Monday, May 17, 1999
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P U N J A B | |
Monday, May 17, 1999 |
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Kanshi
Ram in touch with Tohra |
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CM
holding ‘sarkari tamasha’: Tohra Intrusion bid: 18 kg explosives
found
Trouble-shooter from Canada Judge: file PIL sparingly Brar's charge refuted Govt responsible for crisis: Cong Medicos to extend agitation 6.3 quintals of poppy husk seized |
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Formation of front JALANDHAR, May 16 (PTI) — BSP supremo Kanshi Ram today ruled out any tie-up with the Congress for the coming Lok Sabha poll in Punjab and said he was in touch with expelled Akali Dal leader G.S. Tohra for the possible formation of a joint front in the state. "I will be meeting Tohra but I do not have a major role to play in formation of a joint front. I will, however, encourage its formation if it comes through," Mr Kanshi Ram told PTI here. He said the much-touted third front at the Centre was only a myth as "a number of its prospective members are warming up towards the Congress or the BJP". "The third front is only an effort by marginalised political groups within the Indian body polity for self-preservation." Mr Kanshi Ram said the front, if at all it comes into existence, would be "intrinsically incohesive" and the country would have only three major forces — the Congress, the BSP and the BJP — after the polls. He said the country would face another Lok Sabha poll in November, 2000, and the BSP was actually waiting for those elections which would "firmly establish my party on the road to eventual power". Mr Kanshi Ram said the BSP would contest all 85 Lok Sabha seats in UP. Commenting on the repeated Lok Sabha elections, Mr Kanshi Ram said the poll was an opportunity for political parties to show improvements. "Also, these repeated elections help in the political awakening of the masses which is a basic necessity for any true democracy." Asked whether
significant sections of the electorate would not try to
punish the BSP for having gone back on its word given on
the floor of Parliament and voting against the Vajpayee
government on the motion of confidence, Mr Kanshi Ram
said: "Sympathisers of Prime Minister Atal Behari
Vajpayee constitute a miniscule section of the
electorate." |
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Cong should go it alone:
Bitta, Umrao PATIALA, May 16 — Former All India Youth Congress President Maninderjit Singh Bitta has said the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee should not align with any other political party to fight the ensuing parliamentary elections. Mr Bitta was reacting to the Pradesh Congress President, Capt Amarinder Singh’s statement in which the latter had said the state unit would like to join hands with the Left parties to ensure the defeat of Akali candidates. Talking to newsmen here Mr Bitta said an alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party in the last elections had proved very dear for the party and the mistake should not be repeated. Mr Bitta said Dalit leaders in the party had felt marginalised by the decision of the high command. He said now also leaders should not be marginalised by aligning with parties which in the long run would effect the party at the grassroots level. Mr Bitta said he would also meet party President Sonia Gandhi to impress upon her the need to go it alone in Punjab. Mr Bitta said Mrs Praneet Kaur, wife of Capt Amarinder Singh, was the best candidate for the Patiala seat. He said Mr Navjot Singh Sidhu, who had also applied for the seat, was a political green horn. Senior Congressmen of Punjab are likely to seek an audience with Mrs Sonia Gandhi on May 19 to impress upon her for forging unity among various PPCC factions. They are also likely to discuss the issue with party General Secretary Pranab Mukherjee on May 23 at Chandigarh. The leaders are also expected to take up the issue of suspension of Mr Brij Lal Goel from the party for a period of six years. JALANDHAR: Veteran Congress leader Umrao Singh has contradicted media reports that he had "called on" Mrs Sonia Gandhi to discuss alliances with other parties. He said the Congress was in a position to win the elections on its own. In the last
parliamentary elections, the BSP the then Congress ally
actively worked against him to ensure the victory of
former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral. |
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Extracting gold dust from filth AMRITSAR, May 16 (UNI) — At the break of dawn about 100 odd persons in groups of two and three and armed with brooms, cleaning brushes, sieves, small sized tubs and utensils descend on the walled city’s Guru Bazaar, the historic narrow street which has been the centre of gold business and jewellery since the last four centuries. The early morning calm is shattered as they swoop down either to brush and collect the dry dust in front of shutters of the closed shops in their metallic utensils or to scoop out the dirt and filth from the drains with their hands and into the tubs that they carry. The first impression that these poor shabbily dressed men convey is that they have come to clean the place but after watching them for hours one realises that their real task is to extract the hidden gold from the dirt and filth. A laborious and time consuming process it takes nearly three to five hours for one individual to extract a few milligrams of gold dust or powder from the filth. By the time the shops of goldsmiths and jewellers re-open shortly before noon, they collect their belongings and make their way back to their homes with the commodity that they have collected, which is later sold to the goldsmiths at the prevalent market price of gold. The daily earning of these workers depends on the amount of gold powder that they manage to collect. A given dry one individual if lucky may earn up to a maximum of Rs 200 while on another day he may collect gold dust worth just Rs 20 or 30. Another interesting feature of this trade is that a majority of those involved in this job hail from poor families residing in the Lahori Gate area of the walled city. About 400 to 500 men are presently involved in the extraction of gold powder from the dirt and filth of the drains. Besides Guru Bazaar another area where gold powder extraction takes place are the ‘kittas’ (narrow streets) on Sultanwind Road where ladies' nose pins and small sized ear-rings are crafted by the gold smiths. However, in the past decade or so, the daily earnings of those engagement in this task have declined as the craftsmen and workers employed by the goldsmiths prefer to sweep the floor of their respective shops after closure and collect the dry dust and mud in the corner of their shop. The goldsmiths and the jewellers have never taken exception to the extraction of gold from the drains as this task helps in clearing those choked with mud and polythene bags. Explaining the process of extraction, Ramesh Kumar whose fore fathers had been in this ‘trade’ says each party (family) comprising three to four persons chooses a particular spot and the first task is to block the flow of water in the drains. Then the filth in the drains is scooped out with the hands and placed in a sieve and water is poured continuously and the filth is simultaneously steered in the sieve. This process drains the
water and the finer mud and dust particles in a tub place
below the sieve. The process of separating the gold
powder from the dry dust or mud is undertaken which is
time consuming. |
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CM holding ‘sarkari
tamasha’: Tohra FATEHGARH SAHIB, May 16 — When Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, was launching an election campaign of the SAD from here, a stronghold of Mr G.S. Tohra, the former SGPC president was addressing his supporters at Chanorthal village 15km from here, at the same time after inaugurating a gate in memory of Sawan Mal. Mr Tohra said, "Mr Badal could not lower my status by transporting people from all over the state for the rally here. He said a "sarkari tamasha" was being organised. He added that his expulsion from the SAD had no meaning and it would be retaliated forcefully after May 20. Mr Tohra said on May 30 a third front consisting of the Akali Dal BSP, CPI, CPM and of other like-minded parties would be formed and it would contest all seats. He challenged Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Finance Minister, to contest parliamentary elections from Patiala, which he considers his stronghold against his nominee Mr Prem Singh Chandumajra. Blaming Mr Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Editor, Ajit, for creating a feud among the Akalis, he said Mr Hamdard distorted his (Tohra) version knowingly. He said he had not stated whatever was being published by the Press. He added that he had clarified his position many times but the psychophants around Mr Badal aggravated the situation. He called upon the people to defeat the Badal group. He said the state government had failed on all fronts and there was resentment among the masses for removing Bhai Ranjit Singh. LUDHIANA: The expelled leader of the SAD Mr Tohra said here on Sunday even if Mr Badal expelled hundreds of other Akali leaders from the party, he would have to seek forgiveness before Akal Takht and would have to accept Bhai Ranjit Singh as the Jathedar of Akal Takht. In a press statement issued here today, Mr Tohra clarified his demand regarding Mr Badal's stepping down as the president of the SAD, and added that Mr Badal had himself told him that he wasn't keeping well and wanted to install someone else as the acting president of the party. He said when he brought this matter to the Press he was expelled from the party. Mr Tohra said this was for the first time that the president of the party had a direct confrontation with Akal Takht on the issue of principles and tried to make use of his political clout to lower its status. He clarified Bhai Ranjit Singh's stand when he had asked both Mr Badal and Mr Tohra to remain united till April 15. But Mr Badal took offence and removed him from the post of Akal Takht Jathedar. Mr Tohra demanded that
Mr Badal appear at Akal Takht before May 20 and become
"tankhayia". |
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Intrusion bid: 18 kg explosives
found AMRITSAR, May 16 — In a major seizure on the Indo-Pakistan border, BSF found 18 kg of explosives, arms and ammunition and Indian currency valued at Rs 19.5 lakh left by two Pakistani intruders near the B.O.P. of Burj on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, according to a Press note released here today.The intruders slipped back to Pakistan taking cover of the thick Sarkanda growth leaving behind plastic bags containing the Indian currency, 18 kg of explosives, seven time switches, eight detonators, five energiser star mark Pakistan made pistol with two magazines and 16 cartridges, two wrist watches. The BSF had been tipped-off by the Narcotics Control Bureau Chandigarh, and the BSF, intelligence wing, about the intrusion. As soon as the intruders
came closer to the fence, they were challenged by the BSF
naka party. The intruders retaliated by the BSF party. |
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Curb your 'gussa', Brij tells
Kiran AMRITSAR, May 16 — In an open letter to Ms Kiran Bedi, her husband, Mr Brij Bedi, has highlighted the difference in the plight of the residents of this holy city with those of Chandigarh, where she has joined as IGP. Mr Bedi, who is a renowned social worker, says, 'It is better to break one's head than to expect good governance from the local administration.' The open letter reads, 'Dear Ms Bedi, I really wonder sometimes why you are so harsh to the offenders. Don't you know it is not good for health. You must take a cue from the Amritsar police. They are so "gentle", "nice" and "very friendly" to the offenders. They allow mini buses to ply with passengers sitting on their roofs as our police loves music. They allow these vehicles to blare their pressure horns as a source of enjoyment. They even allow some buses to ply with their number plates hidden by cycles (of milkmen) hanging at the back. Encroachers love the Amritsar police as it is so "friendly" to them. Come and see the garment sellers with their vends in the middle of roads and on the link roads outside the railway station". "The Amritsar police allows vehicles to be parked in front of 'no parking boards'. Our cops can be seen sipping a cup of tea while on duty. The G.T. Road is used by scooter repair shops, car and scooter sellers. Out great police even permits shopkeepers to stack iron and steel and bricks on the Amritsar-Pakistan road, which was opened to traffic in March by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. You can well imagine what impression the foreigners would get. Our police follows the golden rule of being 'friendly' to all, especially the offenders. I don't know why you are trying to change the 'ecology' of this region. Don't you know we are easy-going people. We love our slumber. Maybe you are a doer and 'no-nonsense officer'. Please leave us alone. We are happy as we were. Let our buffaloes and our public lead the life which we are used to for years. We are not interested in your reforms, nor is our police force. We love our 'heritage' and you can see cow dung cakes on the walls of sadar police station" he has written. "Please pay a visit
to this city and you will definitely learn to control
your 'gussa' (anger). "God bless you" —
your husband Brij Bedi and citizens of Amritsar. |
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Trouble-shooter from Canada CHANDIGARH, May 16 — Mr Gurmant Grewal, Member of the House of Commons in Canada, is "prepared to play a dominant role in creating peace in South East Asia". Mr Grewal, a product of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, took the shortest time after becoming an immigrant in Canada to be elected to the House of Commons on the Reforms Party, the official Opposition party, ticket. He is perhaps the only member from the Opposition to be chairman of a committee of the House of Commons — the Joint Committee of House of Commons and the Senate for Scrutiny of Regulations. This is the committee which has the power to remove any regulation. Currently on a tour of Punjab at the end of his four-day official visit to both India and Pakistan as part of an official delegation, Mr Grewal says: "Canada should be playing a leadership role in resolving the issue of Kashmir — the largest standing border dispute in the world — which is the key to peace between India and Pakistan." Mr Grewal accompanied Mr Raymond Chan, Secretary of State for Asia and Pacific in the Canadian Liberal Government, on the tour. "Of the G-8 nations, it is Canada which could play the role of a leader and mediate between India and Pakistan. In fact, I have vested interest in improving and strengthening relations between India and Pakistan because the Surrey Central constituency I represent in the Canadian Parliament has not only the largest population but has the highest concentration of people of both India and Pakistan origin." Mr Grewal says he and his Reforms Party did not condone the government's policy of recalling ambassadors and imposing sanctions on both India and Pakistan. "We immediately filled the vacuum by having our leader, Mr Preston Manning and our Foreign Affairs critic, Mr Bob Mills, besides myself as Deputy House Leader, visit the two countries last year despite attempts by the Liberal government's foreign minister to stop us. "At the height of tension between India and Pakistan, Canada should not have pursued a disengagement policy at the diplomatic level. Rather, Canada should have augmented diplomatic initiatives and dialogue in order to have the two countries commit to a 'no first use' policy and sign on to the comprehensive test ban treaty and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty," adds Mr Grewal. In Pakistan, Mr Raymond Chan and Mr Grewal held meetings with the Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, members of the Opposition in the National Assembly and other prominent leaders besides calling on the Federal Minister of Law, Justice and Human Rights in connection with the arrest of Friday Times Editor, Mr N. Sethi. "We felt that Canada-Pakistan relations will not open up till the human rights record of Pakistan and issues concerning women, child labour and freedom of the press improve. The freeze on development assistance, which has been to the tune of two billion dollars since 1952 would not be lifted until human rights record of Pakistan is improved. Other issues discussed with Pakistan leaders included international terrorism, narcotics control, environmental degradation and regional security and cooperation," Mr Grewal said. In India, the Canadian
delegation met several union ministers and leaders of the
Opposition including the Congress, besides a former Prime
Minister, Mr Inder Kumar Gujral. |
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Judge: file PIL sparingly AMRITSAR, May 16 — A newly appointed judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr Justice Narinder Kumar Sud, expressed happiness over his appointment. A former Governor of the Rotary club, while talking to this correspondent here today after being felicitated by the Rotarians of district 3070, he said his new appointment had put greater responsibility. A prominent former income tax advocate from Jalandhar, he felt that public interest litigations (PILs) should be filed sparingly, only in genuine cases which required the attention of high courts. A PIL should not be filed to defame anybody but only to provide justice and bring out the maladies in the system for the good of the people. Through he advocated an independent judiciary, he felt that it should not interfere in the role of the legislature and executive. The working of lok adalats and consumer redressal forums needed to be strengthened to ease the pressure on the judicial system. Earlier, speaking at a function at Guru Nanak Dev University, Mr Justice Sud said he stood for and practised the ideals of the Rotary movement during his active social life and these responsible for his elevation. The Rotary Governor, Mr Arun Kapur, said the people of this area were proud of his appointment. Rotarians from Punjab,
Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir participated in the
function, where schoolchildren presented a cultural show. |
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Brar's charge refuted CHANDIGARH, May 16 — A former president of the Istri Akali Dal, Ms (Dr) Shavinder Kaur Johal, in a statement today rebutted the allegation of Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar, a Congress leader, appearing in these columns that certain close relatives of Mr Parkash Singh Badal were in forcible occupation of land in Fazilka. She said the land was allotted to her son and herself against valid claims issued by the Ministry of Rehabilitation in 1964 in lieu of urban property left in Pakistan. This allotment was done during Congress rule and she had all relevant papers. Therefore to demand the resignation of Mr Badal on this issue was preposterous. Dr Shavinder Kaur said that Mr Brar should get his facts straight and not embarrass his party as the decision to give land was taken during the Congress regime. If he thought any undue favour had been given to her by Mr Badal she was willing to give up her claim but will Mr Brar quit contesting from Faridkot for the Lok Sabha if proved wrong? There is no reason for Mr Badal to quit as Mr Brar has demanded. In fact the case was
before the Financial Commissioner, Revenue, and the
government was not giving her justice. "We are still
running from court to court, whereas, the unauthorised
occupants are enjoying the benefits of government land.
She demanded the government settle genuine demands of the
refugees and sell the remaining land by auction. |
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Govt responsible for crisis:
Cong JALANDHAR, May 16 — All-India Congress Committee General Secretary Meira Kumar has said the ongoing feud between Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and former SGPC President Gurcharan Singh Tohra may lead to a law and order problem in the state. Addressing a press conference here today she said a political and a financial crisis had engulfed Punjab and that the present government was responsible for it. Answering a query on the Congress role to bring down the government, she said the party did not initiate the no-confidence motion, but that the President had directed the Prime Minister to seek a confidence motion vote. Defending the large-scale expenditure incurred by the state government on the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib, she said "Great religious sentiments were attached to this special occasion." When asked if the Congress would approach the Election Commission, as Mr Badal had appealed to the electorate, to vote for his party from Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib recently, she said all details would be discussed and a decision would be taken by the party on the violation of the code of conduct. She claimed that in
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, the Congress would
definitely make a sweeping come. |
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Medicos to extend agitation PATIALA, May 16 — The Medicos Action Committee, which is protesting against the hike in college fee and hospital charges, today said the agitation would now be extended to all medical and dental colleges of the state. In a statement here action committee convener Rajinder Kumar said a state body, the Punjab Medicos Action Committee, had been formed at a meeting between students of the local Government College and those from Amritsar Government Medical College. The students would continue to remain on fast until the college Principal cancelled the suspension of eight students, allowed them to enter the hostel and evicted the police from the hostel. They also countered the statement of Principal S.S. Sidhu that no student had been ordered to vacate the hostel, claiming written orders had been passed in this regard. Meanwhile, the Mehnatkash Sangharash Kendra, today took out a march in the city, demanding reversal of the hike in hospital charges. Later, its members gathered at the fasting students' camp and expressed solidarity with them. Another organisation,
the Technical Services Union, Patiala circle, also
expressed solidarity with them and condemned the
Principal's "undemocratic" attitude. |
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6.3 quintals of poppy husk seized HOSHIARPUR, May 16 (UNI) — The police claimed to have seized 6.30 quintals of poppy husk concealed in a tractor-trailer filled with sugarcane on Garhshankar-Balachaur road on Friday night. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Mr R.P. Mittal, said today that Kamaljit Singh of Bhaura, Sohan Lal of Chuheki and Gujjar, Salim of Muzzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, were arrested when the police intercepted a tractor-trailer they were riding with the contraband. Mr Mittal said Gujjar confessed that he used to charge Rs 10,000 per consignment being smuggled from Uttar Pradesh. The accused said they used to sell poppy husk at the rate of Rs 500 per kg to retailers who in turn sold it to addicts at Rs 800 per kilo. A case under Section 15,
61 and 85 of the NDPS Act had been registered. |
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Spurious oil racket busted, 2
held JALANDHAR, May 16 — The police raided a factory manufacturing spurious Mobil oil and arresting two persons in this regard. The SSP, Mr Gaurav Yadav, stated here today that secret information was received which said some persons were using empty containers of standard Mobil brands like GTX and Castrol to put inferior quality Mobil oil in it. These were then sealed with the help of machines and sold in the market as "genuine" products. A case was registered in this regard and a raid was conducted on the premises of factories at Sidharath Nagar and Kartar Nagar. Rishi Kumar, alias Pinka, of Basti Nau and Surinder Mohan of Gurjaipal Nagar have been identified as those arrested. They were caught red-handed while putting inferior quality Mobil oil in the packages. Two machines used for sealing the packages were also seized besides 125 litres of inferior quality Mobil oil, 75 empty cases of GTX of 5 litres each, and 150 empty cases of half-litre each the SSP said. The accused said they obtained inferior quality Mobil oil from the local market and packages of standard brand names from Delhi. They had been indulging
in this practice for the past several years. They would
sell products at Rs 90 per litre. |
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Panchayats to recruit teachers ROPAR, May 16 — Village panchayats will be empowered to recruit teachers on temporary basis in government schools. This was stated by Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, at Bassi Gujran village Chamkaur Sabib while inaugurating the buildings of a community centre, shopping complex and veterinary dispensary, built at a cost of Rs 15 lakh, at the village focal point, yesterday. Mr Atwal said the state government would provide financial assistance to panchayats to recruit temporary teachers. He said this was one of the measures taken to meet the shortage of teachers in rural areas. The Speaker also
disclosed that state government had drawn up a special
scheme to repair roads of the state, for which, an amount
of Rs 570 crore had been earmarked. |
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Plea to honour freedom
fighter BATHINDA, May 16 — Mr Mohinder Singh Teona, General Secretary, Punjab Zimindara Union, yesterday said no Punjab minister participated in the bhog of Mota Singh, a freedom fighter, who died on May 3, 1999. In a press note issued here, he said Mota Singh of Gobindpura village in Mansa district was a Tamarpatra holder with no other assets. He said while representatives of the state government and the district administration participated in the cremation ceremony at his native village, no government official or minister attended his bhog. Mr Teona said Mota Singh
joined the Azad Hind Fauj after quitting his job in the
Singapore police and was interned in Rangoon. In a letter
to the President he has demanded the freedom fighter
should be honoured by opening a hospital, water work, a
high school in Gobindpur village. |
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Rail ticket racket unearthed JALANDHAR, May 16 — The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has unearthed a racket involving sale of unauthorised tickets, costing the railway exchequer lakhs. Taking action on a public complaint regarding the illegal business of selling fake railway tickets to passengers, the Assistant Security Commissioner, RPF, Northern Railway, constituted a special team to investigate the matter. Yesterday, in a raid at the railway station here, and apprehended one Bibesh Misher, resident of Kishanpura, Jalandhar, and seized tickets from him. The team also raided Puri Cycle House near the railway station here and seized 82 tickets booked for different trains worth Rs 58,000. The RPF also arrested Purshottam Lal Puri in this connection. A reservation clerk, Mr Vikas Oberai, is also allegedly involved in this racket. The special Railway
Magistrate, Jalandhar city, Mr M.P. Singh, has imposed a
fine of Rs 5,000 on each accused and forfeited all
tickets. This month, seven persons have been arrested for
dealing in fake railway tickets in Jalandhar subdivision
— Jammu-4, Amritsar-2 and Pathankot-1. |
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Dr Ahluwalia assumes office PATIALA, May 16 — Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia assumed charge of the Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, here yesterday. Addressing the university employees, officers and teachers Dr Ahluwalia termed his appointment as 'home coming'. Dr Ahluwalia besides being president of the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation was the Chairman Punjab School Education Board. He has been the Chief Editor of the Guru Gobind Singh Journal of Religious Studies. Dr Ahluwalia, a leading
scholar, writer and critic, has to his credit over two
dozen books in English and Punjabi. |
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Dalit front flays Tohra's
expulsion GURDASPUR, May 16 — Mr Joginder Singh Chinna, President, Indian Minorities and Dalit Front, today presided over a meeting of the district unit of the front to review repercussions arising out of the expulsion of the former SGPC President, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, from Shiromani Akali Dal for six years. Briefing mediapersons after the meeting, Mr Chinna said the members unanimously condemned the decision of Mr Parkash Singh Badal and added that this would dampen the prospects of the SAD in the coming Lok Sabha elections. He said a leader of the stature of Mr Tohra did not deserve to be expelled from the party. Meanwhile Mr Gurmej
Singh Shahura former member, SGPC, was appointed Senior
Vice-President of the front by Mr Chinna. |
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