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Major police decisions remain on paper
Riders without helmet go past policemen at one of the prominent intersections in Amritsar. Photo: Vishal Kumar
Spurt in crime puts question mark on police working
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Cops on toes to look out for Afghani absconder
Hospitals donate Rs 3 lakh for rehabilitation of Leh victims
Theatre group wins national award for AIDS awareness
Young World
Waiting for govt to adopt sporting attitude
CPR can save 20 pc lives during cardiac arrest: Expert
Play Mirch Masala being staged during the Punjab Theatre Festival at
Punjab Naatshala in Amritsar. A Tribune photo
Only AISAD remembers Akali Dal’s foundation day, says its chief
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Major police decisions remain on paper
Amritsar, December 14 Nevertheless, this saying of his, apparently, fits appropriately with the local commissionerate system, if the recent two major decisions taken by the police are anything to go by. One was, making helmets compulsory for two-wheeler drivers as well as pillion riders and the other one was to install CCTV cameras in public places. Except being only on papers, nothing concrete could be implemented in the true letter and spirit with which these two decisions were conceptualised in ‘public interest’. The Tribune team took a random round of the city only to find blatant violation of these orders. What to talk of common riders, the policemen too, were found to be riding two wheelers without this mandatory headgear. Similarly, no liquor shop or eatable joints were found to be equipped with CCTV cameras. Instead, the boozers were found to be consuming liquor in open in the Rambagh area. The onlookers believe that these two orders had even equipped the ‘men in uniform’ with another source of generating the revenue for the department. It is pertinent to note that the Amritsar police had imposed helmets compulsory w.e.f October 7, a day after the maiden visit of President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil to the holy city. Special challaning drives were launched by the police parties to nab those who drove two wheelers without helmets, but this ‘fever’ lasted just for a few days. With these orders came a flood of helmet sellers which cropped up in every nook and corner of the city. In the absence of any check, the non-ISI mark helmets are openly being sold, while giving two hoots to the Supreme Court directions regarding safety helmets. Similarly, from today onwards another ‘Tughlaki farman’ has been issued which says ‘the Amritsar police has imposed stern prohibition orders under Section 144 of CrPC against drinking in public places. Any person contravening these orders shall be punishable under Section 188 of the IPC. These orders shall be applicable from December 14 and remain in force up
to February 12.’ The orders further prohibited even those accompanying the marriage procession to drink liquor on road, but the ground realities would be otherwise. The food joints, liquor or juice vendors were instructed to install CCTV cameras to be installed, at the entrance of their joints in order to have a watch on those who indulge in any ‘undesirable activity’. It is evident to mention that these order were just the ‘renewal’ of same orders which were originally released on October 12 and were valid till December 12. The owners of the vendors had been directed to install CCTVs with sufficient number of cameras and recording system to cover up to 50-meter area in front of their establishments. The idea was, otherwise in general interest, that this arrangement would monitor anyone consuming liquor or facilitating consumption of liquor or any unauthorised vendor stationed in the
coverage area. “It is just their tactics to pressurise us and their motive is just to mint money. Nothing more,” was their casual reply when enquired by this correspondent at one of the liquor shop. OfficialSpeak
Deputy Commissioner of Police AS Chahal: These orders were issued in public interest only but I admit that these could not be implemented forcefully. We extended some sort of leniency in view of just getting people aware about it. But, I assure that in days to come, violation of any sort would be dealt with sternly. |
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Spurt in crime puts question mark on police working
Amritsar, December 14 Just a couple of days back three motorcycle-borne armed persons robbed sugar trader Vikram Khanna of Race Course Road of Rs 22 lakh when he was returning home after collecting money. In a similar incident that occurred in the mid of November, Anil Kumars Shukla was robbed of Rs 5.25 lakh by three persons on the Fatehgarh Churian road. The police had also released sketches of suspected looters in the case. Ironically, the foreign tourists are not safe in the much-touted international city, which boasts of attracting the foreign tourism due to its rich cultural heritage. The police graph speaks volumes of the deplorable law and order situation. The incidents of snatchings have also shot up, if one goes through the recent police records. During the high-profile visit of President of India Pratibha Patil, when the holy city had turned into a police cantonment, robbers looted Rs 12 lakh from the Tailor road area. “How can we feel safe when the incidents of snatchings and lootings have become an order of the day and what is more worrying factor is that the police department has miserably failed to stem the problem,” said Naresh Kumar, a resident of the posh Ranjit Avenue locality. “Whatever the little hopes were raised after the implementation of the commissionerate system in the city, have vanquished within a year,” said another resident of the city, adding that the police department should come up with concrete plans and policies to deal with the criminals. The resurfacing of criminal gangs has increased the problems of the police department. Recently the notorious gang of Situ Baba stabbed his brother, while just in another similar incident one person was stabbed to death by another gang. These incidents are just indications of the deplorable law and order situation prevailing in the city while the police has failed to nab the culprits responsible for the crime. Amar Singh Chahal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), when contacted pointed out that the majority of the cases had been traced by the police and the criminals involved in these cases were put behind the bars. “Recently, the police has nabbed a number of gangs of looters and strict action has been initiated against those who are habitual offenders involved in illegal activities after their release from jail,” said the DCP, adding that the drive against anti-social elements would continue.
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Cops on toes to look out for Afghani absconder
Amritsar, December 14 The jail personnel, too, had vanished from the spot and are still at large. Even as the police has registered separate cases against them and put them on suspension for being negligent in performing their duties, a red alert has been sounded in the entire city. Shahjahan and his accomplice Mohammad Salim had been nabbed by the counter intelligence state operation wing on November 13. Acting on a tip off, a team led by officer Balbir Singh laid a naka on the GT road and caught hold of the two near the Amritsar bus stand. It has been learnt that at least 2 kg heroine was recovered from their possession then. Later, after interrogating them, the police also managed to recover another 15 kg consignment from the Guffar Market in Delhi. Police sources said Salim had gained entry into India on study visa. Meanwhile, the police suspected that he would attempt to proceed towards Jammu and Kashmir or Nepal by road. Police sources said though all the exit points of the city have been put under scanner, yet the main focus would be on the Guru Ram Dass International Airport, the bus terminal and the railway station. Deputy Commissioner of Police Amar Singh Chahal said the LOC has been widely circulated in the city’s main points, which include the airport, the railway station as well as the bus stand. “Besides this, all the vehicles, including buses, trucks as well as private cars would be checked up and special police force has been deployed to search for the absconding accused. We are fully aware of this fact, too, that he has links at the local level, within the city too and cross examination of suspected persons who are into this forbidden trade, too, is being done”, said Chahal. It is relevant to mention here that a Pakistani inmate Niyamat Ali, too, reportedly, managed to escape from the high security Amritsar Central Jail on August 30 and the police hasn’t been able to trace him yet.
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Hospitals donate Rs 3 lakh for rehabilitation of Leh victims
Amritsar, December 14 Dr R.P.S. Boparai, Medical Superintendent handed over a bank draft in this regard to Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at Chandigarh. He said all the staff members including nurses, laboratory technician and others had contributed from their own pocket for the relief fund. “I think our is the only government institution which has contributed such an huge amount for the relief of the victims of natural disaster. Earlier too our medical teams have contributed for the rehabilitation of victims of earthquake in Bhuj (Gujarat) and Tsunami in Kerala,” claimed Dr Boparai. He said the employees of the government hospitals under Government Medical College remained at the forefront for serving the humanity during its testing times especially during
such calamities. |
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Theatre group wins national award for AIDS awareness
Amritsar, December 14 The theatre group was selected by the Punjab AIDS Control Society (PACS), which won six awards, highest among the states, for creating awareness during the stay of Red Ribbon Express, a project launched by National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A large number of theatre groups from all over the country staged plays to spread AIDS awareness during the passing of Red Ribbon Express through various parts of the nation. Punjab Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla handed over the award to the group headed by famous theatre personalities Hardip Gill and Anita Devgan. While presenting the award, she said it was an honour for the Punjab which has won six of the total 39 national awards. She said the award would inspire the theatre group to continue their good work in spreading awareness against various social evils prevailing
in the society. Red Ribbon Express entered the state on October 20 and remained till November 24 during which it visited nine stations in eight districts of the state. Pensioners’ Day
Amritsar: The Retired Railway Pensioners’ Association, Amritsar, would celebrate Pensioners Day on December 17 at Northern Railway Institute, B-Block Colony here.
Association spokesperson H.S. Gabria said the pensioners, who have attained 80 years
of age or above would be honoured on the occasion too. — TNS |
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Human Rights Day marked at DAV International School
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 14 They should raise their voice if their rights are being violated. “Every human has got the right to education, to explore his views independently and fearlessly. Nobody can bind him against his will and someone who does so is a culprit. It is our moral responsibility to inform the law enforcement authorities if we come across these sort of incidents,” she said. On this occasion, students organised a play, through which they stressed upon the significance of this day. Different competitions like slogan writing, declamation, painting, art and craft were also organised. Discovery week Discovery week was celebrated from December 6 to 10 at the Cambridge International School, Loharka Road, Amritsar, under the guidance of Sunita Babu, the principal of the school. Students enthusiastically participated in various activities, which were - best out of waste, poster making, food fiesta and quiz. A rally was also organised to make people aware of the declining sex ratio and a role play for the same was conducted at the Government School,
Muradpura. To make children aware about the election process, elections of head boy and head girl were held through computerised systems in which Mehak Aggarwal and Nikhil Arora were chosen as the school head girl and head boy, respectively. Annual day The Luvdale Senior School, Loharka Road, Amritsar, celebrated its Annual day based on the theme of ‘childhood’, wherein the concept was to highlight the need to understand that every child is special and his own unique strengths and talents need to be nurtured. The programme, which included a mix of dramatic plays, displays and performances, enthralled parents. The programme was interspersed with patriotic and nation building motivational action sequences performed by students. In his speech, the director of the school, Brig GS Sandhu reaffirmed the school’s commitment to provide students with a vibrant learning environment and the right blend of academics, sports and extra-curricular activities. The newly constructed indoor auditorium, with a seating capacity of 300 people, was also inaugurated on the occasion. National workshop SR Government College for Women, Amritsar, organised a workshop on computational mathematics. The workshop commenced with a welcome note from principal Dr Gurnam Kaur Bedi. Dr Sudha Talwar, head of the mathematics department, highlighted the objectives of the workshop. Prof Surjeet Singh, ex-professor from the King-Saud University and GND University, delivered the inaugural address. Prof Manohar Lal, director, school of computer science and information science, IGNOU, New Delhi, gave the key note address. The resource persons of the first day were Dr SK Mattoo, department of computer science, Delhi University and Dr Parminder Singh, department of mathematics, GND University. Prof Rajneesh Kumar, chairman, department of mathematics, Kurkshetra University, Kurukshetra, presided over the second day’s proceedings. Resource persons included Dr Manohar Lal and Dr RS Salaria, head of department of computer science and engineering, Rayat and Bahra Institute of Engineering, Hoshiarpur and Dr MS Hundal, dean, College Development Council, delivered the valedictory address. Gymnastics tourney A team of young gymnasts from classes II to X of Spring Dale Senior School bagged a total of 42 medals, including 20 gold, 15 silver and seven bronze medals, in the Open State Gymnastics Championship held at Kotakapura. Muskaan Vij of class VI bagged five gold medals in rope, hoop, clubs and freehand events in the under-12 team championship. She was followed by Mohina Kaur Girgla, of class IV, who won three gold medals in clubs and freehand events and one silver medal in the ribbon event, in the under-10 championship. Ankita Sachdeva, of class VI won two gold medals in ball and ribbon events and three silver medals in hoop and free hand events in the under-12 team championship. Ria Khanna, of class X was next in line with two gold medals in rope and club events and two silver medals in the hoop event in the under-15 team championship. Karmandeep Kaur, of class VIII won a silver medal in the rope event and one bronze medal in the clubs event in the under-15 team championship. Both Suneetpal Kaur, of class III and Kanishka Salhotra, of class II, won two gold medals, in the under-8 team championship. Sarvpreet Kaur Sidhu, of class V, bagged two gold medals in the rope and hoop event and two silver medals in the free hand event in the under-10 team championship. Shivjot Kaur of class III won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals in the ribbon, ball and free hand events, respectively. The other members of the team include Sanya Talwar, of class III (two silver medals), Manmeet Kaur of class II (one silver medal) and Niharika of class III (two bronze medals). Sharma attributed this feat to the exceptional sports training and infrastructure provided by the school to its students. “Our endeavor is to train students in such a way so as to equip them well enough to compete with their counterparts across the globe and earn recognition,” he said. |
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Waiting for govt to adopt sporting attitude
Amritsar, December 14 Meet Ujjwal Sharma, a national swimming champ (under 14-year category), and a class VIII student of Manav Public school, Amritsar. “I urge the district administration to lend a hand to swimmers like me by building up an ‘all weather swimming pool’. We are in desperate need of this pool because in absence of which, hoards of swimmers like me fail to compete with swimmers hailing from other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal,” said very agile Ujjwal, who got inspired into swimming through his elder sister Gargi (16), herself a national level swimmer. Ujjwal, a gold medalist in Punjab State School Swimming Championship, held at Sangrur in October, failed to perform up to his potential during the National School Swimming Championship at Sholapur in Maharashtra and he had to contend with just a bronze medal in 4X100 metres freestyle relay event. He has been a gold medalist in the three backstroke swimming events --- 50 metre, 100 metre and 200 metre at the state level, then in CBSE North Zone Swimming meet, he repeated his performance with the same intensity and grabbed two golds in 50 meters and 100 meters backstroke events but when it came to national level, he and his fellow swimmers couldn’t compete with their counterparts of other states. Despite the fact that the built up of our children is stronger than the children from other states, they lag behind. His father Rajinder Kumar Lovely, who is a fulltime coach at Mohan International Pool said, “The reason was that the participants of these states have been equipped with all- weather pools and they do practice throughout the year. But, here, our swimmers would not be able to go in the pool beyond September and the major swimming events would be scheduled in November onwards, how would our children compete with those swimmers?” Even as the Punjab Government has drafted a sports policy yet little provision has been kept in it about the future security of the sportspersons. “Due to this lapse, we as parents just take the sports on secondary preference and we would like our children to do fairly well in studies only no matters how good they are in studies. Otherwise, there is no dearth of sports talent in our children and if they are directed in a direction, with a policy matter that certain level sportspersons would be absorbed in jobs, and then I can say parents would be freer to think about putting their children in sports, said Rajinder Kumar Lovely, out of his experience. Nevertheless, Ujjwal’s mother Seema keeps her fingers crossed and ensured that his son should be provided with the best infrastructure. Apart from this, she also maintains a perfect balance between Ujjwal’s study and sports. But, Ujjwal wants to be an IPS officer or in defence services. The firm reason behind was that his grandpa late Rattan Chand was in the military.
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CPR can save 20 pc lives during cardiac arrest: Expert
Amritsar, December 14 These views were expressed by Dr Deepak Kapila, senior cardiologist at Fortis Escort Hospital. He was delivering a lecture on various medical emergencies during a seminar “First aid in emergency situations in children and adults”, organised by Talwalkars Fitness Centre in association with Fortis Escorts and Grover Children Hospital here recently. Laying emphasis on CPR, he said it is indicated in those cases where the patients are unresponsive with no breathing or only gasps. It involved chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute to create artificial circulation by manually pumping blood through the heart. In addition, the rescuer may provide breaths by either exhaling into their mouth or utilising a device that pushes air into the lungs. “The main purpose of CPR is to restore partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart. It may delay tissue death and extend the brief window of opportunity for a successful recovery without permanent brain damage,” informed Dr Kapila. After the lecture a team of technicians from Fortis Escorts Hospital gave a practical demonstration of CPR. Dr Hira Lal Khanna, a renowned cardio-paediatrician of the holy city, who was the chief guest on the occasion, pointed out that there was a need to make the masses aware of the first aid to be given during different kinds of medical emergencies, like burns, epilepsy, heart problems, bleeding, shock, electric shock, etc, until the special medical care arrived. Dr Naresh Grover, child specialist from Grover Children Hospital, delivered a lecture on “Emergencies in children”. Earlier, Gurvinder Bhatia, Manager of Talwalkars Fitness Centre, welcomed the guest faculty and the members who participated in the seminar. He presented mementos to Dr Hira Lal Khanna, Dr Deepak Kapila and Dr Naresh Grover.
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Mirch Masala sends audience into peels of laughter
Amritsar, December 14 The comic play Mirch Masala that revolves around the lives of three bachelor brothers is written by famous theatre personality Jatinder Brar and directed by Narinder Magi. It depicts the psyche of the people who do not consider the bachelors to be fit in the social set up. They held the three brothers responsible for every wrong that happens in the area. The eldest brother played by Sarabjit Lada is an account officer while two other Dara Singh played by Pawandeep is a Physical training teacher and youngest of them Tajinder (played by Vishu) remains under influence of western culture. The play ended with the marriage of three brothers and the characters of Ramu, (servant), Bholi and Julie adds situation humor to the play. This was the fifth play staged. Earlier, Kuch Te Karo Yaro, Loha Kut (written by famous Punjabi writer Balwant Gargi), Mukti (Kumar Ajay) and Firangia De Nu (by Veena Verma) were staged. The festival will conclude on December 19. The other plays that would be staged during the festival include Gadhe Di Barat, Jangal Bolda Hai, Mitti De Kahani, All My Sons and Court Martial.
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Only AISAD remembers Akali Dal’s foundation day, says its chief
Amritsar, December 14 This was claimed by Jaswant Singh Mann, president of AISAD, here today. Mann, while on a mission to rejuvenate the not-so-active AISAD, viewed that owing to the Khalsa Panth being split into small factions due to different ideologies and ideas, the oneness, unity and brotherhood among the Sikh community had been severely damaged. “It is a pity that nobody in the ruling SAD party had endeavoured to commemorate the foundation of the party, which basically was formed to be committed to the interests of the Sikhs”, he added. Nevertheless, the AISAD, today, also launched its 10 point programme to be subscribed and followed in the next 10 years. With an objective to form Sikh homeland, the AISAD president emphasised the need to make constitutional changes and abrogation of certain laws and fresh enactments. “We want to lead the second gurdwara reform movement, legislation of All India Gurdwara Act and give representation to Sikhs all over the world. Our other main focus would be to eradicate unemployment, drug addiction, poverty, casteism and to raise educational infrastructure to bring prosperity and economic stability. Apart from this, we aim to raise the health system and women empowerment to curb female foeticide, thereby transforming the present state of affairs prevailing in the state. In our programme, we intend to bring in agricultural and industrial revolution to create a new, modern world,” he said. Akali Dal is the primary organisation of the Sikhs, formed on December 13, 1920 at the Akal Takht, Amritsar.
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“The bureaucrat’s public image is of a creature who sits on files, sleeps over reminders, turns a deaf ear to complaints, cannot see beyond the tip of his nose, smells a rat in every proposal and at times eats his own words”.
His achievements cannot be ignored, yet this 13-year-old swimming aficionado fails to catch the fancy of the district administration officials, who have failed to provide requisite infrastructure for swimmers like him.
Meet Ujjwal Sharma, a national swimming champ (under 14-year category), and a class VIII student of Manav Public school,
Amritsar. “I urge the district administration to lend a hand to swimmers like me by building up an ‘all weather swimming pool’. We are in desperate need of this pool because in absence of which, hoards of swimmers like me fail to compete with swimmers hailing from other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal,” said very agile Ujjwal, who got inspired into swimming through his elder sister Gargi (16), herself a national level swimmer.
