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Martyrs’ villages to don new look
Isru (Ludhiana), August 15 He said basic facilities like sewerage, sanitation, drinking water, roads and schools would be provided in these villages and and their families would be accorded full respect and financial assistance, if needed. Badal was addressing a state-level function organised to commemorate the martyrdom day of Master Karnail Singh at his native village here today. Paying tributes to Karnail Singh, Badal said he was a brave son of the country, who sacrificed himself while participating in Goa’s liberation movement. He said a large number of patriots had sacrificed their lives during the freedom movement and Punjabis had always remained in the forefront to liberate the country. The Chief Minister said his government had decided to celebrate all days relating to the martyrs by organising state-level functions. Badal regretted that even after 60 years of Independence, dreams of martyrs could not be fulfilled and many social problems like poverty, increasing population, unemployment, illiteracy and poor health care remained unresolved. Badal said a programme had been launched at a cost of Rs 3,540 crore for the repair and strengthening of 5,300-km roads in the state. He said all major highways in the state were being developed as six or four lanes at a cost of Rs 3,035 crore under a special programme. He said his government was committed to improving the education system in rural areas and Adarsh Model School was being set up in each constituency, where education facilities would be provided on a par with reputed Punjabi schools. In these schools quality education would be provided free of cost to intelligent poor children. He said the standard of education in all government schools in rural areas would be improved and 16,700 teachers would be recruited within two months. Referring to the demands of this village, Badal said it would be developed under the modern village scheme. He announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for the construction of a stadium and an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh to Charanjit Kaur, widow of Master Karnail Singh. Earlier, Badal and other leaders paid floral tributes at the statue of the martyr.
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Isru fair a flop show
Isru, (Ludhiana), August 15 Every year a four-day fair is organised in memory of Master Karnail Singh Isru, who laid down his life during the liberation movement of Goa. The fair starts on August 12 and concludes on August 15. On the last day different political parties hold conferences that are addressed by the leaders. This year there were only a few political conferences with Lok Bhalai Party of Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) having vanished from the scene. The conferences were organised by Shiromani Akali Dal, the Congress, the CPI and CPM(jointly), the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal). The attendance in these rallies was also very poor. Even the SAD function, which was state organised as it was to be addressed by the Chief Minister, remained lacklustre. The Congress conference was no better, although the area comes under Khanna Assembly segment. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president, Shamsher Singh Dullo who had contested from here against Bikramjit Singh Khalsa had lost in the last elections. The number of people at the BSP and the left parties’ pandals was also negligible. However, the presence at the BKU conference was slightly better than that at the BSP and the left parties conferences. LBP usually organises a good show as the party chief Ramoowalia would ensure the presence of at least one popular Punjabi singer like Harbhajan Mann. Since
the party did not organise a conference this time there was no question of Mann coming there. The message seemed to have travelled in advance. The SAD(A) could also not hold the conference this year as most of its top leadership is in the jail. The local residents said the number of people visiting the fair had been progressively declining every year. There is nothing much people can look forward to. Small vendors who set up their temporary shops too were a disappointed lot. Satpal, a shopkeeper said, he has been seeing the fair for the past 21 years but had never seen such poor participation of people. Even the local villagers did not seem very enthusiastic about the fair. Isru has a population of about 3,000 and is surrounded by about a half dozen villages. Usually there is such a huge rush of people that it is difficult to walk on the roads. But this year there were very few people. And most of them seemed to be “active and prominent workers” of the political parties who wanted to mark their presence with the respective leadership. Otherwise the common man preferred to stay away.
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Bhagat Singh’s ‘bhagat’
Ludhiana, August 15 That is not the end to similarities. Jagdish Bhagat Singh is how he has named himself. And this 50-year-old has not just added Bhagat Singh to his name but also in his mannerisms and spirit. The uncanny resemblance he bears to Bhagat Singh, that attracts people to him, has only intensified his emotions towards the great martyr. “The statue of Bhagat Singh in our village located near Kaithal used to attract me a lot. For hours, I would stand there watching the legend. It was then that I began reading about his contribution to the struggle to freedom,” said Singh, who was here today to meet the nephew of Bhagat Singh. The initial years saw him reading and attending functions related to Bhagat Singh. Place was no bar for him, he would just not miss a chance. During that period he got associated with a Panipat-based organisation that was engaged in works related to Bhagat Singh. And it was some 15 years ago that people began telling him that he resembled the great hero, after which Jagdish underwent a total change. From hat to the moustache and style of dressing, he adopted it all. Ditto with the name. “After this change, everyone calls me Bhagat Singh only, be it people in my office or my
neighbourhood. And each time I am addressed so, I feel ecstatic.” Among the moments of happiness was the time when he managed to get in touch with the martyr’s family. “I got to meet his brother Kultar Singh in
Saharnpur. Later, I got in touch with some other family members also.” His recent effort is to form the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Jagriti
Manch. With all this comes a lot of public attention that he gets. From school kids to older ones, people do not want to miss a chance to get photographed with him. Ask him if he is open to films and pat comes the reply: “So far, nothing of that sort has happened. I do not think that is my calling. I am dedicated to the real hero.”
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Knights of freedom
carry torch of hope
Prof Hajara Singh fondly remembers the days when his active participation in freedom struggle landed him in jail. Recalling the era when patriotic fervour ruled the country, he narrates,”The jailer did me a favour by allowing me to witness the hanging of martyrs”. Pen was his sword in his contribution to the great struggle. And the shift to democracy has not reduced the intensity of his emotions. And talk to him of the present generation and, unlike most of his counterparts, Singh would rather own the blame than blaming others. "Probably we are expecting too much of this generation. To expect them to be as patriotic, we need to set an example each day to them." Quite positive about the present day scenario, he feels it still is not too late to inculcate a scientific temprament. "Social equality, dignity of individuals and right justice must be attained. If the system attains that we would be successful." Among the menaces like international terrorism, which he feels is a threat to not just India but to the entire world. Individuals, he says, need to look within and ask them their national character. “That, precisely, would address most of our problems”. For 93-year-old Dewan Jagdish Chand, who was associated with the INA campaign, there was a need for political parties to contribute to the nation's development. Jailed thrice, he thinks honesty towards duty would build a stronger India. "Irrespective of which party is in power, the need is to strengthen the country. The tricolour should stand tall, very tall, and that should be our aim." Talk to Gurdial Kaur, president of the Lady Wing of freedom fighters, and one can feel the intensity of emotions. Even though she is not too happy about the present day state of affairs, she has not lost hope either. Awareness and efforts to fight against the wrong would go a long way in helping us work towards betterment of the nation, she feels. "It saddens me to see that corruption, lack of
commitment have become common. There is gross neglect of duty and absence of respect for individuals too. However, all this should not mean that we stop trying. For us to take the nation to glorious heights, it is we who have to try." The message is loud and clear.
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Gadar Party flag unfurled
Ludhiana, August 15 Trust members unfurled the flag of the Gadar Party on the occasion. J.S. Brar, president of the trust, while addressing a gathering, said, “Independence Day is a reminder of the struggle of freedom fighters. Baba Bhan Singh, who was served a life term, was born and brought up in this village.
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PSEB committed to provide better service
Ludhiana, August 15 Chief Engineer B.S Bath, who unfurled the national flag, said: "We should never forget that we have attained freedom after great struggle. The real tribute to the struggle would be to contribute our very best to the development of the country." Re-iterating the board's commitment to contribute towards agricultural and industrial development, he added , "The electricity board would continue to come out with ways to produce more electricity and provide better services to its consumers." Students of PAU school also presented a cultural programme on the occasion. The board also awarded meritorious children of employees. Among those who were given the awards were Taranjit Singh Rumi for hockey, Gurpreet Kaur for softball, Rupinder Kaur Nagi for hockey, Savina Khan, Manasi Bhatt and Simartej Singh Gill. As many as 50 employees were honoured for performing their duty efficiently. Freedom fighters honoured Showing a rare gesture of honour United India Insurance Company provided free insurance coverage of Rs 3 lakh and medical expenses to two freedom fighters on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations here today. The company provided free insurance coverage against personal accident risk for a capital sum insured of Rs 23 lakh alongwith medical expenses and householders' comprehensive policies covering personal effects and assets to Dewan Jagdish Chand and Prof Hazara Singh. Speaking on the occasion, Dewan Jagdish Chand said: "No happiness could have been more than the transition from slavery to freedom. We must strive to work towards the benefit of
our nation." Freedom fighters Sardari Lal Chopra, Darshan Kaur Bedi, Hajara Singh and Gurdial Kaur were also honoured. C.S. Tandon, chief regional manager, said: "Every little effort matters and we should try to contribute
in every way towards the betterment of our country." Mahinder Kumar and Manish of the company enthralled audience
with their patriotic songs. The programme was attended by staff members and officers
of the company.
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Dullo: Use of force on deras won’t do Isru (Ludhiana), August 15 Addressing a party conference here today to mark the martyrdom day of Master Karnail Singh Isru, Dullo said instead of a confrontation, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal should ask the SGPC to carry out dharam prachar. He pointed out there were several deras in the state that undertook social reforms.This attracted people towards them. Only the SGPC could counter their influence by dharam prachar and not force. The PCC president accused Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of presiding over "the demise" of democracy during the recently concluded elections to municipal bodies. "It is not only we who have been victimised.The Bharatiya Janata Party, its alliance partner, has also alleged high-handedness at the hands of officials at the behest of Akali leaders." Dullo warned Badal not to stifle the “voice of the masses.” The people were already disillusioned with the SAD-BJP government, he claimed. The PCC president said the country was faced with a serious threat from communal forces. In Punjab, the threat was more acute as the ruling Akalis were trying to “stoke communal fire.” Former minister Tej Parkash and former MLA Milkiat Singh Dakha also addressed the function.
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Comrades warn Congress Isru (Ludhiana), August 15 The rhetoric was so high at the conference although the number of people listening to their leaders was very small. Leading the offensive, the CPI national executive member, Joginder Dayal said, the Congress had compromised on the national security by signing the Indo-US nuclear deal. He said, the Left will never allow the deal to be passed. He said, further course of action would be decided on August 17, when the Left parties will be meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue. The CPI leader alleged, the Congress had backed out on everything. He said, the rampant economic liberalisation was forcing poverty on people. He said, the interests of a few people were served while the masses still remained underprivileged. About Punjab, the CPI leader advised caution and restraint. Particularly on the dera issue, he said, both the groups should be cautious lest they contribute to a situation that may prove dangerous for the state and its people. The BSP also organised a conference today which was addressed by the state president, Avtar Singh Karimpuri. The party resolved to carry forward the revolution of Mayawati in Punjab also.
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Khamano, August 15
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Noted poet Dill cremated
Samrala, August 15 From the administration side, the local SDM laid a wreath on the body. Former MLA Tarsem Jodhan and local MLA Jagjeewan Singh Kheernian also paid homage to the deceased poet. Dill was shifted from Samrala civil hospital to DMC Ludhiana on Sunday evening in a critical condition where he breathed his last yeaterday evening.
— OC
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Talent matters Punjab government brought many IAS, IPS officers from outside to tackle the menace of terrorism. Jawaharlal Nehru invited Slocum to build Bhakra and Le Corbusier to build Chandigarh so what is the harm in inviting VC for PAU who is not from the city. Punjab government deserves congratulations for inviting Dr M.S. Kang to be VC of PAU. The agriculture here is passing through crisis. Dr Kang with his roots in Punjab and rich experience abroad is qualified to steer the state out of this crisis. There is nothing wrong in inviting talented people to handle difficult assignments. In the letter column a few days back Sher Singh had written that IAS and PCS officers listen to influential people. His opinion is belied by the fact that Dr S.S. Sandhu (IAS) former commissioner of Ludhiana MC got the illegal wall of a religious place on Basant Singh Khalsa road demolished and was punished by politicians for his bold action. Amarjit Singh Hayer Readers are invited to mail letters (not more than 200 words) at "ludhiana@tribunemail.com" or post the same to The Tribune, 1, 2 Improvement Trust Building, Badaur House, Clock Tower, Ludhiana.
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Two women held for youth’s murder
Khanna, August 15 According to investigating officer SI Sanjay Kumar, the five accused allegedly killed Gurvinder Singh of Aluna Tola village in Machhiwara on July 21. He said Gurvinder allegedly had illicit relations with one of the accused, Babli, wife of Manjit Singh, whom he used to meet at the house of Indu, wife of late Ashwani Kumar. He said Indu, who had a live-in relation with Malkiat Singh, hatched a conspiracy to kill Gurvinder, who was reportedly quite well-off. Indu in connivance with Malkiat Singh and two of his accomplices Sukhwinder Singh, alias Kala, and Vicky, both of Machhiwara, decided to kill Gurvinder. They also involved Babli in the conspiracy, the SI said. On July 21, Gurvinder came to meet Babli at Indu’s house along with a friend Ranjit. After leaving Gurvinder at Indu’s house, Ranjit went for a stroll. However, when he returned to pick him up, the accused reportedly told him that Gurvinder had already left. Sanjay Kumar said the accused had added some intoxicant in Gurvinder’s tea and he became unconscious after taking it. The accused killed Gurvinder around 1 am. He said Indu, Malkiat Singh and Sukhwinder Singh stabbed Gurvinder to death. Later, the three along with Vicky chopped his body and dumped it in a tank in Indu’s house, he added. The SI said after Gurvinder did not return home his family members along with Ranjit Singh reported the matter to the police on July 25. A case was registered at the sadar police station, Khanna. He said though the police had arrested Sukhwinder Singh soon after the crime, the two women, Babli and Indu, were arrested yesterday. Malkiat Singh and Vicky were still at large.
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Press reporter and cops booked for misbehaving
Jagraon, August 15 Minor Tussle
Kamal Verma was injured when former councillor fired from his revolver late on Tuesday night. According to sources, former constable Pardeep Kumar was playing cards in Charakhrian chowk with his friends when son of Kamaljit Singh Bittu former councillor Jagraon passed from there. The two families had some altercation on some old enmity. Further, Kamaljit accused Pardeep Kumar and his friends for trespassing into his house with arms. Pardeep and his accomplice allegedly broke the door. Kamaljit alleged that Pardeep Kumar and his accomplice also fired in the air. On the other hand, Pardeep accused that the bullet fired by Kamaljit hit his brother-in-law, Kamal Verma, from Ahmedgarh. One Killed
One person was killed and two others injured when a wall fell in Hans Kalan village on Tuesday evening. According to sources, Harpreet Singh (35) of Hans Kalan village along with Harbans Singh and Darshan Singh were digging foundation at Hans Kalan village when the adjoining wall fell over them due to which Harpreet died on the spot. Liquor
Shimla Bai of Kulgehna was arrested by Humbran police from Aliwal village after the police allegedly recovered 6,180 ml of illicit liquor from her possession. Assault
Gain Kaur, Balwinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Kaku of Kamalpura, Satwant Singh of Talwandi Rai and Kuldeep Singh allegedly assaulted Sukhwinder Singh of Kamalpura and Avtar Singh with sharp-edged weapons.
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Ludhiana, August 15
