izzatwal village under the Dharamkot police station of Moga district.
MLA seeks appellate authority for ‘blacklisted’ NRIs
Rice shellers want milling condition relaxed
Anomalies in Drug Act decried
Education vital for women empowerment: Rukhsana
Golden Temple Road declared no-vehicle zone
Nihangs take part in the Holla Mohalla procession in Anandpur Sahib on Monday. Tribune photo: Manoj Mahajan
Class XII Punjabi exam cancelled at Chheharta school
High Court
Human Trafficking
Bid to torch bus outside FM’s house
|
|
SAD, BJP to play ‘power’ politics
Rajpura, March 2 The ruling alliance collected a huge crowd at the grain market to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of a 1320-MW thermal power plant, near here, indicating how important the power stakes have become. With three mega power projects in the pipeline but no respite from power shortage for another two to four years depending upon whom one believes - Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal or Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, explaining the “coming bonanza” has become important for the SAD-BJP government. Sukhbir chose to play politics on power rather than going with the facts and claimed the Congress did not install even one unit of power during its rule in the state. “Thermal plants only came up when Badal (senior) was the CM,” he added. This apparently is not the whole truth even though the SAD-BJP government is credited with taking the initiative to allocate three thermal projects in the private sector in the past three years. The last two major projects, which have been completed, are the Lehra Mohabbat stage I and stage II projects. In case of the Stage I project, the order for procuring machinery was placed in October 1993 during the Congress rule. The units (2 x 210 mega watts) were commissioned during the subsequent Akali rule in 1998 and 1999. In case of Lehra Mohabbat stage II, the order for machinery was placed on April 1, 2004, by the Amarinder Singh-led Congress government, even it was commissioned in 2008-09. The timing as to when Punjab will become a power surplus state has also become important with elections in two years. CM Parkash Singh Badal, when asked about this, gave a time period of three-and-a-half to four years. However, Sukhbir interjected to claim that power would become surplus in two to two-and-a-half years time with savings of 1,500 MW already projected during this period. Be what it may, the coming summer is likely to be a scorching one for the people of the state with the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) not in a position to make up the shortfall through cash purchases. At present against an installed capacity of 6,841 MW, the demand is 9,786 MW. The Congress said today that the SAD-BJP government had already missed the bus as it had claimed in its manifesto that it would make the state power surplus by 2010. Pradesh Congress chief Mohinder Singh Kaypee and general secretary Parminder Singh claimed only foundation stones had been laid till now. Sukhpal Khaira claimed a similar foundation stone-laying ceremony was enacted in 2008 at Talwandi Sabo but not a single brick had been added at the site.
|
|
Farmers demand money for development
Nalas (Rajpura), March 2 The farmers demanded that the money, in lieu of nearly 500 acres of shamlat land of seven villages being acquired by the state government to set up the thermal plant, be given to the panchayats for development works. They had been camping at the venue for the past 10 days with black flags. They alleged that the government failed to keep all promises made before acquiring their “fertile” land. “Neither any tube well connections have been given to them as per the government’s promise nor we got any written letter promising jobs for one member of a family whose land has been acquired by the government,” said Balbir Singh of Rai Majra. He said the shamlat land of these villages was given by the farmers to panchayats from their khevat (portion of land) for developmental purposes. He said the panchayats of these villages used to give the land on contract to farmers and spent the earning on various developmental works. Villagers of Rangian alleged that they were detained by police officials deployed around the venue for quite some time as they had been protesting against the government to get their demands fulfilled. Baljinder Singh, son of elected sarpanch Kaki of Nalas village, said they had also filed a case in a court in this regard. He said though the state government had provided them bus facility to attend today’s rally, but no one went there. Pali Ram, former sarpanch of Sural village, said the villagers had now formed a committee to fight against this and they would intensify agitation in the coming few days.
|
|
|
Harassment by Commission Agents
Ferozepur, March 2 Information collected by The Tribune said, Tirlochan, who set himself on fire yesterday when he was alone in his house, located in Satiyawala village, 5 km from here, died in the local civil hospital today morning. The deceased had suffered 80 per cent burns. A case has been registered against the commission agents under Section 306 of the IPC. Police sources said as per the statement made by the deceased to a police official, Tirlochan had sold a piece of agricultural land to two commission agents namely Surjan Singh and Rawel Singh in 2002. Both agents had made a part of payment in lieu of the land purchased by them to Tirlochan. The rest of the payment, which was about Rs 25 lakh, was supposed to be made by the agents after a few years and they were also bound to pay the monthly interest on the same to the deceased. The deceased in his statement alleged that both agents had stopped to pay him interest on the amount of Rs 25 lakh, which he was supposed to take from them (agents) a few months ago. Instead of paying the interest to the deceased, the accused had started to harass him. Tirlochan, who is survived by a small daughter and wife, also alleged that as he was fed up with the harassment being done to him by the accused, he was left with no other option than to take this extreme step as he had been finding it difficult to make both ends meet. Meanwhile, Sarbjit Singh, SHO, Sadar police station, said the police was investigating the case thoroughly as it did not seem that Tirlochan had committed suicide due to the alleged harassment done to him by the accused. The body of the victim had been handed over to his kin after the autopsy.
|
|
MLA seeks appellate authority for ‘blacklisted’ NRIs
Chandigarh, March 2 He has further asked the Centre to make changes in the Right to Information (RTI) Act, allowing release of the information on the black list to the extent of providing information about the people “barred from entering the country and the reasons for the same”. Khangura, who was himself a NRI before contesting elections and returning to India, said people were put on the black list signifying “persona non-grata,” who were to be denied entry into the country over flimsy complaints. “There have been instances where a neighbour has written to the High Commission or embassy accusing a person of anti-India activity. Without any verification such people are entered in the black list,” he said. Describing this anomaly as the violation of the fundamental Human Rights, Khangura said he would meet the Prime Minister and ask for developing a mechanism for making the entire process transparent. “If a person is involved in seditious activity do not let him come to India, but you have to give the people an opportunity to defend
themselves,” he said. Though, the black list runs pretty long, he pointed out that it was estimated that the list contained 205 Sikhs in 1984, raised up to 489 in 1998-1999, was reduced to 134 in 2003 and is currently believed to be over 200. Khangura said, having just returned from a tour of the USA, Canada and the UK, he had received numerous complaints on the black list which pragmatically needs to be reviewed. Not only does this list feature a disproportionate number of Sikhs but also many have been listed for a large number of years during which the circumstances, both here and abroad, have changed. Many Sikhs have been added to the list based on potentially spurious allegations. He demanded that the black list must be made accessible under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, if not in full then at least to the extent that individuals may clarify their inclusion in the list or otherwise. “This will prevent the gross injustice against persons issued visas by our foreign missions being denied entry on arrival in
India,” Khangura said. He pointed out that Sikhs on the black list fall into three categories; One, those who are involved in organisational activities outside the country that are designed to cause harm within the country. These persons must remain excluded. The second category is those compelled into militant actions, for whatever reason, but who have now rejected their earlier stance. They should be given a second chance and lastly, those who had never been involved directly or indirectly in militancy or in the promotion of succession, but who now, find themselves the victims of spurious allegations.
|
|
Rice shellers want milling condition relaxed
Fatehgarh Sahib, March 2 Rice shellers said the government should remove condition of pin damage laid by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) to get rice milled, which is nearly worth Rs 4300 crore. “The stock has got damaged due to the pin damage factor. The PAI 201 variety is more prone to such damage, whereas as per the government guidelines rice should not have suffered any damage at the time of delivery,” they added. The Food and Public Distribution Department of Union Food Ministry has collected 75 samples of the PAU 201 variety from Punjab in January, 2010, on request of the state
government. The samples were taken to ascertain quantity of damage. Twenty five samples were sent for testing in the Central Laboratory in Pune, Ghaziabad and Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore. Both the laboratories have passed 85 per cent samples while 15 per cent failed due to increased damage quantity. The sources alleged reports had been sent to the Prime Minister’s office excluding the report of CFTRI, Mysore. They demanded that all reports should be put on one table to ascertain
the reality. They said the Food Corporation of India did not accept rice due to pin damage; however, the health department said rice was not harmful for human consumption. The government was not ready to grant relaxation in pin damage due to which the milling is not possible. President of the Rice Millers’ Association Tarsem Saini said only 35 per cent of rice had been delivered hitherto out of total quantity of rice purchased by procuring agencies the state.
|
|
Anomalies in Drug Act decried
Patiala, March 2 Elaborating the matter, Mehta stated that under the amended Act, the punishment for manufacture, sale and distribution of spurious drugs provided in the Act has been substantially enhanced. “In view of the concept of absolute liability under the Act, even the innocent and honest dealers purchasing such drugs with proper billing and course of routine business transactions can also be held liable and prosecuted,” he said. He further stated
that under Section 32 of the amended Act, the police would be authorised to arrest without any complaint from the drug inspector and will also be authorised to file prosecution in the court. “We have requested Preneet to raise this issue in the Parliament. There is need for making necessary amendments, as the traders are not responsible for keeping spurious/sub-standard drugs, because the drugs are being purchased with proper billing from manufacturers,”
stated Mehta.
|
|
Education vital for women empowerment: Rukhsana
Amritsar, March 2 Accompanied by All-India Anti-Terrorist Front chief Maninderjit Singh Bitta and her brother Ijaz Ahmad, Rukhsana visited the Golden Temple here today. “Especially in the disturbed areas, women folk should be given arms training. Education is another vital tool which will enable them to overcome fear and instill confidence to fight against atrocities,” said the Kirti Chakra recipient. The 22-year-old Kashmiri woman had axed to death an armed LeT commander and then along with her 18-year-old brother snatched guns and opened fire on two other militants, wounding one and forcing them to flee. The incident took place at Shahdra Sharief in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir a year ago. Later, she was appointed as a constable in the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with her brother for her bravery. “But I always wanted to get a Central government job,” she quipped. Bitta, who initiated to get her job in paramilitary forces, said the Centre had not yet recommended her for the same.
|
|
Golden Temple Road declared no-vehicle zone
Amritsar, March 2 Pilgrims were subjected to inconvenience, as they were made to stop their vehicles at the Dharam Singh Market . The vehicles of influential people and businessmen, having shops on the road from Dharam Singh market to the Golden Temple, found their way on the road. It has also been decided to declare Hall Bazar to Town Hall and Town Hall to Katra Jaimal Singh, Katra Sher Singh till Sikandari Gate to be no parking zones.
|
|
Nihangs celebrate Hola Mohalla together
Anandpur Sahib, March 2 Participating nihang organisations included Tarna Dal, Marhiyan Wale, Baba Bakale Wala, Bidhichandiye and Hariyan Bela wale. All the organisations observed Hola Mohalla celebrations under Baba Balbir Singh from Budha Dal. Jathedar Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh and Jathedar Akal Takht Giani Gurbachan Singh honoured leaders of Sikh organisations. Meanwhile, week-long celebrations, too, came to an end today.
|
|
Class XII Punjabi exam cancelled at Chheharta school
Mohali, March 2 Following this, the board authorities cancelled the paper conducted at Senior Secondary School, Chheharta . PSEB chairman Dalbir Singh Dhillon said the matter came to the fore when a flying squad found that parents and teachers were actively involved in the act. Instead of accepting their mistake, the parents protested and damaged property of the school.
|
|
High Court Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 2 Pronouncing the directions in an open court, the Bench of Justice Mehtab Singh Gill and Justice Arvind Kumar observed: “On February 23, 2010, a news item ‘Man points pistol at the court staff, flees’ was published in The Tribune. Further, it has been stated that the president of the truck union, Rashpal Singh, created a high drama at the sub divisional court (at Gidderbaha) by brandishing a pistol at the court staff, after he was asked to be taken into custody by the magistrate as he had used derogatory language against the magistrate”. Referring to the report, the Bench added: “Rashpal Singh is facing a trial in a case of theft and house trespassing. When asked by the magistrate about the case, he threw his pen on the magistrate’s table. Taking notice of his contemptuous behaviour, the magistrate ordered his arrest on the charges of contempt of court. When the policemen advanced towards Rashpal Singh, he pointed his pistol at the staff and managed to flee”. Justice Gill asserted: “This behaviour of Rashpal Singh amounts to contempt of court. Notice be issued to Rashpal Singh as to why he be not proceeded against under the Contempt of Court Act, 1971. Bailable warrants of arrest be issued for March 17 to be executed through the Superintendent of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police concerned. Before parting with the order, the Bench also directed the placing of the file before Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal for appropriate orders.
|
|
Human Trafficking Sandeep Yadav/Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 2 The police said accused provided fake travel documents to their clients, most of whom wanted to go to Canada by any means, and pocketed lakhs from them and by the time they realised that they had been cheated, they would disappear. One passport with forged Canadian visa, Rs 8 lakh and many other incriminating documents have been recovered from them. They have been identified as Neeraj Jain (31) of Delhi and Jasbir Singh (36) and Darbara Singh (37) of Ludhiana. Their victims were primarily from Punjab followed by Haryana. They were apprehended from their Lucky Tour & Travels Office at Bhikaji Cama Place here, while they were striking deal with somebody, said DCP (south) HGS Dhaliwal. According to the police, a team of officials was keeping an eye on the office and activities of Jain for sometime and accused were caught red handed. Jain told his interrogators that he had given advertisements in the leading newspapers of Punjab for visa consultancy and for guidance to the people, who were interested to go abroad, especially Canada. He came in contact with several agents of Punjab, including Darbara and Jasbir. “The two would convince the victim. We would ask our victims to purchase sufficient clothes for cold environment in Canada and Darbara and Lakhvir would work as a guide and it would be very convincing for out victims,” he told the police. Dhaliwal said more persons could be involved in the racket.
|
|
Bid to torch bus outside FM’s house
Bathinda, March 2 However, no major loss occurred to the bus. The bus reportedly belongs to Manpreet’s family. Gidderbaha SHO Kulwinder Singh said the bus was the property of Raghu Raj Transport Company, said to be owned by the family of Manpreet Badal. He said the miscreants tried to set the bus on fire by lighting the tyre of the front wheel of the bus. However, the miscreants disappeared from the scene after committing the crime, while the fire was extinguished immediately. So, no major loss occurred to the bus, he added. The SHO said a fire tender was also called to the spot to put out the fire. He said on the statement of a person residing in the bungalow of the Finance Minister, the police had registered a case against unidentified persons, as no one had seen anyone committing crime. The SHO said no arrests have been made in the case so far. A case has been registered against unidentified persons under Sections 436, 427 and 120-B of the IPC. Meanwhile, an attempt was also made by some miscreant(s) to set the booking counter of the railway station on fire at Behman Diwana village about 10 km from here last night. However, no major loss occurred. An ASI of railway police told the Tribune today that one or more persons threw a burning object inside the booking window through a rear window, due to which some cash was burnt.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Despite tight security arrangements at the venue of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a 1,320 MW thermal plant here today, a large number of villagers protested against the state government with black flags and raised slogans.
