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Suicide by Taran Taran Youth
Women robbers’ gang strikes again, loots Karnal couple
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Tarn Taran ASI goes missing, family meets SC commission official
Despite warnings, langars continue on roadsides
‘Supninday’ Released
Better
amritsar: substandard
food—II
Scholars discuss Gurbani interpretation
Health Dept staff to protest police inaction
LIC to renew lapsed policies
Majithia backed as SAD’s youth wing chief
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Probe marked into ‘illegal’ detention
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 1 Manmohan Sharma, SSP, Tarn Taran, said that SP (headquarters) Ranbir Singh had been entrusted with the enquiry. The SP would file the report in a few days. He would enquire into the alleged illegal detention and subsequent torture by Daburji police chowki personnel. The police have already suspended three policemen, including in charge, Daburji police chowki, Iqbal Singh, after a massive protest by the family members and the residents of the Sultanwind area yesterday. They had staged an agitation on the Amritsar-Jalandhar highway near the New Amritsar area by keeping the body of the deceased on the road. The protest continued till late last evening before the police suspended the three policemen. Sharma said further action would be taken after getting the enquiry and the autopsy reports. He said the Amritsar City police would be looking into the suicide case, as Harjit committed suicide in the city police area. Parampal Singh, SP (city –I), said they were waiting for the post-mortem examination report and action would be taken accordingly. Meanwhile, Vice-Chairman of the National SC Commission Rajkumar Verka today visited Harjit’s family and expressed his grief. Harpal Singh, father of the deceased, alleged that Harjit and his friend, Ravinder Singh Kaalu, were subjected to torture at the behest of a SAD leader, who lodged a theft case with the police. The police kept Harpal Singh’s ward in illegal detention and later released them, finding no evidence against them. Since his return, Harjit was disturbed and later committed suicide. Harpal Singh alleged that there were injury marks on his body, when he returned after he was confined into illegal police custody. He said they had videographed those marks. He alleged that these marks were not present after the post-mortem examination. Verka said it was a serious issue and directed senior police officials to probe the charges.
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Women robbers’ gang strikes again, loots Karnal couple
Amritsar, September 1 Prem Nath Shodhi, a resident of Karnal, stated to the police that the accused made his wife to sit in their car and robbed her of two gold bangles (weighing 45 gm). They later threw her out of the car. He said an unidentified person was also accompanying the accused. The Cantonment police have registered a case under Sections 382 and 34, IPC, in this regard. This is the eighth such incident during the past nearly one month. Prabhjot Singh, officiating in charge of the Cantonment police station, said the victims were standing inside the premises of Amritsar railway station and were calling their relatives, asking them to pick them up from the railway station. The culprits, who were standing nearby, said that they had been sent by their relatives. They took them towards the Gwal Mandi side and asked them to swap the seats as they were feeling congested inside the car. As soon as the couple alighted from car to swap the seats, they sped away. Later the woman found her bangles missing. Prabhjot Singh said the victims had identified them through the sketches.
— TNS
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Tarn Taran ASI goes missing, family meets SC commission official
Amritsar, September 1 Simranbir Singh is the son of a former policeman, Jasbir Singh, who is facing life imprisonment in a kidnapping case and subsequent killing of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra from outside his home in the Kabir Park area here during the heydays of militancy in 1995. Jasbir Singh suspects that his son might have been kidnapped by unidentified persons due to old enmity springing from the militancy days while fighting terrorism. He had come out of the jail on parole. Following his complaint, the Tarn Taran police registered a case yesterday under Section 365, IPC, while it has failed to many any breakthrough so far. Jasbir Singh along with several other former policemen today met National Vice-Chairman of the SC Commission, Raj Kumar Verka, seeking his intervention into the incident. He pointed out that it was an irony that the SAD-BJP government was stressing on the release of militants while the police jawans who fought bravely during the terrorism days were facing trial in the court and leading a life of penury. He said former policemen had told him that the state government had stopped their pensions due to various cases pending in the courts. They said they were at the fag end of their lives and the government was doing nothing for them. Verka said he would approach the President, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister in this regard, so that their grievances could be looked into. He said he would also ask the senior police officials concerned to investigate the matter seriously.
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Despite warnings, langars continue on roadsides
Amritsar, September 1 The issue was raised in the Municipal Corporation’s House meetings umpteen times, wherein it was decided to impose a token fee on the organisers, but the decision could not be implemented. The idea of imposing a nominal fee was to utilise it later for cleaning up the place, but it could not be implemented as a majority of the members of the House showed reluctance in implementing the decision. The MC had, however, issued stern directions to be followed before organising such events, which included cleaning the venue post-event, ensuring the safety of commuters and public property. The damage to public property could invite legal action. On almost all Gurpurbs, especially the birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Ramdas, Guru Gobind Singh and the martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, langars and chhabeels are organised in all corners of the city. Besides, free food is distributed on Shivratri, Janamashtami and Nimani Kasti. It is generally noticed that the stalls offering food and water are installed on roads themselves. Taking cognisance of the refuse being left on the streets and roadsides unattended after the event, Bakshi Ram Arora, mayor, and officials had proposed to realise cleanliness charges from the organisers, but it was opposed outrightly. Many times, it has been seen that leftovers are stuck in drains, clogging them. Eventually, dirty and waste water flowing from the houses seeps out of the drains on the roads and poses numerous problems to commuters. During langars or chhabeels, tents are erected by digging roads, causing permanent damage.
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He prefers to read out a thought than singing aloud a poem
Neha Saini Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 1 A compilation of poetry inspired by dreams and the humanity’s desire to achieve those dreams, the book plays around complexities inspired by life. “Our dreams are reflections of our desires, conflicts and aspirations. When we sleep, we try to live a different life through our dreams. There are so many layers hidden in our dreams. ‘Supninday’, meaning dreams, is about lending words to those desires,” he explains. The book presents dreams into various genres and interpretations. True to his earlier works, Parminderjit emphasises on the thought behind his words rather than their lyrical value. “I have always been the kind of poet who will read out a thought rather than singing out a poem,” he says. It has already been adapted for stage by Kewal Dhaliwal recently. “Ït was heartening to see poetry turn into a theatrical presentation. I never thought my emotions or words will take a creative and a physical form and still have the same impact. The play, also titled ‘Supninday’, was staged during the national theatre workshop,” he said. He also took the liberty of furthering the cause of Punjabi poetry, which, he claims, is suffering a slow death. “I have no qualms in admitting that Punjabi poetry books come out only in a few hundreds as compared to their fiction counterparts that sometimes exceeed a million copies. The reason for Punjabi poetry not being at the top of the summit is because curiosity on the part of the readers and awareness is lacking. Despite having given celebrated poets like Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Sahir Ludhianvi, Amrita Pritam and the likes, Punjabi poetry has been knocked over the edge by English and Hindi writing. “Reader preferences have changed, publishing houses have commercialised poetry and the quality of Punjabi poetry has gone down. There is a lack of great thinkers, rather than writers, I would say,” Parminderjit says. Even overseas writers and poets, who are trying to carry the literary torch to the foreign shores, don’t get the point. “Punjabi poetry is not quite the favourite with NRI readers as well, the reason being that most of them have diluted the form and do not relate to it,” says Parminderjit. He emphasises that there is a need to revive the thinking process, the understanding of verse and the right attitude; the future of Punjabi poetry could be put on a different path than what it is already treading on.
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Better
amritsar: substandard
food—II Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 1
The residents are of the opinion that the consumer too would have to take responsibility for the cause and the government cannot be blamed for everything. They said increasing awareness among general consumers can go a long way in checking the sale of unhygienic food. The need for a telephonic helpline, where people can report sale of substandard or unhygienic foods, was also felt by a few people. The residents said heavy fines must be imposed on those found selling substandard foods. The seriousness of the state government in checking adulterated foods can be gauged from the fact that the entire state has only one food testing laboratory. Officials of the Health Department have to wait for months to initiate action on the basis of reports. Food testing laboratories must be set up at the district level or in clusters of two to three districts to make the process of testing substandard food quicker. It is often felt that the food wing of the Health Department collects samples to accomplish targets set up the state government. The Health Department collects around 50 to 60 samples each month. With thousands of eateries in city, the number seems too small. A shopkeeper may relax for years before his turn comes again. Following is the opinion expressed by a few residents of the city: Helpline to lodge complaints
As a consumer of foods in the local market, I have often felt that there is nobody to whom I can complain if I spot a dead fly or insect on my platter. Though I can go and file a complaint with health officials, I will not do so as I feel that it will waste a lot of time and nothing will come out of it. It will be easier if there is a helpline, where people can call to lodge such complaints. Rajpal Singh Gill,
local entrepreneur Take complaints seriously
Sometimes while you are eating at a food joint you have a feeling that something is not right about the quality. But you cannot do anything except walking out and leaving the food on the table. Complaints by the public regarding substandard quality of foodstuff should be taken seriously. Kanwar Singh,
local youngster Inefficient laws
It is clear that the current provisions of the law are insufficient to check the menace. Had these provisions been effective, the shopkeepers would have feared selling substandard food.
Kanwar Chabal, private employee Set up laboratories
Action should be taken immediately and must not take months. If food testing laboratories are setup at the district level, reports can be made available the next day. Satinder Bal,
company employee Collect samples frequently from shops
The government needs to change its system of collecting samples. The samples should be collected more frequently so that shopkeepers remain on their toes and improve the quality of food. Instead of targeting
a few shops samples should be collected impartially. Naginder Singh Sandhu, farmer
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Scholars discuss Gurbani interpretation
Amritsar, September 1 The conference was presided over by GNDU Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof AS Brar, and inaugurated by Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian from Chandigarh. A large number of scholars and residents were present on the occasion. Prof Balwant Singh Dhillon, coordinator and director of the centre, welcomed the chief guest and others. Prof Balkar Singh from Patiala delivered the keynote address. Prof Jagbir Singh from Delhi also attended the programme. Prof Brar said, “Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the supreme spiritual authority and only holy scripture of the world which has been given the status of ‘Guruship’.” He said, “Gurbani is ‘dhur ki Bani’ and reveals through Gurus along with saints and bhagats. In Sri Guru Granth Sahib, there is ‘Bani’ which proclaims God, lays emphasis on meditation, besides stressing on moral and ethical rules for the development of the soul and spiritual salvation. The teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib are not only for the Sikhs, but also for the whole humanity.” The VC said the under-construction building of the Centre of Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib would likely be completed in November. “This building is being designed keeping in view the Sikh architecture and is being constructed by funds provided by the UGC. With the establishment of this centre, more in-depth study of Sri Guru Granth Sahib along with other religions, will be done”, added Prof Brar. Prof Balkar Singh said the method for the interpretation of Gurbani was already included in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. “The utmost need is to understand the Bani in its true letter and spirit and to adopt it in our daily life,” he added. In his inaugural address, Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian emphasised upon the correct understanding of the terminology described in the Sikh scripture, so that it may not deface its original sense. Bhag Singh Ankhi, Dr Sashi Bala and Waryam Singh also expressed their views while presiding over the different panels of the symposium. Dr Balwant Singh Dhillon presented his paper on Gurbani interpretation: Interdisciplinary approach. Dr N Muthumohan discussed interpreting Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Hindu context. Dr Paramjit Singh Sidhu and Dr Gulzar Singh Kang also presented their papers on the occasion.
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Health Dept staff to protest police inaction
Amritsar, September 1 The meeting, which was presided by Dr Hardeep Singh Ghai, was attended by association representatives of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedical workers and ministerial staff. Dr Ghai said the police had failed to arrest persons, who had obstructed senior health officials from performing their duty, even after the passage of 10 days. The employees are demanding arrest of the owner of Narang Hospital for an incident, which occurred on August 21, during which his supporters had abused and misbehaved with Civil Surgeon and other officials. He said employees would take out a march on city roads to sensitise the public. Shamsher Singh Kohri of pharmacists association said, “The associations have given enough time to the Police Department to arrest the culprits, but they have not done their duty for the reasons best known to them.” He said the responsibility for the loss of medical services for the public now rested with the police. Those present in the meeting include PCMS Specialist Association representative Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal, Dr Madan Mohan, Jagdish Thakur, Tajinder Singh Dhillon and Raj Bedi.
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MC chief urges residents to maintain hygiene
Amritsar, September 1 Several shopkeepers, who dumped refuse within their premises, were taken to task. Sabharwal said such surprise visits would be conducted at random. He sought public support in the MC’s mission to keep the vicinity of the Golden Temple clean. “We found several shopkeepers throwing their discarded packings in streets. Our focus was mainly on eatery joints, which littered their surroundings. They have been sternly warned to refrain from this practice. Initially, it is a verbal advice for defaulters. If they still continue throwing garbage outside shops, they will be heavily challaned,” said the Municipal Commissioner. “I appeal to the residents, especially traders, to help us maintain hygiene in the area. Lakhs of tourists come here daily to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. I wish that they should go back home with pleasant The team also took a round of Brahmbuta market, Phawara Chowk, Gali Bagh Wali and Sheran Wala Gate areas. The MC has formed special teams to carry on the sanitation drive around the Golden Temple. It has pressed into service extra official machinery for the purpose.
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LIC to renew lapsed policies
Amritsar, September 1 Senior Divisional Manager JPS Bajaj, LIC, said, the Amritsar division was first in the northern zone and third in the country to achieve direct marketing FPI budget in November 2013. It stood 11th in the country on the basis of 30.25 per cent of growth rate in single premium. He said during 2013-14 financial year the division sold 1,86,913 policies and collected Rs 194 crore as first premium. The local division of the LIC is celebrating insurance week from September 1. During this period various activities like medical camp, customer meet, PA camps for salary saving schemes, road show, awareness rally, plantation of saplings, drawing competition for children and claims settlement camps at different locations will be organised. Bajaj said the LIC, in order to fulfil its social responsibility, formed Golden Jubilee Foundation in 2006 with an objective to provide financial help as scholarship to the poor and the needy students. BSF DIG Mohammad Farooqi was the chief guest at the function, which was held earlier.
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Majithia backed as SAD’s youth wing chief
Amritsar, September 1 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Virsa Singh Valtoha, Inderbir Singh Bolaria and Harmeet Singh Sandhu said that Majithia’s contribution to the victory in the 2012 Assembly elections was enormous and he should be made the president. Earlier, springing a surprise, Majithia had batted for a young president of the youth wing and had wanted to relinquish the post. The three MLAs, who are considered close to Majithia, said though they respected his decision, the party needed him as a leader of the youth wing, adding that the party high command should appoint him as the president of the wing.
— TNS
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Taran police have marked an enquiry into the alleged illegal detention of Harjit Singh (17), a local youth, who had committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree, following alleged inhuman torture in the custody of Daburji police.
Amritsar, September 1
