Amritsar, January 15
Several unidentified armed robbers allegedly looted two petrol filling stations at Khandwala (Chheharta) and Batala Road here late last night. The robbers decamped with Rs 65,000 from the employees at gunpoint.

Both the petrol pumps belonged to Ajaypal Singh Randhawa. The police has registered separate cases in this connection.

As many as four unidentified persons who were in a Swift car entered the petrol pump at Chheharta and asked the employees to fill the petrol tank of the car. After this, the accused took out a pistol and huddled Sanjay Kumar and Balwinder Singh in the car and took them towards Verka bypass. He said the accused took out Rs 17,000 from Sanjay and Rs 8,000 from Balwinder. They also snatched Balwinder’s mobile phones before dropping the two employees near Escort Hospital and fled. Chheharta police has registered a case under Section 392, 342 of the IPC and 25/27/54/59 Arms act in this regard on the basis of the statement of Sanjay, a resident of Sandhu Colony.

In another incident, three unidentified robbers came in an Innova vehicle which did not bear any registration number and took away Rs 40,000 from the employees working at the petrol pump.

Malkit Singh, an employee of the Ghanupur Kale told the police that the accused asked to fill the tank. After this the accused came out of their car and put pistol on his head. They also hit him with the handle of the pistol and snatched Rs 15,000 from him. They also snatched Rs 25,000 from Surinder Kumar. They took away two cans of Mobil oil and a CCTV camera before escaping. A case has been registered under Section 392 IPC, 25/54/59 of the Arms Act against the accused.

RP Mittal, police commissioner, Amritsar, said the police is yet to achieve a breakthrough in the two incidents. He said the police has launched a hunt to arrest the culprits.

Amritsar, January 15
Guru Nanak Dev University vice-chancellor’s appeal to the district electoral officer brought some respite for the women staff members of the university who have now been exempted from poll duties. Luck has not worked the same way for the male folk as they are left with no choice but to join election duty rehearsals in various parts of the city.

The move follows the intervention of the V-C into the matter after protests by the university teaching staff against forwarding their names for poll duties.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-Electoral Officer Rajat Aggarwal said the decision has been taken keeping in mind repeated requests from the university authorities. “We have exempted the women staff of the university from performing poll duties. However, the official intimation in this regard is yet to be sent to them,” he said.

V-C Prof AS Brar said he had recommended that at least 24 women staff members, which included both from teaching as well as the non-teaching wings, be exempted from poll duty. “Since we have no official communication in this regard as yet, we cannot comment on who else have been exempted. All correspondence related to the poll duties will be sent directly to the employee concerned by the electoral officer,” he said. “We are all bound to abide by the orders of the Election Commission which do not exempt the teachers from performing poll duties, yet I have approached the Deputy Commissioner to exempt women staff members,” he added.

The move has not gone down well with the male staff members. They resented that when the women staff is claimant of equal pay scales and job prospects then it was unjustifiable to give them privilege on gender basis.

The university had earlier sent a list of around 354 teaching and non-teaching ‘A class’ employees for poll duty. The teachers, who were on the list for the first time, had expressed their resentment against the same besides citing disturbance in the academic schedule.

The male staff members preferring anonymity said it was not a very thoughtful move on part of the university authorities to discriminate on gender basis. “The whole chaos was created due to delay on the part of the university authorities in submitting the list of probable employees. We are not shirking from performing it but our objection is that this kind of gender bias is beyond our understanding,” they said.

The district authorities had sent the first communication to the university authorities on June 22 asking for 10 Data Entry Operators to which the university authorities did not respond for six months. Thereafter, the university sent a list of 374 staff members in haste, which included teaching and non- teaching employees. Thereafter, when the teachers protested, a supplementary list 69 teachers and 64 ‘A’ class officers was sent. It was from this list that 24 lady staff members got exemption. It is for the first time that teachers of the university have been put on poll duty.

Amritsar, January 15
The kidnapping drama of a Congress worker Sahib Singh came to an end today after he was recovered by the police from the house of his close relative's house in located at Majitha Road here.

Sahib Singh's wife Satinder Kaur had alleged that her husband had allegedly been abducted by the supporters of the BJP candidate from Amritsar North constituency, Anil Joshi, in connivance with the police as he had shifted his loyalties to the Congress party.

RP Mittal, Police Commissioner, told mediapersons that Sahib Singh had admitted that he left his house after he was brutally thrashed by a group of armed persons headed by Vijay Kumar, his neighbour and a supporter of Joshi. Mittal said after he ran away from his house on the insistence of Satinder Kaur, he called his nephew, Heera Singh who took him to a private hospital at Naushehera village where he received medical treatment.

He then went to the residence of Hardeep Singh, his close relative where he stayed for three days. He then shifted to his cousin Kulwinder Kaur wife of Harjinder Singh, a residence of Ram Nagar Colony from where the police nabbed him.

Harjinder Singh is constable posted in Amritsar rural police district.

Sahib Singh told the media that he was seriously injured by a group of armed persons headed by Vijay Kumar who barged into their residence and ransacked the entire house. He said his wife did not know his whereabouts.

Mittal said although the kidnapping charges had fallen flat, but action will be taken against the accused who had forcibly entered his house and injured him. The police had already registered a case against the accused in this regard, he added. "As Sahib Singh and Harjinder Singh both were wanted in the different cases, they have been arrested and further action has been initiated,” said Mittal.

Anil Joshi in a press release issued here today demanded legal action against Congress candidate Karamjit Rintu for his false propaganda in this matter. He said he did not know Sahib Singh.

Though the kidnapping charges had fallen flat. Action will be taken against the accused who had forcibly entered his house and injured him. 

— RP Mittal, police commissioner, Amritsar

Amritsar, January 15
Five companies of paramilitary forces will be deployed along with the Punjab police to deal with any untoward incident in sensitive constituencies here during elections. Police Commissioner, Amritsar, RP Mittal, said two companies of paramilitary forces had already arrived while the remaining are expected to join in a couple of days. Each company will comprise 200 jawans.

Besides the paramilitary forces, 3500-4000 Punjab police jawans will also remain on their toes till the election process is complete. City police is already struggling with a shortage of staff and in view of this the police department has demanded five companies of paramilitary forces, including the CRPF and BSF for security operations in view of the ensuing assembly elections. “We are chalking out plans to maintain law and order situation in the city. No stone will be left unturned to hold peaceful elections in the city," he said.

The police teams along with the paramilitary forces are conducting flag marches in various parts of the city and the same will continue till the elections are over, he said.

The police department has deployed police jawans at various chowks to maintain the law and order situation in the city and it felt a shortage of staff to guard polling booths and sensitive areas.

Mittal said various police stations have been asked to take the history-sheeters in preventive custody. He said the police officials have also been directed to pursue armed license holders to get their arms deposited in the respective police stations as a preventive measure.

Amritsar, January 15
Normal life was thrown out of gear after a heavy downpour here today but it could not deter the spirits of contenders who are in the fray for the ensuing Assembly elections.

The contestants today carried on with their campaigning programme or holding public meetings as scheduled. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, former PCMS doctor and wife of MP Navjot Singh Sidhu who has made her debut in politics by representing the BJP from the Amritsar East seat said she conducted over 20 public meetings today despite rains. "At one point of time, I thought of deferring the day's schedule, but it was the enthusiasm shown by the supporters which egged me on," she said after opening up of new party office at City Centre here.

Navjot conducted three road shows, opposite to Shivala area and then moved on to Krishna Square to hold door-to-door campaigning. She covered 18 streets on foot with her supporters in three hours. The Yuva Morcha rally and Nukkad meetings were the other programmes on her schedule for the day. "I have been active in this constituency for quite sometime and people know my capabilities and I will live up to their expectations," she said.

On the other hand, the Congress contender OP Soni from the Amritsar Central constituency too went on with her schedule, despite inclement weather. "Despite heavy rain, I held at least eight public meetings. The overwhelming response from the residents instilled enthusiasm in me. I visited Thanda village, Pithianwala bazaar, godown mohalla, Shakti Nagar, Anngarh, Fatahpur Colony and Lahori Gate," he said.

Another Congress contender Karamjit Rintu, contesting from Amritsar North constituency, said today's heavy downpour had belied the Amritsar Municipal Corporation's claims as rain water had collected in posh areas like Ranjit Avenue, Green Avenue and New Garden Colony. "I conducted a door-to-door campaigning at 19 spots in my constituency. It is a pity that the water was logged on the road just adjacent to the Mayor's residence. Due to the lack of proper water drainage system, there is a perennial problem of rain and sewerage water leading to blockages even in these posh areas. This testifies the in-efficiency on the part of the civic authorities here. Secondly, the law and order problem is rampant here the chain snatching incidents are common. My prime concern will be to plug in crime incidents," he said during a public meeting at Green Avenue.

Amritsar today received heavy rains. All the key approach roads, including those leading to the Golden Temple, remained water logged. Many sewers of Amritsar got choked and the devotees had a tough time as they had to wade through stagnant water to reach the shrine. Battery-operated vehicles of the SGPC, which carry devotees to the shrine, also went off the road due to waterlogged streets.

After the downpour, maximum temperature in Amritsar settled at 18.5 degree Celsius and a minimum of 6.6 degree Celsius. The Meteorological department says similar situation will prevail over the next 24 hours and has forecast light to moderate rains or thunder showers. The department has not predicted unusually severe cold conditions ahead, but foresee reduced visibility due to foggy condition in early mornings in this part of the region.

Surinder Paul, Director, Meteorological Department said December and January will be the coldest months in the North. “Emanating from Mediterranean sea, the weather is travelling across the western Himalayas before precipitation in north of the country increasing the night temperature. Dry northwesterly winds from Himalaya are approaching this region leading to theses conditions. Weather analysis indicates that the prevailing conditions will continue for the next 24 hours, but we do not see any severely cold conditions ahead,” he said.

Amritsar, January 15
Mannatpreet Kaur, a BSC (IT) first year student of BBK DAV College, has won gold medal in a three-day stamp exhibition held at Thakur Singh Art Gallery by the India Post (Department of Post).

She displayed a unique collection on stamps and postal covers on the history of Sikhism. Stamps (on Sikhism) collected by her were issued by India, Pakistan, Nepal and Canada.

Mannatpreet Kaur drew inspiration from her father. Her father, HP Singh, is a famous philatelist of the city. He has conducted workshops and exhibitions on philately in the state and has won gold medals in many state-level exhibitions.

Teachers of Sri Guru Harkrishan International School, where she studied, also encouraged her.

Her other hobbies included, listening to music and watching television, she said.

There were about 20 entries that comprised stamps on cartoons, coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Indian stamps on army and covers. Students of about 15 schools took part in the exhibition. Objectives of the exhibition were to promote philately and drew attention of people towards their rich heritage. Stamps from about 100 countries were on display. She said she wants to participate in the state-level stamp exhibition proposed to be held in Chandigarh this year.

We will ensure that in future the birth and death certificates are made available to the general public in a stipulated time as per the provisions of the Right to Service Act. — Dr Manjit Singh Randhawa, Civil Surgeon

Amritsar, January 15
Even as the Election Commission has “painstakingly” put teaching and non-teaching staff of elementary, middle and senior secondary schools on rehersal and election duties on non-working days, but many parents criticise the idea of holding elections before the crucial final examinations.

A fruit trader Jaswant Singh of Lohgarh Gate said his both children were studying in government schools. Every year final examinations were held in the first week of March. About a month had been given for election campaign and casting of votes would be held on January 30. The counting would begin on March 6.

He said he and his wife were under-matriculates and neither of them got enough time to teach the children.

He said the announcement of elections and further allocation of tickets had made an atmosphere of increased activity in their street. The movement of leaders of various political parties and their supporters had transformed the environment, which was not conducive for studies. His elder daughter was studying in Class VIII and the son in Class VI.

Arti Abrol, mother of two and a working woman, said all of a sudden the atmosphere in the city had changed. The raising of slogans, movement of groups of leaders and their followers and meeting of ward leaders, sometime even accompanied by dhols to convey their message, disturb the students preparing for examinations.

She said the government kept in mind harvesting season and religious holidays before finalising the poll schedule, but due care was not given to the teaching schedule. She said in such an atmosphere neither parents, nor students were able to concentrate on the studies.

The DEO (Secondary), Sukhwinder Singh, said over 3,000 teaching and non-teaching employees had been called for rehearsals and election duties. He said majority staff of 419 schools under his jurisdiction would be used for election duty. He said, “The schedule of rehearsals and election duties had been set in such a way that it does not interfere with the regular study in the schools.”

The DEO (Elementary), Jaspal Singh, said the services of about 1,300 teaching and non-teaching employees of elementary schools had been requisitioned. The majority of the schools, out of the total of 866 schools, would be used for setting up poll offices. He said since the rehearsals were being held on January 8, 15 and 22, all Sundays, besides election duties would be held on January 29, again Sunday and January 30, a public holiday, it would not interfere in the study schedule.

Over 3,000 teaching and non-teaching employees had been called for rehearsals and election duties. Majority staff of 419 schools under his jurisdiction will be used for election duty. The schedule of rehearsals and election duties has been set in such a way that it does not interfere with the regular study in the schools.

— Sukhwinder Singh, DEO, Secondary, Amritsar

Amritsar, January 15
It was theatre in its purest form, the masses performing for the masses, theatre as tool for unmasking the typical standards set by the society and ruffling its dark underbelly. Molagapoddi, the first play for the day was anything but entertainment. It was an awakening for those who are still half asleep with ignorance. The short story by Tamil dalit writer Bama, was beautifully brought on stage by Kattiyakkaari, a Chennai based theatre group comprised of local artistes, social workers, transgenders and sex workers.

Real life people bringing real life pain and suffering through years of oppression by societal hierarchy, Molgappodi is a story based on social discrimination. It tells the story of oppression and injustice carried out by landlords and the struggle for respect and survival by the socially outcast. The director Srijith Sundaram who is a professional filmmaker and cinematographer made his debut on stage with this play.

“Bama’s stories captured the power of survival without romanticizing it as heroic. Kattiyakkaari consists of a group of people who have experienced marginalization and theatre is their mode of expression,” said the director.

The play that had glimpses of classical and folk dance forms saw some gripping performances by the members.

While Molgaapodi was all about denied liberation, the second offering of the day Beech Shahar was about finding peace and happiness even in a time of crisis. The play written by Tripurari Sharma who has also written scripts for movies like Mirch Masala and Hazaar Chaurasi ki Maa traces the history of communal violence during Gujrat riots of 2002. Story of a man who runs a small brewery in Ahmedabad who manages to rescue a group of people from rampaging mob, it centres on the theme of peace being better than violence. “Beech Shahar is not a play, it’s a piece put together by fragments of memory, perception and concepts. It’s a story that makes a hero out of a common man, said Tripurari Sharma about the play. The play was staged by Alarippu, a group of social workers and young actors who have committed themselves to social causes be it spreading awareness about the RTI act or the girl child. Alarippu has extensively incorporated folk forms like nautanki, tamasha, khayal and pandvani in its work. 

Amritsar, January 15
Annual cultural music programme was held at the SG Thakar Singh Art Gallery on Sunday. It was organised by Madhu Nad Sangeet Sabha. National and regional artists performed in the Sur Sammelan. Aditi Sharma, classical music artist, came from Delhi for the show. Akhtar Hasan and Asgar Hussian, also from Delhi, enthralled the audiences with their Tabla and Sarangi fusion.

“The annual event aims to promote classical and folk music. It gives an opportunity to city music lovers to be an audience to known artistes and also provides platform for budding artistes from city to share stage with stalwarts in the field,” said Rajinder Kumar, president, Madhu Nad Sangeet Sabha. The one and half year old organisation conducted its fourth event in the city.

Amritsar, January 15
The CIA staff today claimed to have rescued a girl who was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified persons one and a half year ago from a Sikh shrine at Chheharta.

Simar Kaur (11), a resident of Ghanupur Kale, had gone to pay obeisance at Chheharta Sahib Gurdwara along with her neighbors on June 20, 2010. She was recovered from a residence in Fattu Dhinga village. She was living there with a Nihang family as a domestic help, Vikram Sharma, in charge, CIA staff, said. He said the case was recently handed over to the CIA staff. He said police teams raided the complex and rescued the girl.