Dalits in Uttarkashi, Chamoli ‘face bias’ in relief distribution
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The Dalits belonging to Uttarkashi, Chamoli and other parts of the state, who were affected by the mid-June natural disaster, are victims of prejudice and discrimination in the distribution of relief. Besides, their villages also do not figure in the list of villages prepared by the local administration that are to be rehabilitated.

“When the government ration arrived, the Dalit villagers were made to stand in the back row and their turn came only after the food had been distributed,” said Manoj Kumar, a resident of Bhatwari village in Uttarkashi.

Fed up with the apathetic attitude of the district administration, residents of the affected villages today came to Dehradun to air their grievances at a state-level public hearing held six months after the natural disaster. Justice Rajesh Tandon (retd.), member of the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, presided over the public hearing.

Rekha, a resident of Tangarimali village in Joshimath, echoed similar views. “The rehabilitation of the villages inhabited by the Dalits is uncertain as these do not figure in the list prepared by the district administration. We will be forced to spend the monsoon in partially-cracked houses,” she said.

The houses of the Dalits were damaged by the flooded Pagal nullah and landslides triggered by heavy rains.

Prem Pancholi, a social activist, said there was a lacuna in the government orders pertaining to ex-gratia relief. “The administration has laid certain conditions that are difficult to fulfil. For example, the government demands a post-mortem report of chickens that were swept away in floods for paying ex-gratia for the loss of the birds,” he said.

Similarly, artistes too have been hit hard by the disaster and have been rendered without a source of livelihood.

Many Delhi voters prefer to stay away from poll 
Take a day off to relax in Mussoorie
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, December 4
The voter turnout that was reported to be around 70 per cent for Delhi Assembly elections held today could have been even higher had many voters not preferred to stay away from conundrum and relax in Mussoorie instead.

The triangular contest between the Aam Admi Party, Congress and BJP had created a sense of confusion among many voters who thought of taking a day off instead and relaxing in the cool climes of Mussoorie today.

Basant, a resident of Delhi who is in Mussoorie to stay away from the electoral process at Delhi, said that he had no interest in politics and preferred to spend the time with his children in Mussoorie. He further said that if he would have been in Delhi he would have voted for none of the above as there was no candidate in his eyes suitable for the job.

Khalid, another Delhi resident and traditionally a Congress supporter, said that many factors led to his staying away from casting his vote in Delhi Assembly elections today. He was of the view that the confusion prevailing in his mind due to advent of Aam Admi Party and the issue of price rise against Congress were the main reasons he opted out from voting this time. He, however, reiterated his support for the Congress and said if he would have been in Delhi he would have preferred Congress instead of other parties in the fray.

Qadir, another Delhi resident in Mussoorie, said that they had made a plan to visit to Mussoorie way back. Therefore, they could not cast their vote this time round. He hoped that the Congress would register win in these elections and the issue of price rise would not affect its prospects in any way.

Nishat, another Delhi resident in Mussoorie, said that it is unfortunate that she had to come to Mussoorie under the previously planned schedule but if she would have been in Delhi she would have voted Aam Admi Party in the polls conducted today as people are fed up with the corruption of BJP and Congress and look towards Aam Admi Party to address their woes.

Bijendar Singh, another tourist here from Delhi, said that he would have voted for BJP in the Delhi Assembly elections as it is the only party that can challenge Congress and remove the corrupt incumbent government in the National Capital.

When asked whether the outcome of Delhi elections will have any bearing on the parliamentary elections, most of the voters were affirmative in their answer.

State to give 95% funds for 108 ambulance services

Dehradun, December 4
In view of several anomalies pointed out by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its recent audit report, the state government has adopted a correction course by revising the funding arrangement with the private partner, GVK EMRI, which is running 108 the emergency ambulance services in the state.

Now, the GVK EMRI 108 would be the recipient of 95 per cent of the grant from the state government. A memorandum of understanding will now be signed on December 9 between the private partner and the state government. According to the new agreement, the private partner will have to carry operation audit of the ambulance service at the 140 health facilities.

These decisions were taken at an advisory meet of the GVK EMRI held at the Secretariat yesterday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Subhash Kumar. — TNS

Court rejects application of absconding BJP MLA

Dehradun, December 4
The Nainital High Court rejected the application of absconding BJP MLA Rajkumar Thukral of quashing the First Information Report (FIR) against him for inciting communal riots in Rudrapur in 2011.

It is to be noted that CB-CID in its investigation found Rudrapur MLA Thukral guilty of inciting communal riots in Rudrapur and registered FIR against him, and since then Thakural has been absconding.

For seeking respite, Thakural, through his lawyers, filed an application to quash the FIR against him, which was rejected by the High Court today.— TNS

Engineering students seek AICTE recognition
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, December 4
Seeking recognition from the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), over 800 students of Seemant Engineering College today boycotted their classes. They staged an agitation on the campus and threatened that if their recognition was not done within a week, they would stage an indefinite dharna. “Students of the first semester are regularly attending their classes, while the second and third semester students are being misguided by some outsiders,” said the college administration.

As per a student, it has been revealed in the RTI application that the engineering college, established in 2011, is still to be recognised by the AICTE, New Delhi. “After getting information under the RTI about our college not recognised by the AICTE till date, we have now written to the vice- chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University and sought an explanation for this delay in recognition, as the institute claims this college as their campus.” said Ranjit Mahra, a local guardian.

The engineering college was opened by the BJP government in 2011 and was put under the administration of the Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, which introduced the AICTE engineering syllabus in this college. “As the college is being administered by UTU, it does not need recognition from the AICTE. Moreover, the AICTE is in mess at present and not in a position to consider recognition to new engineering institutions as the Supreme Court has cut short regulatory rights of the AICTE,” said VK Singh, director of the Seemant Engineering College at Pithoragarh.

According to the existing norms, an institute needs its own building and land, besides trained faculty and adequate laboratory facilities. “We have the required infrastructure, land, building and faculty,” said the institute director.

The striking students have alleged that the college does not have laboratory. 

Pre-poning Armed Forces Flag Day invites criticism
Parwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Even as the Ministry of Defence has pre-poned the Armed Forces Flag Day celebrations across the country, for the reasons best known to it, the step has certainly invited the ire of many in the city who feel that the sanctity of the day has been robbed.

In a notice issued by Kendriya Sainik Board under Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces Flag Day would be observed on December 6 instead of December 7. While the issuing authority has given no specific reason, insiders believe it is because this year December 7 falls on Saturday, that is a holiday in most of the government departments.

Speaking to The Tribune, Brig AN Bahuguna (retd), Director, Uttarakhand Directorate of Ex-Servicemen's Welfare and Rehabilitation, said that they had received the letter a few days ago regarding the celebration of Flag Day on December 6. “Though we are not sure about the exact reason behind this, it might be related to the previous engagements of dignitaries on Saturday. Also, Saturday being a holiday, it would amount to lesser collection of funds,” he added.

Reacting sharply to the development, Lt Gen OP Kaushik (retd) said: “The Armed Forces Flag Day has lots of sentiments attached to it. The sanctity of the day should not have been disturbed in this manner. There is a reason why the day is observed specifically on December 7. Would the government also change the dates for Republic Day and Independence Day? These kinds of days should not be celebrated as per the availability of the dignitaries. These are much more higher and important that any dignitary in the world.”

Maintaining that it is for the first time that he had heard about pre-poning Flag Day. Brig KG Behl (retd), president, Dehradun Ex-Services League, said: “It is shocking to know that such an important day has been pre-poned without any specific reason. It has never been done before. We are not at all happy with this development.”

Stating that by changing the date of celebrating an important day might send a wrong signal. Brig RS Rawat (retd) said: “There is a great deal of sentiments attached with the Armed Forces Flag Day. It is not taken as a money collection day by the forces but instead as a remembrance of those who have sacrificed their lives for us. The government has set a wrong example by changing the dates. It seems that the MoD has no respect for the day and observes it as a compulsion.” 

Collectorate staff strike hits tehsil camp
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, December 4
The Tehsil Diwas camp organised every month to address the problems of villagers by the administration drew flak in Champawat and Tanakpur sub divisions of Champawat district as fewer complainants attended it due to strike by ministerial collectorate employees.

“Despite being attended by six officials, only two complainants reached the Tehsil Diwas organised at Champawat subdivision office today,” said Naresh Durgapal, SDM, Champawat.

Umashankar Bhatt, a resident of Amori village, said villagers attend the Tehsil Diwas for certificates like permanent resident, caste, income and character certificates, while the employee who made these certificate were on strike. Why we should go to attend the camp. “The officials come on the Tehsil Diwas to refer applications to clerks. When the persons who have to do the work are on strike it is useless to attend the camp,” he said.

However, the diwas organised at Tanakpur, saw 86 complainants raising problems related to insufficient water in irrigation canals, nonavailability of advanced variety seeds, insufficient staff at health centres and schools and low voltage of electricity in the Amori area.

Fasting statehood agitators forcibly taken to hospital 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Statehood activists, who had been on an indefinite fast at the state martyrs' memorial on a court premises for the past 10 days, were forcibly taken to a hospital by the police today.

Seven agitators were earlier taken to a hospital after their health deteriorated.

The health of the other statehood agitators was also worsening, which forced the police to take them to the hospital for medical examination.

The agitators have been protesting in support of their demands and the failure of the government to address them.

Indian media is fourth pillar of democracy, says Lakhera
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 4
With corruption getting deep rooted in the society and system, engulfing the journalistic fraternity, it is the responsibility of the journalists to ensure that they keep the light of truth and faith of people entrusted in them intact, said Professor Mahavir Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, here yesterday in Haridwar.

Mahavir was here at a seminar-cum-book launch function organised by the Working Journalist Union.

Aggarwal said since the pre-independence era, the Indian media fraternity had played a pivotal role and people look them as the fourth pillar of democracy.

Manmohan Lakhera, state president of Shramjeevi Patrakar Union, said the journalists should not deviate from their path and responsibility.

He said despite rise in corruption, media should do its work sincerely.

Literati KL Deewan, state hood fighter Kamleshwar Vasisth, veteran journalist Durga Shankar Bhati, industrialist Harendra Garg and Jitendra Vidyakul were felicitated on the occasion.

An information book on Haridwar titled ‘Sampark Sutra’ compiled by Gopal Krishan Badola was also released at the function by city Mayor Manoj Garg.

Rise in tiger number in Nepal brings cheers to India
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The rise in the number of tigers in Nepal could be a matter to rejoice for India. According to the Nepal tiger census, there are 198 tigers, marking an increase in the population of 63 per cent since the last survey in 2009. Nepal’s tiger population prominently spreads across parts of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL).

The Terai Arc Landscape is one of the key tiger habitats across the world. It falls both in Nepal and India. It stretches along the Himalayan foothills, the Terai flood plains and the Bhabar tracts. It has a total area of about 49,500 sq km of which 30,000 sq km lies in India, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Six protected areas lie in the Nepal-TAL area and nine protected areas are in the Indian-TAL that conserves three prominent terrestrial flagship species - tiger, Asian elephant and the Indian rhinoceros.

Any substantial increase in the number of tigers in Nepal will lead to tiger population. Therefore, the department concerned is looking forward to the newer areas, which will be the Indian-TAL.

Conservationist and eminent zoologist Dr Hem Singh Gehlot, who has worked in the TAL-India for more than a decade, said as the population of tigers in Nepal-TAL had registered an increase, he asserted that it was bound to have a spillover effect in the Indian-TAL as both were adequately connected.

“Tigers know no boundaries. It is quite but natural that with rise in the tiger population in Nepal, some tigers will look for new territories in the Indian side of the TAL,” said Dr Gehlot.

He opined that the arrival of tigers from Nepal to India will also address to the concerns of the problem of inbreeding among tigers in the isolated pockets of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

“There will be a genetic exchange between the tigers from Nepal-TAL and the Indian-TAL due to cross breeding, which is a positive development for ensuring a healthy population of tigers in the region,” he added.

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve in India is connected to the Chitwan National Park. Similarly, the Dudwa Tiger Reserve in India is connected to the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in Nepal. Further, the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is also well connected to the Nepal forests.

Demand for Rs 10 lakh each relief for victims’ kin
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Blaming the Max Hospital authorities for the death of three workers, the Rajya Safai Karamchari Aayog has sought a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for next of kin of the deceased.

In a press note issued here, chairman of the safai karamcharis' body Bhagwat Prasad Makwana alleged the hospital's negligence led to unfortunate death of the workers, who were hired to clean a septic tank.

“The administration did not provide them gloves and masks. It also failed to provide timely medical help to the workers,” he alleged.

Earlier, a case was registered against the management of Max Hospital and the contractor after the death of the three labourers while cleaning the sewer treatment plant inside the hospital premises in Dehradun. The case was filed on the complaint of Nitin Chaudhary under Section 304 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Reportedly, the incident occurred when cleaning work of sewer plant was going on and one person slipped and fell in the tank and two others also fell in while attempting to rescue him. All three of them died in the incident.

After investigations, police registered a case under Section 304 of the IPC against the hospital’s management and the contractor of the company, which had the contract to clean the tank. It was found that the hospital did not provide safety equipments to the labourers. The police have a started hunt for the contractor who is still absconding. The victims have been identified as Rakesh, Akshay and Manmohan, who are residents of Dehradun. On the other hand, Max Hospital called the incident unfortunate and assured full assistance in the police investigations in the case.

Ministerial staff stir enters third day 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The ongoing strike of the ministerial staff entered the third day today. On the call given by Uttarakhand Ministerial Collectorate Karamchari Sangh, the ministerial staff at the Collectorate office had gone on a seven-day strike.

In a press note issued here, Rajendra Kumar, president of the sangh said: “The government is not listening to our long-pending demands. Now the stenographers' association has also joined with us.”

“If the government does not listen to our demands we would be going on indefinite strike along with intensifying the protest,” he added.

10-week training for artisans

Dehradun, December 4
The Office Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Uttarakhand, will conduct a 10-week training programme for artisans at Gandhi Inter College in 
the city.

Addressing mediapersons in the city, Sonia Dhawan, Uttarakhand Coordinator, Office of Development Commissioner Handicrafts, said the participants will be imparted various types of training linked to handicrafts in the programme.

She said apart from training, the participants will also be provided honorarium 
of Rs 400 per day.

Dhawan said the expert artisans will be called up to train the artisans on various aspects of preparations of handicrafts. — TNS

Women’s body holds protest

Dehradun, December 4
Calling an end to violence against women, women’s organisations under the aegis of women's network against violence held a protest atDeen Dayal Upadhyay Park yesterday. The women carried banners proclaiming, stop violence.

A street play was also staged. — TNS

Blood donation, exhibition mark Navy Day celebrations
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The Dehradun-based national hydrographic office celebrated Navy Day here today. Uttarakhand Governor Aziz Qureshi was the chief guest of the function. Navy Day is observed every year to celebrate the attack on naval assets in Karachi by the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Day-long celebrations marked the day. A quiz competition was organised in the national hydrographic office in which children from various schools of Dehradun participated. A blood donation camp was also organised and an exhibition of photographs depicting the capabilities of Indian Navy and hydrographic department was also put up. 

Music legends, Kathak maestro enthral audience 
Tribune News service

Dehradun, December 4
The sound of rhythmic bells and drum beats, plaintive sound of birds, soft beats of tabla and much more at the Swarangan concert was made memorable by the coming together of music legends today.

The evening began with famous percussionist Sivamani taking the stage dressed in blazing red and legendary Kumar Bose on the tabla. The jugalbandi reached the crescendo when Pandit Deepak Maharaj took the centre stage with his Kathak performance.

Every move of the legends received a standing ovation. Then it was the turn of Pandit Rajan Mishra and Pandit Sajan Mishra, who left the audience in a trance. It is rightly said that there is nothing beyond sound and when legends come together, the experience is pure bliss.

Throughout the evening, the musicians kept the audience captivated. The mellifluous voice of the Mishra brothers was matched by the sonorous beats of the drums. The evening ended with a Kathak performance by Pandit Birju Maharaj. Earlier five artistes, including Narinder Singh Negi and Suchit Narang, were honoured with the Sangeet Sadhak Samman. The concert staged at the St. Joseph Academy auditorium was dedicated to the memory of the mid-June disaster victims.

Govt committed to solving people's problems: CM
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said today that the government was committed to solving the problems being faced by the people of the state.

He directed officials to listen to the grievances of the people and ensure their early solution.

Bahuguna was addressing a public meeting at Haldwani after launching a string of development schemes.

He said recruitment would soon be done in police force and 37,000 youngsters would get employment opportunity.

Bahuguna, fulfilling the demand of Finance Minister Indira Hridayesh, sanctioned the construction of a ring road in Haldwani, a new bridge between the two old bridges on Gola River, a multi-level car parking facility, the construction of an elevated road from Teenpani to Kathgodam, the reconstruction of the Bheemtaal bypass, setting up of a multi-purpose building at Bheemtal Vikas Bhavan, an international zoo at Gaulapar, a media centre and Haldwani press club.

He also announced the construction of an electric crematorium at Chitrashilagat in Ranibagh (Rajpura).

Conceding to the demand of Labour Minister Harish Chandra Durgapal, Bahuguna approved the construction of several roads. He also sanctioned the repair of roads in Ashok Vihar, Joshi Vihar, Shiwalikpuram and Vasundra Colony, setting up of a polytechnic in Bavanipur Harsing village, the covering of a canal from Teenpani to the Rampur road, besides giving recognition to the science department of Kuwarpur Gaulapar Inter College.

Indira Hridayesh said the government would work hard to solve the problems of the people. She said work on an international stadium in Haldwani would begin in January next year.

Irrigation Minister Yashpal Arya said the construction of the Jamrani dam was their top priority. He said it would help solve the drinking water problem in the city.

Bahuguna also laid the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 23.7 crore at Gaulapar in Haldwani.

The projects include repair and reinforcement work on the Gaula bridge, improvement work on a 2 km stretch of a road in the Lalkuan Vidhan Sabha area, the construction of a causeway on the Sukhi nadi, the linking of Lacchapur village to a motor route and the construction of a 60 metre span bridge on the Sukhi nadi.

It also include the construction of classes in Government Higher Secondary School, Navad Kheda, Inter College, Daulatpur and the construction of a helidrome at Gaulapur in Haldwani.

Efforts on to strengthen STF to check illegal mining
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Days after the Department of Home released the structural composition of the Special Task Force comprising 17 members, to curb illegal mining in the state, a move is afoot to bring in amendments aimed at increasing the strength of the force.

After the Uttarakhand government announced a proposal to constitute a Special Task Force to check illegal sand mining, the Department of Home had released the structural composition of the force which was hotly debated in the government circles and the media for several inadequacies.

While the structural composition of the Special Task Force has received a lot of flak, sources in the Department of Home say that the composition of the force has not been understood properly. “It is a state-level authority, which will have powers to recommend action in case work was not being carried according to it's satisfaction. But the district and police would continue to work unhindered. In the sense the powers of the existing district-level and other agencies would not be curbed. But the suggestion of increasing the strength would be looked into,” said an official.

According to the structural composition released by the Department of Home, the Special Task Force for curbing sand mining would comprise 17 people (all from the state police) , including a position of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the rank of a DIG who would head the Special Task Force on mining. Special Task Force would be under the Principal Secretary, Home.

It is believed that the Uttarakhand government was forced to conceive the Special Task Force on mining after the Supreme Court had asked the states what they were doing to curb illegal sand mining, in response to a writ petition.

While constituting the force, the officials in the Department of Home say efforts were made to ensure that there was a balance between the police and the civil administration as there are other agencies, including the revenue police and forest authorities, also engaged in curbing illegal mining. 

Behad stakes claim for Cong Lok Sabha ticket
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, December 4
Tilak Raj Behad, a former state health minister, has staked his claim as Congress candidate from the Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar Lok Sabha constituency in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Talking to mediapersons, Behad said being a senior politician, he should be given Lok Sabha ticket from the constituency for further development of the Terai region, as he had remained MLA from several assembly constituencies of the region. “My bases for the claim are my seniority in Terai politics, and being an MLA from the assembly constituencies of Haldwani, Rudrapur and Kiccha in the region which fall under this parliamentary constituency,” said Behad.

However, he reiterated that he would propose his name within the party and if not given the ticket from the constituency, he would work for the candidate whoever would be given the ticket by the party high command. “My claim is within party and only to assert my democratic right which every Congressman has,” said Behad.

Asked about the increased activities of likely BJP candidate for the seat, Bhahgat Singh Koshiyari , Behad said the coming Lok Sabha elections would be fought on the issue of development and on this front the Bahuguna Government had done enough for the region. “If BJP aspirant Bhagat Singh Koshiyari shows me a single stone laid by him for any developmental project, I will consider him as a genuine candidate from that party, otherwise his hectic tours to Terai region are to deceive voters,” said Behad.

Panel formed to monitor waste disposal by firm
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
A four-member committee has been formed to monitor the work of the Doon Valley Waste Management (DVWM). The decision was taken at a meeting called to resolve the issues cropping up between the Dehrdaun Municipal Corporation and the DVWM, which has affected the sanitary conditions in the city. Principal Secretary Urban Development MH Khan chaired the meeting.

The monitoring committee would comprise of Mukhya Nagar Adhikari Ashok Kumar, Upper Mukhya Nagar Adhikari, Health Officer and one more official from the corporation.

Speaking to The Tribune, the MNA said the possession of the site at Sheeshambada had been given to the DVWM. “This is the place where the proposed waste treatment plant would be set up. Also the trenching ground on the Sahastradhara road has been divided between the DMC and DVWM. The demarcation of the land was done to avoid the conflicts arising out of wrong dumping of garbage,” he added.

“The Principal Secretary has also instructed DVWM to get their vehicles repaired so that the public does not suffer and garbage collection is done systematically and regularly. He also made it clear to the DVWM authorities that the DMC would not pay any amount for repair of vehicles. The company would have to get it done on its own from the tipping fees it receives from the corporation,” he added.

Review petition filed on quota for statehood agitators
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The state government yesterday filed a review petition in the Nainital Hight Court giving relief to statehood activists and their dependents who had been denied benefits of reservation in government jobs, after the High Court struck down the provision.

“The people of the state and the government cannot forget the contribution made by the activists and for this reason we have decided to approach the court,” said a senior official.

According to the state reservation policy first announced by the ND Tiwari-led government, the statehood activists were given 10 per cent reservation in government jobs. However, The court order had also put a stop to the statehood activist identification drive launched by the government.

Contractual staff stage protest

Dehradun: Seeking the regularisation of their services, contractual employees of the three Uttarakhand power corporations on Tuesday staged a protest by gagging their mouths with black ribbons.

They accused the state government of befooling them with false promises. They threatened to intensify their stir if the government failed to meet their demand.

Yogendra, Manoj Pant, Jony Guleria, Rajesh Bhagat, Lakshmi Bhagat, Sanjay Kala and Deendayal took part in the protest. — TNS 

Jewellery recovered from notorious thief
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of the Patel Nagar and Nehru Colony police today arrested one notorious thief and recovered stolen jewellery from his possession.

SP (City) Navneet Singh Bhullar said, “The Patel Nagar police was informed that Sudhir, who is a known thief, has been doing a recce of the area. On the basis of this information, a team was formed and sent to the area, which arrested him and recovered stolen gold and silver jewellery from his possession.” During interrogation, Sudhir told the police that he had stolen this jewellery from Shanti Vihar falling in the Nehru Colony police station area and Banjarawala in the Patel Nagar police station area.

“We recovered a gold necklace, two pairs of gold earrings, one gold chain, one gold ring and silver jewellery worth lakhs from his possession,” said the SP (City). 

Tibetan held for preparing forged documents 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The Dehradun police have arrested the main culprit who allegedly made forged documents of two persons who went on to apply for a job in the 22nd battalion of the Army during the recruitment drive at Chakrata a couple of days back.

''The arrested person is a Tibetan, Tenzing, and works as a cook in the Tibetan home school at Rajpur. We have recovered illegal stamps and seals from his house, which were used by him for making illegal documents,'' said SSP Kewal Khuranna.

The matter came to light when two Tibetans, Tine Gasko and Karma, submitted forged birth certificates for a job in the Army claiming that they were born in Rajpur, Dehradun. When their documents were sent to the local intelligence unit (LIU) by the Army for investigations, it was found that nobody with those names lives at the address, which was mentioned in the documents submitted. Later, it was revealed that in the Indian Registration Certificate for Tibet, both accused have mentioned that they were born in Tibet.

During interrogation, both Gasko and Karma told the police that their friend Tenzing helped them in making forged documents so that they can apply for the job in the Army. The police also arrested Tenzing from Rajpur today. Moreover, they also informed police that Tenzing had made forged documents for lots of people in the past as well. It is to be noted that according to rules, only those Tibetans can apply for a job in the Army who have been born in India or came to India before 1959.

Meanwhile, the police have registered a case against three of them under Section 420, 467 and 468 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). SP Rural, Mani Kant Mishra, said that police are now investigating that for how many people Tenzing made forged documents in the past. 

The case

* Two Tibetans, Tine Gasko and Karma, had submitted forged birth certificates for a job in the Army claiming that they were born in Rajpur, Dehradun. When their documents were sent to the local intelligence unit by the Army for investigations, they were found forged. Later, during interrogation, both told the police that their friend Tenzing helped them in making forged documents so that they can apply for a job in the Army.

DAV College win HNB Garhwal University athletics meet
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
DAV PG College, Dehradun, and PG College, Agastmuni, stood overall first in the boys and girls categories, respectively, in the 39th Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU) Athletics Meet that concluded at the Maharana Pratap Sports College Ground here today.

In the individual category, Shivam of DAV PG College came first in the 200 and 400 metre races while Ritu Tyagi brought laurels for the college by winning the shot put and hammer throw competitions.

Speaker of the state Legislative Assembly Govind Singh Kunjwal was the chief guest on the occasion. He gave away trophies to the winners. He congratulated the winners and said sports teach hard work and a feeling of unity.

Kunjwal congratulated the management of DAV PG College for organising the games successfully. DAV College principal Devendra Bhasin and Jaidev Singh, Principal Secretary, Law, were also present during the closing ceremony.

The three-day games had started on December 2. 

Himalayan academy enter cricket semifinals
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
Himalayan Cricket Academy entered the semifinal of the 2nd Youth Cricket Cup after defeating Uttarakhand Police by 2 wickets in a quarterfinal played here today.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Uttarakhand Police made 213 runs. Ashish Joshi remained the highest scorer with 69 runs. In reply, Himalayan Cricket Academy managed to chase the target at the loss of 8 wickets.

In the second match, Sonakshi Sports defeated ITM by 3 wickets. Batting first, ITM showcased a poor performance and scored only 149 runs.

Aman Verma remained the highest scorer for the team with 47 runs. Sonakshi Sports team did not find much difficulty in chasing the target and won the match.

SGRR College sports tournament ends
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, December 4
The three-day 3rd sports competition of Sri Guru Ram Rai (SGRR) College of Nursing concluded here today. Students of the college enthusiastically participated in various events. On the final day, the finals of badminton (girls), cricket, carrom and chess were played.

Coral House under the captainship of Anshul Nautiyal won the badminton trophy. The B.Sc-IV students’ team won the cricket finals while Pratibha of Pearl House won the title in carrom. Anupa from Ruby House emerged victorious in chess. On the basis of the total performance, Emerald House was awarded the overall trophy.

Vice-Chairman of SGRR Education Mission Prof SP Thapliyal gave away prizes to the winners.

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Tribune News Service