R E G I O N A L   B R I E F S

PUNJAB

ABOHAR
Body found: The body of an unidentified woman was found in a water course at Bahavwala village, near here, on Friday. Sources said Mr Jagmail Singh, a farmer, noticed the body while irrigating the fields. He informed the nearby police post immediately. 

Batala
Cops suspended: The SSP Batala, Mr Jatinder Jain, suspended an ASI, Mr Chanan Singh, posted at Urban Estate and two Head Constables posted at the Civil Hospital outpost for dereliction of duty. They were found absent from duty during surprise checking on Thursday.

Encroachments: Despite strict instructions of the high court regarding encroachments, authorities are avoiding taking action against encroachers. A permanent tin shed has been raised on the footpath of Hansali bridge here under the nose of the administration. Encroachments by hawkers have added to traffic chaos.

Hoshiarpur
Dalit Sena chiefs: The following have been appointed presidents of various segments of Dalit Sena, according to Mr Om Parkash Jakhu, district president: Hoshiarpur -- Mr Gian Chand Saini; Tanda -- Mr Tarsem Kumar; Garhdiwala-- Mr Tekchand; Mahilpur -- Mr Surjit Singh; Shamchaurasi-- Mr Ravi Dass; Garhshankar -- Mr Hari Dev; Mukerian -- Mr Ashok Kumar and for Dasuya -- Mr Mohan Singh.

Compensation awarded: The District Consumer Forum headed by Mr B S Gupta, President, Mrs Manjit Valia and Mr Amarjit Singh Jauhar, members, while observing that Punjab National Bank had failed to trace the FDR of complainant Resham Singh Saini of Dasuya, awarded a sum of Rs 1500 as compensation. The forum also awarded Rs 500 as cost of litigation to the complainant to be paid by PNB within two months.

Female foeticide: While reviewing activities under the PNDT Act during the past one year in the district here on Friday, Deputy Commissioner DK Tiwari advised officers of the Health Department to further intensify the campaign against female foeticide. He appealed to the people and social organisations to come forward to provide information about female foeticide.

Khanna
One killed: One person was killed and another injured when two trucks collided near Lalheri Road Chowk on Saturday morning. The injured has been admitted in Civil Hospital, Khanna. Bhag Singh, a resident of Kokari Kalan village in UP, was driving a truck which rammed into the rear of another truck due to brake failure.

Exhibition: An exhibition ‘The Woman 2006’ , put up by Agaaz, an NGO working for women, got underway on Friday at Maharaja Regency here. This exhibition has on display various consumer items, including jewellery designed by Nina Balsawar and Punita Trikha, fashion wear and consumer goods. An event directory of ‘The Woman 2006’ was also launched by Mr Surinder Dawar, Secretary Parliament, on the occasion.

HARYANA

Karnal
2 held with poppy husk: Two persons, Roshan Singh and Mahavir Singh, were nabbed for supplying poppy husk to Kurukshetra on Thursday. Over 141 kg of poppy husk was recovered from their possession. They are residents of Madhya Pradesh. A case under the NDPS Act has been registered at the Civil Lines police station.

SONEPAT
Two die in road accidents: Two youths, Achin of Delhi, and Anil died in different road accidents here . Achin was going on a motorcycle to Kurukshetra when he was knocked down by a truck on the GT Road on Thursday night. He died on the spot. In another incident, Anil, a local youth, was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a vehicle on Friday morning.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

BILASPUR
Budget welcomed: The HP State Beopar Mandal has welcomed the Budget proposals of the Chief Minister under which he proposed to reduce the market fee on all agricultural goods from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. Mandal president Hemchand Sood said here on Friday that the step would reduce prices of all agricultural products and provide relief to consumers.

MANDI
Irregularities alleged in varsity jobs: State BJP Yuva Morcha secretary Ajay Rana on Thursday alleged that the present Congress government had committed irregularities in recruitment in HP University over the past three years. In a statement issued here, he alleged that university authorities were working at the behest of political higher-ups and had misused power by granting recognition to educational institutions which did not fulfil the required norms.

NAHAN
Woman shot at, injured: An unidentified person fired at a woman, Ms Trishala Devi, on Wednesday in Parduni village under Paonta police station, critically injuring her as well as a teacher. District police chief DK Yadav said police parties had rushed to different places to trace the accused. Meanwhile, a dead body was recovered near Shila Bagh on Thursday which is yet to be identified.

SHIMLA
Students’ union lists demands: The Students' Central Association on Friday demanded restoration of the university autonomy and an increase in the budget. The SCA members gave a list of demands to the chairperson of the executive council, highlighting the problems of the students.