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Dharna leaves commuters stranded
PPP leader from Rampura held with illegal weapons
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Finally, officials to heave a sigh of relief
Row over chairmanship of Aggarwal Sabha
13 students hurt as BFGI bus overturns
Transporters seek increase in bus fare
Bir Talab resident booked for beating former employee
Smoke from GNDTP chimney irks city residents
Kisan Mela on Sept 27
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Dharna leaves commuters stranded
Bathinda, September 24 Long queues of vehicles were witnessed on the stretch between Bibiwala Chowk and Rose Garden, Rose Garden and GT Road, Bathinda-Goniana road and Bathinda-Muktsar road. Unable to move ahead or backwards, trucks, cars, buses, two-wheelers and other vehicles found themselves stuck on the road. Commuters carrying their luggage on foot blamed the district administration and the police for not making alternate arrangements and for their failure to remove the protesters. A handful of lower-rung police officials present at the site of the dharna expressed their helplessness in removing the protesters. The leaders of the teacher union, in their address, said they were forced to stage the dharna because their long-pending demands have not yet been accepted by the state government. State president of the union Devinder Singh said they are demanding the reinstatement of 65 teachers relieved in Mansa and other districts of Punjab and regularisation of all the 1894 teachers in the state. Sukhbir Singh, a teacher from Ferozepur, said they laid siege to the canal bridge following the district administration's failure to arrange their meeting with the CM on September 16. The agitators raising slogans against the Punjab Government and the Education Minister alleged that the female teachers are not allowed to avail the maternity leave and their pending salaries too have not been released. If a teacher applies for maternity leave, she is relieved from service, the union alleged. The teachers threatened to intensify their agitation if the state government failed to find a solution to their problems. A commuter, with a small child and heavy luggage, was seen looking for a rickshaw to take him to the bus stand. He spotted a rickshaw that charged him Rs 40 for the trip to the bus stand. Blaming the state government for its failure to find a solution to the problems of teachers, the man, Pawan, blamed the district administration and the police for their failure to remove the protesters.
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PPP leader from Rampura held with illegal weapons
Bathinda, September 24 Lakha was a candidate of the PPP during the previous Vidhan Sabha elections from Rampura. PPP president Manpreet Badal, however, cried foul over the arrest of his party leader and termed it as a classic case of political vendetta. Talking to TNS over the phone, Manpreet accused the police of following the diktats of the leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). "The IPS officers are acting like the party workers of SAD who leave no stone unturned to please their political masters," said Manpreet. He said such arrests have now become a norm in Punjab as the SAD has hijacked the entire political system. Police, especially the senior officials, have become a puppet in the hands of the political leaders, he added. Manpreet regretted that there is no way out as the voice of his party workers has repeatedly been suppressed by the ruling party. Earlier, the police stated through a press release that Lakha and Amna were arrested during the checking of vehicles. The release stated that the accused were travelling in a white Toyota Innova car. While Lakha was at the wheels and was arrested by the police, his accomplice tried to flee but was overpowered by the cops who surrounded the Innova. The vehicle bore the registration number of Chandigarh. Police said a .45 bore US-made pistol and ten cartridges were recovered from the possession of Lakha and a .30 bore pistol of US make along with 21 live cartridges was recovered from the possession of Amna. Both the accused have been booked under sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act at the Civil Lines police station. During the preliminary investigation, the accused admitted that they were involved in various criminal cases which are pending in different courts. They admitted having received the pistols from Ranjit Singh Dapla, a resident of Badbar in Sangrur. Dapla is facing charges of ransom and loot and is presently lodged in a jail, police said. Police said Lakha was on his way back after attending a court hearing and was arrested with illegal weapons. The release stated that the cops would plead for taking the accused on police remand to enquire about the illegal weapons obtained by the accused's accomplice. Fact file
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Finally, officials to heave a sigh of relief
Bathinda, September 24 Due to the visit of the VVIPs and to ensure the success of the function, a number of government officials, including doctors, teachers and other employees, were deployed at Ghudda and Badal village for the last few days. They had also been asked not to avail any leave during this period. After the conclusion of these important functions, the officials would have to again perform their routine duties from tomorrow, which would not only give them some time to spend with their families, but also provide relief to the members of the public, which would be able to get the services well on time. because of the function, A doctor, deployed on VVIP duty, said on the condition of anonymity, "The workload had increased manifold in the last few days. We had to look after not only our place of posting, but also make arrangements for the inauguration of the hospital and the medical camp. Now, both the functions are over and we will be able to get some time for ourselves." Similarly, a teacher, deployed at the camp, said, "I will avail of two leaves, as I was deployed at the mega medical camp. It was a tiresome experience working there as nobody even cared for the fact that we belonged to a noble profession. We were treated like class IV employees."
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Row over chairmanship of Aggarwal Sabha
Bathinda, September 24 Addressing mediapersons today, Chiranji Lal Garg circulated copies of two letters from the Agroha Vikas Trust Hisar - the body governing the Aggarwal Samaj. The first letter, issued in August 21, states Chiranji Lal Garg being replaced by Sarup Chand Singla as the chairman of the Aggarwal Sabha. The other letter dated September 22 mentions Singla was wrongly made the chairman and that Garg is the president of the Aggarwal Sabha. Both letters have been issued by Nand Kishore Goenka, the chairman of the Agroha Vikas Trust. In the second letter, Goenka mentions that owing to his age (82 years) and state of forgetfulness, he wrongly appointed Singla as the chairman. Garg alleged that Singla had got the letter awarding him the chairmanship of the Sabha last month, but he made it public after one month. "Singla knew that of the 140 organisations in the state, not even four favoured him completely. It is unknown how and using what influence did he (Singla) get the first letter issued," he said. Garg added that as per the constitution of the Aggarwal Sabha, a political person cannot be given the chairmanship. "When we reasoned this with the office-bearers of the Agroha Vikas Trust, they realised their mistake and re-instated me as the chairman," Garg said. The claim has, however, opened Pandora's box for Garg and Singla. Singla's spokesperson told TNS that Singla was still the chairman of the Aggarwal Sabha. "The second letter terminating Singla from the chairmanship is doubtful. We do not accept it," he said. The spokesperson added that the Agroha Vikas Trust appointed Singla as the chairman a month ago. It was only after pursuance by over 100 organisations under the Aggarwal Sabha that Singla made the appointment public. "We don't know what Garg is up to. The conditions under which the second letter was issued are indeed questionable," he said. Singla and his supporters plan to prove the support of other organisations at the state-level function of the Aggarwal Sabha, which will be held on October 7 at Bathinda, and at state-level Maharaj Aggarsen Jayanti to be held at Bathinda on October 16. The spokesperson said there was no rule that bars a political person from becoming the chairman of the Aggarwal Sabha. Earlier too, there had been political personalities who held the post of chairman. Fact file |
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13 students hurt as BFGI bus overturns
Bathinda, September 24 The accident took place at around 8.30 am when the bus carrying the students to the college.
Witnesses said some stray cattle came in front of the vehicle due to which the driver applied brakes. However, the driver lost control over the vehicle which overturned in the low-lying area along the road. Volunteers of the Sahara Jan Sewa rushed the injured students to the Civil Hospital by pressing two ambulances into service. The students were discharged from the hospital after giving them first aid. |
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Transporters seek increase in bus fare
Bathinda, September 24 The general secretary of the Punjab Motor Union, Pirthi Jalal, said the hike in diesel price was the main reason behind their demand. Besides, transporters also suffer on account of protests by different organisations, mostly by teachers. The protesters block the road bringing buses to halt. Between January 2011 and February 2012, as many as 83 protests were staged just outside the Bathinda bus stand, he said. Jalal said the dharnas, increasing number of pass holders and free passengers were taking their toll on transporters. "The government should at least ensure that transporters run their businesses without interruption by protesters who block roads every other day. Today's blockade for over three hours sent the transporters into tizzy as buses entering and exiting the city remained stranded," Pirthi said. He said the transporters would be forced to gherao the ministers concerned and resort to stop the buses after October 1 in case their plight goes unheeded. "We are running into losses. The hike in the price of diesel would put an extra burden on the transporters," Jalal said. He pointed out that though the Central Government claimed to have increased the price of diesel by Rs 5, petrol pump dealers were, in fact, charging Rs 5.50 per litre after adding VAT (Value Added Tax). Pirthi said city transporters, including mini-bus operators union president Baltej Singh and Ahluwalia transporters, held a meeting here today to discuss the economic problems being faced by them. They regretted the increase in number of students availing of subsidised bus fare. Pirthi said a meeting would be held on October 1 wherein the state body of the transporters would take the final decision in this regard.
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Bir Talab resident booked for beating former employee
Bathinda, September 24 He accused Makhan Singh of Basti Number 2 of beating him and inflicting serious injuries upon him near Lakkasr Mandi. The police has registered a case under Sections 324, 323 and 341 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Kotwali police station. No arrest has been made in thise regard so far. Mehna Basti resident arrested with poppy husk
The police has arrested a resident of Mehna Basti in Bathinda, with 250 gram of poppy husk. The accused has been identified as Kashmir Singh, who was arrested by the police from near the Hanuman Chowk. A case under Sections 15, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act has been registered him at the Civil Lines police station. Four booked for looting
The police has booked four persons for robbing a truck from a Muktsar resident. In a complaint to the police, one Lakhwinder Singh stated that Mintu and three unidentified persons robbed his truck near Sivia T-Point. A case under Sections 382, 506 and 34 of the IPC has been registered against the accused persons at the Thermal police station. Natheha village resident booked
The police has booked a resident of Natheha village. In a complaint to the police Chamkaur Singh of Kothe Bambiha stated that the accused Roop Singh had parked his truck on the road which he failed to see due to high beam of an approaching vehicle. He said he along with his wife were on way to Sirsa and collided with the truck parked without reflectors near Goniana. The police has registered a case under Sections 279, 337, 338, 427 and 283 of the IPC at the Nehianwala police station. |
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Smoke from GNDTP chimney irks city residents
Bathinda, September 24 MM Behl, an activist of the Joint Action Committee, said, "The lives of those living in the colonies in the vicinity of the thermal energy plant are at risk. The smoke can cause a number of diseases. The authorities concerned must immediately pay attention towards it so that the area residents can live a normal life." One Pankaj Kumar of Panchvati Nagar said, "The thermal authorities had said they would bring the pollution under control by June 2011, but it did not happen. The smoke is still emanating thereby putting our lives in danger. Diseases like asthma, skin ailments and cancer have affected a number of families, but neither the administration nor the authorities of the GNDTP seem to be showing concern." Iqbal Singh of Vishal Nagar said, "The life has become hell here; all because of the smoke billowing out of chimneys of the thermal energy plant. If the coal is causing the pollution, then why are not the authorities buying its refined quality? At least, it would help in controlling the pollution to some extent." When contacted, Kulwant Singh Aulakh, PRO of the GNDTP, said, "The smoke emanates when we light up a chimney of the plant. Oil is used as fuel to start the plant before switching over to coal. The smoke will stop billowing out of the chimney as soon as the plant begins to function normally." He further said the chimney number three would be lighted tonight, which would billow out black smoke for a few hours. "These days, only three chimneys are working, as the fourth chimney has been brought under renovation," added Aulakh.
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Bathinda, September 24 Recently-invented agricultural tools, machines and other equipment would also be showcased at the Kisan Mela. Rajya Sabha MP Balwinder Singh Bhundar would be the chief guest on the occasion. Dr Jaspal Singh Gill, director of the Regional Research Station, Bathinda, said farmers would be given technical assistance on improving their crops. — TNS
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Hundreds of vehicles entering or exiting the city remained stranded for over three hours following a dharna staged by the Special Trainer Teachers Union, Punjab.
Police today claimed to have arrested a leader of the People's Party of Punjab (PPP), Lakhvir Singh Lakha Sidhana with illegal weapons and cartridges from near the district courts.
Bathinda, September 24
As many as 13 students of the Baba Farid Group of Institutions (BFGI) received injuries when the bus they were travelling in overturned on the Bathinda-Muktsar road.
The accident took place at around 8.30 am when the bus carrying the students to the college.
Witnesses said some stray cattle came in front of the vehicle due to which the driver applied brakes.
Bathinda, September 24
