R E G I O N A L   B R I E F S

PUNJAB

Abohar
Train runs over farm worker: Darshan Singh of Killianwali village, 6 km from Abohar, was run over by a passenger train on the Abohar-Sriganganagar section on Sunday.

4 killed in mishaps: Rajinder Kumar (28) of Daulatpura village died when his motorcycle was allegedly hit by an unidentified vehicle near Ramsara village on Hanumangarh state highway on Monday. On Killianwali bypass, 75-year-old Bimla Rani was run over by a passenger train. Bikramjit Singh (25) of Matili Rathan in Sriganganagar died and three others got hurt as their car rammed into a truck parked on the Rawatsar-Hanumangarh highway. Gurdas Singh (22) of Kishanpura village died when his motorbike was hit by a tractor-trailer.

People protest as man dies: Several residents of Nohar segment in Hanumangarh in Rajasthan on Monday protested against the police after Ramji Lal died. They alleged the police couldn’t protect the victim from hardcore criminal Sunil Goriya, who along with armed accomplices attacked Ramji Lal (35) on June 4. The protesters placed the victim’s body outside the police station. They lifted the dharna when senior officers assured them of arresting the accused within seven days.

NGOs pick watermelons over ‘chabeel’: Several NGOs on Monday distributed watermelons instead of sweet refreshments to help people battle the searing heat.

Fatehgarh Sahib
Varsity offers new courses: Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) World University has introduced 10 new courses. University Vice-Chancellor Dr Gurmohan Singh said the new courses would be for masters in political science, history, psychology, journalism and mass communication, MSc (botany, zoology), MCom, BPT, MLib and PhD in mechanical engineering, computer science, economics and environmental science.

Ludhiana
USHA launches new range of coolers: USHA International, manufacturer of consumer durables and appliances, unveils a series of evaporative air coolers this summer. These portable air coolers bring together the best cooling, appealing looks and quality material without burning a hole in the buyer’s pockets. Neelima Burra, head, Marketing, Sewing Machine and Appliances, Usha International Ltd said “Catering to the needs of different markets in India, company has introduced two models each in the desert and personal air cooler category. These coolers are loaded with features like remote control operations, off timer and carbon dust filter for clean air that gives an experience parallel to an air conditioner. The new range is low on power consumption and high on performance.

Citizens forum airs grievances: Members of the Vigilant Citizens Forum today met the Commissioner of Police and told him that a number of FIRs were awaiting disposal at different police stations. A majority of the cases do not reach the court in the form of challans. Many such FIRs are found false. In some others, the accused are untraceable. This creates two-three types of scenes. The members requested the Commissioner of Police look into the matter.

Protest by anganwadi workers: Irked over government’s recent changes in the budget schemes, the district cell of Anganwadi Mulazam Union, Punjab, held a protest at Sidhwan canal near Shimlapuri. A large number of workers led by Subash Rani, district president of the union, raised slogans against the state government. The workers have been opposing the change in the budget. They demanded that they should be shifted from plan to non-plan scheme. They urged the authorities to increase their salaries.

Patiala
College begins new courses: Khalsa College, Patiala, would offer bachelor's degree courses in vocation in food processing and engineering and software development besides advanced diploma courses in auto electrical and electronics and green house technology from the new academic session. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has okayed these courses and approved Rs 1.85-crore grant to the college.

Patiala
Polytechnic-Oz firm tie up: Thapar Polytechnic, Patiala, on Monday tied up with an Australian firm Heraud Training and Education, a skill training provider headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Prof Prakash Gopalan, Director, Thapar University, said the tie-up would facilitate transfer of expertise through best teaching practices by experienced trainers from Australia.

Phagwara
Two robbed of cash, valuables: Two robbers attacked and seriously injured Ram Murti of Rihana Jattan Village and Guriqbal of Dhadhey Village near Village Khatti last night.The assailants took away Rs 1,600 in cash, a mobile and other valuables. The injured were admitted to the local Civil Hospital.

DEHRADUN

Gairsian
Loan waiver: The government has decided to waive the loans taken by disaster-hit businessmen from cooperative banks for a period of three years. Announcing this in the House today, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said earlier, the waiver was for a period of one year. However, it had now been extended to three years.