Ludhiana, August 17
In a shocking daylight murder, a 33-year-old man was killed at his office situated on the Rahon Road here today. The victim, who has been identified as Sukhjinder Singh of Bajra village, ran a money-exchange office on Rahon Road.

The incident came to light in the morning when the local residents spotted the victim’s body lying in a pool of blood. They soon informed the police about the incident. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner Police (ADCP- 4) Sushil Kumar, the victim, Sukhjinder Singh was hit on the head and strangulated. The police has recovered the rope with which the victim was strangled.

The ADCP said two or more persons might be involved in the murder. He has not ruled out the role of an insider in the murder. The ADCP said the motive behind the murder could not be ascertained yet. “Prima facie it does not appear to be a robbery killing. We have started investigations into the matter. We will speak to the members of the victim's family to find out if there was any monetary loss,” said the ADCP.

The residents said Sukhjinder arrived at his shop at around 9.30 am. They were absolutely clueless as to when the accused entered the office, murdered Sukhjinder and fled from the scene.

The investigating officers said the murder would have taken place between 9.30 am and 11 am as the police was informed about the incident at around 11.30 am.

The ADCP said Sukhjinder had not hired any employee and used to run the business alone.

There were no close-circuit television cameras installed at Sukhjinder’s office. Sources said the police was taking the help of a sweetmeat seller, whose shop is located close to Sukhjinder’s office.

It is learnt that the sweetmeat seller has installed a CCTV camera at his shop and it might have grabbed the assailants' movement.

Meanwhile, heart-rending scenes were witnessed at the civil hospital and at the victim's house. His relatives, including two sons Ajay Pratap and Gurpratap, were inconsolable.

Ludhiana, August 17
A 45-year-old man was run over by a train while he was crossing a track near Sherpur Chowk here today.

The incident took place here this morning when the victim, identified as Vishu, a native of Uttar Pradesh, who stayed in a rented house at Deep Nagar, near Sherpur Chowk, was returning home after handing over a lunch box to his son Sandeep Singh, who works at the Hero Cycles factory.

According the eyewitnesses, the victim, who was crossing the rail track, could not spot the approaching train and was run over by it. Vishnu died instantly.

The local residents said the GRP personnel arrived two hours after the incident.

“For nearly two hours the body had been lying near the track. The GRP officials were informed soon after the incident took place but nobody arrived at the scene immediately,” complained the area councillor.

The investigating officer said the victim also appeared to be an employee of the Hero Cycles factory as he was wearing the uniform of the company. The police has also found an identity card of the company on the body.

In the meantime, inquest proceedings have been started under section 174 of the CrPC.

Ludhiana, August 17
Come September, one side of the Sidhwan Canal bridge on Ferozepur Road will be closed for vehicular traffic going towards Mullanpur, Jagraon, Moga or Ferozepur for three months. This decision has been taken because an underpass is to be constructed for the Sidhwan Canal expressway project.

Those going towards Mullanpur, Jagraon, Moga or Ferozepur will take a left turn opposite PAU Gate Number 1 and while crossing the Sidhwan Canal bridge near MC Zone D office and passing through Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, will come to Ferozepur Road from opposite the Verka Milk plant. The posh locality of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar will receive a lot of traffic in the coming days as all vehicles would pass through it.

Similarly, the other side of the bridge (for traffic entering Ludhiana) will also be closed for three months after the completion of work on the closed lanes.

It is learnt that one side of the bridge (for those going towards Jagraon) would be closed from September till November this year. The exact date for the closure is yet to be decided.

Earlier, it was discussed that one side of the bridge would be used for both incoming as well as outgoing traffic, but this plan didn’t work out as Ferozepur Road is one of the busiest roads in the state as thousands of vehicles ply on it daily.

Senior district administration officials, including Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari, MC Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma, Police Commissioner Ishwar Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Toor, MC Additional Commissioner Ajay Sood, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Swapan Sharma, Executive Engineer PWD Angrej Singh, visited the Sidhwan Canal bridge to work out the diversion plan.

The foundation stone of Rs 318-crore Sidhwan Canal four-lane expressway project was laid in the 2009. The 26.9-km expressway project with a four-lane road and carriage ways on its either side will provide a bypass for traffic going to Ferozepur. This project has a total of nine bridges, which include five canal bridges, two rail over bridges (ROB’s) and two flyovers.

The PWD minister, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, had announced in March that the project would be completed by October but this deadline seems far from reality. Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari said, “We plan to close one side of the bridge in roughly 15 days. Once this portion is ready, the other side of the bridge would also be closed for three more months. The diversion for incoming traffic will also be planned soon,” said the DC.

Ludhiana, August 17
High drama took place at Model Town after a postman allegedly levelled assault allegation on Amarjeet Singh, president of Model Town Market Shopkeepers’ Associations, here today.

The issue took an ugly turn when Model Town police station SHO Ashok Kumar allegedly rapped the shopkeepers, including Amarjeet Singh, for thrashing the postman identified as Pavitar Singh.

The irate shopkeepers then sat on a dharna and demanded transfer of the SHO. The shopkeepers, who closed down their business establishments, called the allegations of Pavitar Singh as baseless.

Giving details, Amarjeet Singh said there have been complaints that the postman was throwing business mails and important courier on the roadside and never used to deliver it to the respective people. Due to which the shopkeepers were facing financial losses.

Amarjeet took up the matter before Pavitar, but the latter entered into a heated argument. Amarjeet said as the postman was drunk. He was taken to police station.

On reaching the police station, Pavitar Singh complained of chest pain and levelled allegation that he was thrashed by Amarjeet Singh. He was rushed to the local Civil Hospital.

The shopkeepers claimed that Pavitar Singh was levelling baseless allegation in order to wriggle out of problem. The dharna was lifted after Addition Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP-II) Bhupinder Singh started the investigation.

Ludhiana, August 17
Former Health Minister Sat Pal Gosain today blamed Ludhiana Municipal Corporation officials for losing Vidhan Sabha elections held early this year. “They failed to complete the ongoing development works in my constituency on time and that is why people did not vote for me,” alleged Gosain while speaking to The Tribune.

Sat Pal Gosain, a senior BJP leader, had lost to Congress party candidate Surinder Dawar from Ludhiana Central constituency.

Accompanied by other BJP leaders, Gosain today met MC Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma and rued that all developmental work started during his tenure is going on at a slow pace.

“Almost all development projects started by me were to get completed by November-December last year. But I fail to understand the reason behind their delay as most of those projects remain incomplete till date,” he rued.

One of the main projects of the area, covering of Ganda Nullah from Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib till Shagun Palace, is going on at a slow pace. “This is one of the projects which is close to my heart. But due to the corrupt nexus between the MC officials and contractor, this project is delayed. Due to the delay of this project, people from four wards of the city did not vote for me and I lost the elections. I lost by 1,420 votes from Ward number 41 alone which at that time was represented by BJP district president Parveen Bansal. Same was the case with other three wards from where this Ganda Nullah passes,” he alleged.

He said that even the Janakpuri Storm Sewer project as well as the newly constructed Children Park present a sad picture. “Public funds were misused for the construction of a park for children. I did not speak up at that time because I was a Minister in the state government, but now I will make everyone accountable. Even the work on Janakpuri storm sewer project is not going on properly,” he said.

He claimed that he has conveyed his feelings to senior MC officials. Gosain even praised MC Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma. “I expect that he gets all these projects completed on time,” said Gosain. When contacted, Verma said that Gosain has submitted a memorandum regarding some ongoing projects falling in his constituency. “I have assured him that these projects would be completed soon.”

Ludhiana, August 17
A three-member team from the office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) today checked records of several ongoing development projects of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation today. The team reached the Zone A office of the MC in the morning and stayed there for several hours. It is learnt that the team's visit was kept a low-key affair.

The officials maintained that the visit of the CAG team was a "routine" affair and they were there to check records concerning all the ongoing development projects.

While speaking to The Tribune, MC Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Verma said CAG was conducting a test audit of urban local bodies in the state.

"The finance commission had recommended last year that CAG should conduct a test audit of the urban local bodies of the state. Such a test audit is happening for the first time and after checking all the records, CAG would prepare its report in which it would be giving its recommendations, guidance and advice on development projects. The Punjab government will then act on the report. I personally feel that it’s a good initiative," said Verma.

"The team wanted certain record today but it was not available with the MC. So the team members have asked officials concerned to arrange the record by Tuesday because the team will be again visiting the MC offices that day," said a senior MC official.

Ludhiana, August 17
In a good news for the city residents, the next lot of 30 low floor non-air conditioned buses will soon start plying on the Ludhiana roads. These buses have already reached the Tata company's regional sales office near Chandigarh and are expected to reach the city shortly.

It is learnt that presently, the multiplex wiring of these buses is being installed and once this work gets done the buses will be sent to Ludhiana.

"Out of this lot of 30 buses, we hope to get 10 by August 31 and the others subsequently. The change of multiplex wiring is a long job and takes a lot of time. But I have personally requested the Tata company officials to deliver 10 buses by August 31," informed Baljit Singh, manager of Ludhiana City Bus Service Ltd (LCBSL).

Presently, the LCBSL has a fleet of 20 buses that run on three different routes. Once these 30 buses are added to the fleet, they will ply on five different routes, namely Chandigarh Road, GT Road, Gill Road, Dhandra Road and Hambran Road.

Jagraon, August 17
High drama was witnessed at a local bank today when $ 3,000 (US) and a gold ring (10 gm) belonging to Seema Joshi reportedly went missing from the bank’s locker.

Joshi claimed that she had kept some US dollars and a gold ring in her bank locker some time ago. Today, when she went to the bank to check her belongings she found out those were missing from the locker.

Holding the bank officials responsible for the incident, she said, “I keep checking my belongings kept in the locker. December 14 last year was the last time I had checked the locker. My money and ring was intact then," she said. A senior bank official, however, claimed that the bank has no responsibility for the belongings kept in bank lockers and that the bank takes a written undertaking from the customer before issuing the locker. He, however, added that the matter has been brought into the notice of the head office of the bank.

Ludhiana, August 17
Four more patients who are under treatment at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital have been found positive of dengue. Giving information about the patients, district epidemiologist Dr Puneet Juneja said, "The names of the patients are Narmada (from Jagraon), Parmjit Kaur (from Samana district, Sangrur), Jagir Kaur (from Kalianwali, Sirsa) and Rajnish (from Kangra in Himachal Pardesh).

With this city has witnessed as many as 13 confirmed patients of dengue. The DMCH has also treated 17 patients from other districts and 4 from other states.

District epidemiologist Dr Amit Verma said, "Yesterday on the directions of civil surgeon Dr Subhash Batta we checked shops of eatables, fruits, and snacks at Transport Nagar, CMC Road, Local Bus stand, Kashmir Nagar and Samrala Chowk area and got destroyed over-riped fruits. We also instructed the shop keepers to sell only fresh fruits and snacks and maintaining proper hygiene."

He further said that with the help of the employees of Ludhiana Municipal Corporation they also cleaned areas in Transport Nagar. Earlier, the team also came across dengue larvae in the workshop of the Bus Stand and issued instructions to the employees to maintain clean surroundings.

Ludhiana, August 17
A 42-member delegation of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), including doctors, medical students and peace activists from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Manipur, Nagaland, Karnatka and Tamilnadu, will leave for Hiroshima (Japan) on August 20.

President of the IDPD LS Chawla and general secretary Arun Mitra said the IDPD activists would participate in the 20th World Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) to be held from August 22 to 26 on the theme "From Hiroshima to Future Generations."

From Ludhiana city, Dr Arun Mitra, Agya Dass Aggarwal and Dr Harjot Singh will attend the conference

According to the IDPD functionaries, the main focus of the congress would be on the abolition of nuclear weapons, check on the proliferation of small arms, promotion of renewable energy and nuclear energy for electricity generation, etc.

A special session will be devoted to perspective for peace and development in South Asia in which representatives from all the South Asian countries will deliberate on the issues concerning people, they added.

While it is for the second time that the congress is being held in Hiroshima after 20 years, the conclave has a special significance because it is taking place after the Fukushima Nuclear Plant disaster which occurred on March 11, 2011, Dr Chawla and Dr Mitra said.

Ludhiana, August 17
The education department has revised the Rationalisation Policy after strong criticism from schoolteachers. The decision of the revision was taken in a meeting of Director General School Education (DGSE) with District Education Officers at the head office.

The education department has done major 10 changes in Rationalisation Policy issued on August 7 according to the suggestions of district education officers and experts.

This revised policy provided a little relief to school lecturers. Now the schoolteachers would take 34 periods instead of 36 periods in a week.

According to the Director General of School Education, lecturers teach senior secondary classes so they have to prepare the lecture. The DGSE exempted their two lectures.

According to this revised Rationalization policy, now Classical and Vernacular (C&V) Cadre have to take care of near by schools also. As per the instructions, if any post of the PTI and art and craft teacher is vacant at nearby school then these teachers have to take half of periods in other school. These teachers would be deputed for three days in one school and three days in other.

Meanwhile, the teacher organisations are still unhappy from department as they alleged that the DGSE not addressed to their demands.

Ramandeep Singh, Democratic Employees Front said, “Nothing was changed in this revised policy. The attention behind this policy is to make the teachers surpluses in schools by abolishing the posts. Otherwise, if the government implements the teache’s ration suggested in Right to Education then they have to recruit thousands of teachers. So the government changed the ration of teacher student in this Rationalisation policy.”

Ludhiana, August 17
City residents were treated to spicy and tingling flavours from the state of Rajasthan as a ten-day Rajasthani Food Festival started today at a city hotel today.

"Owing to scarcity of water through the vast expanses of deserts in Rajashtan, milk and butter milk became one of the key ingredients of the cuisine from the state. That distinct flavour adds a depth of taste to the myriad variety of dishes in the state," says Vishal Chandok, executive chef, Fortune Klassik.

According to popular perception in the state, spices regulate the body temperature and people take a lot of spicy food in the desert state because of the parching weather conditions, he says.

Rajasthani spices, such as Mathania, Udaipuri and Bhawngari, add a distinct flavour to the cuisine. Delicacies like Udaipur Mirchi Vada (Bhavnagri chilli stuffed with cashew nuts, raisins and potatoes for starters) and Mrichi ka Koota (made from fresh green chilli and pepper cooked with onion and tomato for the main course) are available at the festival. Non-vegetarians can enjoy Maas ke Solely and Kookere ke Reshmi Sheek. "Some of the most delectable dishes in Indian food come from the desert state," said a resident.

After the spicy food, authentic ghewar and other sweet delicacies from the state are also a treat.

The staff attired in traditional Rajasthani turbans and dresses add to the experience.

The PCTE group of institutes organised “Global village” with the theme “Travel across the world in 60 minutes.” The atmosphere at PCTE was truly pan-global as youths from countries like Japan, Germany, Brazil, Romania, Egypt, Greece, Mexico and Kyrgyzstan shared their culture. Around 20 faculty and interns gathered to share and explore each others' culture and tradition. Mustafa from Egypt taught students how to write their names in Arabic, while Adrian from Romania treated everyone with one of his local dishes. Japanese interns brought traditional costumes for other the students. Roberto from Mexico along with Anderson from Brazil played their traditional tunes and danced to the music. The duo also organised quizzes and gave away gifts to the winners. Rajvir, a PGDM student at PCTE, studying International Business said it was a perfect way to learn about other countries and business opportunities there.

Career counselling

A motivational lecture on career was organised by Post Graduate Department of Physics and Maths of Guru Nanak Girls College. Wing Commander Amol Apte, Senior Meteorological Officer, Air Force Station Halwara, was the resource person. Principal Dr Charanjit Mahal extended a warm welcome to the resource person. Apte motivated the students towards career opportunities in Indian Air Force. He enlightened the students about the aims and objectives of Indian Air Force. He explained the procedure of direct recruitment for PG students of Maths and Physics in Indian Air Force.

Students excelled

The students of the Department of Fine Arts of Ramgarhia Girls College excelled in their MA II semester examination conducted by Panjab University, Chandigarh. Parminder Kaur stood third in Panjab University and first in the college. She secured 89.7 per cent. Arvinder Kaur stood fifth in the university and second in the college. She secured 89 per cent. Sandeep Kaur got fifth position in the university and third in the college after securing 88.2 per cent. The president of the college, Ranjodh Singh, and Principal Dr Narinder Sandhu congratulated the faculty and students of the department for securing top positions in the university. Prof Tarvinder Kaur, head of Department of Fine Arts, applauded the efforts of the students and wished them good luck.

Skill development workshop

A skill development workshop for pharmacy students was conducted at Gujranwala Guru Nanak Khalsa College of Pharmacy by Dupinder Singh and Amanpreet Kaur, business managers, microlabs and alumni of the institution. They sensitised the students about the importance of subject knowledge, preparation of proper resume, cover letters, awareness and development of communication skills. They also highlighted the role of self-belief, sincerity and a never-say-die attitude as the ingredients for success in pharma marketing. This was followed by the students making mock calls to doctors and they were then given feedbacks.

Teej was celebrated with great pomp and show by the students of SAN Jain Model Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana. Fifteen students participated in the "Miss Teej competition". Ritu Bala, Class XII student was declared Miss Teej. The students also performed gidha which was really worth seeing. The students signs of Punjabi culture in the various events besides Mehndi competition and thali competition were also held.

Dental camp

A dental camp was organised in Shifaly International School, Rahon Road. The camp was inaugurated by Ranjit Singh Dhillon (MLA) and Tarsem Singh Bhinder (Councillor) along with education director Vishal Jain and principal Rosy Jain. About 600 students got their dental checkup done by Chandigarh Dental Simle team.

Plantation drive

A plantation drive was organised in Agape Public School here on Firday. The drive commenced on a motivating note by seeking the blessings of the Almighty. The students learnt valuable lessons of purifying and respecting Mother Nature.

I-Day celebration

The spirit of patriotism rushed in our blood as Independence Day was celebrated in Spring Dale Senior Secondary Public School with full fervour and pride. Celebrating the day, the school teachers and students started the day with the speeches. 

Ludhiana, August 17
Blenders’ Pride Punjab International Fashion Week started last evening. Designer Jattinn Kochhar showcased his latest collection on the day one of the fashion week.

The fashion week in its third season, is featuring 10 Indian and two international designers. It would also feature four Punjab-based designers, including city-based Sonu Gandhi.

Actress Simran Kaur Mundi and signer Shibani Kashyap were the showstoppers for the collection by Kochhar on the first day. Designs of Kochhar, who started designing at the age of 19, about 20 years back, without any formal training in fashion, were appreciated by the audience.

Having showed his work at international platforms, he is an accomplished designer.

He has been received awards and recognitions at home and abroad.

Themed ‘Love Song’, the collection was the "amalgamation of all the emotions that love song can evoke".

The collection, according to the designer, is a result of years of research. The collection included mini dresses, playsuits, trendy club wear as well as elegant evening gowns. 

Ludhiana, August 17
Designer duo Kapil and Monika Arora were destined to be part of the hi-end fashion world. It was one incident that changed their life. Occasion was Kapil and Monika's wedding. After some designer spoilt Monika's wedding outfit, Kapil decided design a new outfit for his would-be wife. This was the beginning of the journey they took to the world of fashion.

The designer duo is in the city to showcase their collection at Wedding Asia held at Park Plaza from August 17 to 19. “After marriage we both started our new venture. Initially our clients included our sisters, cousins and family members. We started with just one tailor and would outsource all the embroidery. Gradually, as people started appreciating his work, the quantum of orders grew as did the designer's faith in his own abilities,” recalls Kapil.

Designer Kapil and Monika's collection hugely comprises heavily embellished lehengas, sarees, cocktail gowns and tunics. They have collection is a medley of pinks, beige, mauve, reds, black, blues and white.

"Most of the outfits are ready to wear, making it just perfect for today’s women. The embroideries done are very modern and bold. Our philosophy is to not just to design but to give a second skin to those who wear our clothes," said Monika.

The designer duo is known for many of their trademark lines, including bridal gararas, 48-kali kurtas, heavy lehngas that are traditional mingled with contemporary look. Not limiting themselves to outfits for women, the duo has options available for men, who too like to dress up nattily. From suits to tuxedo, shirts and trousers, there are clothes meant for both formal and casual occasions.

Obama Collection

Kapil and Monika have decided to come out with exclusive "Obama Collection". The duo not only plans to raise funds but also to donate it to the Obama Funds for elections. The line offers a variety of attires, from Obama's corporate look to Michele's graceful style. The duo plans to visit America to gift lovely dresses from their collections to the President and his family. 

Ludhiana, August 17
As wedding season is on the cards, designers from the city and abroad are revealing what they have in store for the season at fashion exhibition Wedding Asia.

Noted names in the Indian fashion industry showcased their latest collections at the show held at Park Plaza last evening, which was the precursor of the fashion exhibit. Designers, including Amit Talwar, Aditi Gupta, Sheetal Lyall, Kavita and Meenu, Kapil and Monika displayed the best of their work whereas men's designers including Deepak Chhabra showcased the best from their collection.

Around 85 exhibitors including designers, jewellers, home décor, photographers and event planners were part of the wedding exhibition. A few brands from abroad, including one from Dubai, also participated in the event. Tamanna Bhandari from Sanam showcased designer Pakistani dresses, including Zamzama's, Peshawa's and suits.

“The exhibition comes at a good time as the wedding season is about to start," said Ritika, a resident. There are some excellent suits of the latest trend that have come from many brands.

By participating in the exhibitions, a few noted names in the fashion industry also test waters for entering into the market in Punjab. Kapil, a designer said that if they get a good response, they would like to open a store in Ludhiana, as a lot of residents from the city goes to Delhi for fashion-shopping.

Ludhiana, August 17
Paramjit Singh, reader to the Commissioner of Police Ishwar Singh, has been awarded police medal for meritorious service. He was conferred with the medal during the Independence Day ceremony.

Paramjit Singh, who joined the force as constable on 1976, has also worked in the vigilance department.

He also stood first in the law during the intermediate school course from PPA, Phillaur.

Besides serving as reader to Commissioner of Police, Parmjit served as reader to various other top ranked police officials. — TNS

Ludhiana, August 17
The monsoon season is in full swing and so are the cases of eye flu. Patients are pouring in different eye clinics and hospitals with red and painful eyes, complain of inflammation and irritability.

City-based eye specialist Dr G S Dhami said,"The infection occurs in the conjunctiva, so it is called conjunctivitis. We usually get patients with eye flu in the monsoon season. This year also we have been receiving two to three conjunctivitis patients daily in our hospital. The patients should get the treatment done after consulting an eye specialist, otherwise it may lead to corneal complications."

The people who use contact lens need to remain extra careful. Dr Ramesh of Punarjot Eye Bank said,"As there is more humidity in the weather these days, people using contact lens should use fresh solution to keep their lens. Old solution should not be used as it results in scratches on lens."

Ludhiana, August 17
The ongoing renovation work at the state-of-the-art Guru Nanak Stadium and the relaid astroturf stadium at Punjab Agricultural University will be completed within next two months. This was stated by Director Sports (officiating) Shiv Dilar who was in the city to review the renovation work going on different venues in the city.

Talking about Prithipal Singh Memorial Stadium at PAU, Director Sports said that relaying of new blue and pink astroturf has been done, the seating capacity has been increased and flood lights have been put in place. The remaining work, including water sprinkle guns, canopy, and addition of changing rooms for the players, will also be completed by September 15. Deputy Director Sports SL Lotey who accompanied Shiv Dilar informed that the sports department has asked to the officials of Punjab Mandi Board (PMB) to speed up the assigned work. "The wooden flooring at the multipurpose indoor hall, opposite to the Guru Nanak Stadium, would be re-laid," he said.

Kartar Singh, District Sports Officer, Ludhiana, said, "The visit of officials from the Directorate, Sports, Chandigarh, would certainly help the staff at the local office as well as PMB to complete the remaining work well before the sports season begins."

Ludhiana Police Commissioner Ishwar Singh has issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC for closure of shops selling meat and eggs, slaughter houses and liquor vends on the festival of "Samvastasri" to be celebrated by Jain community on August 21. The eating joints, dhabas and restaurants and bars will not serve non-vegetarian food and liquor on this day. The orders will cover the entire area falling under the police commissionerate.

Signature campaign

The Shiv Sena Hindustan will launch a signature campaign all over the state to mobilise public opinion against the memorial being constructed for terrorists. The president of the party, Pawan Gupta, said during the month-long campaign commencing from August 20, the party workers will hold camps at all major temples across the state and urge the people to put their signatures against the construction of the memorial. On the conclusion of the camp, the memorandum along with the signatures of the people of the state will be sent to the President of India, the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, presidents of the Indian National Congress, the Bhartiya Janata Party and leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Traffic awareness

Activists of the Pioneer Club launched a traffic awareness drive at Hero Bakery Chowk on Pakhowal Road. The club members distributed pamphlets among the commuters and motivated them to follow traffic rules. The car drivers were asked to wear the seat belts while the two-wheeler users were asked to wear helmets for safety reason. Manik Suri, president of the club, said the traffic awareness programme will continue in active cooperation of the city traffic police. In the first phase, the club will organise traffic awareness camps at problematic spots, busy intersections and other major traffic bottlenecks.

Tree plantation

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sewa Sansthan organised tree plantation at Mohan Dai Senior Secondary School on Daba Road here. DS Brar, Divisional Forest Officer and Rakesh Jain, Honorary Animal Welfare Officer were the chief guests. Speaking at the occasion, principal of the school Sarbjit Kaur Chawla focused on the significance of trees for conservation of soil and reduction in environmental pollution. Brar and Jain appreciated the staff and students of the school for plating 325 saplings and entrusting each student with nurturing one plant.

RBI instructions

On the instructions given by the Reserve Bank of India, all bank branches will be accepting cash from the depositors during the normal working hours. In case the deposit of cash is not accepted during the normal working hours by any work, the matter should be brought to the notice of lead district manager or one can contact at the telephone number 5068056-57, said the lead bank manager in a release issued to the press.

FIRA programme

A joint organisation of Taraksheel societies, FIRA (Federation of Indian Rationalist Association, is going to organise a programme on August 20. Dr Narinder Nike would through light on the various scientific aspects of life.

Pioneer club

A new traffic awareness drive was conducted by Pioneer Club on Thursday at Hero Bakery Chowk, Pakhowal Road. All the members of the club and few volunteers have joined the event to make it a success. We got a very good response from the commuters and we are planning to take it to every major locations of ludhiana in the coming days and involve more people.

Ludhiana, August 17
The police has arrested two persons with two 315 bore pistols. One of the arrested accused is a retired constable from the Army while the other is a scrap-dealer.

ACP Gurpreet Singh Walia said that the accused have been identified as Bahadur Singh from village Harnampura and Walemahesh Kumar, a resident of Dehlo road. Both had purchased the weapons from Moradabad (UP) to sell them at higher prices in the city. Both were on the lookout to sell the weapons with cartridges when the police got to know about the plan.

"Police party, led by SHO Dehlon Amandeep Brar, arrested the accused who have no previous record of such kind. The accused spent Rs 5,000 to purchase the illegal weapons here. A case under the arms act has been registered against the two," said the ACP.

Meanwhile, a senior police official in the city said that the trend to bring pistols or arms from other states was not new in Punjab. More than 50 per cent of the illegal arms come from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan as there are no arms manufacturing units in Punjab. 

Jagraon, August 17
The Raikot police has arrested two persons and seized 100 kg of poppy husk and 100 gm of opium from them. The accused have been identified as Rajinder Kumar of Mohi village and Harbinder Singh of Chaminda village near Jodhan.

Giving the details of the incident during a press conference, DSP Raikot Kehar Singh informed that the accused were arrested during a routine checking by the police near Barnala Chowk.

"A police team lead by CIA staff in-charge officer Raminderjit Singh had set up a police naka near Barnala Chowk. During the checking two persons came out of a truck and tried to escape but the police managed to nab them," said DSP Kehar Singh.

Kehar Singh said when they searched the accused they recovered 50 gm of opium from each of them. Following this the police searched the truck, in which the accused arrived there.The police recovered around 100 kg of poppy husk from the truck.

Ludhiana, August 17
With the arrest of notorious thief Gurpreet Singh Makhan and his two aides, the city police has claimed to have busted a gang of vehicle thieves who was selling stolen vehicles by creating fake documents.

Makhan, who has over two dozen cases to his name, was caught along with his two accomplices, Vijay and Jagdish Chopra, following a tip off.

The police has so far recovered two trucks and one Tata Safari from the possession of the accused. GS Bains, CIA- II incharge, said more recoveries are expected during the course of the investigation.

According to the police, Makhan was earlier caught by Khanna police in connection with highway robberies and 14 trucks were and recovered from his possession. He was recently released from jail on bail.

Police sources said soon after coming out of jail he started stealing vehicles and was also making fake documents.

Makhan along with Vijay and Jagdish were selling these vehicles in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

Ludhiana, August 17
Amit Prashar and Gurkirat Walia helped Chandigarh to gain first innings lead over Ludhiana on the second day of the four-day match in the Punjab State Inter-District Cricket Tournament for the Katoch Shield being played at the Sector 16 stadium, Chandigarh, today.

After restricting Ludhiana to a modest total of 220 runs yesterday, Chandigarh, too began their first innings on a sedate note. They suffered early shocks, losing four wickets with just 72 runs on the board.

The arrival of Amit Prashar and Gurkirat Walia at the wicket marked Chandigarh's revival. Chandigarh were 248 for the loss of four wickets after 90 overs. Gurkirat was unbeaten on 76 while Amit was 87 not out.

For Ludhiana, Baltej Singh bowled 19 overs, giving away 35 runs and grabbed three wickets

Brief scores:

Ludhiana (First innings)- 220 all out in 90 overs (Bharat Malhotra 35, Anil Sihag 36, Geetansh Khera 5, Akhil Aggarwal 1, Himanshu Shelly 67, Rahul Singla 49 n.o. and Deepak Singla 9; Sidharath Kaur 4 for 44, Gurjoyot 3 for 34, Vipul Sharma 1 for 48 and Gurkirat 1 for 0).

Chandigarh (First innings)- 248 for 4 after 90 overs (Sarul Kanwar 14, Vishwas Bhalla 9, Simrat 17, Uday Kaul 25, Gurkirat Walia 76 n.o. and Amit Prashar 87 n.o.; Baltej Singh 3 for 35 and Rahul Singla 1 for 83).