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Breach in canal, 200 acres waterlogged in Mansa dist
Mansa, November 2
A breach in a canal last evening has left around 200 acres of land at Kheeva Dyalu and Bappiana villages of Bhikhi block waterlogged.
A breach in the Musa and Uddat branch of a canal near Bhikhi in Mansa. Tribune photograph
RSS shakhas in villages may create communal divide, warns Amarinder
Amritsar, November 2
Congress Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Capt Amarinder Singh today said the state BJP could not wash its hands of wrong-doing even if it parted ways with the SAD.
AISSF president among 200 activists detained
Cops go slow in arms scam as probe leads to politicians
Oz gurdwara vandalised, SGPC condemns attack
Delhi bypoll: BJP may not seek SAD help
Finally, CM to address issues raised by BJP ministers
Give Chandigarh to Punjab, says Badal
After 3 yrs, Chintpurni college to admit pupils
Higher prices attract Mansa paddy farmers to Haryana mandis
Tarn Taran DC's office issues 'fake' arms licence
Ferozepur-Chandigarh Express
Protest to resume service gets political backing
Ferozepur, November 2
The ongoing agitation over the delay in the resumption of Ferozepur-Chandigarh Express entered its seventh day today. Several political leaders and NGOs have supported the demand.
A file photo of officials flagging off the train on March 10. It was later discontinued.
Fearing fog, Northern Rly cancels 11 trains in state
Abohar, November 2
Fearing foggy weather post-Christmas, the Northern Railway have cancelled or partially withdrawn 34 trains. Of these, 11 super-fast trains will not run in Punjab for 47 days beginning December 31.
Rajasthan minister seeks check on water pollution in Punjab
On his first visit to hometown Hanumangarh after taking over as Cabinet Minister, Dr Ram Pratap today said the SAD-BJP Government should check canal water pollution.
Dr Ram Pratap being welcomed at his hometown Hanumangarh on Sunday. Tribune Photo
All's well with SAD-BJP alliance, says Badal
Jalandhar, November 2
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today claimed all was well with the Akali-BJP coalition in the state. He blamed the media for "creating baseless reports of rift between the alliance partners".
Chief Minister Parkash SIngh Badal interacts with a student of a sports college during his visit to Jalandhar on Sunday. Tribune Photo: Malkiat Singh
To halt saffron influx, Cong turns to grassroots workers
Chandigarh, November 2
The Punjab Congress is alarmed at the saffron surge. Apprehending that the BJP may attempt "reverse polarisation" in Punjab too and contest the 2017 Assembly elections on its own, the PPCC is now trying to	galvanise its grassroots workers. The BJP has already begun efforts to spread wings in the state's rural pockets.
Sowing crops without burning stubble
Rampura (Bathinda), October 2
While many farmers continue to flout the norms and burn paddy straw, an award-winning progressive farmer has found an alternative.
Darshan Sidhu with a shredder-chopper in Rampura on Sunday; and (right) paddy stubble on fire. Tribune photos: Pawan sharma
Camel milk in high demand to treat autistic kids
Faridkot, November 2
Following belief that raw camel milk is beneficial for mentally retarded children, particularly those suffering from autism, this drink of the nomadic people from Rajasthan is in high demand in the area.
desert delight: Nomads of Rajasthan give their kids camel milk
Now, file complaints online at common service centres
Gurdaspur, November 2
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Grievances has decided to let people file complaints online against bureaucrats at the 270 Common Service Centres (CSCs) in the district at nominal charges. People can file their complaints on publicgrievancespb.gov.in for Rs 10 each.
Residents at a common service centre in Gurdaspur. Tribune file photo
Industry opposes fresh charges levied by MC
Ludhiana, November 2
Demand notices to industrial units by the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation for depositing water and sewerage sharing charges have created a wave of resentment among industrialists. A joint meeting of industrial associations will be held here tomorrow to chalk out a strategy against the MC move.
695 detonators found near Kapurthala Cantonment
The recovery of detonators and cartridges in the vicinity of the Kapurthala Cantonment today spread panic in the city.
faith warriors: Gatka artistes perform during a nagar kirtan taken out ahead of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in Muktsar on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
4,000 Sikhs to visit Pakistan for Gurpurb celebrations
Lahore, November 2
Around 4,000 Sikhs from India and other countries are expected to reach Pakistan on Tuesday in connection with the 546th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev. They will visit his birthplace Nankana Sahib in Punjab province.
Three Fazilka buildings get heritage status
Fazilka, November 2
The state government has granted heritage status to three historical buildings situated in Fazilka town. The Culture Affairs, Archaeology and Museum Department, Punjab, has granted heritage status to Raghuvar Bhawan, the Goal Kothi and the Bangla.
Govt must nab bigwigs in drug trade: Sharma
The state BJP has decided to take up the issue of drug menace in Punjab with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. It has advised Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to show "political will" to nab the bigwigs involved in the drug trade.
1984 riots: Sikh outfits begin 'justice march'
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1984 riots, activists of various Sikh organisations, led by the Dal Khalsa, Damdami Taksal and SAD (Panch Pardani), today started a march under the banner of 'Rights and Justice March'.
Sikh activists take out a march seeking justice for the 1984 riot victims in Amritsar on Sunday. tribune photo: vishal kumar
State govt yet to lift ban on Kothari report
A report on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots published by the Peoples' Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) and the Peoples' Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) continues to be banned in Punjab.
Tension over satsang by dera followers
Tarn Taran, November 2
Tension prevailed in this border district after activists of various Sikh outfits opposed a satsang by followers of Divya Jyoti Jagran Sansthan (DJJS) here today.
Man jailed for selling beef fat as ghee
Patiala, November 2
The Special CBI Court has awarded four-year imprisonment to four persons in the beef tallow case dating back to 1982.
BSF guns down smuggler, seizes Rs 110-crore heroin
Khasa (Amritsar), November 2
The BSF has gunned down an Indian smuggler and injured two others at Bohar Wadala border outpost in Gurdaspur sector. Two of their accomplices managed to escape.
BSF IG Ashok Kumar and other officials near Bohar Wadala in Gurdaspur. Photo: vishal kumar
Arms smuggling kingpin arrested
The district police today arrested Gursher Singh Pannu of Chandigarh, an alleged prime accused in the racket involving sale of smuggled firearms. He was travelling in a BMW car sporting red beacon in the town.
Crime on the rise in Batala
11 cases have been registered in the last 12 days
Batala, November 2
The Batala Police have come under fire with the incidents of crime on the rise in the city. Robbery incidents are being reported almost everyday in the city and adjoining villages. Eleven cases have been registered in the last 12 days.
10 tippers used for illegal mining impounded
Ropar, November 2
The police impounded 10 tippers and three JCB machines allegedly being used for illegal mining at Bhaddal village yesterday. The identity of the owner of the plant from where these machines were impounded was yet to be ascertained.
Nine arrested for theft
Fatehgarh Sahib, November 2
The Mullepur police have arrested nine persons, including six women, for stealing steel from various factories and shops in Mandi Gobindgarh and recovered seven quintals of stolen steel from their possession.
Farmers suffer Rs 4,000 per acre loss, blame irrigation officials
Farmers blamed irrigation officials who allegedly failed to curtail the release of water in view of low demand. The officials denied the allegations.
The breach occurred in Musa and Uddat branch near Bhikhi. It damaged recently sown wheat crop over a large area. Farmers reportedly suffered a loss of around Rs 4,000 per acre.
Requesting anonymity, an irrigation official said: "The farmers these days are busy sowing wheat. The demand for water is less, but the release of water has not been curtailed by irrigation officials following which the breach took place".
Jhanda Singh, a farmer of Kheeva Dyalu village who had sown wheat crop over four acres a week ago, said: "I have suffered a loss of more than Rs 4,000 per acre. I own two acres of land and have taken another two acres on lease. Many farmers shut the water flow to their fields, but the department failed to curtail the release of water in canals. We will not be able to sow wheat for at least a month."
Dalbir Singh Dhaliwal, Executive Engineer, Irrigation, said: "The system is old. The rivers and canals have not been cleaned for a long time for the want of funds. Choking of canals leads to breaches. There is a good demand for water these days. We are regularly keeping a vigil over the release of water."
Earlier in September, heavy rainfall had led to multiple breaches in Uddat branch passing through villages of Sardulgarh and Budhlada sub-divisions leaving about 24 villages submerged. At that time also villagers had accused the Irrigation Department of failing to make any effort to check overflowing branches that led to multiple breaches.
Perneet Singh
Amritsar MP Capt Amarinder Singh interacts with mediapersons in Amritsar on Sunday. Tribune photo: Vishal Kumar
Talking to the media here today, he said the people of Punjab were disillusioned with the BJP as well as the SAD.
"It is immaterial whether the BJP fights elections in alliance with the Akalis or decides to go it alone. The BJP is mistaken if it thinks that it can walk out of the alliance and project itself as an honest party," he said.
Attacking the RSS for holding "shakhas" in the state's rural areas, the former Chief Minister warned that this could lead to a communal divide and threaten peace in the state. He asked the RSS leadership to reconsider its decision. On the compensation announced for the 1984 riot-hit families, he said the victims wanted justice. He said there had been undue delay in delivering justice to the victims and blamed the judiciary for it. He demanded compensation for the victims of terrorist violence too.
To a query, he said the BJP, which was preparing for the Assembly elections in Delhi, was trying to cash in on Sikh sentiments. That was why it had announced aid for the riot victims. He said his party's stand on transferring Chandigarh to Punjab was clear. "It was then Congress Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who had signed the peace accord with Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, giving Chandigarh to Punjab," he said.
Amarinder Singh said the Congress had already distanced itself from the views expressed by senior leader Digvijay Singh that it was time that Rahul Gandhi took over as party president. "Sonia Gandhi is a fine leader and the best person to lead the Congress. Rahul Gandhi is performing an equally important role as vice-president," he said.
Amarinder claimed the Punjab Congress stood as one. He said certain issues needed to be resolved and these had been brought to the notice of the party high command.
Anirudh Gupta
Workers of the Punjab Youth Congress along with the NSUI, Aam Aadmi Party and Bharti KIsan Union (Ugraha) have been sitting on a dharna outside the office of the Divisional Railway Manager since October 27.
Amritsar MP Capt Amarinder Singh has ridiculed the Union Railway Ministry and the state government for the delay in the resumption of the train. Captain alleged the Badals were not keen on getting the train service resumed as it would severely dent their transport business.
The train fare between Ferozepur and Chandigarh was around Rs 90 whereas the commuters had to shell out more than Rs 400 for bus travel, he said.
AAP MP from Faridkot Prof Sadhu Singh also joined the agitation today. He said both Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Badal had failed to take up the matter with the Centre due to their vested interests. He accused the state BJP leaders of being "partners in crime" with the ruling SAD.
Vikram Chowdhry, president, Punjab Youth Congress, condemned the ministry for delaying the train which was "approved" in the Rail Budget-2014. The Ferozepur-Chandigarh Express was started as a holiday special train in June, but despite getting a good reponse, the train was discontinued.
Naresh Chander Goyal, DRM, Ferozepur, said they were waiting for an approval from the higher authorities to resume the service.
Parminder Singh Pinki, Ferozepur MLA, said he had taken up the matter with the railway officials who had assured him that the service would commence from November 30.
State BJP president Kamal Sharma, too, said he had taken up the matter with Union Railway Minister.
The Badals are not keen on getting the train service resumed as it will severely dent their transport business. The rail fare between Ferozepur and Chandigarh is around ~90 whereas the commuters have to pay over ~400 for bus travel
—Capt Amarinder Singh, Amritsar MP
Raj Sadosh
In the Abohar-Sriganganagar region, four trains would not be operational. The railway staff have been directed not to entertain requests for reservation scheduled after December 30.
The 130007/08 Udyan Abha Toofan Express running on the Mughal Sarai-Delhi-Abohar-Sriganganagar route stands cancelled.
Among the cancelled trains passing through Bathinda are: 12455/56 Delhi-Sarai Rohilla-Abohar-Sriganganagar-Bikaner AC superfast express, 14525/26 Ambala-Abohar-Sriganganagar intercity service and 14713/14 Jammu Tawi-Abohar-Sriganganagar service. In the list of other trains passing through Punjab are: 19611/12 and 19613/14, both Amritsar to Ajmer; 14681/82 New Delhi-Jalandhar Cantt, 15209/10 Amritsar-Saharsa, 12037/38 New Delhi-Ludhiana, 12043-44 New Delhi-Moga and 13255/56 Chandigarh-Danapur express.
Commuters harassed
The Railway Passengers Association (North Zone) said the Northern Railways had on December 14 last year chalked out a detailed safety and operational plan to reduce the woes of commuters.
"A total of 350 trains were reportedly equipped with fog-safety devices to avert any possible mishap due to drop in visibility. The Railways also claim to have installed fog-safe or fog-pass devices in locomotives, with a GPS-based system that shows the position of the approaching signal through audio and visual indication. Now what happened to these tall claims of having advanced equipment in place?" said Hanuman Dass Goyal, association secretary.
AAP sees conspiracy
Aam Aadmi Party's regional secretary Ashok Garg alleged that the BJP-led Union Government's move would mean harassment for the Punjab people. He alleged it could be due to strained relations between the BJP and the Akali Dal after the Haryana elections.
Consumer Movement chairman Satpal Khariwal said the Railways had earned revenue worth crores by running 12455/56 Delhi-Sarai Rohilla-Abohar-Sriganganagar AC express with extra sleeper and general seating coaches last year. Its discontinuation would cause inconvenience to the commuters, he said. Divisional Railway Consumers Consultative Committee former member Madan Lal Bhalotia said with the cancellation of Udyan Abha train, there would be no night service available for Delhi and Chandigarh.
Devinder Pal, secretary of Pal Sabha, an NGO run by migrants, said, "The workers will have no train for 47 days to visit their native places in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar."
On his first visit to hometown Hanumangarh after taking over as Cabinet Minister, Dr Ram Pratap today said the SAD-BJP Government should check canal water pollution. The Rajasthan Irrigation Minister said, "Punjab too had suffered from the ill effects of pollution and therefore should curb pollution. Several people suffer from fatal diseases that have sprung up due to unchecked pollution in canal water. West Rajasthan, which has large population of Punjabis, also suffers from the problem as polluted water flows into it."
Hanumangarh Zila Parishad chairperson Shobha Doodi and vice-chairperson Shabnam Godara has already approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT), seeking a check on water pollution. The NGT had pulled the state for the delay in filing the status report.
Meanwhile, Dr Ram Pratap reached Pallu at 11 am. He offered prayers at an ancient temple. BJP legislators Rajinder Bhadoo (Suratgarh), Abhishek Matoria (Nohar), Daropadi Meghwal (Peelibanga) former legislators Ram Pratap Kaswan, Dharminder Mochi and BJP district president Pradeep Beniwal welcomed the minister.
Hundreds of people cheered the minister on the garlanded streets of Rawatsar, Lakhuwali, and Kohlan in Hanumangarh. Pratap also said Punjab and Rajasthan would have to take effective steps to check theft of water in the canal system that originates from Harike headworks.
He said the Indira Gandhi canal needed to be repaired immediately as there had been substantial loss of water due to seepage.
On the prolonged agitation of farmers of 30 villages affected by waterlogging, he said, "The state government will address the issue. The government has earmarked Rs 3 crore to conduct survey and find remedies. I am aware of the ground realities and I will brief Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on the matter."
Blames media for 'creating baseless reports of rift between the coalition partners'
"The relations between the Akalis and the BJP are intact. The combine is running one of the most secular state governments in the country," Badal said, asking the media to play a constructive role.
He said the victims of terrorism in the state should be given compensation as had been announced for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims.
The Chief Minister visited a local sports school today to attend a function to mark the 25 years of service to humanity by the Diocese of Jalandhar, headed by Bishop Franco Mulakkal.
Addressing the gathering, Badal said the government would provide land for burial ground to the Christian community across the state. He said directions had already been given to the deputy commissioners to identify land for the purpose.
He claimed the government had taken several path-breaking initiatives for the welfare of every strata of the society.
Vatican ambassador Arch Bishop Salvatore Pennacchio, who was also present, conveyed a message of Pope Francis to the Chief Minister in view of the upcoming Gurpurb.
The relations between the Akalis and the BJP are intact. The combine is running one of the most secular state governments in the country... The government has taken several path-breaking initiatives for the welfare of every strata of the society
—Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister
Ruchika M Khanna
The state Congress wants to be seen as a credible alternative to the SAD-BJP alliance. Though publicly Congress leaders maintain that the BJP is unlikely to pull it off on its own in Punjab, in private they say they are worried at the BJP wooing known Sikh faces. There have been reports of several Congress and SAD leaders having met BJP or RSS leaders recently.
The BJP has appointed Ram Shankar Katheria in charge of the party affairs in Punjab. A Dalit, he may swing the huge Dalit votebank in BJP's favour. Traditionally, the Dalits have backed the Congress.
But the SAD's Atta-Dal Scheme in 2012 proved a gamechanger with the Dalits voting for the SAD en bloc. Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa admits that grassroots-level workers feel alienated. This, he says, may create space for another political force in the state. 'I am re-casting the organisational structure and by mid-December, ahead of elections to municipal bodies, we will have booth-level committees in place.
"The restructuring will help the party in the MC elections and for any future challenge ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections," he said. He claimed that rebellion within the party had been curbed and a united Congress would not yield space to any other political party.
Party in a dilemma
The Congress in Punjab wants to be seen as a credible alternative to the SAD-BJP alliance
Congress leaders, in private, admit they are worried at the BJP trying to woo Sikh leaders into the party fold
There have been reports of several Congress and Akali leaders having met either BJP or RSS leaders
In a strategic move, the BJP has appointed Ram Shankar Katheria in charge of party affairs in Punjab
A Dalit, Katheria is expected to swing the sizeable Dalit votebank in Punjab in BJP's favour
Bathinda farmer uses new machine, shredder-chopper, to sow potatoes
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Darshan Singh Sidhu has planted potato crop on seven acres with the help of a shredder-chopper. Sidhu treated the straw with the machine and mixed it with the soil.
Sidhu has won awards at Krishi Basant at Nagpur (Madhya Pradesh), Progressive Punjab Summit at Chappan Chirri. Moreover, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has recommended using the shredder-chopper to farmers.
Dr Jatinder Brar, in charge of the farmer's advisory scheme at the KVK, said, "The machine designed by Gurtej Singh Channi of Siriwala village has been recommended because of its appreciable results on the ground." The state government this year sold 200 shredder-choppers to farmers at a price of around Rs 2.25 lakh each.
Sidhu said "I am convinced that burning stubble is not beneficial either to mankind or the living organisms in the soil. I met Channi, who has developed the machine, at his workshop two years ago. I began using the machine and have got good yield."
He said that farm research showed that the temperature rose to about 400 degrees Celsius when farmers burnt stubble. This killed all life, including microorganisms in the soil, he said.
He said research showed that at least 37 per cent of the microorganism population was eliminated in the fire, affecting the nutrition and growth of the new crop.
"The fire releases harmsful gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Research has also showed that stubble burning led to skin irritations and causes cough," he added.
Smoke 'claims' life
A 70-year-old farmer Jaswant Singh of Lehera Dhulkot village fainted and subsequently died while crossing a burning field last Tuesday.
His son Gama Singh said the tragedy would not have occurred had the state government strictly enforced the ban on stubble burning. Sources said Jaswant Singh could have died of asphyxiation.
Effects of stubble burning
Farm research shows stubble burning kills all life, including microorganisms
This affects the growth of the new crop
The fire releases harmful gases such as methane and nitrous oxide
What he says
Burning stubble is not beneficial to the living organisms in the soil. The machine has helped me get good yield
—Darshan Singh Sidhu, Progressive farmer
Balwant Garg
Baba Farid Centre for Special Children in Faridkot is sourcing 30 litres of camel milk daily from the National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner (Rajasthan). The parents of autistic children from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and other parts of the country are all praise for the milk.
The milk is supplied frozen and thawed, as per requirement, so that there is no adverse effect on its quality.
Autism spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterised, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviours.
But Pritpal Singh, Baba Farid centre in charge, says the disorder is not related to brain. "Autism is not a brain affliction, but an auto-immune illness afflicting primarily the intestines. The camel milk is beneficial in calming this inflammation," he says, quoting Dr Reuven Yagil, an Israeli camel expert.
Dr Yagil first described the use of camel milk in treating autism. Besides reducing autism symptoms, the milk induces better sleep and improves various skills, including spatial awareness, eye-to-eye contact and language ability, he says.
As camel milk does not contain casein or lactoglobulin, two allergenic components found in other forms of milk, it is not problematic for autistic children, says Pritpal.
The National Research Centre on Camel is in the process of conducting studies to determine the role that camel milk plays in reducing food allergy and autism symptoms, says Dr Raghvendar Singh, Principal Scientist (Animal Biochemistry) at the centre.
Dr Raghvendar says though researchers believe the camel milk has great medicinal value, the studies and clinical trials that would be conducted would substantiate the medicinal values, if any.
Four years ago, a German laboratory confirmed that the camel milk from the Baba Farid centre improved the condition of 80 per cent of the 149 neurologically disabled children whose hair samples showed high level of uranium and other heavy metals, he says.
Magic drink
Baba Farid Centre for Special Children in Faridkot has been supplying camel milk to a variety of customers
It has been sourcing 30 litres daily from the National Research Centre on Camel in Bikaner, Rajasthan
The demand has been coming from as far as Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and other parts of the country
The camel milk does not contain casein or lactoglobulin, two allergenic components found in other forms of milk
State government takes step to keep tabs on bureaucrats
Ravi Dhaliwal
The All India Society for Electronics and Computer Technology (AISECT), a venture of the Union Government's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, had established 270 CSCs, also known as Gram Suvidha Kendras, at different locations in the district. These CSCs, manned by a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE), provide over 250 services. Some of these services include handing out driving licenses, payment of electricity and mobile bills (BSNL), phone recharges, police clearance certificates, Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards and permission to use loud speakers.
Moreover, people can also have access to computer courses of CV Raman University, Bhopal and AISECT and deposit and withdraw money from nationalised bank accounts. The centres have linked up with Punjab National Bank, Punjab Gramin Bank, Bank of India and State Bank of Patiala.
The VLEs are handling the centres as franchises, paying the AISECT Rs 2.34 lakh for each centre. The VLE ends up earning money ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000 per month from the centre. The AISECT provides the VLE with computer hardware, generators, printers, scanners and furniture.
Officials claim that this service, which is called G2C (Government to Citizen), will help residents complain against bureaucrats without fear. Services provided at these centres would come under the Right to Service (RTS) Act. Sanjeev Sarpal, state co-ordinator, AISECT, said that all the 1,600 odd villages of the district had been connected with these centres.
About the centres
The centres provide over 250 services
Some of these services include handing out driving licenses, payment of electricity and mobile bills
People can also recharge phones, get police clearance certificates, Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards
Manav Mander
Gurmeet Singh Kular, president of the Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation, said:
"Two inter-office memos were issued by the state government in 1992 and 2005 to municipal corporations/committees on sharing the charges. Based on these memos, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation has issued demand notices to the industrial units for sharing the infrastructure cost. We are of the opinion that these inter-office instructions are not applicable to individual industrial units."
He said the memos dated October 23, 1992, and March 23, 2005, clearly mentioned that infrastructure charges were to be levied on hospitals, Urban Estate, Improvement Trust, Industrial Area, schools and colleges and not individual industrial units.
Charanjit Singh Vishvakarma, president, United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association. said since the industrial units were being billed for water supply and sewerage services, they should not be made to pay any fresh charges."
"The industry is going through a financial crunch. Industrialists in Ludhiana have already paid development charges, property tax, water charges, disposal charges and sewerage charges. Any fresh charges are uncalled for," said Badish Jindal, president, Federation of Association of Small Industries of India.
Pardeep Aggarwal, Commissioner, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, said: "These charges were levied in 1992 and the rates were revised in 2005. These are one-time charges and many institutions and industrial units have already paid these. Demand notices have been issued to those who did not pay the charges when they were given water supply connections."
The objections
Industry is not an individual institution
Objections have not been sought to imposing these charges
Industry is already paying disposal, water and sewerage charges
Units have also paid external development charges (EDC)
Theses charges should be imposed on PUDA, PSIEC for charging plot-holders
Nikhil Bhardwaj
Detonators and cartridges found in Kapurthala on Sunday; and (below) Army and police officers inspect the ammunition. Tribune photos: Malkiat Singh
The Kapurthala police and Army officials rushed to the spot. The ammunition was found in an empty plot on Old Cantonment Road. Dhanpreet Kaur, SSP, Kapurthala, said three bags containing 695 detonators, 20 spent cartridges and two live cartridges had been found. "We are in touch with the Army and in a day or two, the matter will be resolved," she said.
Sources said the police had written to bomb squad experts at the PAP, Jalandhar. Defence PRO Naresh Vig said the Army had ordered an inquiry into the case. The recovery has put the police on their toes. The role of arms smugglers cannot be ruled out, sources said.
"Around 3,000 Sikhs are expected to reach Wagah Border on Tuesday from India and 1,000 from European countries to take part in the festivities at Nankana Sahib," Evacuee Trust Property Board Deputy Director (Shrines) Fraz Abbas said today.
"Amrat Jal" (holy water) will be gifted to Indian Sikhs for the first time on their arrival here on November 4. The Pakistan Government has called in Rangers for their security.
Abbas said the board and the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee officials would receive Indian pilgrims at Wagah and ensure that they were provided with all facilities relating to immigration, customs and foreign exchange. They would also be served food at the border.
"For the first time, Amrat Jal will be gifted in sealed bottles to Indian pilgrims. We have cleaned the sacred well at Gurdwara Janamesthan Nankana Sahib (80 km from Lahore)," he added.
About security arrangements, he said, "Since Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary falls in the month of Muharram, we have taken extraordinary security measures for the vising Sikh pilgrims. Besides the police, Elite Force commandos and Rangers will also be deployed for the security of visiting pilgrims."
He said the board that looked after the holy places of minorities in the country had also arranged four special trains in Sindh and Peshawar to bring Sikhs and Hindus to Nankana Sahib for the festivities. The major event would be held at Nankana Sahib on November 6. Yatrees would also organise a nagar kirtan from Janam Asthan to Gurdwara Tanbu Sahib. — PTI
Praful Chander Nagpal
(From left) Raghuvar Bhawan, Goal Kothi and Bangla that have been granted heritage status by the Punjab Government. Tribune photos
Deputy Commissioner Manjeet Singh Brar said the department had issued separate notifications for these buildings under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
Brar said Fazilka residents' long-pending demand was accepted by the state government following sustained efforts by the district administration. These buildings would now be maintained by the Culture Affairs, Archaeology and Museum Department, he said.
Social organisations of the town launched an agitation seeking heritage status for the Raghuvar Bhawan last month. They ended the agitation after the district administration assured them that their demand would be fulfilled soon.
People from different walks of life have lauded the efforts of the district administration in getting heritage status for these buildings.
Dr Bhupinder Singh and Navdeep Asija, patron and general secretary, respectively, of the Graduate Welfare Association, Ashok Gulbadhar, president of the Beopar Mandal, and Raj Kishore Kalra, president of the Social Welfare Society, have hailed the government decision. This would help younger generations to know about the culture and glorious past of the town, they said.
State BJP president Kamal Sharma has asked the state government to initiate firm steps to check the drug menace and show "more commitment" to resolving the issue.
"The state is becoming a hub for international drug suppliers. Even as the state government has initiated a campaign against drugs, it needs to ensure that the campaign momentum does not decline. The state government must take strict action against all individuals involved in the trade, irrespective of their party affiliations," Sharma said.
The organisations plan to petition the United Nations against the government's "utter failure" to get justice to the riot victims. A cavalcade of 100 vehicles today left for Delhi to meet UN officials, seeking the world body's intervention. Sikh youths, waving saffron flags and carrying placards, led the march in the city.
Earlier, an 'ardas' was performed at Akal Takht to pay homage to those killed in the riots. Dal Khalsa head HS Dhami and Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa claimed though official figures of the death toll was 2,733, at least 8,000 Sikhs were butchered in the riots. Explaining the march to the UN office, Dhami said: "We see no place for refuge except the United Nations and its institutions."
He said a joint memorandum by representatives of ethnic and religious minorities, including the Muslims, Christians, Tamils and Nagas would be submitted at the UN headquarters on the conclusion of the march at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi tomorrow.
Wounds still fresh: Jathedar
The Akal Takht Jathedar, Giani Gurbachan Singh, said a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each of the riot-hit families was not enough and that justice too should be delivered to them.
He was addressing a gathering after a 'bhog' ceremony at the Golden Temple. He said the SGPC would not rest till the guilty were punished.
Sarbjit Dhaliwal
Authored by Rajni Kothari and Gobind Makhoti, the report was published in English and Punjabi a few days after the riots. It was banned in February 1985 when Punjab was under President's rule.
Under the title " Doshi Kaun Han", it was published by Prof Jagmohan Singh, a relative of martyr Bhagat Singh, then general secretary of the Democratic Rights Sabha. The report carries vivid details of the riots in Sultanpuri, Mangolpuri and Trilokpuri.
"Despite several representations to the state government to lift the ban, there has been no response," said Prof Jagmohan Singh. "We want the ban on the report, published in the form of a booklet, be lifted immediately," he said.
The report highlights the role played by senior Congress leaders in inciting the rioters. It also says that police officials at various levels chose to turn a blind eye to the killing of Sikhs and did not respond to calls for help. The report also talks about Hindu families who saved Sikh families by giving them shelter in their homes.
The activists gathered at Sri Guru Arjun Dev sarai and decided to disrupt the weekly satsang programme of the dera followers.
A heavy police force was deployed near DJJS Bhawan located on the Muradpur road.
Deputy Commissioner Bawlinder Singh Dhaliwal said sensing trouble, the dera followers decided against holding the satsang. The Sikh activists demanded the closure of all DJJS bhawans saying that they would not allow any congregation on their premises.
Earlier last week, dera followers and Sikh activists had clashed at Jodhpur village in which several persons were injured. — OC
The CBI had registered a case against 11 persons, including Bathinda businessman Dwarka Dass Mittal, his wife Ved Kumari Mittal, sons Rajinder Mittal and Vinod Mittal, Harpinder Singh of Amritsar and Subhash Chand and Tarlok Chand of Narvana.
Additional District and Session Judge Kuldeep Singh awarded four-year imprisonment to Rajinder Singh Mittal, Harpinder Singh, Subhash Chand and Tarlok Chand as all other accused had died during the course of trial. The court has also slapped a fine of Rs 18,000 on Rajinder Mittal and Rs 15,000 each on the remaining three accused. The case was registered after beef tallow was found in the tanks of Bathinda Chemical Limited involved in the manufacturing of vegetable oil and soaps in 1982. Food inspectors Dr Seeta Ram and Kishan Chand had taken samples of beef tallow from the tanks.
Two complaints were lodged against Dwarka Dass Mittal, his wife Ved Kumari and sons Rajinder and Vinod under Section 16 of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The then Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate discharged the accused in 1987 on the basis that cognisance of the complaints by food inspectors could not be taken as they were not authorised to do so by the state government.
A writ petition was then filed against the verdict and the Additional Sessions Judge ordered further inquiry into the case by the CBI court. After years of investigations and hearing, the CBI court last evening announced the judgment against the four accused.
A case was registered against 11 persons after beef tallow was found in the tanks of Bathinda Chemical Limited in 1982
Two complaints were lodged against Bathinda businessman Dwarka Dass Mittal, his wife Ved Kumari Mittal, sons Rajinder Mittal and Vinod Mittal among others
The accused were discharged in 1987
A writ petition was then filed against the verdict, following which the CBI Court was told to investigate the case
PK Jaiswar
Heroin weighing 22 kg, estimated to be around Rs 110 crore in the international market, four mobile phones with Pakistani SIM cards, a pistol, three magazines with 30 rounds and two pouches of opium (35 gm) were seized, said BSF Inspector General Ashok Kumar. The operation was carried out following intelligence inputs. Kumar said with the help of thermal imagers, the BSF observed suspicious movements of Pakistani smugglers and their Indian counterparts near the border fence.
"When challenged, the smugglers opened fire at us. During retaliation, three Indian smugglers, Tasveer Singh (45), Balwinder Singh (45) and Fateh Singh (25) of Sahoor Kalan village in Kalanaur (Gurdaspur) were injured. Tasveer succumbed to his injuries," he said.
Tasveer was reportedly facing trial in nine criminal cases, including those of drug trafficking. He was in jail since 2009 and was released on bail only in March. He was arrested again and released in May.
Kumar said those who escaped had been identified. He said the seizure was made close to the border outpost of Pakistan Rangers. He said the BSF would lodge a protest with the Rangers in this regard.
The BSF authorities gave Rs 1.25 lakh cash reward to its personnel who made the seizure. The BSF recently stepped up vigil on the border to nail smugglers approaching the fence for retrieving drug consignments sneaked into the Indian territory by their Pakistani counterparts.
Three Indian smugglers have been killed in recent instances. On the intervening night of September 23-24, the BSF gunned down two smugglers in Khalra sector. They noticed suspicious movement of Pakistani smugglers who were trying to throw some packets towards this side of the border.
As the BSF challenged them, the Pakistani smugglers fled while their Indian counterparts started firing at the paramilitary personnel. The retaliatory firing killed the smugglers. A magazine and seven live cartridges were recovered.
The seizures
Heroin weighing 22 kg
Four mobile phones with Pakistani SIM cards
A pistol, three magazines with 30 rounds
2 opium pouches (35 gm)
The police seized an illegal fire weapon, 32 live cartridges, Rs 10 lakh, four mobile phones and several documents from his possession. He is elder brother of Gurtej Singh Pannu, one of the 12 accused named in the case so far. Gurtej had been absconding since the district police registered a case against him two weeks ago, said Narender Singh, Station House Officer, Faridkot.
The involvement of Gurtej and his brother Gursher in the case has landed some senior state Congress leaders in a difficult situation as Gurtej is known for his closeness with senior PPCC functionaries. Police investigations revealed that when Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited Chandigarh on October 16, Gurtej was seen moving around him.
The police claimed the brothers were involved in several criminal cases. They had been in the business of smuggling prohibited and sophisticated firearms from the US and other countries and selling these in India with the help of forged documents in connivance with some gun dealers.
They had also sold such weapons to several gangsters and had provided shelter to them, the police alleged.
The police have named two gun dealers of Abohar and Mansa in the case. One of them, Ranjit Singh, is already in police custody.
Having made five arrests so far, the police have identified 27 smuggled weapons which were sold to some politically connected influential persons. These weapons were sold at an average price of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh each. Ten of these weapons have already been recovered.
The police claimed the accused even smuggled prohibited weapons and sold in Punjab. They have identified a US-made Glock factory handgun, a prohibited weapon which was sold in the state. Only the Ministry of Home Affairs grants licence for such weapons.
Was in red-beacon car
Gursher Singh Pannu of Chandigarh is the prime accused in the racket involving sale of smuggled firearms
His brother Gurtej Singh Pannu is one of the 12 accused named in the case so far
Gurtej had been on the run since the police busted the gang two weeks ago
He is reportedly close to several senior PPCC functionaries
The police claim the brothers had been smuggling prohibited firearms and selling these through forged documents
The police have identified 27 smuggled weapons, sold to some politically connected persons
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manminder Singh said since he took over a few weeks ago, he had been personally monitoring the cases. He said the police personnel were trying hard to solve the cases.
Some of the incidents that occurred in the recent past have been listed below. On November 1, two unidentified persons snatched a purse from a woman near local ITI College. Another woman was also robbed of her gold chain near BUC College.
On October 31, some unidentified persons broke into three houses at the posh Diamond Colony and stole gold and silver ornaments. On October 30, some unidentified persons reportedly barged into a mobile shop at Qadian and stole 15 mobile phones and Rs 50,000 in cash.
On October 28, two persons reportedly killed a migrant labourer in the city, when the latter refused to pay them extortion money. On the same night, three unidentified persons opened fire at the Principal of DIPS School near Achal village, while he was returning from school. In another incident, some unidentified persons barged into a house at Shakla village and stole some gold ornaments and cash on the day.
On October 26, unidentified persons broke into a house at Shastri Nagar and stole 250 grams of gold ornaments and Rs 50,000.
Moreover, two unidentified persons snatched a purse containing a gold ring from a woman near Udhanwal bus stop on the same day.
On October 22, unidentified persons barged into a house at Sekhri Mohalla locality and fled with gold ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.
Fuel station employee robbed of Rs 50,000
Two motorcycle-borne youths shot at a fuel station employee and decamped with cash of Rs 50,000 in Batal on Sunday
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manminder Singh said various teams had been set up to nab the robbers
The incident happened late yesterday night at Atwal village. The victim identified as Daler Singh has been injured in the leg
The robbers stole a bag containing ~50,531
He has been admitted to the Batala Civil Hospital, where doctors claimed he was out of danger
The SSP has directed Sri Hargobindpur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Parminder Singh Gill to conduct preliminary investigations
Mining Minister Madan Mohan Mittal was passing through the area yesterday when he noticed tippers and machines at a plant. He stopped there to inquire whether the plant was set up with due permission from the authorities. Labourers and drivers of vehicles, however, fled the spot even before the car of the minister came to a halt at the plant.
A case was later registered under Sections 21 of the IPC and the Mining and Minerals Act 1957. Mining Department General Manager Chaman Lal said the credentials of the owner of the plant could not be ascertained so far.
Those arrested were identified as Faujan, Narma, Rashmi, Raseelo, Kali, Maya, Sanjay, Soni, Anguri, Mathon (all residents of Brahman Majra in Sirhind), Jeet Singh of Tarkhanmajra and Rajinder Singh of Mandi Gobindgarh. — TNS
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