Friday, September 24, 1999
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P U N J A B | |
Friday, September 24, 1999 |
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PAU
develops virus-resistant cotton variety Harbans Singh writes to SGPC chief |
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Custodial
death: SHO held Move to extend teaching days Enforce court order on police
protection: HC SGPC to discuss quota issue Tandon convenes Mayors' meeting SC verdict ‘against Art 46
spirit’ Crop insurance scheme for Punjab Cops’ timely action saves
life Terrorist victim
‘denied’ admission KCF activist held Civic body proposed for Lalru Deccan Horse celebrates Jordan
Valley Day Dograi Battle heroes remembered British cops visit Doaba region Commandos leave for Bengal BSP activists stage dharna |
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PAU develops virus-resistant
cotton variety LUDHIANA, Sept 23 — A major achievement has been made by the local Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), which has come out with the world’s first leaf curl virus-resistant hybrid variety of cotton. The variety, developed by Dr Lakhwinder Singh Randhawa, a cotton breeder, of the university, has been named as LHH-144. After successful trials first at the university’s research farm and later in the field, the variety has been released for sowing in the country. The American boll worm and leaf curl virus have been a threat to the cotton crop in the Malwa region of Punjab for the past five years. Dr Randhawa and other scientists and cotton breeders in the country are working to counter the attack of the American boll worm and the development of a leaf curl virus-resistant hybrid cotton variety is also a major breakthrough. The leaf curl virus first attacked the cotton crop in the Abohar-Hindumal Kot belt in 1994. Almost all cotton varieties were attacked by it. It caught the PAU authorities unawares and they put their breeders on the job to counter the virus. Dr Randhawa told TNS that the virus came to India from Pakistan through this white fly in the Hindumal Kot border area. The virus was first spotted in 1924 in Nigeria. The virus, which leads to a yield loss from 20 to 80 per cent, causes stunted growth of cotton plants. It has attacked cotton crop this year also in the Abohar area. Talking about the salient features of the new hybrid variety, Dr Randhawa said this was a bushy type monopodal plant, which requires a spacing of 2.5 feet to 3 feet between each plant. One kg seed of this variety was enough for one acre. Its leaves were "okra type" which allow sunlight to filter to the ground level and this process "helps in saving bolls especially in the lower part of plant from rottening". It was an early maturing variety. While the bolls of other varieties weighed up to 3 to 4 grams, the weight of its bolls had been recorded up to 6 gm. It is a superior medium staple variety suitable for spinning at 40 counts. As it matured early, it mostly escaped the attack of boll work which becomes full blown in October. Moreover this variety has anti-genotic traits and due to this reason it would not be "conducive" for attack of the boll worm. The PAU had got a project for developing short duration compact plant varieties of cotton for mechanical picking. The project had been allotted by the Indian Council of Agriculture of Research under its National Agriculture Technology Project. As the climate had turned unfavourable in this part of the country for cotton crop due to increase in humidity level and other changes, cotton breeders are working to develop short-duration varieties could be ready for picking by the end of September. Efforts are also being
made to improve the varieties of desi cotton and to bring
it on a par with American cotton. Apart from this,
research was being done to make cotton wrinkle-free and
improve the quality of its fibre. |
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Harbans Singh writes to SGPC
chief AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — Bibi Jagir Kaur, President, SGPC, has said she received a letter from Justice Harbans Singh (retd), Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections, regarding the constitution of a sub-committee to discuss the draft notification at length. However, such suggestions could not be conceded as the executive of the SGPC held here on September 18 had already sought suggestions from the entire Sikh sangat to discuss the issue. She said the suggestions on the issue would be discussed by Sikh intellectuals, legal experts before the submission of the draft notification to Government of India. Talking to TNS, Bibi Jagir Kaur said the SGPC executive had given enough time of two months to the Sikh sangat to send their suggestions on the draft notification, definition of a Sikh, extending the term of the president from one year to five years and doing away reservations etc. She said the fresh letter from Justice Harbans Singh was handed over to her in a closed envelop by the Secretary, SGPC, before the meeting of the executive held on September 18 at Amritsar. Bibi Jagir Kaur said while the SGPC had already rejected the draft notification sent by Justice Harbans Singh to the Government of India, the suggestions of the Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections, could not be taken up in isolation as these could be discussed in the General House only. Meanwhile, in a new twist to the ongoing controversy about Sikh gurdwara legislation, Chief Commissioner of Gurdwara Elections has asked SGPC President, Bibi Jagir Kaur, to form a "sub-committee on the SGPC executive immediately to study the proposed amendments in the Gurdwara Act, 1925." In a letter to Jagir Kaur detailing the commission’s interaction with the SGPC and other Sikh fora regarding amendments in the 1925 Act, Chief Commissioner Justice (retd) Harbans Singh said the SGPC’s objection to the move had "surprised" him and claimed that "full discussions with various Sikh organisations, particularly with the SGPC, Sikh ministers and Sikh MPs were held" regarding the amendments and the proposed Gurdwara Bill. Justice Harbans Singh’s letter, a copy of which was obtained by PTI here, also said "it was only when there was no response from your side... and the Home Ministry was pressing that this commission should send its own comments, that the draft amendments were forwarded" to it. This is the first time that Justice Harbans Singh has referred to pressure from the Union Home Ministry for sending the draft notification and draft Gurdwara Bill, 1999, last month. Listing the occasions when he held discussions with Bibi Jagir Kaur, including a nearly 90-minute meeting at the latter’s residence in June this year, the former Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice said "it is not correct to say that there was only a casual talk." His letter also touched upon the controversy regarding the proposed change in the definition of Sikh, removing the reference to ‘patit’ (apostate) in the listed disqualifications for becoming a member of a gurdwara committee and ending reservations for Scheduled Castes and women in the SGPC. The Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections, said the definition of Sikh proposed by him was correct and "nothing was gained" by adding words. "If a person declares that he professes Sikh religion, it is obvious that he cannot possess any other religion" he said. Referring to objection raised by some Sikh intellectuals that under the proposed amendments, a "patit" would become eligible for election to the SGPC, Justice Harbans Singh said "it is a controversy for the sake of creating a controversy". In fact, he claimed that "the proposed amendment in the Act in this respect is an improvement of the existing provision". "My earnest request
is that a sub-committee of the executive of the SGPC may
be formed immediately to thoroughly go into the proposed
amendments and come to a proper conclusion at the
earliest and inform the Central Government
accordingly", he said. |
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Draft notification draws flak PATIALA, Sept 23 — The World Sikh Intellectual Council (WSIC) yesterday took serious note of the draft notification of the Sikh Gurdwaras Bill sent by Chief Commissioner Gurdwara elections Justice Harbans Singh (retd) to the Union Government before consulting the SGPC, various factions of the Akali Dal, Sikh students federation, the Sikh Intellectual Council, Sikh saints and others Sikh organisations concerned. In a statement WSIC president Baldev Singh Balluana said at a meeting held here the council condemned the move of the Commissioner for making some proposals in its draft notification to replace the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee by a central board and 10 regional boards. He further said the Commissioner had no right to send the draft notification to the Union Government on its own. He said the primary function of the Commissioner was to conduct elections of the SGPC and not to suggest any amendments in the Gurdwara Act, 1925. Mr Balluana said their
should be no right of vote to a "Sehajdhari"
Sikh for the SGPC elections. He said to end the
controversy among the Sikh, the council would consult the
SGPC, Sikh saints and Sikh scholars to collect their
views so that consensus may be made out to find permanent
solution to the problem. |
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Custodial death: SHO held ROPAR, Sept 23 — The SHO of Anandpur Sahib Didar Singh has been arrested by the police this evening in connection with the custodial death of Devinder Singh, alias Bhola of Hasanpur village near Kharar. He was arrested on the basis of preliminary investigations in the case. Bhola had died in the custody of CIA staff here on September 18. He was arrested along with three youths on the charge of carrying an assault rifle. They were released by the Kharar court on Sunday when the police said no weapon had been recovered from them. Police sources here confirmed the arrest of Didar Singh. He was head of the police party which brought the youths from Hasanpur village in the early hours of September 18 to Ropar for interrogation. Earlier, Gurcharan Singh, a constable and an accused in the case was today remanded in police custody up to September 28. The three youths, victim of alleged police torture who were admitted in the local civil hospital yesterday, are still in the emergency ward. The police today produced constable Gurcharan Singh, who surrendered before it yesterday, in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate D.S. Malwai. The magistrate sent him in police custody till September 28. Three policemen — Sub-Inspector Malwinder Singh Malhi, Manjit Singh, a constable, and Devinder Singh, an SPO are still at large. Mr Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SSP, said police parties had been despatched to various parts of the state and the adjoining states to nab them. Meanwhile, Bibi Jagir Kaur, President Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), who was here today condemned the death of the youth. She said she would bring the matter to the notice of the Chief Minister. President of the Punjab
Janata Dal (United) Jagir Singh Ganesh, also condemned
the custodial death and demanded a high-level inquiry
into it. |
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SGPC to ‘rein in’
G.S. Tohra AMRITSAR, Sept 23 —The SGPC has unanimously decided to move the Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission against Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra for allegedly "abusing" his authority, breach of trust and misguiding the General House during his tenure as the president of the SGPC while nominating the members of various SGPC-run trusts even before their completion. The decision to this effect was taken at the recently held executive committee of the SGPC under the presidentship of Bibi Jagir Kaur. Talking to TNS here yesterday, Mr Kulwant Singh, Secretary, SGPC, said Mr Tohra had nominated members of the Guru Ram Dass Charitable Hospital Trust and the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College Trust in January while the six-year term of these trusts was yet to be completed in March, 1999. Interestingly, the Tohra group had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the silent move of the SGPC to revamp the trusts. In its silent move the SGPC chief, Bibi Jagir Kaur, had replaced the pro-Tohra members by pro-Badal members in August. However, Mr Manjit Singh Calcutta, a former Akali minister and a former member secretary of the Guru Ram Dass Hospital Trust had described the reconstitution of trusts as "illegal". Mr Kulwant Singh said the SGPC would move the Sikh Judicial Commission under Section 142 of the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, in respect of any alleged breach of trust. He further said the SGPC would urge the judicial commission to place Mr Tohra under suspension as SGPC member for allegedly misusing his powers when he was the president of the SGPC. Giving details, the SGPC secretary said when Mr Tohra had sensed that a "no-confidence" move was likely to be initiated against him.He said when a General House met under the presidentship of the new President Bibi Jagir Kaur on March 30, one of the SGPC members pointed out that Mr Tohra had "fraudulently" added a resolution that the previous General House had given him power to nominate the members of the trusts. This point was raised by a pro-Badal SGPC member, Mr Jaswinder Singh Advocate and the resolution giving powers to the then SGPC chief Mr Tohra in this regard could not be passed. "In this way Mr Tohra was guilty of misguiding the House with alleged mala fide intention, he alleged. Mr Kulwant Singh alleged that many misappropriations during the tenure of Mr Tohra were detected by the new trustees. On the other hand the
Tohra group claimed that the nomination of the members of
the trusts was done "absolutely" as per law and
no rules were violated in this regard. |
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Move to extend teaching days AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — "The total number of teaching days are less than the targeted minimum of 180 days. Five-day a week and a large number gazetted holidays make things difficult. We have requested the state government to exclude educational institutions from mandatory observance of all holidays announced by the government". There are excerpts from the 64-page draft report on Guru Nanak Dev University’s institutional self-assessment report to be submitted to the National Assessment. Accreditation Council (NAAC). The draft will be placed for discussion at the meeting of the steering committee proposed to be held here tomorrow under the presidentship of Vice-Chancellor Harbhajan Singh Soch. The University in its self-assessment report has expressed its "grey areas" and weaknesses also. While highlighting its achievements in the field of academics, sports and other areas, the report did not conceal its weaknesses. The report was prepared by Dr Harish K. Puri, coordinator of the steering committee, apart from 23 other members, including the Registrar, the Dean Academic Affairs, the Dean Students Welfare, Finance and Development Officer, Dr H.S. Sidhu, President, Guru Nanak Dev University Teachers Association, and two representatives of students. The Vice-Chancellor, when contacted, claimed that the university was the first university in the North which had made sincere efforts to adopt the NAAC recommendations. Dr Harish Puri said the main object of self-assessment was to improve the quality of higher education. The report said during the 1980s, experienced teaching staff from other parts of the country did not seek employment in the university due to political tubulence in those days. "That hindered the growth of new ideas, cross fertilisation and development of a composite culture. However, we are glad that the situation has changed and the university is again attracting talent from outside the state". Highlighting its achievements, it said about 80 per cent of the faculty was engaged in research. As many as 42 projects were completed during the past three years and 43 national and two international seminars/conferences were organised. About 300 teachers participated in over 500 national and international seminars and conferences during the same period. As many as 415 candidates were on the rolls for Ph.D. Memoranda of understanding were recently signed with universities in Spain, the USA, the UK and with national institutes in India. Giving details of the
report, Dr Puri said a 21-member steering committee and a
coordinator were appointed. As per the requirements of
the first format 15 sub-committees were constituted. It
was followed by meetings of the steering committee and
sub-committees. The data was collected from 35
departments on the campus, two regional centres of the
university, four chairs and 91 affiliated colleges. |
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Enforce court order on police
protection: HC CHANDIGARH, Sept 23 — Mr Justice N.K. Sodhi and Mr Justice N.K. Sud of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed the SSP, Patiala, to provide adequate police protection to ensure that the decree of civil court is enforced while disposing of a writ petition filed by Mr Sharanjit Singh of Samana in Patiala district. Mr Sharanjit Singh in his writ petition had alleged that he, along with his late father Puran Singh, were in joint possession of 236 kanals of land since 1970-71 and were cultivating it. The court in a civil suit for permanent injunction had held possession of land of the petitioner and his late father and had restrained one Kulwant Singh and others from interfering in the harvesting of crops on it. It was alleged that in spite of the court decree in the petitioners' favour, Kulwant Singh, in connivance with the local police, was not allowing them to harvest the crops sown by them on their land. It was further alleged that Kulwant Singh and his accomplices had murdered the petitioner's father and caused injuries to the family members. The police had not protected them in spite of the court decree and earlier directions of the High Court to provide security to the petitioner and his family members and property. Now the High Court,
while disposing of the writ petition after hearing
counsel for the petitioners, directed the SSP to provide
adequate police protection to enforce the court decree
granted in favour of the petitioner. |
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SGPC to discuss quota issue ROPAR, Sept 23 — Bibi Jagir Kaur, President of the SGPC said here today that regarding an end to reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the SGPC, she could not express her views here. She would present her views in the General House of the SGPC on the issue and added that the General House would decide on the issue. Regarding the omission of the word "sehajdhari" from the Act, she said it was the duty of the SGPC to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev's philosophy. Bibi Jagir Kaur said the
recruitment of sewadars in the gurdwaras would be made on
the recommendations of the SGPC member of the area
concerned because the member could easily assess whether
the candidate had qualities of a Gursikh. |
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Tandon convenes Mayors' meeting CHANDIGARH, Sept 23 — Amid reports of harassment by octroi contractors to the public, especially traders in cities, the Punjab Local Bodies Minister, Mr Balramji Dass Tandon, has called a meeting of Mayors and Commissioners of all municipal corporations in the state for September 25 in Amritsar. Mr Tandon in a statement here today said the Punjab Government was committed to protecting the rights of the people and stop any attempt of exploitation by contractors. Urging for strict compliance and implementation of the guidelines to the municipal committees, minister said any person employed by a contractor found guilty of misconduct would be removed immediately from duty. The octroi contractor,
Mr Tandon said, should follow strictly the procedure and
rates of levy, assessment and collection of octroi. |
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SC verdict ‘against
Art 46 spirit’ CHANDIGARH, Sept 23 — Mr Lahori Ram Balley and certain other "Ambedkarites of Punjab" said the decision of the Supreme Court, curtailing educational facilities granted to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribe students was against the spirit of Article 46 of the Constitution. Mr Balley in a statement said the apex court had completely ignored the fact how "dishonestly" merit was being obtained in universities. He said the
"Ambedkarites of Punjab" expressed their
solidarity with those who were agitating against the
decision of the apex court. He regretted that political
parties were silent on this subject. |
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Crop insurance scheme for
Punjab BATHINDA, Sept 23 — The Central Government is likely to introduce a crop insurance scheme in Punjab to compensate farmers for any loss of crop due to natural calamities. Talking to Tribune News Service, Mr K.R. Lakhanpal, Secretary, Finance, Punjab, said here today that the Punjab Government had sent its recommendations to the central government for introducing the scheme. He said it was likely to come into effect after the formation of a new government at the Centre. He said in the first phase, eight crops, including wheat, paddy and cotton would be brought under insurance cover. Mr Lakhanpal said the Punjab Government had also worked out the mode for the payment of premium by the farmers. He added that the farmers would have to pay only a small portion of the premium while the major share would be contributed by the Punjab Government. When asked whether the permission granted to MNCs by the Punjab Government to buy wheat from the state would effect the farmers, he said it would fetch a better remunerative price for the crop. He added that the Punjab Government had also launched a special campaign against those traders who were dealing in the sale of spurious pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers. Asked about the
financial position of Punjab Agiculture Univerisity, Mr
Lakhanpal said it was not so bad and efforts were being
made to provide enough funds so that research work could
be carried out properly. |
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Cops’ timely action saves life AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — It was timely action by the police that helped save the life of Hoshiar Singh, a caretaker at a house owned by Mr Bajaj here in the Civi Lines area. Last week, two persons entered Mr Bajaj's house on the Mall at about 10 am with the motive of robbery. Only the old caretaker and a maid were at home. According to eyewitnesses, the persons asked the maid for water and as she entered the kitchen, they brandished a knife and hit her. Bleeding profusely she fell unconscious. Later, they went to the room of Hoshiar Singh and repeatedly stabbed him, inflicting over 40 wounds. Meanwhile, regaining consciousness, the maid raised the alarm. A neighbour informed the police and without losing time the SHO, Mr Rajinder Pal, along with his men arrived and look Hoshiar Singh to a hospital. However, the culprits had fled in the meantime. The police also arranged Rs 3,000 for the treatment before Mr Bajaj arrived. The SHO said his first task was to save Hoshiar Singh's life as no valuable was found missing from the house. Mr Bajaj thanked the
police for its timely action. |
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Terrorist victim
‘denied’ admission AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — Mrs Vimla Dang, a former MLA, has alleged that victims of terrorists were not being given their dues as promised by the state government. She alleged that Ravinder Mohan was denied admission to Dayanand Industrial Training Institute in the reserved quota meant for children of victims of terrorism. In a communication to Mrs Upinderjit Kaur, Minister for Technical Education and Industries, she said the parents of Ravinder Mohan and his grandmother had been shot dead at Kot Khalsa (Amritsar), leaving behind three minor sons who had been brought up by a relative. Ravinder Mohan, who was the eldest of the three had applied for stenography course. He was told that this course did not exist even though the prospectus had enlisted it. He then requested admission in electrician, draftsman or surveyor course. However, he was told that he could be given only the course of turner for which he had no inclination. Mrs Dang alleged that
for each of these courses, the number of seats was more
than that in the case of turner. Moreover, he had applied
in the quota for terrorist-affected candidates. |
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KCF activist held GURDASPUR, Sept 23 — The police today arrested an activist of the Khalistan Commando Force from his native village of Bhambli, 8 km from here, Mr Varinder Kumar, SSP, said, a police party, on reliable information, raided the house of the said extremist in early morning today. The accused attemped to flee but was overpowered by the police party. A letter pad of Khalistan Commando Force was recovered from him. The district police chief said the accused during his preliminary interrogation disclosed that he was closely related to Jasbir Singh, alias Baba, alias Bullet and Bachittar Singh, alias Bapu, both self-styled Lieut-Generals of the said extermist outfit. Both extremists were responsible for several incidents of killings and arson were killed in police encounters. The district police chief said the accused taking advantage of close relations with the said extremists got a letter pad of the said extremists and planned to collect money by threatening people. A case under Section
386, IPC, has been registered. |
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Civic body proposed for Lalru LALRU, Sept 23 — The Local Government Department of Punjab proposes to set up a municipal council here in view of the urbanisation of this village-turned-town. A blueprint to define the limits of the proposed council has been prepared. The department has set up a committee under the chairmanship of Mr Surjit Singh, Deputy Director, to carry out a survey of the villages that will be included in the proposed council. Other members of the committee are Mr Sita Singh, District Town Planner, and a representative of the Deputy Commissioner, Patiala. The committee has started the survey and is expected to submit its report to the state government soon. As per the Municipal Act, an area having commercial, industrial and agriculture land and a minimum population of 5,000 could be formed into a notified area committee, Mr Surjit Singh said. Local residents have since long been demanding the formation of a notified area committee. The town has a population of about 15,000 and is divided into four parts — Lalru Village, Lalru Mandi, Magran and Bassi, each having its own gram panchayat. A majority of the
residents have welcomed the proposal in the hope of
getting better civic amenities. Businessmen, however,
have their reservations. |
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Deccan Horse celebrates Jordan
Valley Day SOMEWHERE IN THE WESTERN SECTOR, Sept 23 — It was 81 years ago that a troop of Deccan Horsemen under Risaldar Badlu Singh charged a vastly superior enemy in the Jordan Valley (Palestine). The Risaldar, though mortally wounded, successfully pressed home the charge and routed the enemy. The Deccan Horse, a cavalry regiment with over two centuries of tradition in valour and courage, celebrated its battle honour day "Jordan Valley Day" today. Speaking to the officers and men, Maj-Gen T.S. Shergill, Colonel of The Deccan Horse, called upon Deccan Horsemen to emulate the deeds of their illustrious forefathers. The raising of Asaf Jah's Irregular Cavalry by Nizam-ul-Mulk, the then Nizam of Hyderabad, saw the birth of this legend in 1790. Drawing inspiration from Asaf Jah's green standard, the force soon laid the foundation of a strong domain in the Deccan. The regiment won favourable mention from Col Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, as the "Finest irregulary cavalry in the world". Formalised as the Reformed Horse in 1826, it continued to prove its speed, daring and panache, and won acclaim as the "Jahazi Risala" after Sir Hugh Rose entitled it as the "Wings of the Army" or the "Flying Cavalry", which flew over bloodied battle-fields. The regiment battled not only in Central India but also abroad in the Afghan wars, Burma and Africa. In a daring action at Chichamba in 1858, it won its first Victoria Cross, the highest gallantry award of the time. The process of Indianisation of the cavalry started in 1903 when it was selected for merger into the Indian Cavalry as the XXth Deccan Horse and XXIX Lancers Deccan Horse. The regiments' deeds, both in mounted and dismounted actions in France, Belgium, Flanders and Palestine, are epitomised in the second Victoria Cross won by Risaldar Badlu Singh. The outstanding services of the regiment led to it getting the title "Royal" in 1921. After Independence, the Mussalman Squadron of the regiment went to Pakistan and in exchange, a squadron of the Dogras of the Probyn's Horse came to the Regiment. The Dogras soon imbibed the "Deccan" spirit and the regiment was in action at Chhamb Jaurian in 1948 where the advance of the Pakistanis was halted and lost territory was recaptured. On January 26, 1950, the regiment was renamed The Deccan Horse. The 1965 and 71 wars saw a similar display of courage and action in the Khem Karan and Chhamb sectors, respectively, which won for the regiment numerous honours and accolades. The regiment has won over 300 gallantry awards to date including two Victoria Crosses, one Padma Vibhushan, three PVSMs, two MVCs, three AVSMs, six Vr Cs, 12 DSOs, seven Sens Medals, 24 Mcs and 50 Mention in Despatches. The regiment was presented its Guidon on January 9, 1984, by the then President of India, Giani Zail Singh, on behalf of a grateful nation in recognition of its deeds and sacrifices. The regiment saw one of its sons, General A S Vaidya, Padma Vibhushan, PVSM, rise to the highest attainable position as Chief of Army Staff. In December 1990, once again the then Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Mr R Venkataraman, visited the regiment on the 200th Anniversary of its raising. Today, The Deccan Horse
comprises Jats, Dogras and Sikhs and officers come from
all parts of India. These diverse yet integrated warriors
form a bond with single-minded purpose under the
Regimental motto "Sanghe Shakti", "Unity
in Strength". |
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Dograi Battle heroes remembered AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — Commemorative function was organised here yesterday to honour the martyrs of the Dograi Battle. Maj-Gen Avtar Singh, General Officer Commanding, Panther Division, laid a wreath at the Dograi War Memorial in the new cantonment here. The Dograi Memorial has been constructed in memory of the heroes who made the supreme sacrifice during the Indo-Pakistan conflict in 1965. The Panther Division had captured the Pakistan township of Dograi on September 22, 1965. The gallant soldiers of Panther Division vanquished the Pakistan Army and took 108 soldiers as PoWs, including the Commanding Officer of 16 Punjab of the Pakistan army. The Pakistanis left behind 15 Sherman tanks, which were at one time considered to be invincible. To commemorate this victory, September 22 is celebrated as Dograi Day every year. After the wreath-laying
ceremony, Maj-Gen Avtar Singh, VSM, interacted with war
veterans and discussed their problems. |
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British cops visit Doaba region JALANDHAR, Sept 23 — A two-member delegation of the Yorkshire Police has toured the Doaba region to take a look into the rituals and cultural roots of the Punjabi community residing in Yorkshire. The delegation comprises inspector Michael Veneables and constable Surinder Dev of Indian origin. They told reporters here today that they had come to Punjab to understand the social structure of the Punjabi. They said a 25-member team would also visit Punjabis in February for this purpose. The British police
officer said there was no specific form of crime among
the Indian community in the Yorkshire region, adding that
the British police was talking keen interest to develop
ties with the Punjab Police. |
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Commandos leave for Bengal PATIALA, Sept 23 — The Inspector General of Police, Mr K.L. Likhi, today flagged off a special train carrying two Punjab commando battalions to West Bengal to assist in the poll process there. Mr Likhi, the DIG, Mr Brijinder Singh, and other officers gave a warm send-off to the force, consisting of 1,160 personnel, including 12 officers, at the railway station. Mr Likhi asked the
commandos to uphold the high traditions of the Punjab
Police while performing duty. |
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BSP activists stage dharna PHAGWARA, Sept 23 — Activists of the Bahujan Samaj Party and other third front allies today staged a dharna outside the local DSP's office to demand withdrawal of "false cases" against nine BSP activists, including Mr Ashok Sandhu, Party's district President. They alleged that the cases were registered by their opponents to settle political scores. They warned to intensify the stir in case their demand was not accepted. Mr Avinash Chander,
party candidate from the Phillaur Lok Sabha seat, was
among the protestors. |
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Tohra meets R.S. Talwandi LUDHIANA, Sept 23 — Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, president of the SHSAD, today called on the chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation, Mr Ranjit Singh Talwandi, in Central Jail here today. Mr Talwandi has been
convicted in a murder case. Informed sources said Mr
Tohra discussed the forthcoming annual election of the
office-bearers of the SGPC with him. |
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University teachers stage dharna AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — The Guru Nanak Dev University Teachers Association (GNDUTA), boycotted classes for two hours and staged a dharna in front of the Vice-Chancellor's office in protest against the non-implementation of the career advancement scheme the non-payment of arrears for three years on account of pay revision, anomalies in pay fixation and UGC's notification regarding the cuts on expenditure in higher education etc. According to Prof H.S. Sidhu, President of the association, the teachers attended demanded withdrawl of the UGC circular and implementation of its earlier recommendations. PATIALA: The Punjabi University Teachers Association (PUTA) held a rally in front of the vice-Chancellor's office here on Thursday in protest against the UGC letter imposing a ban on the creation and filling up of vacant posts and 10 per cent cut in posts and expenditure. Dr Gurdip Singh,
President of PUTA, sought the immediate release of
arrears, restoration of parity between direct recruitees
and merit promotees, reintroduction of re-employment
scheme and regularisation of services of ad hoc teachers. |
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Body found PATIALA, Sept 23 — A highly decomposed body of a middle-aged man was recovered from a cremation ground near Alohrian Gate at Nabha township in the district. Major (retd) Ranjit Singh and Prof Ranjit Singh who saw the burnt body reported the matter to the police. They said it had head injuries as well. A case of murder has been registered after the receipt of the post-mortem examination report. Dr O.P. Aggarwal, Associate Professor forensic medicine, Rajinder Hospital, said the person was first killed and then burnt. His skull was also broken and the body bore asphyxial signs. In another incident a
case of murder has been registered against six persons
suspected of murdering Naurang Singh yesterday. The
post-mortem examination report stated that he seemed to
have died due to an excessive intake of alcohol. |
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Baba Farid 'Aagman
Purab" ends FARIDKOT, Sept 23 — The 10-day "Aagman Purab" of Sufi saint Baba Sheikh Farid, concluded here today. The management panel of Tilla Baba Farid took out a nagar kirtan procession in this regard. More than 5,000 men, women and children participated in the procession which started from Tilla Baba Farid terminated at Gurdwara Godri Sahib, 4 km from here. Later, a congregation was held at the gurudwara where Mrs Nihal Kaur, mother of martyr Gurbhej Singh who laid down his life in Kargil, Punjabi novelist Dilip Kaur Tiwana, SSP Gurpreet Deol, and Mrs Tej Kaur, wife of the founder principal of Baba Farid Public School, were honoured. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Inderjit Singh Khalsa, President, Tilla Baba Farid Management, said the society had spent about Rs 5 crore to spread the teachings of the saint and has set up Baba Farid Public School having a strength of more than 2,000 students affiliated with the CBSE. He said a plan had been
finalised to open an old age home at the gurdwara at a
cost of Rs 20 lakh in the next two years. |
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Structure of religious place razed AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — The Municipal Corporation today demolished the structure of a religious place in a public park on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court amid tight security. Interestingly, the foundation stone of the structure was laid by the Deputy Mayor and senior Akali leader, Mr Lakha Singh, about a year ago which had sparked off a big controversy. Leaders of various political parties had protested against the laying of the foundation stone in a park. The construction was stopped on the intervention of the Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal. The structure was
demolished in the presence of the SDM, Mr Balwinder Singh
Multani, and Mr Gurwaryam Singh, Joint Commissioner,
Municipal Corporation, and senior officers of the police.
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Bail for Suba Singh LUDHIANA, Sept 23 — Suba Singh, son of the Punjab Agriculture Minister, Mr Gurdev Singh Badal, and one of the prime suspects in the "sex slave case", was today granted bail by the Additional Sessions Judge, Mr M.R. Batra. The judge ordered his release on a bail bond of Rs 25000. After spending four days in police custody, Suba Singh was remanded in judicial custody till September 29 by Judicial Magistrate Harpal Singh. Mr Suba Singh got
himself admitted to the Civil Hospital on September 15 on
the report of a doctor on grounds of ill-health and was
still in hospital when reports last came in. |
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Kairon asks Sonia to expel
Sarkaria AMRITSAR, Sept 23 —
Mr Gurinder Singh Kairon, who contested the Tarn Taran
Lok Sabha election as Congress candidate, in a press
statement here yesterday alleged that Mr Sukhbinder Singh
Sukh Sarkaria, president of the district Congress
sub-urban Amritsar, had opposed him openly during the
election. He said Mr Sukh Sarkaria particularly opposed
him from Rajasansi Assembly constituency and from all
Assembly constituencies of Tarn Taran Lok Sabha halka.
Being the district president of rural Amritsar, he urged
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Punjab Pradesh
Congress President Amarinder Singh to expel Mr Sukh
Sarkaria from the par |
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Six honoured AMRITSAR, Sept 23 — The Chief Khalsa Dewan today honoured Mr S.S. Kohli, Chairman, Punjab and Sind Bank, Dr Pritam Singh, Principal, Khalsa College for Education, Dr Kirpal Singh of Chandigarh, Mr Gurbax Singh Kohli (Hoshiarpur), Mr Jagir Singh and Mr Mohinder Singh here today. They were given robes of
honour and citations by Mahant Tirath Singh, Seva Panthi. |
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