Amritsar, December 28
A man hooked to drugs fell prey to the illicit relationship between his wife and a distant relative, who used to live with them at Kalke village.

Nishan Singh, the victim, who went missing eight months back, was allegedly murdered by his wife Prabhjit Kaur, her paramour Kuldeep Singh and two others. The Amritsar rural police has arrested the four --- two others being Bhagwant Singh and Harpreet Singh of Naushehra Pannuan village --- for the murder of Nishan Singh.

Kuldeep of Cheete Kalan village is a distant relative of the deceased. It is learnt that Nishan Singh, an addict, used to sell clothes on a cart. Kuldeep Singh used to live with the family. As the deceased used to stay away from home for days, Kuldeep Singh developed illicit relations with Parbhjit Kaur.

Nishan Singh had been missing since May 12. When he did not return even after a long time, the Nishan’s family started searching for him. The family looked for him at various places, even in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but failed to find any clue on his whereabouts. Recently, the family came to know about the illicit relationship between Prabhjit Kaur and Kuldeep Singh.

Victim’s father Santokh Singh lodged a case of kidnapping against the duo suspecting their involvement behind the disappearance of his son. The Khalchian police registered a case under Section 364 of the IPC on December 25.

“Investigations revealed that the accused hatched a conspiracy to kill Nishan Singh. On May 14, they took him to Pakhoke (Tarn Taran) and drugged him with smack. Later they strangled him to death and threw his body into a canal,” said Jasdeep Singh, SP (headquarter), Amritsar rural police.

He said the Tarn Taran police found the body and cremated it as unclaimed one after initiating action under Section 174 of the CrPC. He said the autopsy also confirmed that Nishan Singh was strangulated to death. The section of murder has now been added in the FIR.

At present the Civil Hospital (in picture) has two SMOs --- Dr Sushma Sondhi and Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon. The powers and administration between the two officials were divided by the district health department. But with the new order coming into force, Dr Balbir has been appointed as its head

Amritsar, December 28
Clearing up the ambiguity on who should head the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Civil Hospital, the state government has ordered installing of the senior SMO (Senior Medical Officer) as hospital’s in charge.

In a letter issued recently, the department has said at all government hospitals where there are two posts of the Senior Medical Officers, the senior one out of the two would act as the head of the institute.

At present the Civil Hospital has two SMOs --- Dr Sushma Sondhi and Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon. The powers and administration between the two officials were divided by the district health department.

But with the new order coming into force, Dr Balbir Singh Dhillon has been appointed as its head. The orders said the second SMO would resume the office in the absence of the senior.

In presence of the head, the junior would perform the duties of a specialist doctor.

The orders have also been issued to appoint the senior as the head in two other district hospitals in the state.

The local Civil Hospital had two sanctioned posts of SMOs for years, but it was only last year that the appointment of a doctor at the second post was made.

Amritsar, December 28
With Chief Parliamentary Secretary Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu initiating and supervising the operation, the Municipal Corporation got a much needed push carry out an anti-encroachment drive on a 5-km stretch starting from Verka Chowk to Batala road on Thursday.

Officials of the Forest Department and police were too roped in for the drive.

The next plan is to transform the stretch into a greenbelt and numbering the existing trees in collaboration with the forest department.

This stretch falls under the Punjab Scheduled Roads Act which prohibits any type of encroachment or construction beyond five metres from the road edge.

But despite prohibition, hoards of traders had encroached upon the public land adjacent to this stretch for long.

The MC had already issued notices to traders and had even carried out anti-encroachment drive on the Batala road just ahead of the civic polls, but it all had to be stalled midway following the opposition by the traders on the pretext that they have been paying taxes to the MC and hence this stretch falls under municipal limits and that the Punjab Schedule Road Act does not apply on it.

CPS Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu said as many as 150 encroachments raised by traders alongside the 5-km-long stretch were removed.

“It will be a continuous drive and all the departments concerned (MC, forest and police) would simultaneously be involved in making it a success. We have warned the shopkeepers and traders against any kind of encroachments on public land beyond two foot ahead of their shops. They have also been told to streamline the parking. I have sternly told that officials to impose fine on the shopkeepers if they do not adhere to these directions,” she said.

“We have mooted a plan to plant at least 2,500 saplings on both sides of the road. The existing trees on this stretch too will now be numbered and those indulged in chopping off trees for their vested interests will be taken to task,” she added.

Green plan ahead
The next plan is to transform the stretch into a greenbelt. The existing trees will be numbered

Amritsar, December 28
Two motorcycle-borne youths today snatched a polythene bag containing Rs 2.87 lakh from two employees of Novelty Hyundai showroom, who were going to deposit the cash in their head office located near New Amritsar area on the GT Road.

The employees --- Sham Bajaj and Deepak --- were going to the head office on a motorcycle. As soon as they crossed the elevated road, the two accused snatched the polythene bag containing the money.

The police has launched an investigation in this connection. The victims said the accused might have been following them after they came out of the bank after drawing the amount.

The police watched the CCTV footage of the bank to find any clues about the accused. A case has been registered against unidentified persons at the Maqboolpura police station.

On way to head office
Snatchers struck when two employees of Novelty Hyundai showroom were going to deposit the cash at their head office at New Amritsar.

Amritsar, December 28
Amritsar has finally made its entry into the fashion circuit. The holy city which was quite laid back and had been ignoring the importance of fashion labels is ready for a fashion overhaul.

With some prominent names of the fashion industry already enjoying a loyal clientele, the numbers are looking up as Punjab Fashion Week marks its entry.

The two-day fashion exhibition-cum-business conclave of the known designer labels in the city is scheduled to happen on January 11 and 12, 2013. The centre of attraction would be of course some of the famous fashion designers from Bollywood and fashion capitals of the country.

Announcing the event in Amritsar, Himanshu Barthwal, Director, Global Campus Media Company, Noida, organiser of Punjab Fashion Week, said, “We will organise the event in three different cities – Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Amritsar. Knowing that Amritsar is an untapped market for designer labels and the high demand for such clothes, Punjab Fashion Week will have prominent names like Rocky S, Manish Gupta, Prerna Phardwaj, Joy Mitra coming with their collections. Some Punjab-based designers like Pammi Sidhu and others are too a part of the extravaganza.”

He said Prem Kumar, Sanjita Khera, Prashansa Shah, Ashish Tagra, Tarveen Khurana, Amit Kashiyap, and many more would be putting up their collections. “Some of these names have designed for stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and many other film stars in their Bollywood,” he added.

The range of designer wear would be from traditional to western and Indo-Western. Fashion jewellery, footwear, hand bags and other accessories will make a complete shopping feast for women. Their will be men’s collection as well, highlighting shervanis, wedding trousseau and party wear. The event will also have interior designers, with concept-based lifestyle and home décor ideas.

“Apart from being a fashion experience, it will be a B2B interaction, where buyers and sellers will both experience and explore the market. It’s a blessing in disguise for brands and labels from Amritsar as it will put them on a common platform as some prominent ones,” shared Himanshu.

Another highlight of the event would be to zero in on the upcoming Punjabi film industry.

The local brands that will be a part of the event would be Khurana Jewellery House, Maahi Design by Mukesh Mehra, Rattan Saris, Orane Day and Spa Saloon, Adam and Eve, Vavci, CreatorsVilla By Mohit, True-woods, Trendy Shoes, Interior Planet and many more.

Two-day event
The two-day fashion exhibition-cum-business conclave of the known designer labels in the city is scheduled to happen on January 11 and 12, 2013. The centre of attraction would be of course some of the famous fashion designers from Bollywood and fashion capitals of the country

Amritsar, December 28
Already troubled by the chilly weather, people woke up to grey skies and rain in Amritsar on Friday.

The winter chill increased after the surprise rain. The minimum temperature after the rain was recorded as 10 degree Celsius and it is predicted that the clouds will continue their presence throughout the weekend.

“It was no surprise to see the rain as already dense fog and cold breeze had engulfed the region for the past few days. The cold wave has come a bit early as compared last year. The New Year’s eve went without any fog or winter chills,” said Lokesh Handa, a shopkeeper on Lawrence Road.

While most people chose to stay inside the comfort of their home, there were some who had to brave it out in the cold. “It’s really impossible to drive a two-wheeler in this cold and rain makes it worse. I couldn’t feel my hands after driving my two-wheeler from work to home. I will choose to stay indoors on New Year’s eve if the cold wave continues,” shared Gaurav Narang, a insurance executive from the city.

The freezing cold temperature has made everybody pile on their woolens but some can still see the sunny side. “Rain is a positive sign as at least now the air will not be dry. It is considered good for health and keeps the usual winter health problems away,” says Usha Rani Mehra, a housewife.

While some are cribbing over the fact that the rain brings with itself lot of traffic jams, delayed trains and a dent in the schedule, many are enjoying the cloudy weather.

Packed were the coffee shops and dhabas in the city corners with people enjoying the weather over piping hot cups of tea and even hotter pakoras.

“It’s the best time to have pakoras and since you can’t go out much with friends when it rains, you have got to make use of whatever the situation is,” shared Maninder Davar, a businessman from Ranjit Avenue.

Even for older generation, the wet cold weather brings high spirits and not complaints. “I like winters, and with rains, the weather will clear soon. It’s better than dry, foggy weather which makes it risky to travel. Also, since the winters were much delayed this time, it’s good to enjoy the season as long as it lasts,” said Paramjit Kaur, a teacher from Khalsa College.

Amritsar, December 28
Twenty one couples tied the knot during a mass marriage ceremony organised at Shaheed Baba Jeewan Singh at Majitha near here today.

Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, attending the ceremony, said the event was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Shaheed Baba Jeewan Singh.

The marriages were solemnized as per Sikh rituals.

Majithia said, “Serving the mankind, especially the destitute is the moral responsibility of every human being.”

He urged social, religious and voluntary organisations to come forward in a big way to serve the weaker sections of society by organising mass marriages.

The Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and residents of Majitha made contributions for the mass marriages.

Majithia exhorted them to continue with their efforts. He said about a month back, 28 girls belonging to economically weaker sections of society were married off with the contributions of the people of the area.

He said soon the Majitha constituency would emerge as a forerunner in philanthropic causes and set an example in the state. He promised full support and cooperation from his side and gave shagun to all the couples.

The couples were also given beds, quilts, mattresses, utensils, almirah etc.

Amritsar, December 28
In one of the many attempts and initiatives to boost Indo-Pak friendship, the American India Foundation (AIF), one of the largest Diaspora philanthropy organisation based out of the United States and focused on India, organised a poetry workshop under their ‘Our Family, Our Neighbourhood, Our World (O3)’ project for over 50 students from eight schools to foster stronger cultural ties between India and Pakistan.

The project with an emphasis on Amritsar, given its proximity with Pakistan, made students write poetry on the topic, “Where I am from”. This workshop falls under one of several activities conducted through the O3 Project, an education initiative fostering cross-cultural understanding and social good by connecting students, educators, and artistes in East and West Punjab (India and Pakistan) and the United States through multimedia activities like music, dance and theatre.

“Our efforts are aimed at fostering peace and brotherhood through cultural understanding and sharing between the future citizens of both countries. Since Amritsar is an important border city, and rooted to its culture, we have planned year-round activities for schoolchildren in and around the city,” informed Aamir Aijaz, project manager, AIF.

‘Where I am from’ poetry activity received more than 400 entries from city students out of which 50 poems were polished further through this workshop. “The poems will be shared with students in Pakistan Punjab and the United Sates, which will infuse the spirit of togetherness and bond between the three nations,” shared Aamir.

The workshop was conducted by Miss Poonam, an editor of a magazine, at VirsaVihar.

“Childhood is a time full of stories. Interactive and engaging methods of educating like these inculcates not only a love of language and literature in children, but actively encourages them to develop their own storytelling talent,” she said.

“This process includes a combination of oral storytelling and techniques to enhance their skills further. It’s a fun-filled and imaginative learning experience where both the teller and the listener create something magical,” she added.

Manjit Singh, principal, Guru Khalsa High School, Sham Nagar, said, “We felt proud that our students were invited to participate and express their thoughts through poetry to foster harmony between two nations. The culture in India and Pakistan Punjab is similar.”

The final poems will be published in a book format along with poems by students from the Pakistan Punjab region. Kewal Dhaliwal, president Virsa Vihar, also shared his thoughts with the children.

The project
The project with an emphasis on Amritsar, given its proximity with Pakistan, made students write poetry on the topic, “Where I am from”.

Amritsar, December 28
The Amritsar rural police has arrested another member of the gang that was busted after an encounter in Mattewal village a couple of days ago.

Five gangsters had already been arrested.

However, two prime accused, identified as Sulakhan Singh, son of slain terrorist Sital Singh Mattewal, and Major Singh, who had escaped from the spot, are yet to be arrested.

The arrested was identified as Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Boje village. He currently resided at Ghumaan village near Mehta Chowk.

The police seized 500 grams of narcotic powder from his possession.

Superintendent of Police (headquarter) Jasdeep Singh said though Gurpreet was not present during the encounter that occurred at the residence of Sulakhan Singh in Mattewal on Tuesday, he was an active member of the gang and was involved in number of crimes carried out by the gang.

“His name had figured during the investigations following which he was arrested on a tip-off,” said Jasdeep.

Meanwhile, during the interrogation, Gurpreet Singh confessed of possessing another country-made pistol. The police seized the pistol and four live cartridges of .12 bore from his house.

“We also seized 500 grams of narcotics powder which he had hidden in Ghanshampur village. Further interrogation of other gang members --- Gurdeep Singh and Jagdeep Singh --- led the police to seize 1.3 kg of intoxicant powder,” said Jasdeep.

Gurdeep and Jagdeep were arrested during the encounter along with Gopi, Akul Kumar and Vipin Kumar on Tuesday. Investigations revealed that the accused had also killed Manbir Singh, a member of another gang, in Verowal village in Tarn Taran in December last year. 

Amritsar, December 28
Six students from Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology and Ferozepur College of Engineering and Technology were selected by Mumbai-based DATA 64, a leading corporate firm working in the field of cyber crime, ethical hacking and forensics and computer security, during a campus placement drive held here recently. A college press release issued said many of the students were offered pay package of Rs 10 lakh per annum. The selected final year students will join the company after the completion of the preliminary training programme and an eight-month training conducted by the company.

Baby shows

A baby show ‘Kids, Toddlers and Beyond’ was organised at Ryan International School. As many as 40 toddlers of the age group between two to four years participated. Children had a lot of fun during activities of ramp walk, identify the cartoon, drawing, poetry recitation, blowing of balloons, dressing the child for school etc. The programme culminated with a mesmerising dance performance.

Over 50 children from the age group between two to five years participated in a baby show held at Great India Presidency School, Chhidan. Games were organised for the tiny tots. Children were awarded on the basis of smartness, activeness, confidence, sharpness, cuteness etc.

The main motive of the show was to develop and encourage the hidden talent and qualities of children who belong to rural area. Schoolchildren gave a dance performance to make people aware about healthy diet and sound health.

Principal Dr Sukhbir Kaur Mahal encouraged the children and announced a gift voucher of Rs 500 each for students.

Fancy dress

Students of primary block of DAV International School took part in a fancy dress programme to spread awareness about increasing health hazards because of wrong eating habits. As many as 370 tiny tots of UKG attired in colourful dresses left everyone spellbound. The students through their act depicted the future of drug addicted youth as skeleton and mother Earth mourning due to the crisis.