Amritsar, April 21
AAP leader Jarnail Singh flayed the statement of Congress candidate Capt Amarinder Singh that Jagdish Tytler was not involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Addressing a press conference here today, the journalist-turned politician said there were many eyewitness accounts and statements that testified Tytler’s involvement before various commissions, including the Nanavati Commission.

He said, “If Capt Amarinder Singh continues to support Tytler, then it can be deciphered that the two (Capt and Tytler) have some common business interest."

Jarnail, who is contesting from Delhi West on the AAP ticket, was in the city to seek support for the party candidate Dr Daljit Singh. He said the 1984 riots were not an election issue and they were fighting for justice.

Notably, Jarnail had come to the limelight after he threw a shoe at Home Minister P Chidambaram in 2009. He said the incident was instrumental in destroying the political career of Jagish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, accused in the anti-Sikh riots.

He said," With the broom, we will sweep the corrupt and unjust political system." He said he had thrown a shoe at P Chidambaram as he ignored his question on justice to the riot victims during a press conference in Delhi in April 2009.

Jarnail said on the directions of Arvind Kejriwal, he was in the state for the past four days and the AAP would win 10 seats in Punjab.

People were fed up with the Congress rule at the Centre as its 10-year tenure was marked by scams and high inflation, he added. He said the people of the state were victims of Dr Manmohan Singh’s ‘ghoutala sarkar’and the Akali-BJP’s ‘goonda sarkar’ (government of hooligans).

“Punjab is grappling with the drug menace and the people urge us to save their children who are being supplied drugs by politicians. He rubbished the theory that the AAP was the B-team of the Congress and reminded that it was the AAP who had fielded Kumar Vishwas against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi.

“India is grappling with three Cs — corruption, criminalisation of politics and communalism. We all have to fight the unjust system instead of blaming the government," Jarnail Singh added. Praising AAP’s national converner Arvind Kejriwal, Jarnail said during his 49-day government in Delhi, he had formed an SIT to look into the 1984 riots while the Akalis made it an election issue. The SGPC has also done nothing for the victims.”

Amritsar, April 21
Politicians and supporters of political parties offer food and booze to voters during election meetings. To escape the attention of the Election Commission, they provide funds to the organisers, who further foot the entire bills for the programmes.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, various organisations are inviting the candidates to place their demands before them. However, it is learnt from insiders that several leaders from political parties approach them to organise an election meeting.

An office-bearer of an organisation said his organisation had held such an interaction at a city hotel a week ago. He said in the beginning, his organisation did not have funds to arrange the interaction at such a high-end venue. According to him supporters of the political leaders had promised to pay the money on the condition that in accounts it would be shown as an event organised by the association.

Amritsar, April 21
Former Chief Minister and Congress candidate Captain Amarinder Singh today warned the people of Amritsar against "buying falsedreams of a migratory bird like Arun Jaitley" who, according to him, had come to contest from Amritsar to keep his political ambitions alive."

Addressing a public rally, organised by OP Soni in Amritsar Central constituency last night, Amarinder said, "Jaitley has spent 14 years as a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat. Ask him what he did for Gujarat during those 14 years? Jaitley will have no answer as he did nothing for Gujarat and this was the reason behind his flight from Gujarat to Punjab."

The former Chief Minister said when Jaitley was not true and sincere towards the state that sent him to the Rajya Sabha three times, how could he be sincere towards the people of Amritsar. Addressing the rally, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said the Akali-BJP government had failed to avail of various welfare schemes launched by the Centre. He said it was strange that the state government was blaming the Central government for its own failures. He also cautioned the people against the divisive ideology of the BJP. He referred to Amit Shah’s statement that Modi was bringing in a tsunami. “Like a tsunami, Modi will leave a trail of disaster and destruction behind," Sharma said.

OP Soni lashed out at the state government for ignoring Amritsar.

Amritsar, April 21
As the poll season is in full swing, thousands of house tax realisation cases are pending before a sub-committee for arbitration as the committee members are occupied with poll assignments. Two of the committee members belong to the ruling SAD-BJP alliance and they could spare little time for the cases.

According to officials, around 1,600 cases, amounting to Rs 8 to 10, are pending before the house tax sub-committee.

The total number of defaulters in the city is around 10,000 and Rs 20 crore are yet to be realised from them. Notably, the MC is facing a tough time in meeting its salary bill. When this point was raised before the officials, they said they were helpless and the cases would be taken up only after the elections.

The house tax sub-committee includes councillors Sukhminder Singh Pintu (BJP), Surinder Singh Sultanwind (SAD), SE Jaswinder Singh and two other house tax officials.

The officials were to hold the meeting twice a week on every Tuesday and Friday. The last meeting of the committee was held in December last year.

Pintu agreed that the meeting could not be held as per schedule for long. “We were occupied with poll duties. Moreover, controversy could have erupted as some of the defaulters are associated with the Congress and if they were served recovery notices, it could have become a political issue. Some could dub it as violation of the code of conduct," Pintu said.

“The cases will have to be settled under any circumstances. It’s a matter of few days. Once the polls are over, we would hold a meeting and dispose of the pending cases," he told.

There are several hotels, malls and shops on Lawrence Road and the GT road whose cases are lying undecided before the sub-committee.

Fact file The meeting of the committee was to be held twice a week on Tuesday and Friday The last meeting of the committee was held in December last year The total number of defaulters in the city is around 10,000 and Rs 20 crore is yet to be realised from them Notably, the MC is facing a tough time in meeting its salary bill

Amritsar, April 21
The city police have booked two persons for allegedly duping a number of persons on pretext of sending them to Canada. The accused have been identified as Sunil Kumar Kapoor of Unitank Rights, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Niru Bala, alias Isala Pandey, of Gautam Nagar, Una Road, Himachal Pradesh.

Satinder Singh, a resident of Mudhal, along with several others, approached the Rambagh police and filed a complaint regarding this. A case under Sections 420 and 120-B of the IPC has been registered.

He told the police that the accused had promised to send them to Canada and a deal was settled at Rs 10 lakh each. He stated that the accused had taken Rs 2.41 lakh besides their passports and other documents. He alleged that the accused took them to Mumbai where they stayed at a hotel and later the accused told them that there were some problems in the clearance of their documents. He stated that when they demanded their money back, along with their passports, the accused did not return. Darbara Singh, in-charge of the Verka police station said efforts were on to nab the duo.

Amritsar, April 21
Although the police claims to have arrested over 250 anti-social elements in view of the ensuing General Elections, the snatching incidents continue unabated in the city.

Deployment of a huge number of paramilitary forces and police teams to maintain round-the-clock vigil has failed to deter the culprits and put a check on snatching incidents.

In a recent incident, a Dinanagar resident became a victim of snatchers, when miscreants took away her ear rings while she was going to her relative’s home located in Rani ka Bagh area last evening.

Ironically, the Civil Lines police station and Circuit House police chowki is situated just a few metres away from the spot. The residents of the area alleged that snatchings on roads had become the order the day as the police had turned a blind eye towards the problem.

Shashi Bala, a resident of Dinanagar, said she along with her family members was going to her brother’s place located in Rani Ka Bagh area from Albert Road side on foot. She alleged two unidentified youths, who were riding a motorcycle, came from behind, snatched her ear-rings and fled.

The local residents alleged that a couple of snatching incidents had occurred day before yesterday. They urged police officials to hold regular patrolling in the area to curb such instances.

A number of snatching incidents go unreported while sometimes, the police stations also dither on registering such cases as it brings a bad reputation. They also have to face their seniors’ wrath.

The police authorities, on the other hand, pointed out that constant patrolling was being undertaken in various parts of the city and the culprits would be put behind bars soon.

Amritsar, April 21
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Daiichi Sankyo India Pharma Private Limited (DSIN) to collaborate in academic and research related activities, especially in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences and microbiology.

Dr Inderjit Singh, Registrar, signed an MoU on behalf of the university while Dr Biswajit Das, senior director, Chemistry, represented Daiichi Sankyo India Pharma Private Limited. Both exchanged the MoU in the presence of Prof AS Brar, Vice-Chancellor of the Guru Nanak Dev University.

Prof MS Hundal, Dean, academic affairs, Prof TS Benipal, director of research, Prof Sukhdev Singh, Dean, Life Sciences, Dr Subodh Kumar from the Department of Chemistry, Dr Suman Gupta from the Research and Planning Department and a representative of Daiichi Sankyo India Pharma Private Limited, were also present on the occasion.

Prof Brar said this collaboration would enable the exchange of graduate and post-graduate students of the university from the disciplines of chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology and biotechnology for project work and training in Daiichi Sankyo.

Dr Suman Gupta, while giving details about the DSIN, said both the parties had agreed to work together. The scientists of the DSIN and faculty members of the university would formulate a joint research plan for the work on a case by case basis, with due approval of the steering committee.

She said it would also include an exchange of university students, technical staff and the faculty members, organising joint conferences, workshop and courses.

The DSIN would consider sponsored research project(s) with the university in areas of mutual interest, added Dr Suman.

Daiichi Sankyo India Pharma Private Limited is a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956, having its registered office at Sarhaul village, Sector 18, Udyog Vihar, Industrial Area, Gurgaon (Haryana).

Amritsar, April 21
The star cast of “Dil Vil Pyaar Vyaar”, an upcoming Punjabi film with Gurdas Mann in the lead, visited the city on a promotional tour. The rom-com, which stars Neeru Bajwa opposite Mann, is all set to release on May 2.

The team, including actor Neeru Bajwa and singer-actor Jassi Gill, visited Sai Engineering College and later interacted with the fans at Trillium Mall. Talking about the film, Mann said, “It’s a family entertainer, with a good story and made beautifully. In a time, when there is a lack of quality scripts in the Punjabi film industry, I hope ‘Dil Vil Pyar Vyar’ will come as a refreshing film.”

The film will pair Neeru Bajwa with Mann for the first time. While the stars refused to give out some spoilers, Mann said, “You have to watch the film to know about the story, which I promise will be different for real.”

For starters, it’s going to be a slice of life movie. It is the story of five brothers, who are ready to sacrifice their happiness for each other. Gurdas plays the eldest. It also stars Manav Vij and Rajiv Thakur.

The film has been directed by Mann’s wife, Manjit Mann and the story and screenplay has been written by Dheeraj Rattan. The film’s music, which was released a few weeks back, was appreciated by the audience.

Coming on the silver screen after three long years, Mann shared that he wanted to be a part of a good film. “The quality of Punjabi film scripts is not very good, which has made them struggle at the box office. It’s a long road before we compete with Bollywood, but with the improving scenario, the future seems bright,” shared Mann.

Later, the cast interacted and performed live at Trillium Mall for fans and admirers, who had turned up to watch the live performance of Gurdas Mann and Jassi Gill. 

Amritsar, April 21
The wild growth of the congress grass (scientifically name parthenium hysterophorus) can be seen at various government institutions and along roads in the city. Various diseases like eczema, dermatitis and asthma are caused by this weed.

One finds wild grass along the entire stretch of the GT road. It can be abundantly seen outside the Civil Lines police station. The grass is also harmful for stray and milch cattle as the weed puts the animals at the risk of dermatitis.

The rear side of the old post- mortem house and the vacant plots of Government Medical College are a few places, where it can be found in abundance. Even other hospitals such as Employees State Insurance Hospital and many satellite hospitals have been afflicted by the growth of this wild species.

Joginder Singh, a city resident, said, “It was around two decades ago when the government had run a campaign to wipe out the seed of this harmful weed. A campaign on the same pattern is the need of the hour.”

Kultar Singh, another resident, said, “We have often seen this grass at public places in localities. Children and even parents are not aware of the harmful effects of the grass so they allow them to play near it.”

Principal of the Government Medical College, Dr Santokh Singh, said they had already initiated a campaign to remove the grass. “We have deployed men and tractors for the purpose, but the problem with congress grass is that it resurfaces after every three or four months,” said Dr Santokh. — TNS

Amritsar, April 21
It seems the authorities at the Government Medical College (GMC) here were in a hurry to inaugurate a diagnostic laboratory for influenza (swine flu), a project undertaken five years ago. Despite its inauguration yesterday, the laboratory is yet to become functional to conduct a diagnosis if the need arises.

The Government Medical College had received machines for the laboratory a few months ago. The institute was ready with a building to set up machines. Presently, the laboratory is waiting for the arrival of regents from Germany so that tests could be conducted.

An official at the college, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “It seems there was some kind of hurry. It would have been better if the lab was inaugurated when it was fully ready.”

The project of setting up a diagnostic lab for influenza at the Government Medical College was started in 2009, when the state government made a proposal to the Central government in this regard. Initially the project was delayed as the financial sanction from the state’s Finance Department was pending although the administration had already given a go ahead for the project. One of the bizarre reasons for the delay in the execution of the project was the shortage of sand and gravel, when the construction of the building was going on.

Sources in the institute said the lack of budget for purchasing regents was the main reason behind the laboratory still not becoming functional. Principal of the Government Medical College, Dr Santokh Singh, said the order for the regents had been placed and they were expected to arrive in two-three weeks.

He said the laboratory would become operational within a month and it would be possible to conduct the tests. He added that the laboratory would not only be a boon for patients from Punjab, but also from Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. — TNS

Amritsar, April 21
The Amritsar rural police today claimed to have arrested a person and recovered country-made pistols from his possession while his accomplice managed to escape from the spot. The police also seized 600 gm of narcotics from the culprit.

Both the accused, identified as Paviterpreet Singh of Chaura village and Jagroop Singh of Chananke village, have been booked under Section 22/61/85 of the NDPS Act and Sections 25/54/59 of the Arms Act. Further investigations were under progress.

As per information, a police team from Mehta put up a naka at a T-point near Chananke. When a motorcycle coming from Nath ki Khui area was signalled to stop, the accused riding the bike tried to escape. But they lost control of the vehicle and tried to flee leaving behind the bike.

The police chased and arrested Paviterpreet while his accomplice Jagroop managed to escape from the scene by dodging the police party.

The police recovered a .32 bore pistol with four rounds, a .315 bore country-made pistol with three rounds and four live cartridges of .12 bore. The police also recovered 600 gms of intoxicant powder from his possession.

The police said they were investigating the source of the arms and ammunition and where they were to be used. They said raids were also being conducted to nab Jagroop Singh. 

Amritsar, April 21
The assurance given by the city police to get legal power connection to run its public address (PA) systems to educate the commuters about traffic norms have turned out to be hollow.

The police was found to be on the wrong side of law when it took the power connections from electricity poles located near pickets.

The matter was highlighted in these columns on March 26, when a top-level police official had stated that it was a temporary arrangement and a legal connection against payment would be taken soon, but that was not to be. Public address audio systems are being run in the police pickets located at Novelty Chowk and Customs Chowk. At both the places, the power is being drawn through kundi connection.

Ironically, the Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) Office is located just a few steps away from Novelty Chowk picket, but they too have turned a blind eye to the power theft by the police.

Police officials said they were coordinating with the PSPCL office to make some temporary arrangements for procuring power meters, which could be installed at the police pickets.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Charanjit Singh said the power for Lawrence Road picket could be drawn from the PSPCL’s office located near it whereas an arrangement could be made with a bank located near Customs Chowk picket.

As a part of the awareness drive, the police had initiated the use of audio public address systems to educate the public about the traffic norms. A recorder was also installed, which played from morning till dark. Harcharan Singh, chief manager, Punjab and Sind Bank, said it would project the city police in a wrong manner, as it did not refrain from stealing the power. Endorsing the views, president of the Punjab Pollution Control Committee, Amritsar, PS Randhawa, said, “As per the law, power theft is a criminal offence.”

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