2 held on attempt to murder charge
Amritsar, January 27
The Chheharta police have arrested two persons on the charge of attempt to murder. Those arrested were identified as Ram Kumar and his father Raj Kumar of the Gwal Mandi area.

Valmiki community protests against AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
Amritsar, January 27
Activists of the Bhagwan Valmiki Kranti Sena disrupted the Republic Day celebrations organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) at Company Bagh garden here yesterday.

Members of Bhagwan Valmiki Kranti Sena hold a protest; and (right) activists burn a poster of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Amritsar on Sunday. Photos: Vishal Kumar

SAD targets MC officials over corrupt practices
Amritsar, January 27
Even as the SAD has been targeting MC officials Yogesh Arora and Vishal Vadhawan over their alleged corrupt practices, the MC top brass think otherwise.

Gaiety marks R-Day celebrations
Amritsar, January 27
The National Tricolour was unfurled on the Republic Day by Cabinet Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat at an impressive ceremony held at the Guru Nanak Stadium here yesterday. Students of various schools, jawans of the Punjab Police, NCC cadets, scouts and guides participated in the march past on the occasion.

Girls perform gidda during the Republic Day function at Guru Nanak Stadium in Amritsar. Photo: Vishal Kumar

VC unfurls National Flag at varsity campus
Amritsar, January 27
The 65th Republic Day was celebrated at Guru Nanak Dev University Campus with great enthusiasm. Vice-Chancellor Prof AS Brar unfurled the National Flag at the university guest house. 

Sale of tobacco goes on near schools, colleges
Amritsar, January 27
Even as the district was announced smoke-free by the government around two years ago, the administration has failed to check the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 yards of the educational institutions.


A Tobacco shop near an educational institute on Majitha road in Amritsar. Photo: Vishal Kumar

Textile workshop organised
Amritsar, January 27
The Textile Manufacturers Association with help from the Excise and Taxation Department organised a workshop for its members to educate them about the government’s schemes of tax filing and incentives.

Woman dies in road mishap
Amritsar, January 27
Manjit Kaur, a resident of Guru Nanak Nagar, Batala road, was killed after being hit by a four-wheeler yesterday. She was crossing the road when the mishap took place. 

Amritsar, January 27
After a seven-year wait and numerous trial runs, the city bus service is finally going to be a reality tomorrow. The Deputy Chief Minister is expected to flag off the first-ever public transport of the holy city at 11am from the Mall Mandi bus stand.

As many as 40 low-floor modern buses are going to be introduced in the first phase. There will be 20 mini buses (29 seater) and an equal number of 35-seater buses.

As per the tentative route plan, the 29-seater buses would ply on the Daburji-Sultanwind road-circular road-Golden Temple route. The 35-seater buses would ply on the Bus Stand-Railway Station-Chheharta-Attari route. In between, these buses would cater to around 25 other destinations falling on the way.

For the non-AC buses, the least fare would be Rs 2 (upto 5 km), Rs 5 (5-10 km) and Rs 10 (over 10 km). The fare for AC buses would be Rs 5 (up to 5 km), Rs 10 (5-10 km) and Rs 15 (over 10 km).

Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora said these buses were being operated on a NCC (net cost contract) mode by hiring a Karnataka-based company. It would be the liability of the company to operate and maintain the buses.

In lieu, the company would also pay the MC an amount of Rs 1,250 every month for each bus. This contract would be for one year and further renewal would increase this amount to Rs 2,000 for each bus per month. From third year, there will be an automatic increase of 7 per cent for another 10 years.

To provide a secured, transparent and hassle-free journey to residents, special arrangements have been made to install the GPS system and CCTV cameras in the city.

Besides, there would be an electronic ticketing system to bring in transparency and efficiency in the system. A proposal to introduce Fare Card system, which will facilitate the daily passengers to pay the fare by just swiping the card on the lines of Debit or credit card usage process, is also on the cards. The MC have procured around 50 swiping machines for the purpose and their trial run has already been done.

The project was proposed under the Centre’s Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) programme in 2007 initially for Rs 33 crore but the delay has escalated the cost by Rs 15 crore.

Amritsar, January 27
Slamming the Punjab and the Central Government, the All India Terrorism Victims’ Association today alleged that they were being deliberately ignored by the consecutive governments in the state as well as at the Centre.

They were demanding the release of an economic package, which is proposed by the Punjab Government, for the rehabilitation of the families on lines of 1984 riot victim families and that is still pending with the Centre, before the Lok Sabha elections.

Dr BR Hastir, chairman of the association, said thousands of families were displaced or lost their bread earners during the heydays of terrorism and they were still finding it difficult to settle down even after two decades of the normalcy in the state.

“The Central government has ignored the plight of terrorism-hit families. We have written a number of times to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clear the economic package, but it has proved a futile exercise till now,” said Hastir.

He said in 2006, a delegation of the association met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi who had promised to support their cause. In 2009, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had also written a letter to the PM in this regard who said it had been sent to the Union Home Ministry.

“The Punjab Government was continuously sending reminders to the government in this regard, but nothing has been done so far,” he said, and added that the issue should be addressed on a priority basis.

He said the association was contemplating to hold an agitation at New Delhi if the government failed to release the package soon.

He said various NGOs in the city were supporting the cause and promised to participate in the stir.

Amajit Kaur, a victim of terrorism from Batala, said there were around 50,000 affected families in Punjab. Out of these, 32,514 families were registered with the government itself. Amritsar alone had around 16,000 registered families, according to the government records.

She said the government should release the package sooner than later so that the victim families could lead a better life.

Amritsar, January 27
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has written to the Deputy Commissioner and the Police Commissioner to register a case in connection with the “unauthorised construction activities” on the premises of the historic Ram Bagh palace.

Charandas Atri, Senior conservation assistant, ASI, Sub-Circle, Amritsar, shot a letter to the police station concerned with copies to the Deputy Commissioner, the Police Commissioner and the Municipal Corporation Commissioner to lodge an FIR against Manjeet Pal Singh Bedi, Executive Engineer, street lights, Amritsar Municipal Corporation, and immediately stop the unauthorised construction and laying of the cable wiring work.

The historic Ram Bagh garden, the summer palace of legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh, has been declared as the monument of national importance in October 2004.

However, even after the notification, the ASI does not have possession of the whole premises. It is carrying out the conservation work only on the original entrance gate, four watch towers, Hamamghar, Small Baradari and Machhighar.

The remaining structures, including the main summer palace, are under the possession of the Punjab Cultural and Tourism Department.

Recently, the boundary wall adjoining Madan Mohan Malaviya Road near the Novelty chowk has been demolished to open a new entrance towards the Panoroma side. The civic authorities have constructed a new pavement here, badly damaging the heritage site which irked the ASI. Earlier, the MC authorities had damaged the green belt in the area by constructing a parking area, a skating ring and pavements inside the summer palace. Last year also, the ASI had written to the police to lodge an FIR on the issue but no action had been taken.

As per Section 19 of the Ancient Monument and Remains Act (Amendment and violation Act 2010), no person, including the owner or occupier of a protected area, shall construct any building within the protected area or carry on any mining, querying, excavating, blasting or any such operation in such areas, or utilise area of any part thereof in any other manner without the permission of the Centre.

Atri said till now, the district administration or the MC authorities had nottaken any requisite permission. Bedi, on the other hand, said an underground cable was being laid for the public interest as the area had become vulnerable as anti-social elements taking the advantage of darkness execute petty crimes.

Earlier, cable wires hanging with the poles were repeatedly stolen by such miscreants, causing losses to the MC exchequer, he added.

Amritsar, January 27
The Chheharta police have arrested two persons on the charge of attempt to murder. Those arrested were identified as Ram Kumar and his father Raj Kumar of the Gwal Mandi area.

Aarti, a resident of Khandwala, Chheharta, told the police that her husband Pardeep Kumar had a monetary dispute with the accused.

She alleged that the accused barged into her house and thrashed her husband with sharp-edged weapons. Later, Ram took out a pistol and shot at Pardeep. The bullet hit his leg. The victim was rushed to a hospital where his condition is stated to be stable.

The police said a case under Sections 307, 323, 34 of the IPC and Sections 25/27/54/59 of the Arms Act had been registered. Both accused have been arrested.

Amritsar, January 27
Even as the SAD has been targeting MC officials Yogesh Arora and Vishal Vadhawan over their alleged corrupt practices, the MC top brass think otherwise.

Yogesh Arora heads the Health Department, whereas, Vishal Vadhawan is the Estate Officer associated with the Land department. A group of SAD councillors submitted a memorandum with MC authorities and Local Bodies Minister, Anil Joshi, against two and demanded their transfer.

SAD councillors objected to the appointment of Dr Arora against the post of the health officer as he was BAMS. They also questioned his alleged involvement in favouring a BJP councilor. Similarly, they demanded a probe against Vishal Wadhawan for his suspicious role in auctioning the 4,000 square yards of land near municipal commissioner’s residence. They also alleged that Wadhawan, being a Superintendent-level officer,he was obliged to hold an Executive Engineer level officer post as Estate Officer.

MC Commissioner, DPS Kharbanda, said no finger can be pointed to both the officers until or unless there were any concrete proofs in support of the charges framed against them.

MC had faced tried times when Class IV staff was on strike.

Officials said both officers were the first person to resolve the issues amicably.

“About Dr Arora, I must say that he has been holding his charge efficiently. As far as, Vishal Wadhawan’s charges are concerned, all the allegations hold little significance in the absence of any concrete proof against him”, said DPS Kharbanda.

“I have openly declared to provide us with the evidence which speak against the two officers. I assure disciplinary action against them, if they will be proved to be on the wrong side of law in any manner,” he assured.

Amritsar, January 27
The National Tricolour was unfurled on the Republic Day by Cabinet Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat at an impressive ceremony held at the Guru Nanak Stadium here yesterday. Students of various schools, jawans of the Punjab Police, NCC cadets, scouts and guides participated in the march past on the occasion.

Apart from a cultural show, various departments of the government put up shows to educate people about various schemes and social issues. Chunni Lal Bhagat announced a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh for the cultural show.

Mayor Bakshi Ram Arora, BJP leader Rajinder Mohan Chinna, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Bhagat, Commissioner of Police Jatinder Singh Aulakh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Pradeep Sabarwal, ADC (General) Jasbir Singh and other officials of the district administration were also present.

The Border Security Force (BSF) also celebrated the Republic Day by distributing sweets to the Pakistan Rangers.

The BSF jawans and officials celebrated the day with enthusiasm and organised a cultural programme. BSF (DIG), MF Farooqui, ensured his presence to boost the morale of the jawans.

The Republic Day celebrations were also held at the office of District Congress Committee (Rural), under the chairmanship of senior leader and MLA Om Parkash Soni.

A felicitation programme was organised at the Consumers Welfare Forum and Mission Aagaaz which was attended by prominent social activists and educationists of the city.

The Consumers Welfare Forum honoured the representatives of various organisations for their service to society.

The celebrations were also held at Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology. Kendriya Vidyalaya (I) also organised a cultural function and a medical camp to celebrate the occasion.

Ryan International School paid homage and tributes to the freedom fighters. Major Vikram Deo Singh was the chief guest. Naib Subedar S Mangal was also present on the occasion.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) held a rally on the day to register their protest on rising inflation, corruption and unemployment.

Party leader Joginder Dayal criticised the subsequent governments in the state and at centre for failing to find solutions to the basic problems afflicting the country even 67 years after independence.

Amritsar, January 27
The 65th Republic Day was celebrated at Guru Nanak Dev University Campus with great enthusiasm. Vice-Chancellor Prof AS Brar unfurled the National Flag at the university guest house. A large number of teachers, employees, students and campus residents took part in these celebrations. Students from various departments presented patriotic song.

Prof MS Hundal, Dean, Academic Affairs, welcomed the chief guest and others while Dr Inderjit Singh, Registrar, presented a vote of thanks on the occasion. Dr Jagjit Kaur, Director, Youth Welfare, compered the event.

Prof Brar said, “Although we achieved a lot after 1950, but more needs to be done to compete and meet the international requirements. During the last four-and-half years, this university progressed in all spheres, especially, in the field of science and technology.”

He said many expensive scientific equipment and new infrastructure had been created in the university with the help of grants received from various funding agencies and around Rs 300 to Rs 400 crore is also expected in the coming years.

He said in spite of this, the university needed to generate 17 per cent of the expenses from its own resources. “We don’t want to raise the fee of the students. By increasing the number of students admitted to various classes, the problem could be sorted out to a certain extent,” he said.

He exhorted the faculty to work hard to impart quality education with modern aids so that the university could attract students not only from the state but also from other countries.

“Ours is the only university of the region which pays the dues, arrears and salaries to its staff on time. Almost 61 per cent of salaries of all employees have been increased in the last four years. I seek the cooperation of the faculty and the employees of the university to excel and to achieve new heights of success,” he said.

Amritsar, January 27
Even as the district was announced smoke-free by the government around two years ago, the administration has failed to check the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 yards of the educational institutions.

The cigarette vendors are forbidden from selling their products near the educational institutions. Even the educational institutes are required to display a warning regarding the sale of tobacco products.

The cigarette shops can be seen outside Khalsa College Public School, Guru Nanak Dev University, Khalsa College for Women, Saint Mary School and various other educational institutions.

Two such cigarette vendors can be seen operating from near Spring Dale School. Another shop can also been seen operating within 100 yards periphery of BBK DAV College for Women.

It was in July 2012, the administration had taken stern steps to curb the sale of tobacco products near schools and colleges. Apart from issuing challans to vendors, the department had issued notice to 29 schools and collected around Rs 4,000 as fine from them for failing to display warnings. The district was accorded smoke- free status on August 15 of the same year.

Ever since the district has been accorded smoke-free status, the situations has returned to the same condition as it used to be before August 15, 2012.

However, the district administration has been issuing challans to the violators for defying ban on smoking at public places. 25 violaters were even challaned in the month of December last year, but a whole-hearted and serious campaign is missing.

District Health Officer Dr Shivkaran Singh Kahlon, said a team had been formed to check violations regarding sale and consumption of tobacco products. A drive to check the violations will be initiated, he said.