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Man held for wife’s
murder
Poll fight lands in cyber space |
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Campaign trail
Anil Joshi of the BJP during his door-to-door campaign in the Amritsar (North) constituency on Wednesday. Photo: Sameer Sehgal
New timings for Duronto likely
No mandate for
artistes
First time voters honoured
Pak designs find new address in city
1 held with 500 gm smack
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Man held for wife’s
murder
Amritsar, January 25 He allegedly strangulated the victim to death before setting the body on fire in crop straw to dispose it off. DSP JS Walia said the victim Manjit Kaur, who belonged to Jandiala, was married to Lakhwinder Singh, a truck driver, eight months back. The accused eyed his wife's sister and this led to friction between the couple. The victim used to threat Lakhwinder of committing suicide by consuming some poisonous substance. On January 12, when Lakhwinder went to Jahagarh in his truck, Manjit got suspicious that he had gone there with her sister. “Enraged over this, she threatened to commit suicide in front of him by consuming some poisonous substance. He rushed back home,” said Walia. The couple met near Chatiwind where Manjit consumed some poisonous substance, he said. Instead of saving her Lakhwinder strangled her to death. To dispose off the body, he hid it in crop straw and set it on fire, said Walia. However, the body was detected when residents saw stray dogs eating the half-burnt body of the victim. Following this the Chatiwind police had registered a case under Section 302, 201 IPC on the basis of the statement of Jagtar Singh, a resident of Krishna Nagar, who first located the body.
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Poll fight lands in cyber space
Amritsar, January 25 Sanjha Morcha's Amarjit Singh Asal contesting from Amritsar West, Inderbir Singh Bolaria of the SAD and an Independent Gurpartap Singh Tikka both from Amritsar South, Tarun Chugh of the BJP from Amritsar Central, Karamjit Rintu of the Congress and Anil Joshi of the BJP, both from Amritsar North are exploiting the love the youth have with the social networking sites. Even as the political parties have placed their advertisements on local FM stations, few of the party leaders such as BJP's Anil Joshi have started their independent campaigns to better their chances of winning. Even candidates from the South; Independent candidate Gurpartap Singh Tikka and Jasbir Singh Dimpa of the Congress are also running their campaigns on the radio. From posting newspaper clippings to photographs of their daily public meetings, the candidates are highlighting the scandals and scams done by the opponents on their online profiles. Comments and likes by the youngsters has shown that the social networking sites are an effective medium, even more than the door-to- door campaigns, said Satinderjit Singh Bal, an Internet advertising expert. "The youth are hooked to the social networking sites. Even when they are not using a computer or a laptop they are connected via a phone." BJP candidate from Amritsar Central, Tarun Chugh said, "I think the election campaigns on the social networking sites help youngsters connect with their leaders. Not only during the elections but after it they can contact them without going through the trouble of making a phone call or meet them personally." People close to the candidates said the information and photographs are updated with the help of family and friends. "It really is a family affair. The candidates don't have the time to spare as they are busy campaigning on the streets. Some are even using professional media managers for the purpose," said poll manager of a local candidate.
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He networks to defend his constituency
Anil joshi GS Paul Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 25 Joshi says, “I believe in action. It’s another matter that sometime I had to pay a heavy price for my philosophy of life. I fight for the cause of the people, that’s why I invite the wrath of the administration. I was implicated in frivolous issues but this negative publicity too helped me gain the attention of the masses. I realise the law and order problem being faced by people and it will be my priority to bring relief to the residents in this direction.” In my personal capacity, I have set up Aastha Foundation to facilitate vocational courses like stitching for girls belonging to the poor economic background. Now, I intend to get start training programme in computer, TV, mobile hardware training. These initiatives can bring about a change in the lives of the youth. Similarly, there is a proposal to set up a multi-speciality sports complex in Ranjit Avenue, which will comprise three cricket grounds, multi-gym facilities, strengthening the infrastructure in the educational institutions is the need of the hour and the SAD-BJP alliance is committed towards the same,” he said. Even as Joshi has the busiest schedule these days, he never forgets to check feedback on his blog as well as his facebook account. His engagements begin at 7 am and go on till 11.30 pm which includes at least 25 public meetings and door-to-door campaigning on foot. What worries his better half is that her husband has to miss his yoga session in the morning. “Actually, my day begins so early that I am left with no other alternative. Before proceeding for my set schedule, I spare at least an hour for the common residents or those whose ideology is similar to me,” he said. Besides the social networking sites, he believes in face-to-face interaction the most and tries to reach out to every person in his constituency. He has been projecting number of achievements during his tenure as an MLA which include construction of Batala Road at the cost of Rs 7 crore, covering of 2.75-km long stretch of Ganda Nullah at Rs 10.23 crore, shifting of high-tension wires from various residential areas stretching to an area of 11 km, and construction of a government college in his constituency as his major achievements during his stint as an MLA. The constituency has also witnessed the construction of cemented streets on a large-scale in the residential areas. The MLA claims to have spent Rs 165 crore on streets and sewers in his constituency, besides getting Rs 7.5 crore for development works in seven village panchayats falling in his area. He claims he got Rs 3 crore sanctioned for the beautification of the Company Bagh, apart from Rs 1.5 crore for water treatment plant at Durgiana Temple.
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New timings for Duronto likely
Amritsar, January 25 It is learnt that the prevalent schedule of Duronto Express could be changed by the Ambala division of Northern Railways soon. Many passengers have complained to the railway officials about "unreasonable" time of arrival and departure. An average of 300 passengers travel in Duronto since its inception on August 24 last year, Amritsar railway Station Superintendent KS Teji said. The Indian railways incur losses to the tune of lakhs of rupees as there are few takers for the train. The much talked about train has 12 non-AC coaches with 1,287 seats and two AC coaches with 145 seats. Sources said the Indian railways spends Rs 4 lakh per day to run the train,
however, the railways has not been attracting passengers in spite of offering special facilities like the option of purchasing tickets directly from the current reservation counters. Amidst much fanfare the Union Minister of State for Railways KH Muniyappa had flagged off the Duronto Express at Amritsar but the train could not deliver the anticipated results. Demands of the passengers for the train to be stopped at Jalandhar and Ludhiana were ruled out on the grounds that Duronto was conceptualised in the Railway Budget of 2009-2010 to run non-stop. Dr AL Adlakha from city said the train was taking as much time as is taken by AC buses and at more expensive ticket price. Amritsar railway Station superintendent KS Teji said, “Name of the train Duronto must be
taken off and the authorities should consider halting the train at key stations such as Jalandhar,
Ludhiana and Mohali. This will increase the number of passengers.” At present the train stops at Sirhind for a few minutes and that too because of a change of the engine, sources said. Teji said his office was yet to receive any update of schedule. He said the information flow will be from the Ambala to Ferozepur
division, as Amritsar railway station falls under the latter's jurisdiction.
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No mandate for
artistes
Amritsar, January 25 He said the last year budget proposed an alloment of Rs 5 lakh each to nearly 10 performing art groups, including literary, Punjabi language, music, theatre and others, for promotion of art. He said Manch Rangmanch did not receive a single penny. The government department concerned asked him to furnish detail of expenses to be made with the amount. The amount was not released despite submission of the details, he added. He said politicians use artistes to meet their political goals by fielding them in the polls like Bhagwant Mann. “But they (political parties) could not frame policy and spare funds to promote the art,” he said. He said Virsa Vihar, built for promotion of art, was being run on charity and donations in absence of regular income and funds by the government. With a view to promote various forms of arts, including painting and sculpting, the SG Thakur Singh Art Gallery was established in 1928 by Master Gurdit Singh, an eminent artist of that time. But the gallery’s hall is rented to garment, wood furniture and handicraft exhibitors to earn revenue. A prominent artist from Amritsar, Neeta Mohindra, said, “It is a sad state of affairs for art. The city-based artistes were not provided with adequate support. No importance is given to art; there is no policy, no fund.” She said a delegation of city-based artistes had met Tourism and Cultural Minister Hira Singh Gabaria to chalk out a plan but nothing of the sort came out as of yet.
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First time voters honoured
Amritsar, January 25 The first time voters, mostly students, across the city said they were anxiously waiting for the Judgement day, January 30, to cast their votes. The first time voters at Saroop Rani Government College said they are busy comparing party manifestos and bio-data’s of candidates to arrive at a decision. Sakhshi Madaan, a student of BBA, said, “It is really exciting to be a voter. Finally we have been considered eligible to take bigger decisions. The constitution has given us the right to choose our representatives and we are going to put it to good use.” Krishma, a college student, said, “I would vote for the candidate who would work for women’s safety and security. As a first time voter I would vote with caution.” Kanwar Bath said, “We have always been listening to political discussions by the elders. Earlier, I used to think what is the point of such discussions. But now I understand the importance of it. I would vote and be a part of in this election.” The students also said they are confused as this is their first time. Gursewak Pannu said, “I am really confused. The influences are too many. I change my mind almost everyday. But when I have to push the button, I know I would do it right.” However, there are many whose names did not appear on the list and they are surely unhappy about it. Saniya, a final year student, said, “I have filled my forms for getting enrolled not once but twice. I’m 18 but still they have not enrolled me. They have deprived me of my right.” Sheena said, “Perhaps I have no other option than to wait for the next election. The responsible employees have perhaps lost my form or I don’t know what has happened.”
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Pak designs find new address in city
Amritsar, January 25 The store has been opened with an aim and that is to promote arts and crafts of Pakistan here said Shireen. These entrepreneurs are trying to open up avenues for the artisans and craftsmen. Well, before you think it’s just another one in the already existing list of apparel and accessory stores, she makes it clear. “It is the first official or let’s say authentic store for traditional Pakistani handlooms and crafts,” she said. The store has dresses and jewellery specifically from Pakistan. “It has traditional embroideries and fabrics from weaver rich southern states of Pakistan, which also happens to be my constituency. I wanted to do something for the workmen who master in hand crafted and weaved embroideries,” said Shireen. The store has collection in chiffons, Georgette and velvets; with an elaborate spread of embroideries in gotta patti, embellished stones and fine thread work. “We have long jackets with hand embroideries, kurtis and traditional Pakistani suits with a lot of laces and crochet,” said Reena. The high demand and low availability of Pakistani suits prompted Shireen, who is also a designer, to open a store in the city. “Here, either you have to wait for some exhibitions or have to rely on retailers and importers who bring limited stuff from across the border. The store gets the stuff directly from the markets of Lahore to Amritsar,” said Reena. Shireen plans to open a franchise in Chandigarh, Delhi and Mumbai. “All I know for now is that there is a lot of market for Pakistani clothes and I just want to open it for the weavers back home,” she said.
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1 held with 500 gm smack
Amritsar, January 25 Sushil Kumar, SHO Gate Hakima police station said the police has specific information about the notorious activities of the accused. Following a tip off the police laid a naka near Bhagtanwala grain marked and recovered the contraband from his possession. Naveen Singla, ACP Central said Mangal Singh used to supply the narcotics to the addicts and vulnerable sections of the society. “Following investigations we have conducted raids on the premises of the person from which he used to procure the smack. However, he got a wind of the arrest of Mangal and escaped before the police raid,” he said. Mangal Singh was caught by the police earlier also. But the police could not find anything objectionable from his possession at that time, Singla said.
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Amritsar, January 25
