• Allegations bundle of lies: Tohra

Amarinder: Akali feud may revive militancy
AMRITSAR, March 4 — The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Supremo, Capt Amarinder Singh has said that the current feud between Akali stalwarts — Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra — could lead to revival of terrorism in the state and Afghan mercenaries or forces across the border could take benefit of the disturbed situation.

Akali Dal chief in UK quits
AMRITSAR, March 4 — The president of the UK unit of the Akali Dal, Mr Amolak Singh, has quit his post in protest against the "denigration" of the honour of Akal Takht by the party president, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. This was claimed by the SGPC in a press note issued here today.

CPI castigates Tohra
CHANDIGARH, March 4 — Assuring full support to democratic and secular forces in a fight against Sikh fundamentalists, the CPI today accused the SGPC chief, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, of following in the footsteps of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Hamdard attacks Tohra for bloodshed threat
JALANDHAR, March 4 — Rajya Sabha MP and media baron Barjinder Singh Hamdard today lashed out at his bete noire SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra for the latter’s provocative speeches and threats about "bloodshed in Punjab’’and said his apprehensions about threat to the state’ s peace were being proven right.

Industry effluents defile Ghaggar
BHANKHARPUR, March 4 — Despite the notices and warnings of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, certain industries continue to defile the Ghaggar river in this part of the region.

Beating up of two: No case registered against cops
BATHINDA, March 4 — The city police has failed to register a case in connection with the beating of Jagsir Singh, an employee of MES, Bathinda, and Jarnail Singh of Mandi Kalan village by certain officials of Ballianwala police station.

Fall in industrial mishaps in Punjab
SAS NAGAR, March 4 — Lack of concentration and over confidence were among the main reasons for industrial accidents, adversely affecting not only a worker’s family but his co-workers too.

NRIs to launch drive against drugs
JALANDHAR, March 4 — Dedicated to the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa Panth non-resident Indians settled in England, in a rare gesture are organising a week long march to aim for a drug-free Punjab starting from March 7, while opening counselling and advisory centres in every district in the state, to combat the increasing use of drugs.

PUCL helps girl marry her lover
BATHINDA, March 4 — Parveen, a young girl, was rescued from her mother's captivity by activists of the People's Union for Civil Liberties with the help of the district administration was married to her beloved according to her wishes in a local temple here late last evening.

Fast by Ramoowalia on March 10

"Budget won't invite savings"

Cycle expedition flagged off

International seminar at PAU

Six officers suspended

Mushaira held

PAUTA president observes fast

HC: Produce file on Gurdwara Act change
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 4 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed counsel for the Union Government to produce before it the file containing notings pertaining to the issuance of notification dated January 12, 1978. The notification was on the amendment in the Sikh Gurdwara Act wherein the word "State" was substituted by the words "the State of Punjab".

Mr Justice G. S. Singhvi and Mr Justice Amar Datt, who issued these directions, ordered counsel for the Centre to place this file before them tomorrow when they would take up ongoing cases filed by Mr Dara Singh and Mr Kashmira Singh, former members of the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission, questioning their removal and constitution of the new judicial commission.

The Centre's counsel had, however, told the court that the notification was clarificatory in nature.

Earlier, the Bench heard arguments from counsel for Mr Gurbaksh Singh, a member of the SGPC. Picking up the thread from where he left on Friday, counsel told the court that the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission was an inter-state body corporate. This fact was clear from the Full Bench verdict of the High Court delivered in 1970 as also from the notification issued in 1978 under Section 72(1)(2) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.

Carrying on arguments spanning over one and a half hours, counsel contended that once the judicial commission was an inter-state body corporate, the Punjab Government ceased to have the power to reconstitute the judicial commission in the light of the Inter-State Corporations Act, 1957. Under this Act the power to reconstitute, reorganise and dissolve an inter-state body corporate vested with the Centre.

The notification, issued in 1978 under Section 72 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, was an excessive piece of legislation. The power to modify the Act had been treated as piece of excessive delegation by the Supreme Court in various judgements. "The power to modify a law is basically with the legislature and not with the executive", counsel argued and added: "In the present case it is Parliament which is competent to modify the law or it is the Centre which can give directions with regard to an inter-state body corporate. By substituting the words "Government of Punjab", the very basic structure of the 1925 Sikh Gurdwara Act stood changed because the successor states had been completely denied their right".

The Punjab Advocate-General's stand, on the other hand, was that after constitution of the board (SGPC), it was its primary duty to submit a list of seven persons to the state government which would appoint two persons out of them as members of the judicial commission. One member was to be nominated by the state government.

He contended that the Judicial Commission's term ended with the expiry of the SGPC tenure. He said the board was constituted in November, 1996 and a list of seven members was prepared.

At this stage Mr Justice Amar Datt quizzed the Advocate-General on why the board had not been constituted immediately after the SGPC election, which took place more than two years ago. Why were members of the judicial commission allowed to function during the interregnum?

The Bench adjourned the case to tomorrow for further arguments.

Panel adjourns hearing till March 6
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, March 4 — The Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission today adjourned till March 6 hearing and reply on the applications moved by 10 pro-Badal executive members of the SGPC for suspension of SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra, senior vice-president Sukhdev Singh Bhaur and three pro-Tohra executive members and contempt proceedings against the president, senior vice-president and SGPC secretary as well as restraining senior secretary, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, from functioning in his post for not complying with the commission’s orders on holding an executive committee meeting on February 10.

The commission adjourned the applications as the defence counsel, Mr Surjit Singh Sood, was not present in court. Mr Sood had sent a written complaint through a telegram from Jalandhar alleging "physical attack" by the general secretary of the SGPC, Mr Balbir Singh Pannu "with the help of armed guards" in the court precincts on February 26.

The defence counsel in his application said it was "highly unsafe" for him to appear in the court and sought adjournment of the cases to enable him to "approach the appropriate authorities for protection".

Mr Sood said on February 26 Mr Pannu, one of the applicants, with the help of "armed guards physically and forcibly prevented me from using my vehicle (PB-02-M9370) provided by my client, Mr Bhaur. Sensing trouble, I came back to the court precincts and was within the court compound when I was attacked by Mr Pannu with the help of his armed guards. From the odour from his mouth, it appeared he was in an inebriated condition. My life was saved because of intervention of Mr Manpreet Singh Sood, advocate, who was accompanying him.

I came to your retiring room and reported the matter. I was also harassed in your retiring room and in spite of your efforts, the harassment continued. Under these circumstances, it is highly unsafe for me to appear in the court of the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission today".

Opposing the adjournment, the counsel for the applicants, Mr Jagraj Singh Pannu and Mr Mohinder Singh Romana, described the plea of Mr Sood as a "lame excuse" for seeking adjournment of the cases. They pleaded for starting the proceedings ex parte.

The commission dismissed two applications filed by pro-Tohra SGPC member Sarup Singh Deshi as neither the petitioner nor his counsel were present. Mr Deshi had sought suspension of pro-Badal executive members for causing irreparable loss to the "Sikh nation" in holding an "unauthorised, illegal and politically motivated second meeting of the executive committee of the SGPC on February 10 in express violation of the agenda set by the commission" and for contempt of the court.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the commission, Mr Manmohan Singh Brar, described as "incorrect" the allegation by Mr Surjit Singh Sood that the February 26 incident had occurred in the precincts of the court.

Mr Pannu said he was consulting his lawyers to move a defamation case against Mr Surjit Singh Sood.

Allegations bundle of lies: Tohra
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, March 4 — The SGPC President, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, has refuted the allegations levelled against him by five leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), including Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Mr S.S. Dhindsa and Mr B.S. Bhunder, describing their joint statement as a "bundle of lies". He termed their statement "baseless and mischievous."

In a statement issued here today, he categorically denied saying that there would be bloodshed at Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla. "I had stated Bhai Ranjit Singh could be prevented from leading the Hola Mohalla procession only by playing Holi with my blood", he said, alleging that those leaders were putting the word "bloodshed" in his mouth under a conspiracy. Likewise, they had been trying to brand him as an "extremist" or "supporter of extremists."

Refuting the allegation that he organised a separate stage during the annual Hola Mohalla festival, Mr Tohra said he had addressed the gathering from a religious stage organised by the Sant Samaj. This gathering was also addressed among others by Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, Mr Kuldip Singh Wadala, President of the Democratic Akali Dal, Mr Harmander Singh Gill, AISSF president and Sant Samaj leaders. By doing so, he had not violated party discipline. Nor did he utter derogatory remarks against any leader.

However, Mr Tohra said he had said the entire Sikh Panth was behind Bhai Ranjit Singh, Jathedar of Akal Takht. Mr Parkash Singh Badal should not ignore the sentiments of Sikh masses. He had also declared that no one should utter any remark against Bhai Ranjit Singh.

Referring to the statement of Mr Badal that someone had offered Rs 5 crore for his (Mr Badal's) head, Mr Tohra said everybody in Punjab should condemn such conspiracy. Mr Tohra condemned it in the strongest terms.

Mr Tohra said he wished the SAD government should complete its five years' full term. The allegations that he had been conspiring to dislodge the Badal government was aimed at diverting the attention of the public from non-governance, he said. He said the pro-Badal leaders had stooped so low that he was dubbed a "Congress agent".

Mr Tohra reiterated that he would not allow peace to be disturbed. "I shall maintain peace in the state even at the cost of my life", he held.

Punjab: then and now-I
Most youth became militants out of fun
By PPS Gill
Tribune News Service

Though only a small proportion of the villages were seriously affected by terrorism in Punjab, the cascading effect it had had on various aspects of state's life can still be felt. The echo of terrorism may have faded into silence. The indelible imprint remains on the psyche of the people.

A visit to the border districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur, which were in the thick of news those days, showed that a lot had changed and much remained unchanged. The change is more obvious in urban centres in terms of more chaos and congestion, more construction and encroachment and, of course, more insanitation and pollution.

What has, by and large, remained unchanged and is a worrisome feature pertains to the ground swell. It remains unchanged and had contributed to terrorism and had allured the youth to the cult and culture of the gun. The factors which social scientists and political analysts had listed then are very much in existence even today albeit a bit more accentuated.

Once Punjab saw a return to normalcy and police, which was actively involved in combating terrorism, began to analyse the cause and effect, it dawned that out of a total of 14,000-odd villages the number of villages deeply embroiled was around 270 — a mere 2 per cent. A majority of these were in Amritsar and Gurdaspur.

During the course of a survey on Punjab then and now, this reporter met Prof Harish K. Puri, who is at present holding Dr B.R. Ambedkar Chair in the Department of Political Science in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Having spent years in trying to understand the "reality at the grassroots" which led to terrorism, he has come to certain conclusions. It is these conclusions which seem to worry him because those very factors are present even today.

A sample study in 28 villages in four police districts (Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Majitha and Batala) for example, presents a broad spectrum of the scenario prevailing then. In all, 232 terrorists were identified in these 28 villages by the people. It was shocking to discover that of the youth, who were motivated by the idea of "Khalistan", 7 per cent were influenced by Operation Bluestar, anti-Sikh riots or came under the spell of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, while as many as 38 per cent youth joined the movement only out of fun — "shaukia". The sense of adventure or love of weapons made them terrorists with little or no hope of returning home. At least 12 per cent of the youth were sucked into the vortex of terrorism only to make money.

Going by the background of the youth who had then struck terror 65 per cent were from landless, marginal and small farmers' families. Their average age was 22 at the time of joining the movement. About 25 per cent of them were illiterate, 26 per cent had studied up to the middle class and 41 per cent were matriculates. Just three out of 232 "boys" were graduates or beyond. Before joining the AK-47 gangs, they were "doing nothing" — "vehle, awaragardi karde san". None was from a well-to-do family.

Dr Puri sighs: "Most of them were school dropouts, unemployed and having a low 'self-estimation'. None belonged to a political or a notable family nor and anyone of them ever discussed politics in the village. They did not have any religious orientation, exceptions were few. A majority — 86 per cent — were Jat Sikhs; 66 of them were relatives and 45 were real brothers. And among those killed in 28 villages, 77 per cent belonged to their own community, mainly Jats.

When one studies the ground reality today, it is almost the same as then. Education had taken wings. The economy was in a shambles. Employment was a luxury and joblessness was all-pervasive. The tragedy is that even today the rural youth, with the same background , by and large, are "unemployable". Dr Puri laid emphasis on this word. He wondered what alternative the government had for such youth. Given the "dismal" performance of the SAD-BJP government precious little has been done by it in the past two years for the youth.

Here, let me quote from the Akalis' election manifesto on what it had promised to do for the youth in February 1997: "We will pay special attention to the problems faced by the youth of Punjab, especially the educated unemployed. Towards this end, every effort will be made to generate more jobs and provide incentives for self-employment. Large villages will be provided with sports stadia to encourage sports. Outstanding sportsmen will be given suitable grants. Efforts will be to provide international athletes. The sale of intoxicants and drugs will be banned. Existing laxity in the sphere will be eliminated to save the youth from leading the path of self-destruction.

All this remains a political cliché. Therefore, with the school dropout rate still high, jobs, including self-employment, hard to get there is every possibility of the youth going astray once again.

The youth usually fall a prey to militant or fundamental organisations out of either frustration or fun". Economic hardships coupled with unemployment, pose a big challenge, any day, to any set of politicians and bureaucrats. It is pertinent to note that besides the sameness in factors, cause and effect which ushered in terrorism, the same political leadership - irrespective of political party - and same smug bureaucrats are still around. Thus will anything different happen when it comes to taming the youth and tackling their problems ?

(To be concluded)

Recession stalks Punjab
Need to cut down on subsidies
By Gobind Thukral
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH,March 4 — Downsize the government, cut down the subsidies, liberalise and tighten the belt. This is what Punjab's Finance Minister, Capt. Kanwaljit Singh has been hearing for the past couple of weeks.

But this is at one level. At another level he is being urged to lessen the burden of taxes on industry and trade. Take out the government from all public sector undertakings. The government should only build infrastructure, remove all controls on pricing so that industry can grow and push up the GDP. Trade too could boom. But don't ask for anything in return — taxes and all. Remove all inspectors. Checks and octroi should also go.

Indeed a plethora of suggestions. Some sure to lead to disaster, but some an assured recipe for growth. It is for the ruling Akali Dal, now deeply involved in political battle, to choose. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal could send a strong message by presenting a real new look budget.

A look at the hard economic indicators reveals that Punjab with its growth rate sliding from 7.51 to a bare 1.91 this year is in real trouble. There is recession staring in the eyes. But the fall in cotton production and a bad paddy crop have really deprived the state from a healthy growth. Prof. Gian Singh Sahota, well known public finance expert now advising the government has estimated that the growth rate during the 1990s has been a bare 4.09 as against an all India average of 5.17. Indeed bad for a state that is the precursor of the green revolution and still feeds the country's hungry. The per capita income too which was 76 per cent higher than the national income is now only 54 per cent higher.

At another level, this year will close up with a whopping deficit of Rs 1,350 crore. In fact, there is no money to finance the annual plan for the next year. The state is surviving on borrowed money. There is a total revenue of Rs 8,700 crore and still the state has not enough to live by. One reason is the increased cost of the government — the Fifth Pay Commission. The recovery of taxes and Central aid are down and deficit financing is in.

Prof Sahota who has been having endless sessions with the Chief Minister, Finance Minister and officers strongly advocates that the government should cut down subsidies altogether. "These cause distortions. These burden the whole economy and not benefit the targeted beneficiary. Some direct subsidy is good in a welfare economy. But no indirect subsidy at all", he pleads.

One estimate puts the total subsidy for 1997-98 at Rs 3,105 crore — 6.1 per cent of the GDP. Add losses of Rs 653 crore to this from PSUS. Industry was subsidised to the extent of Rs 1,273 crore and agriculture to the extent of Rs 1,517 crore. Interestingly only agriculture subsidy is visible. Poverty and employment generation programmes claimed another Rs 314 crore. The government recovered just Rs 135 crore from several kinds of services rendered and spent Rs 3,102 crore on these.

The economy is stagnating despite its many strengths. This is affecting the people and the social fabric.

Punjab has the best infrastructure in India, and its human resources are also of a fairly high order. Yet, the economy has seen low levels of investment, growth and job creation over the last seven years after normal law and order was restored. States like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat have achieved rates of growth close to 10 per cent per annum but Punjab's rate of growth has plummeted. Educated youth do not find enough skilled jobs, farmers have not seen any significant productivity increases for 15 years now.

"A natural response of government to this alarming situation has been to assure government jobs to youth, and to provide more subsidies to farmers so as to prop up their deteriorating financial situation. Both these responses, although well intentioned, have done great damage to the State", Prof Sahota said. He suggests that each additional job in the government sector deprives at least three to 10 persons of more productive jobs in the private sector. By reducing 1,000 jobs in government the state can create at least 1,000 jobs in the private sector.

Experts have suggested that since liberalisation has bypassed Punjab, no time should be lost to make up for that. There should be an increase in the investment in human resources and physical capital and more spending on public infrastructure and information and development of modern institutions. Money saved through cut on subsidies should be used and also each farm family and poor should be provided direct merit subsidy each year.

But what not many are suggesting is that the government is reeking with corruption and inefficiency and its tax collection is very poor. If Punjab could just remove corruption by 20 per cent, increase revenue collection of taxes by another 20 per cent, it could still subsidise the needy on merit sectors and adopt some more welfare measures.

River pollution-I
Industry effluents defile Ghaggar
From Bipin Bhardwaj

BHANKHARPUR, March 4 — Despite the notices and warnings of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), certain industries continue to defile the Ghaggar river in this part of the region.

Toxic effluents flow into the Ghaggar river through various channels, making the water frothy and dark brown. The discharge is mainly from the industries located adjacent to the river bank.

This continues despite objections raised by the Rajasthan Government. Through the Central Pollution Control Board, it had taken up the matter with the Punjab and Haryana Governments and complained that various diseases, especially jaundice, were spreading in parts of Rajasthan.

Sources said the Haryana government had told the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Governments to initiate action against the industries which were polluting the river. They said some rivulets from Himachal Pradesh which opened into the Ghaggar, brought industrial effluents to it.

The Board authorities said only two industries were discharging effluents in the river. Eleven industries were served notice out of which closure orders were issued to three industries. They added that their electricity supplies had been disconnected. Action against two was in the process and the remaining six had installed discharge treatment plants for pollution-free irrigation.

Sukhna and Jharmal are the main polluting rivulets which open into the Ghaggar at the Bhankharpur - Lalru intersection. This belt, nearly 40 km long from the workshop of the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) in Industrial Area, Chandigarh, to Lalru is highly polluted.

Investigations by The Tribune reveal that the first discharge into Sukhna starts at Industrial Area Phase - I. The waste of industrial units and Colony number 4 is being discharged into the Sukhna choe. After that, the waste of Hallo Majra and the aerodrome is also discharged into it.

Another nullah, from Panchkula meets Sukhna at Gazipur. Polluted water of two paper mills joins at Nagla before the Sukhna merges with Ghaggar at Bhankharpur.

A milk plant and a meat plant near Barwala, discharge waste into Jharmal rivulet. Most of the industries of the Industrial Area, Lalru , which include chemical factories and paper mills, discharge effluents into it.

The slaughterhouses of Chandigarh, Mani Majra, Dera Bassi, Lalru and Chandimandir are also discharge filth and waste into the Ghaggar. Besides, many unauthourised, small and big slaughterhouses do the same.

A thick cover of foam can be seen at every point where sullage falls from a certain height . It can also be seen at whirlpool points of the river. This foam formation is due to toxicity.

Experts say the flow of this black sullage should be checked as it is not only a threat to the environment, but also affects the vegetation and human life of this area.

The Public Health Department, Punjab has dug deep-bore tubewells along these rivers, which supply drinking water to the surrounding villages and towns. Most of the villagers had dug tubewells for irrigation and hand-pumps for house-hold works. In most of the cases, the toxic elements of this stinking water are polluting the subsoil water, which is being pumped out for some use in this area.

This water has allegedly reduced the fertility of the soil, the production of crops and the capacity of milch cattle, by 50 per cent.

(To be continued)

Action against Tohra soon: Badal
Tribune News Service

GHAGGA (Patiala) March 4 — The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, today said that disciplinary action would be taken against the SGPC president, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, soon for his recent anti-Panthic utterances.

Talking to newsmen here after attending a rural sports meet here, the Chief Minister said action would also be taken against other leaders who had violated party discipline recently. He, however, refused to name any one when asked whether party MP Prem Singh Chandumajra would also be proceeded against for violating party discipline.

Mr Badal said a meeting of the party would be held soon to decide on what action should be taken against the SGPC chief and other leaders who had violated party discipline. He said the meeting date was still to be finalised.

He announced a grant of Rs 25 lakh for the development of the village besides giving away prizes at the sports meet.

Amarinder: Akali feud may revive militancy
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, March 4 — The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Supremo, Capt Amarinder Singh has said that the current feud between Akali stalwarts — Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra — could lead to revival of terrorism in the state and Afghan mercenaries or forces across the border could take benefit of the disturbed situation.

Addressing a press conference here today, the PPCC president said that there was probability of collapsing of the Vajpayee government anytime due to obvious reasons. To a question, Capt Amarinder Singh also said that the Congress was expecting midterm elections shortly. The PPCC president further said that the state was facing unprecedented financial crunch and it too could collapse any time.

Owing to apprehensions of deterioration of law and order situation, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee had launched an awareness campaign so that terrorism should not be revived.

Capt Amarinder Singh, however, reiterated that the SGPC had legal right to change jathedars of any takht. Replying to a question, he said after enactment of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, by the Parliament, the SGPC itself was "sarbat khalsa". Being a Sikh, I would recognise only that Jathedar who was appointed by the SGPC.

The PPCC president had come here to participate in the 'kar sewa' being undertaken in Durgiana Mandir along with other Congress leaders, including Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Mr Lal Singh, Ch Jagjit Singh, Mr Savinder Singh Kathu Nangal, Mr Bhupinder Singh Sachar.

Answering another question, Capt Amarinder Singh said that the Akal Takht was being dragged into controversies by Mr Badal and Mr Tohra for their own vested interests. For this, a common Sikh was feeling very much upset, especially at a time when tercentenary celebrations of the birth of Khalsa Panth were on. Capt Amarinder Singh said that Congress would start the tercentenary celebrations with a march on April 2 from Patna Sahib-the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh. Mrs Sonia Gandhi, President, All-India Congress Committee, would receive the march on April 6 at Delhi. It would pass from Bihar, Haryana, Punjab and culminate at Anandpur Sahib.

He further said that the traditional weapons of Guru Gobind Singh which were given to Maharaja Patiala by the Guru himself and Hukamnamas' (edicts) would also be shown to the sangat during the march.

To yet another question, Capt Amarinder Singh said that the visit of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Pakistan was an exercise in futility as the hostile country was not serious to normalise the relations at present. He asked what was the logic behind the recent visit of Mr Vajpayee when innocent people were killed by Kashmiri militants and protests by Pakistanis to mark the occasion. Without ceasefire, there was no reason to hold such parleys, he said.

Akali Dal chief in UK quits
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, March 4 — The president of the UK unit of the Akali Dal, Mr Amolak Singh, has quit his post in protest against the "denigration" of the honour of Akal Takht by the party president, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. This was claimed by the SGPC in a press note issued here today.

The SGPC said Mr Amolak Singh had in a letter to Mr Badal, said that the Akali government in Punjab was flouting the traditions and maryada of Akal Takht. He said he was pained at this tragic event and was resigning in protest.

He said in his letter that a big congregation of Sikhs was held at Gurdwara Singh Sabha at Southall in UK recently which expressed confidence in the suspended Jathedar of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh.

According to the SGPC, Mr Amolak Singh said that Sikh organisations and institutions in England had decided to "gherao" Akali Dal leaders belonging to the Badal camp.

CPI castigates Tohra
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 4 — Assuring full support to democratic and secular forces in a fight against Sikh fundamentalists, the CPI today accused the SGPC chief, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, of following in the footsteps of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

Addressing a press conference here today, Dr Joginder Dayal, secretary of the state council of the CPI, said that Mr Tohra's statement pertaining to bloodshed in the state was on the same lines which earlier Sant Bhindranwale used to make. A senior leader like Mr Tohra should not create terror in the state by making such statements.

He called upon the democratic forces, including the Congress, the CPM and others, to join hands to fight the fundamentalist forces at this stage and save Punjab from falling back in the old dark days.

He said it was for the first time that the agenda on separatist and secessionist lines was being outlined for Sikhs in the state by the "jathedar" of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh. He said it was surprising that the party like the CPM had not uttered a single word as regards such agenda outlined by Bhai Ranjit Singh with the active support of Mr Tohra.

Dr Dayal said the dissociation of the CPM from the Khalsa tercentenary celebrations in Punjab had no meaning till Mr Harkishen Singh Surjeet, chief of the CPM was a member of the national tercentenary celebrations committee. He said he would like the money utilised for eradicating illiteracy, poverty and for providing the basic amenities to people instead of celebrations.

His party would spread the message of Guru Gobind Singh who had immense love for the downtrodden and poor sections of society. In fact, he said, the Khalsa was formed for the uplift of poor and deprived people 300 years ago by Guru Gobind Singh.

He said if Mr Parkash Singh Badal had taken the stand 15 years ago which he had taken now against the fundamentalist forces in Punjab, the state would have never witnessed the violence at such a scale. Asked whether he was convinced that Mr Badal was fighting the fundamentalist forces, Dr Dayal said he was trying his best to counter such forces. "Let us see what has been achieved by him on this front."

He said Mr Badal was facing problems as he had failed to come out of the religious groove. The mixing of politics with religion by Mr Badal had become a bane for him, Dr Dayal said. Mr Badal had earlier adopted a policy of appeasement towards militants, he added.

Dr Dayal said that sant-samaj should play a role for peace in the state and not complicate the situation. Both internal and external forces were out to vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

Asked about the united stand of Left parties with regard to tercentenary celebrations. Dr Dayal said that the CPI and the CPM had not taken a joint stand on this as this was not discussed by leaders of both parties at any level.

It was clear from Dr Dayal's views that there was a difference of opinion in the CPI and the CPM about the Khalsa celebrations as well as the current political situation and political actors involved in it.

Hamdard attacks Tohra for bloodshed threat

JALANDHAR, March 4 (PTI)— Rajya Sabha MP and media baron Barjinder Singh Hamdard today lashed out at his bete noire SGPC president Gurcharan Singh Tohra for the latter’s provocative speeches and threats about "bloodshed in Punjab’’and said his apprehensions about threat to the state’ s peace were being proven right.

"Tohra, by issuing threats about bloodshed from a religious stage at Anandpur Sahib on Tuesday, has tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace," Mr Hamdard said in the editorial of his Punjabi daily "Ajit" which would hit stands tomorrow.

"The tenor of speeches made from the separate stage set up by Tohra and his loyalists has raised concerns about peace in the state," Mr Hamdard said in the front-page editorial, an advance copy of which was obtained by PTI here.

"Earlier, the now suspended Jathedar of Akal Takht Ranjit Singh had threatened to repeat bloodshed of 1978 Baisakhi and now Tohra has tried to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere by warning of bloodshed in Punjab", he said.

A close lieutenant of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Mr Hamdard had resigned from the presidentship of the Anandpur Sahib Foundation in November accusing Mr Tohra of indulging in anti-Panthic activities.

Beating up of two
No case registered against cops
Tribune News Service

BATHINDA, March 4 — The city police has failed to register a case in connection with the beating of Jagsir Singh, an employee of MES, Bathinda, and Jarnail Singh of Mandi Kalan village by certain officials of Ballianwala police station.

It is alleged that Jagsir Singh and Jarnail Singh were forcibly bundled into a jeep by Head Constable Nachhatar Singh, constable Amritpal Singh and special police officers (SPOs) Naib Singh and Raja Singh from outside the district courts on February 24.

Nachhatar Singh and Raja Singh allegedly started beating up Jagsir Singh in the jeep. He as well as Jarnail Singh were also forced to drink liquor. They were taken to Ballianwala police station. However, Nachhatar Singh ran away on seeing Station House Officer Sukhchain Singh.

The SHO registered a DDR mentioning that Nachhatar Singh tortured Jagsir Singh and Jarnail Singh on the basis of a fake application given by a resident of Mandi Kalan village and the Head Constable proceeded without seeking the permission of any senior officer.

Jagsir Singh and Jarnail Singh were freed by the SHO who suspended Nachhatar Singh and constable Amritpal Singh. He also sent the necessary documents to the city police station here for further action.

Mr Sham Singh Jaura, president, BSP, Bathinda unit, alleged that although six days had passed, the city police had not taken any action in this regard. He alleged that their repeated pleas to senior police officers for the registration of a criminal case against the guilty policemen had failed.

When contacted, Mr S.S. Palta, Sub-Inspector, city police station, said the case had been sent to the higher authorities for the necessary sanction for booking the policemen for kidnapping and other offences.

Fall in industrial mishaps in Punjab
From Our Correspondent

SAS NAGAR, March 4 — Lack of concentration and over confidence were among the main reasons for industrial accidents, adversely affecting not only a worker’s family but his co-workers too.

Stating this at a Punjab-level function to present safety awards on the occasion of National Safety Day here today, Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, Minister for Local Government, Labour and Employment, called upon the factory managements to provide the necessary safety equipment and proper supervision so that mishaps could be avoided.

The minister said there were now 13,500 registered industrial units in Punjab and 4.5 lakh workers. Fortunately, the accident percentage was on the decline.

Mr Hardayal Singh, Additional Labour Commissioner, Punjab, said the actions of a worker were responsible for accidents. In most cases, workers did not use safety equipment given to them.

He said the industrial accident rate in the state had come down over the past years. In 1990, for every 1,000 workers the rate was 6.2 per cent. However, in 1995 and 1998 it dropped to 3.42 per cent and 1.30 per cent, respectively. The aim, he said, should be to make the state accident free.

Mr P.K. Verma, Executive Director, PTL, said drug abuse among workers was also responsible for mishaps. He favoured the opening of more deaddiction centres for workers instead of the management merely resorting to disciplinary action against the worker concerned.

Mr K. Sachdev, vice-president, JCT Electronics, SAS Nagar, laid emphasis on providing a proper work atmosphere with the focus on safety, health and environment. In this way workers would perform more efficiently and produce quality goods.

Among the speakers were Mr R.S. Sachdeva, president, Mohali Industries Association, Mr S.C. Awasthi, Joint Director, Factories, Punjab, Mr M.S. Bhogal, in industrial unit owner from Ludhiana, Mr Hans Raj, secretary of the Punwire employees’ body, and Mr Jagdeep Singh, a former president of the Jai Parabolic Springs Employees’ body.

Mr Tandon presented 14 first prizes, 15 second prizes and 36 merit certificates, besides Kirt Shiromani and Kirt Vir awards.

An exhibition was also put up on industrial safety at the venue on the PTL premises.

NRIs to launch drive against drugs
Tribune News Service

JALANDHAR, March 4 — Dedicated to the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa Panth non-resident Indians settled in England, in a rare gesture are organising a week long march to aim for a drug-free Punjab starting from March 7, while opening counselling and advisory centres in every district in the state, to combat the increasing use of drugs.

The organisers — the Daswandh Trust and the Guru Angad Sports Council — under the patronisation of Sant Samaj, U.K. have initiated this march.

Commemorating the Khalsa birth anniversary, Mr Ranjit Singh Bhail, general secretary and an eminent educationist in England, said here today that keeping in view, that "youth oriented" programmes, in the tercentenary celebrations had not been given adequate representation, the NRIs from England, hailing from all religious sects came up with this campaign against the drugs, which were being used by the Punjabi youth at an alarming rate.

To combat the drugs menace, advisory and counciling centres will be opened in each district of the state, where a four-fold policy, awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation will be practised. The march will start from Malkhara Gurdwara at Khadur Sahib, on March 7 and 8. Guru Nanak Dev University students and other college students in Amritsar will participate. Anti-drug literature will also be distributed through out the state, with the march finishing on March 13 at Anandpur Sahib.

PUCL helps girl marry her lover
Tribune News Service

BATHINDA, March 4 — Parveen, a young girl, was rescued from her mother's captivity by activists of the People's Union for Civil Liberties with the help of the district administration was married to her beloved according to her wishes in a local temple here late last evening.

Parveen, who is over 18 years and a postgraduate student of economics, was being allegedly maltreated by her family members as they were opposed to her relationship with Satish.

In a press note issued here today, Mr Ved Parkash Gupta, general secretary, PUCL, Punjab, said Parveen approached the organisation when she could not get help from the police in her efforts to get married to her lover.

He said the PUCL approached the Deputy Commissioner, Mr S.R. Ladhar, and Punjab Food Minister Chiranji Lal Garg and rescued the girl from the captivity of her mother.

Parveen was married to Satish last evening in the presence of a number of human rights organisations, Mr Vijay Kumar, president, Sahara Welfare Club, Mr Darshan Mehraj, district secretary, CPM and Mr Mithu Ram Gupta, BJP leader.

Jallianwala Bagh to have 'amarjyoti'
From Our Correspondent

AMRITSAR, March 4 — 'Amarjyoti' (eternal flame) will be started at the Jallianwala Bagh National Martyr Memorial here. This was revealed by the chairman of the local memorial committee and former Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr R.L. Bhatia, while talking to newsmen here today.

Mr Bhatia said that the Indian Oil Corporation had agreed to provide permanent gas pipeline as was built at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' at India Gate, New Delhi.

The total cost of laying the pipeline and other structure would be around Rs 8 lakh and work on the project would be completed within next three months.

Mr Bhatia added that the Jallianwala Bagh would be given a new facelift with improved landscaping and would become one of the best maintained national memorials in the country. The meeting of committee was attended, among others, by Mr S K Mukherjee, secretary of the trust, representatives of the Indian Oil Corporation. Mrs Ratna, secretary of Punjab Pradesh Congress, Dr Santokh Singh and the Joint Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation.

VC inaugurates congress
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, March 4 — The 32nd annual congress of Indian Association for American Studies was inaugurated by Prof M.M. Puri, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh, today at Arya College.

During the three-day conference, research papers on various facets of American studies in the subjects of literature, political science, international relations and history will be presented.

Delegates from various universities and colleges of India are participating in this conference and will debate on various issues concerning Indo-American relations.

Meanwhile, a deputation comprising of leaders of Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) and Private Colleges' non-Teaching Employees Union met Dr M.M. Puri, to request him to use his good offices to get a fair deal to the employees of private-aided colleges. Prof K.B.S. Sodhi, secretary, PCCTU, and Mr R.P. Sharma, president, Non-Teaching Employees Union, regretted that the state government had done a grave injustice to private colleges by retracting the given 95 per cent deficit and delaying the pension-cum-gratuity scheme.

They warned that academic session in the state and ensuing university examination would be facing disruption if their grievances were not redressed and informed that they would form a joint action committee to chalk out the line of action.

Fast by Ramoowalia on March 10
Tribune News Service

JALANDHAR, March 4 — A former union minister and president of the Punjabi Bhalai Manch, Mr Balwant Singh Ramoowalia will go on one-day hunger strike, against the BJP and SAD's anti- farmer policies.

Briefing the mediapersons here today, he alleged that the state government had failed to get the promised grant of Rs 300 crore, released for reimbursement to the farmers, who had lost paddy crop.

He proposed hunger-strike and peaceful dharna on March 10 is aimed at reminding the Punjab Government of its responsibilities and also to bring awareness amongst the people of the state.

Mr Ramoowalia also alleged that there was rampant corruption, especially in the news section in Doordarshan Kendra here. Raising serious allegations against the Director and news editors, Mr Ramoowalia, said that he would gherao the Station Director and the kendra. A month's ultimatum has been issued to the station director to rectify the situation, he added.

Our Correspondent from Phillaur adds: Mr Ramoowalia also alleged that Punjab politics had become unstable due to Badal-Tohra dispute and 'putra moh' of Mr Badal.

Addressing a function organised in Sanghdhesian College at Sanghdhesian village in the subdivision today, he said people were fed up with selfish politics of these parties and a "third front" was needed.

Six officers placed under suspension
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, March 4 — Six officers of three development blocks in Jalandhar district were placed under suspension, pending disciplinary proceedings against them, as they were found absent during a surprise inspection on March 1 by Mr V.K Juneja, Director, Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab.

Those suspended include three junior engineers two superintendents and one panchayat officer.

Mr Juneja said those absent from duty were Mr Jaspal Singh, Superintendent; Mr Bhagat Ram, Panchayat officer; and Mr Paramjit Singh, Junior Engineer working in BDPO office, Jalandhar (West); Mr Mohinder Singh Moonga, superintendent and Mr Joginder Singh, Junior Engineer, posted in BDPO Kote Isse Khan; and Mr Jagtar Singh, JE working BDPO, Zira.

Expert: Budget won't invite savings
Tribune News Service

LUDHIANA, March 4 — Dr S.S. Johal, a well-known economist, has observed that the Union Budget does not encourage savings.

Speaking at the annual budget discussion meeting organised by the Ludhiana Management Association here yesterday he expressed his concern over the fiscal deficit. He was of the view that with the present provisions and huge interest payment burden, it would be difficult to reduce the fiscal deficit. Although a 10 per cent surcharge in income-tax was not too depressive, the Budget did not encourage savings.

Mr K.K. Kapila, Commissioner, Income Tax, Ludhiana, traced the history of the economic development and the earlier budget proposals, and said the most positive factor of the Budget was the simplification introduced by the Finance Minister in excise and import duties. These procedural changes though small, would go a long way in reducing the hardships business men faced earlier. According to him the budget proposals, relating to the housing sector and a hike of Re 1 in diesel prices part of which will go to the infrastructure sector, were other good features of the Budget.

Mr Kulwinder Singh, a, taxation and central excise consultant, also spoke on the implications of the budget proposals relating to the excise duty.

A number of local industrialists including Hero Honda Chairman Mr Brij Mohan Lal Munjal, Mr Sunil Munjal, Mr Sanjeev Pahwa, Mr Onkar Singh Pahwa and Mr J.R. Singhal, in addition to senior professional managers and executives participated in the discussion.

Mushaira held
From Our Correspondent

JALANDHAR, March 4 — The Sarv Shabad Mission was organised at the 44th Atam Singh Sammelan (annual all-India mushaira) at Advait Swaroop Ashram, Nizatam Nagar, here today.

Renowned poets from all over India such as Dr Bashir Badar, Shamim Jaipuri, Bekal Utsahi, Nazar Etvi, Krishan Bihari Noor, Dr Kalim Quaisar, Akhgar Panipatti, Waseem Bareilvi, Zero Bandvi, Jigar Jalandhari, Nashir Naqvi, Hina Taimuri, Tajwar Sultana, and other renowned poets took part.

Cycle expedition flagged off
From Our Correspondent

JALANDHAR, March 4 — Brigadier A. Parmar flagged off Balnoi cycle safari expedition of the 9th Battalion of Rajputana Rifles of Indian Army, today somewhere in the Western Sector.

The expedition team included officers, JCOs and jawans of the unit. The aim of the expedition was to promote the spirit of brotherhood and love among the serving Army personnel, ex-servicemen and civilians and to provide the appropriate solution to their problems.

PAUTA president observes fast
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, March 4 — The president and secretary of Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Association (PAUTA) sat on a fast from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. today on a call given by the All-India Federation of University (AIFUTA) Teachers Association in protest against the callous attitude of the Punjab Government in not releasing the revised notification of UGC pay scales.

The executive of PAUTA thanked the Government of India and the ICAR for issuing the notification regarding revised pay scales for state agricultural universities on the pattern of the UGC. However, scientists of agricultural universities have taken this as a temporary measure and urged the government to give a better deal to agricultural scientists in light of the Chadha Committee's recommendations.

The PAUTA executive reiterated its stand of gheraoing the Punjab Assembly at Chandigarh on March 12 in wake of the call given by AIFUTA.

International seminar at PAU
From Our Correspondent

LUDHIANA, March 4 — An international seminar on "Agriculture to industrial society in the global information economy" was inaugurated here today by Dr G.S. Kalkat, vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University. The seminar is being organised by "European Union-India cross cultural innovation network."

An eight-member delegation headed by Dr Karamjit Singh Gill, University of Brighton, is visiting the university in this connection. The delegation also includes Prof Lauge Rasmussen, Technical University of Denmark, Dr Ingid Isenhardt, University of Technology (Germany) Dr F. Garibaido, Italy and Dr David Smith, University of Wales, Newport (UK).