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Curfew relaxed for an hour at Bhikhi
People make purchases after the curfew was relaxed at Bhikhi on Monday evening. Tribune photo: Pawan Sharma
Act against guilty: Akal Takht Jathedar
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Running the state on contract basis
Manpreet Effect?
Pak using smugglers to arm ultras
A flattened sugarcane field in Rajpura. A Tribune photograph
Govt Calendar
Report on Majitha Fort submitted
Punjab minister backs plea to review ‘blacklist’
NRIs’ delegation calls on Badal
Sharjah murder case
People warm themselves near a bonfire in Amritsar on Monday. — AFP
90 trucks of onions arrive from Pak
Master Plans for Khanna, Goindwal Sahib cleared
IMA chief elected
An ambulance seen stuck up at tax toll plaza in Kurali. A Tribune photograph
Anandpur Sahib hydel channel goes ‘powerless’
Primary classes to begin on Jan 10
Torture victim’s parents to get Rs 1 lakh relief
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Curfew relaxed for an hour at Bhikhi
Bhikhi (Mansa), January 3 Earlier, hardline Sikh preacher Baljeet Singh Daduwal, along with 11 others, was sent to the Ferozepur Central Jail this morning. Daduwal and his followers were arrested from Gurdwara Jandalisar (Bathinda) to prevent them from reaching Bhikhi on Sunday, as the police was apprehending a clash between radical Sikhs and followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda due to some remarks that Daduwal had allegedly made against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief during his religious discourse at Bhikhi. On the other hand, the Bhikhi police arrested nearly 40 radicals, who were allegedly involved in the clash, under Sections 307 and 353 of the IPC on Sunday. Over 100 unidentified persons were also included in the case, but they are still at large. Meanwhile, the police denied permission to the senior general secretary and general secretary of the Sant Samaj, Hari Singh Fatehgarh Sahib Wale and Sukhchain Singh Dharampura Wale, respectively, for entering the town. The two leaders claimed that they had come to take account of the situation to submit a report to the Sant Samaj, but the police intercepted their vehicles at a checkpost in Dhaipi village. Talking to the media, the leaders expressed their resentment and said: “As the police is not allowing us to enter the town, we are returning with an impression that it had exaggerated the situation on Sunday. The attitude of the police shows that Daduwal, who is also a dignitary of the Sant Samaj, has been falsely implicated. We will submit a report to the Sant Samaj after which a fresh strategy will be chalked out.” They demanded that as the issue was related to the Sikh community, the Jathedar of Akal Takht and the SGPC president must intervene and take necessary steps to get all, including Daduwal, released at the earliest. Later, SAD (Amritsar) chief Simranjeet Singh Mann also attempted to enter the town but taking preventive steps, the police managed to intercept his vehicle near Cheema town of Sangrur district. Finding police officials reluctant to allow his entry, he staged a dharna and returned after half an hour. Mansa DC Kumar Rahul and SSP HS Mann said: “The situation is under control but the curfew will continue.”
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Act against guilty: Akal Takht Jathedar
Amritsar, January 3 Talking to mediapersons here, he said: “Every person in this country has a right to propagate his religion. Daduwal had planned a religious programme at Gurdwara Patshahi Nauvi in Bhikhi, but the police not only put off his public address system but also allowed followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda to hold a discourse near his venue.” He said Daduwal should be released immediately without any condition and it should be investigated as to “why his programmes are always disrupted”.
— TNS
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Daduwal, 11 followers shifted to Ferozepur jail
Ferozepur, January 3 A case under Sections 107 and 151 of the CrPC against Daduwal was registered at the Jaurkian police station of Mansa district. Later, he was arrested formally along with a section of his followers who indulged in violent activities. Sources said Daduwal and his 11 followers had been kept in separate barracks under special security arrangements. “Except the jail staff, no one is allowed to enter their barrack. An officer of the rank of assistant superintendent and subordinate staff and jail guards have been deployed,” said jail superintendent (Ferozepur) LS Jakhar. “The jail authorities have allowed them to go to temple or gurdwara but under special security arrangements. Their kin will be allowed to meet them only from 12 noon to 2 pm daily,” he said. When asked why restrictions had been imposed on these 12 inmates, Jakhar said as there were nearly 1,800 inmates in the jail, the authorities were bound to keep a check on all inmates so that they could not commit any mischief.
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‘Govt failed to take preventive steps’
Chandigarh, January 3 He also condemned the state government for its alleged failure to visualise the situation that led to the violence. In a statement, he asked the police to handle the situation with the utmost care. Referring to media reports that the police even resorted to damaging vehicles and tractors of protesters, Amarinder said it was quite unfortunate that the police was behaving no better than rioters. He also flayed the government for its alleged failure to foresee the situation and take preventive and precautionary measures in advance. He said tension was brewing up in the area for the past few days and the administration remained “inert” and “indifferent”.
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Tight security for Daduwal@@Chander Parkash@@Tribune News Service@@Ferozepur, January 3 @@Hardline Sikh preacher Baljeet Singh Daduwal who along with a few followers was arrested by the Mansa police yesterday, was shifted to the Ferozepur Central Jail today under heavy security arrangements. Jail sources said Daduwal and his 11 followers entered the jail premises here in the afternoon and they had been kept in a separate barrack blanketed with special security arrangements.@@"Nobody is being allowed to meet them except the staff members of the jail. An officer of the rank of assistant superintendent along with an adequate number of subordinate staff and jail guards have been deployed for the security arrangements," said Superintendent, Central Jail, Ferozepur, LS Jakhar.@@"The jail authorities have allowed them to go to the temple or gurudwara as per their wishes and that too under special security arrangements. Their kin and other acquaintances will be allowed to meet them only for two hours from 12 to 2 pm daily," he pointed out.@@Jakhar claimed that the jail authorities could not take any chance in connection with the security of the inmates. @@The authorities of the Central Jail were also bound to protect these 12 inmates from attack by any other mischievous elements, who could already be there in the jail, Jakhar pointed out.
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Running the state on contract basis
Chandigarh, January 3 These retired officers are serving as sub-divisional magistrates and on other important posts due to acute shortage of PCS officers. As per the decision taken by the Cabinet, those officers who have retired by December 31, 2010, and are otherwise eligible will be re-employed on the terms and conditions spelt out by the government. Their period of re-employment will be for six months or till the PPSC recommends fresh intake into the PCS after conducting a civil services exam. The state government had re-employed a retired PCS officer, who had relinquished office by March 31, 2010. From April till the end of 2010, six more PCS officers have retired and as a result of the Cabinet decision they will be absorbed back into the PCS. They may be asked to continue in their last place or posting or at another assignment. There are 288 sanctioned PCS posts in Punjab, but the state is short of 134 PCS officers. The PPSC is yet to conduct the Mains and the interview before it clears names of the candidates. Out of 26 former PCS officers, who were cleared in the first lot of such contractual appointments in March 2010, one has since been promoted as an IAS officer and his retirement age is now 60. The term of the remaining 25 PCS officers was to end on December 31, 2010, but the Cabinet has extended their contract. These appointments were cleared by a special committee headed by the Chief Secretary. Interestingly, these PCS officers do not have any annual confidential reports to worry about and are working on many posts, including additional deputy commissioners, sub-divisional magistrates and assistant excise and taxation commissioner. These appointments have been made after relaxing Rule 28 of the PCS Service Rules of 1976 and the employed officers have been offered salaries and perks as per rules, minus their pension. Besides the medical certificate of fitness, these officers have had to produce an affidavit that no vigilance or criminal case is pending against them. They also have to declare assets belonging to them and their kin. Their services are transferable and they can be terminated without notice.
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Badal postpones US visit
Jangveer Singh Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 3 The Chief Minister, accordingly, decided to postpone his visit to the US to be with his ailing wife on January 14. He will now fly to the US on January 16. According to sources, the SAD Core Committee, which met here late this evening, was worried that Manpreet might attract a big gathering, possibly even bigger than that of the SAD. This was the main reason that the CM decided to postpone his visit, they added. The SAD wants to utilise the CM’s presence not only to ensure a good gathering but also to ensure an effective force to counter Manpreet. In a paradox of sorts, even as the core committee has persuaded the Chief Minister to remain present at the Maghi Mela, the SAD still feels that the Congress and not Manpreet would be its main challenger in the next Assembly poll. The core committee felt that Manpreet would have only a marginal impact in the Gidderbaha-Mansa belt. It also decided to merge development with religious affairs to attract the electorate in the next elections. While all leaders and office-bearers were directed to monitor development activities, they have been cautioned not to ignore the Panthic vote bank. The core committee also took stock of urea shortage in the state as well as problems being faced by rice shellers. It was decided to approach the Centre on both issues. It also asked the SAD rank and file to look into problems being faced by NRIs and to work to address them. Besides the Chief Minister, others who attended the meeting were Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, Jathedar Tota Singh, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal and other SAD members.
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Pak using smugglers to arm ultras
Amritsar, January 3 These revelations came to the fore during interrogations of various terrorists and smugglers nabbed by the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), a counter intelligence wing of the Punjab police here. “The terrorist-smuggler nexus has noticeably come to the fore during the interrogations. The smugglers were being asked to smuggle arms if they wanted to continue with their illegal trade,” said highly placed sources in the department. Arms and ammunition recovered from them were meant for J&K, Bangladesh and Nepal as part of Pakistan’s anti-India campaign, he added. It is pertinent to mention here that in 2010, the cell nabbed more than two dozens hardcore terrorists and smugglers. The SSOC also made huge recoveries of arms, RDX and heroin during the previous year. The Pakistan agencies are using terrorist organisations like Babbar Khalsa and Khalistan Liberation Force that have strong links with smugglers active along the sensitive Indo-Pak border. Although government agencies have been successful in foiling the nefarious designs of these Pakistan-based organisations, the trend is worrying, opined sources. “The counter intelligence wing has succeeded in foiling almost all attempts of these terrorists and smugglers to create a law and order problem in the region. They have also made huge recoveries from them,” sources added. According to details, in 2010, the cell recovered three AK 56, five AK 47, one AK 74, a machine gun pistol, seven pistols (.30 bore and .32 bore) besides a detonator and timer devices
from them. It also seized more than 88 kg of heroin besides opium, poppy husk and synthetic drugs from the accused. An official of the SSOC on the condition of anonymity said: “The department has forwarded its findings to the government so that a concrete policy could be framed up to tackle the problem more effectively.”
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Dip in mercury takes toll on sugarcane yield
Fatehgarh Sahib, January 3 “Last year, I managed to earn Rs 400 quintals per acre, however, this year the yield has dipped to 350 quintals,” said Harvinder Singh, a farmer from Salana village. The price of the produce has also decreased as compared to last year, farmers rued. Last year farmers sold their produce to the sugar mills at Rs 280 per quintal against government price of Rs 180. This year the rate has gone down to Rs Rs 190 to 200 per quintal, depending on the variety of sugarcane crop. The prices had increased last year due to an increase in the sugar prices. Farmers from the district sold their produce to mills in Morinda in Ropar and Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib. The cost of harvest also increased from Rs 18 last year to Rs 25 this year as farmer shad to shell out extra money to pay wages to labourers. According to Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Jaswinder Singh, Due to inclement weather, the yield has decreased between 25 to 50 quintals per acre as compared to last year,” he said, quoting a survey by the agriculture department. “The yield decreased despite adequate use of pesticides and other medicines by the farmers,” he said. A worm, top borer-(fot da garuan), attacked the crop in July resulting in a drastic decrease in the yield, he said. The worm devours the tip of the sugarcane plant resulting in hampered plant growth.
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Development takes precedence over personalities
Jangveer Singh/TNS
Chandigarh, January 3 Surprisingly, the calendar has no bold photograph of CM Parkash Singh Badal or his son and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, the “stars” of calendars in the previous years. The CM is shown only in two photographs while the Deputy CM makes only one appearance. The government is putting a lot at stake in the Bathinda refinery and this is reflected in the calendar also with a photograph of the refinery finding pride of place as the number one item. The calendar attempts to dazzle with hi-tech projects coupled with social welfare initiatives as well as showcasing what the Kandi canal will look in a year’s time. Though the Deputy CM is there only in one photograph along with the victorious team in the World Kabaddi Cup organised at his behest, the calendar goes along with the agenda set by him when the SAD-BJP came to power in 2007. This included emphasis on big development coupled with initiatives in the social welfare and sports sectors. Agriculture has for the first time not got priority with one lone photograph of a relined portion of the Kandi canal representing the sector. Most of the Kandi canal is in a shambles and is not likely to be relined in one year’s time; so the emphasis on this photograph is puzzling. A photograph devoted to the social sector is understandable with the government keen to get mileage on the old age pension, subsidised atta-dal and Shagun schemes.
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Report on Majitha Fort submitted
Amritsar, January 3 In their communication to the ministry last week, Rawal and Rachanpuneet said: “We have conducted detailed studies and surveys that show the importance of the fort, both socially and politically. We think that this fort should be surveyed in detail by a government agency, may be the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and should be rebuilt. The treasure like this that bears national importance should not be neglected.” They also referred to a news report carried in The Tribune (December 9, 2010) regarding the discovery of the fort. In his reply via e-mail on December 31, Jawhar Sircar, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, said: “I am sure Director General, ASI, will do the needful.” According to the architects, the inception report proposes probable modes of survival and revival of the fort. “It invites the interest from public and private sectors for their contribution to formulate and implement conservation plan of the Majitha Fort,” they averred. In their report, they have dwelt on archaeological evidences that they had found on the site located in Majitha, near Amritsar. “There are evidences of historic fabric lying underneath earth surface in the form of foundations or ruins of walls and structures constructed in Nanakshahi bricks and lime mortar?? there is a possibility of lot of findings which require archaeological excavations and investigations to reveal those for research, conservation and reuse of the fort,” read the report. They have also suggested a five-point plan to transform their vision about the fort into reality. Firstly, archaeological investigation should be carried out for finding remnants and evidences, besides structural consolidation
of historic fabric to prolong its existence. For reconstruction of the fort, they said, it would require analysis of archaeological investigations as well as a comparative study of different forts of the same era in the Majha region. For survival of historic fabric, they said the moat around the fort should be developed by introducing the concept of flora and fauna i.e. growing water plants and
fishing for leisure trips, adding that the site and its surroundings should be developed to facilitate scenic views. They felt that once the fort is resurrected, it could house a museum that would interpret the history and significance of the fort in context with the state’s history. There may also be an exhibition gallery, which can have work of art and culture on display. Institutional visits to the fort will also go a
long way in linking it with educational and research institutions, they added. Ecstatic with the ministry's response, the architects hoped that the ASI would take necessary steps in this direction soon.
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Punjab minister backs plea to review ‘blacklist’
Chandigarh, January 3 Following an interaction with a NAPA delegation, Dr Upinderjit Kaur said the time had come for the Centre to review the “blacklist” because after the restoration of peace in the state, everyone needed to be given an opportunity to return home and become a partner in the progress of the state. Speaking about problems being faced by NRIs, the Finance Minister said the state would soon constitute a board for NRIs that would provide expeditious relief to them in various disputes, especially in matters relating to property, marital problems and immigration. She said the East Punjab Rent Act had already been amended empowering NRIs to get their property on rent vacated from tenants. She said the state had also constituted a high-powered committee headed by the Director-General of Police to review the cases of NRIs who had been declared proclaimed offenders or absconders. The delegation of the NAPA led by its president, Satnam Singh Chahal, commended Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Punjab Finance Minister Dr Upinderjit Kaur for taking landmark decisions for the welfare of the NRIs.
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NRIs’ delegation calls on Badal
Patiala, January 3 The delegation was led by association chairman Satnam Singh Chahal. Chahal said the delegation of the association, a California-based body of NRIs and persons of Indian origin, apprised the Chief Minister of various problems faced by NRIs in Punjab. “The delegation, comprising Dalwinder Singh Dhoot and Santokh Singh Judge, told the Chief Minister that NRIs were often subjected to humiliation at the hands of Punjab Police personnel. Many cases of police officers illegally occupying land or properties of NRIs have also been reported,” Chahal said. According to Chahal, the Chief Minister assured the delegation of an inquiry into all cases of illegal occupation of properties of NRIs. He said the delegation also requested Badal to take up with the Union Government the issue of allowing Punjabis, who have taken political asylum in foreign countries, to visit their state.
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Preneet promises help to 17 Indians on death row
Aman Sood Tribune News Service
Patiala, January 3 She was in the city to attend a function at Government Mohindra College to honour Kamal Khan, who recently won Zee TV’s “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar” contest. Speaking on the sidelines of the function, the minister said Indians lodged in Sharjah jails were innocent and the government was doing all possible to make their acquittal chances bright. However, she feigned ignorance on any settlement in the case. “I had recently met their lawyers and also the Indian High Commissioner in Dubai to take up the matter at all possible levels,” she said. “During my recent visit to Dubai, I have further made sure that the entire proceedings of the case are reported every week to my office”, she added. The 17 Indians are facing death sentence for allegedly killing Mishri Khan, a Pakistani national. Following a widespread anger back in Punjab caused by the verdict, the Indian consulate in Dubai had to hire services of five lawyers to defend them. Preneet said the Indian Government would try its best to provide all financial assistance to Indians in Dubai jails. “We are committed to help all Indians abroad wherever they face problems. But a proper system has to be followed,” she said. The Tribune had recently reported as to how the victim’s family had earlier refused any compromise but later expressed their readiness to accept “blood money” amounting to Rs 2.5 crore and demanded that if the accused refused to pay it, they should be hanged.
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Cold wave continues in region
Jalandhar, January 3 While the mercury hovered around 8°C at most places, the cold wave in the northern region has been giving a tough time to people, especially the destitute. Bathinda remained the coldest in the plains with a minimum temperature of 8.1°C followed by Amritsar (8.5°C) and Halwara (8.8°C). Chandigarh saw a low of 8.9°C, Pathankot (9°C) and Adampur reeled under 9.2°C. In Haryana, Ambala recorded a minimum temperature of 9°C. In Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar was at minus 6.7°C followed by Udhampur with a minimum of 4.9°C and Jammu recording a low of 8.3°C. In the upper reaches of the valley, Leh recorded
a freezing low of minus 23°C while Avantipora remained a freezing low of minus 9°C. The Met Department at Adampur Air Force station has predicted a mainly overcast sky with occasional mist in the morning and evening in the next
24 hours.
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90 trucks of onions arrive from Pak
Amritsar, January 3 Till now, over 400 trucks of Pakistani onions have arrived since December 21 while over 200 trucks on the Pakistan side of the joint checkpost are waiting to enter India. Confirming this, DC (Customs) RK Duggal said 90 trucks of onions crossed over to India today. Om Parkash Arora, chairman of the Indo-Pak Exporters Association, said 10,000 to 15,000 tonne of onions were expected to be imported from the neighbouring county this month while onions would start arriving from Nasik (Maharashtra) in the mid of this month. “The arrival of onions from Maharashtra will further dip the soaring prices of onions, which are hovering between Rs 55 and Rs 60 at retail outlets,” said Arora.
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Master Plans for Khanna, Goindwal Sahib cleared
Chandigarh, January 3 A government spokesperson said GMADA and the Local Government Department would coordinate to sort out difficulties coming in the way of the speedy implementation of the Master Plan for Zirakpur. Meanwhile, presiding over review meetings of PUDA, GLADA, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Patiala Development Authorities, Badal approved the setting up a regulatory wing of PUDA to check unauthorised construction within the jurisdiction of all six authorities.
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IMA chief elected
Patiala, January 3 He would take over the post on January 1, 2012, and continue in the office till December 31, 2012. Dr Rakesh Vig is the current president of association. Dr Gupta got 70 votes while his rival candidate, Dr Sudhir Raj of Muktsar, got 64 votes. Dr Gupta said his priority would be to take up issues pertaining to the entire medical fraternity and ensure that all Central Government schemes were implemented properly. “We are determined to ensure betterment of medical services in the state,” he said. Of the 66 IMA branches in Punjab, 64 took part in the election process, said Dr Rajan Gupta, chairman of the association. “In all, 140 votes were polled in the election,” he added.
— TNS
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Emergency vehicles get stuck at toll plaza
Kurali, January 3 The bridge was constructed in built-operate-transfer basis over railway lines and was commissioned around four years ago. Patients from Himachal Pradesh, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr etc are brought to the PGI Chandigarh through this stretch if the highway. Being too narrow to support such high volume of traffic, the bridge often gets crowded with lanes of vehicles waiting to pay toll tax. Residents have repeatedly raised the issue with the district administration but to no avail.
— TNS
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Anandpur Sahib hydel channel goes ‘powerless’
Anandpur Sahib, January 3 The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has not been supplying water to the project’s Ganguwal and Nakkian powerhouses. Officials concerned said the demand for power in state had reduced. “This is why the Bhakra Beas Management Boardhas stopped supplying water to the Powercom-run Anandpur Sahib hydel channel,” he added.
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Torture victim’s parents to get Rs 1 lakh relief
Chandigarh, January 3 The compensation was ordered after Shera was produced before the Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal. The directions for payment of compensation were issued after taking into consideration the mental agony undergone by his parents after Shera went missing from the illegal police custody, as alleged by them. Appointed amicus curiae by the high court, Anil Malhotra had earlier submitted a detailed report to the court after visiting Bagowal village on December 18. The high court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of a news item carried on December 3 and had directed the Punjab police to trace Shera. Emotional scene was witnessed in the high court during the hearing of the case. Shera nearly broke down, when the Bench asked him about his whereabouts. Taking to the media later during the day, Shera alleged that after his illegal detention on October 31, he was tortured and given inhuman treatment that forced him to flee from the bathroom window of the police station on November 18.
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Curfew imposed on Bhikhi town of Mansa district yesterday following a clash between radical Sikhs and the police continued on Monday.
