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| Sunday, October 28, 2001, Chandigarh, India
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Demolition men begin the job SAS Nagar, October 27 Demolition sidelights
When the drive for the day ended, at least 370 structures like iron grills, barbed-wire, fences, tow walls and car sheds had been removed. The drive shall continue tomorrow in Phase I before moving on to phase 2. There are over 1,500 houses in the densely populated Phase I. With two JCBs, 100 workers and policemen, the drive began under the supervision of the Additional Chief Administrator, Mr Dipinder Singh, and the Estate Officer, Mr Chander Gyan. The task was divided among five teams, each headed by an Executive Engineer. Mr Paramjit Singh, an Executive Engineer said, after the first team had removed the structures, the second team had cleared the leftovers, debris and plants. Though it was announced that plants would not be touched, residents said some trees and shrubs had been uprooted. Seeing the men and machinery of PUDA, residents had themselves started removing the structures, while enquiring about PUDA’s landscaping policy. Mr Charanjit Singh, a resident of Phase I, said the government should let the car sheds remain as the population had increased, needing amendment in building bylaws. Some residents said corner plots should be targeted first. Another resident of Phase I said he had sought permission for landscaping, but officials of the Estate Office had not entertained the request. Some residents were seen collecting debris from in front of their houses, before it was lifted by the enforcement staff. Requests to leave out a house where a marriage ceremony was to be solemnised proved fruitless as the staff expressed its helplessness in view of the High Court order. There seems to be confusion among the PUDA officials on whether the landscaping policy is applicable or not. Residents in the other sectors wanted to adopt the policy, so that, their structures could be saved. The anti-encroachment committee thanked residents for their cooperation. Mr H.P.S. Billa, a former head of the local civic body, who visited the area, said PUDA should follow certain norms in such drives. In certain cases, the JCB had uprooted the driveways. The Chief Administrator of PUDA, Mr K.B.S. Sidhu, said today’s drive should make residents of other phases remove unauthorised structures voluntarily. |
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A heady mix of East and West Chandigarh, October 27 Today she was home again on invitation from a local club that organised a concert in the Leisure Valley in association with the UT Administration. The show was full of life, upbeat rhythms, something which this Punjabi girls is generally associated with. The numbers were familiar — straight from her famous albums Catwalk, Intezar, Sona disda and Kamaal ho gaya. There was, however, something novel: some songs from her latest international pop album, which she has grouped with music director David Longorio. The latter has many claims to fame, including the fact that he often does music for Backstreet Boys. As for Anamika, she is excited at the very prospect of flying to Elle shortly and releasing the album titled “You and me”. Videos of the album have already been processed and they will be on air internationally within some days. With a little base in Indian classical music and a powerful range, Anamika finds it easy to relate with the Western beat. While in Elle, she had been singing with a band called Yankeez. Interestingly, her voice blends the Indian and Western elements well. She has also taken prabhakar (initial three-year training) in classical music. But even with all that, she clicks well with the Western music demand. “In the West, the music directors are looking for expression and energy, the elements which my voice has in plenty. I am also lucky with range,” she said. Some reflection of this range was seen today, which resonated with powerful beats. The sound system complemented the show well. After hits like Kala sha kala, Anamika is now looking towards serious stuff. Where her earlier songs like Kahin karta hoga ..were not original in concept, her new numbers are reversing the trend. She is now writing her own lyrics and composing her own music. Interestingly, when she landed in Indian after an academic stint at Elle in the USA, she was part of a music band by the name of Temptations. Famous pop singers K.K. and Julius (of Joshilay) were both members of the same band. In fact Julius does some music for her even now. |
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Cops bash up hotelier SAS Nagar, October 27 The SHO of Sohana, Mr G.P. Singh, had got the room booked for SI Krishan Kumar. The owner of the hotel, Mr Deepak Sharma, alleged that the guests had threatened to teach him a lesson for demanding bill from policemen. He said he had requested the SHO, of Sohana to reach the place to control the situation. The gunman, who was in an inebriated state, bashed up the hotelier “in the presence of the SI”. A youth Akali Dal leader, Mr K.B.S. Kang had to intervene to save the hotelier. The ASP of SAS Nagar, Ms Kalpana D. Nayak, said a case under Section 107 and 151 of the Cr PC had been registered against the gunman. |
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Need to standardise welfare norms stressed Chandigarh, October 27 A meeting in this regard was held by representatives of seven state governments here this week. It was broadly recommended that grants, annuities and other measures be the same in all states. Those who attended the meeting included Brig Suchet Singh (Jammu and Kashmir), Brig Bhagwan Singh (Rajasthan), Brig B D Dogra (Himachal Pradesh), Brig K S Kahlon (Punjab), Brig Sher Singh (Haryana), Col G S Dhillon (Chandigarh) and Wg Cdr D S Sareen (Delhi). They are heading the sainik welfare directorates in their respective states. The meeting here is consequent to decisions taken at the 12th meeting of the standing committee of the Northern Zone Council at Shimla earlier. There are a number of variations in welfare packages extended by different state governments to next of kin of battle casualties, disabled soldiers and gallantry award winners. The meeting felt that since the maximum number of casualties in various operations hail from these states, there is need for having some parity between benefits given by different states. It was generally agreed that the highest amount paid by any state government in a particular category should be taken as the benchmark by other governments in revising the grant or allowance. Besides, ex gratia being paid to next of kin of battle casualties, other relief measures being granted by state governments in such circumstances were also discussed. The recent decision of the Haryana Government to withdraw ex gratia to dependants of battle casualties also figured in the discussions, with the recommendation that it be restored. It was also recommended that battle accident casualties should be given a relief package. This category would include those casualties who are on operational duty, but not involved in direct enemy action at the time of death or injury. Another proposal was to provide financial assistance to needy gallantry awardees or their dependants out of funds generated through the small savings schemes of state governments. Punjab recently started this practice where every year 11 gallantry awardees or their dependants are given Rs 2 lakh each. Other items figuring on the agenda included grant of annuity to awardees of Vishisht Seva Medal series by some states, ex gratia to disabled soldiers, job reservation in government organisations and accommodation facilities in sainik rest houses. |
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Ramlila is still a big
crowd-puller Chandigarh, October 27 Durries at the venues turned out to be inadequate and devotees had to sit on ground at most places, but there were no complaints. “The craze for the epic has not diminished over the years,” says Aman, a resident of Sector 18, ‘’Thousands of devotees still come everyday on carts, bicycles and rickshaws to see Ramlilas here.” Ram Nath, an actor, says, “Though the epic is shown on television, live performance will always have its charm.” At some of the Ramlilas, arrangements had been made to show Ramayana on screens. “This is another way of fascinating the audience,” some old- timers say. According to an actor and director of a Ramlila, ‘’Fiery Laxmana ‘rekha’, luminous ‘sanjivini booti’, and Vishnu Ratha with Shesh Naag were some of the special features that helped us draw crowds.’’ One of the organisers of the Ramlila in Sector 27, however, attributed the large gathering to a giant screen on which Ramayana was being projected. “Our viewers are mostly colony dwellers who cannot see the epic in colour, even if they have cable connections.’’ Today was the last day of Ramlila and the scenes of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya were played at every Ramlila. A prize distribution function was also held at a Ramlila near Ordinance Cable Factory Colony in Sector 29. The wife of the General Manager of the Ordinance Cable Factory, Dr Sudesh Bhagat, gave away the prizes. |
QUESTION YOUR COUNCILLOR Chandigarh, October 27 Q: When will eight lanes of Sector 27 A be built? by Mr Mahinder Singh, president of the Sector 27 A Residents Welfare Association. A: They are being made. Money has been allotted from the councillor’s fund. Work has already started on them. Q: Can you give comparative details of expenditure on the development of Sector 27 and Sector 28? by Major General Avtar Singh, Sector28 D. A: From the details I have, I can say I spent more on Sector 28 than Sector 27 from my fund. I am ready to share details with whosoever feels so. Q: Did you make any effort to get garbage carrying trollies for sweepers? by a Sector 28 resident. A: Corporation does not provide them. Even one of the sector 28 associations has bought two such carriers from people’s contribution. Q: Did you make any effort to ensure quality of the equipment fitted in parks? by a sector 28 resident. A: Quality was ensured and maintenance was done wherever complaints came. However, people also need to develop a sense of belongingness to these play equipment. Q: Why was only one-and-a-half backlane made pucca in Sector 28. A: Funds have been allotted and they will be made anyway. They were delayed because of controversy in Sector 15 where those who contributed towards building of backlanes demanded money back while in my sector they were made from my fund. Q: Why was an accident-prone street near Udyog Park in Sector 28 D not closed? by Mr K.L. Arora, Sector 28 D. A: Poles were raised but people destroyed them. Now funds for a wall have been made available and it will be made. Q: Why were V-5 roads in Sector 28 left out from carpeting? by a resident. A: I could not do this because Mayors had been diverting funds for their constituencies. But I urge the MP, Mr Pawan Bansal, who is a resident of this sector, to ready funds for this. He could also ask the Mayor, Ms Harjinder Kaur, who was supported by him, to help develop the Sector. Q: Why has there been no progress on complaints by the residents for the change of timings of bus plying from Sector 43 inter state bus terminus which is causing trouble to senior citizens? by Mr Shyam Sunder Sharma, Sector 27 D. A: I tried this and am again ready to do so. I had got a bus route sanctioned to the Sector 32 hospital. Q: Change in the building by-laws has not seen light of the day. What can you do for this change? by a Sector 27 A resident. A: With the common fight by the welfare associations, Mr Bansal and me, changes have been made.  |
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‘Make Mohali a district’ SAS Nagar, October 27 To gather support for its demand, the council convened a meeting of local resident welfare associations, social organisations and representatives of the Mohali Industries Association, here today. Mr Kewal Dhillon, Chairman of the association, said residents needed a platform to voice their demand. He said, as the town was a projected IT destination and a gateway to Punjab, it should be given the status of a district. He said, due to the geographical location of the town, an air cargo terminal should be set up here by extending the airstrip of the Chandigarh Airport. He said the purpose of setting up the council was to bring residents on one platform. On being asked whether he was a prospective Congress candidate from the Kharar Assembly segment for the forthcoming elections, he said he was ready for the challenge. Mr R.S. Sachdeva, General Secretary of the association, said, despite the town being an important industrial hub and an upcoming medical centre, the government was ignoring it. Mr Harinder Pal Singh Billa, a former head of the local civic body, said the town required proper roads and traffic management, pucca ‘rehri’ markets, railway booking centre and courts. Mr Tarsem Bansal, Vice-President of the association, and Mr BS Baidwan, President of the Mohali Industries Association, also spoke on the occasion. Meanwhile, Mr S.S. Cheema, Convener of the Samaj Kalyan Sabha, said a relay fast would be held in front of the office of the SDM here from Monday in support of the demand of district status for the town. |
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Infantry Day observed in Chandi Mandir Chandigarh, October 27 A social get-together was also organised at the Defence Services Officers Institute for serving as well as retired officers. October 27, 1947, was a red-letter day in the annals of military history. It was on this day that 1 Sikh along with 4 Kumaon thwarted Pakistani-supported invasion of Kashmir. In a series of brilliantly executed actions, the Pakistani raiders were dealt a stunning blow by the Indian infantry, leading to a complete rout of the invaders. Post-Independent India’s first Param Vir Chakra was awarded to late Maj Somnath Sharma for his gallantry in this operation. Infantry regiments have won numerous battle honours and awards both before and after Independence. In 1962, it was the heroic action of some of the infantry units which salvaged the nation’s honour. Whether in 1965, in 1971, the Sri Lankan operation or the recent Kargil conflict, the infantry has always been in the forefront. Some of the intrepid actions of the infantrymen are those at Chusul, Namka Chu, Khem Karan, Dograi, Haji Pir, Basantar, Dera Baba Nanak, Hilli, Tololing and Tiger Hill, where they overwhelmed the enemy against heavy odds and in inclement weather and terrain. In the ensuing years, whether in the desolate icy wastes of the Siachen or the deadly counter insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the key to success has revolved around the silent but steadfast infantrymen. AMBALA: A wreath -laying ceremony was held at Kharga Vijay Samarak on Infantry Day on Saturday. Wreaths were laid by Brig N.D. Prasad, station commander, and Brig V.K. Pahwa at the smarak to pay homage to the martyrs. A press note stated that Infantry Day is observed every year on October 27 to commemorate the first glorious action of the Indian Army in the post-Independence era. It was on this day in 1947 that the first infantry battalion landed at Srinagar air field and repulsed an attack by the
Razakars. |
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City
NGO to operate in Berlin Chandigarh, October 27 This was decided here yesterday when IFAA patron and former Advocate General of Punjab and Haryana, Mr Harbhagwan Singh, and the wife of Mr Jurgens, agreed to open the Berlin sub-chapter. The Jurgens’ have been writing for the Review of Germany. The NGO has reportedly handled 107 cases of injustice against people after it opened four months ago. The 21-member executive of the NGO has seven lawyers and has chapters at Amritsar, Delhi, Bhopal and Gurgaon, Mr Harbhagwan said. He said the NGO was about to open a sub-chapter in New York but recent terrorist attacks there delayed the move. Mr Harbhagwan said the NGO would be able to open its sub-chapter in New York in next three to four weeks. He said around 70 members, drawn from every walk of life, had been fighting for those whose grievances had not been redressed and the service was free of cost. A city theatre activist settled in Berlin, Dr Kamal Vidrohi, convinced the Jurgen couple to be advisory members of the NGO. |
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Minister asks PGI to probe tree felling Chandigarh, October 27 Sources say that the Director, following the minister’s instructions, has marked an inquiry into the matter. The matter had been brought to the notice of the minister by a letter from the General Secretary of the PGI Employees Union, Mr Ashwani Munjal. He had alleged that trees were being cut without the permission of appropriate authorities and the wood was being carted away without anyone in the PGI administration knowing about it. Meanwhile, another tree outside the PGI library was cut and replaced with a potted plant. |
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reminiscences Chandigarh The remark does not surprise the former Indian Air Force pilot. He knows that parents today want a secure future for their children and are not prepared to take any risk by encouraging them young innocents to try their hand at sports. “This was not the case when we were young,” asserts Wg Cdr Bhatia. Going back in time, he says, “I was born in Quetta, but we had to leave the place after partition. We were forced to stay in a camp before we were rehabilitated. Finally, when my father built his own house at Dehra Dun, he made sure that a badminton court was also built in the house for me to practise”. He recalls: “My father’s dream was to see me as a champion. Encouraged by his attitude, I started playing badminton at the age of nine and did my best to live up to his expectations. As a result of his faith in me and my efforts, I represented India in Moscow and Munich Olympics. This is not all. I played for India at Jamaica, Scotland, Iran and several other countries”. “My case,” he adds, “is not an isolated one. In the good old days, the attitude of parents, as well as society, towards sports was encouraging, although, in monetary terms it was not very attractive”. Today, the situation has undergone a complete change. “There is more money in sports, much more than anyone could have ever imagined, but still the parents are not willing to let their children chase a dream, instead of pursuing a career,” he continues. “Very few parents have the courage to encourage their children to go for sports. That is why Indian players perform so badly at the international level”. The former champion concludes: “It is a sad state of affairs. We have better sports equipment and lovely tracks. The players are also being trained in a scientific manner. But the dedication and zeal is missing, largely due to the mind-set of the parents. If somehow we are able to inculcate the kind of commitment that players of yester-years had, and combine it with today’s facilities, we can do wonders.” |
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7 lakh visit Mansa Devi Temple Panchkula, October 27 The district administration had made elaborate arrangements for the mela and an official press note by the administration stated that the mela concluded peacefully. In addition to the cash, the Mata Mansa Devi Puja Sthal Board also received 70 gold and 556 silver ornaments among other things. Meanwhile, the board will hold an auction on Monday to give its 10 acre land in Bhainsa Tiba village on contract for agriculture for one year. According to Ms Jyoti Arora, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the board, the bidders will have to deposit Rs 10,000 as earnest money and the successful bidder will have to pay the amount in three
instalments. |
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Jacob’s operation goes well Chandigarh, October 27 Prof S.K. Sharma, Director of the PGI and a urologist, conducted the operation and said it had gone well. The Governor, who was shifted to the recovery ward immediately after the operation, was convalescing and stable. |
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WESTERN FILM REVIEW Chandigarh Brandishing this brand of patriotism is John Travolta, a former intelligence officer. Abetting him in pursuing his twisted agenda is a sultry seductress, Halle Berry, a sharpshooter, Vinnie Jones, and a reluctant hacker, Huge Jackman, whose desire to unite with his daughter is fodder for the execution of the sinister designs of the terrorist. Chaotic at its core, “Swordfish” (Kiran), nevertheless, manages to overcome its limitations to force the audience to be part of the chaos. Pontificating about movies in general and the Al Pacino-starrer, “Dog Day Afternoon” in particular, Travolta’s character surprises you with its enigmatic dimensions. Personifying evil, yet advocating an ideal America, trying to steal secret government funds, yet claiming to be a patriot, Travolta effortlessly slips into the skin of the character. He has innate faith in his perverted mission and is ready to be consumed by his belief. The computer hacker, Hugh Jackman, is the actor to watch. The Australian hunk who once mistook a picture of a young Clint Eastwood for a portrait of himself has the style of Eastwood and the talent of Sean Connery. The uncanny similarities of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center to the sequence in which a busload of hostages is lifted off the highway by a helicopter and rammed into the top storeys of buildings in Los Angeles are not lost on the viewers. |
Civic body ex-president booked for gambling SAS Nagar, October 27 The police has recovered Rs 46,000 from the gamblers. The others booked were: Shlinder alias
Anand, Preet Inder Singh, Devinder Pal Singh, Harbhajan, Sanju and Sunil Kumar. Mr Sukhjeet was yet to be arrested. The police had raided Majestic hotel in Phase 9 here last evening. An official at the hotel, who identified himself as Mr Sukhbir Singh, had yesterday denied that any raid was conducted and that persons had been rounded up for gambling. The raids were conducted by the local
Anti-Gunda staff and the in charge of the Phase 11 police post led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr
A.S. Bajwa. Yesterday, the police was not forthcoming to give names of the persons. Few months back, police parties led by the Station House Officer
(SHO’s) of Phase 1 and Phase 8 had booked several property dealers for gambling. |
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‘Lottery sellers’ dupe trader Kharar, October 27 A “migrant labourer” came to the shop of this trader just before a lottery ticket seller arrived there and tried to hard sell a ticket. The trader refused the offer and meanwhile, the labourer asked the ticket seller to verify the result of the Puja Bumper West Bengal State Lottery. The lottery-ticket seller checked the result and said ticket number EE-138951 had won a prize of Rs 55 lakh. At this, the ticket seller said he wanted to purchase the winning ticket at Rs 50,000. He asked the labourer to sit in the shop till he returned with the amount. At this, the trader thought up of buying the ticket himself, and offered Rs 15,000 to the labourer for it. The labourer went away and, on verification from another newspaper, the result turned out to be false. |
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Gang of scooter thieves busted Chandigarh, October 27 The police has recovered a scooter (CH-01-J-3736), which had been reported stolen from the Nivedita Hostel in the PGI, and a car stereo from their possession. With their arrest, the police has also solved the theft case of another scooter (CH-01-S-3736), which had been stolen from the Sector 11 police station. Eve-teaser
held: Liquor seized: Arrested: Cash stolen: Jewellery stolen: Car
thefts: Mohali resident Surjan Singh also reported that his Maruti car (CH-09-T-1599) had been stolen from the Sector 17 parking lot. The police has registered a case. |
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Ramlila artiste beaten up, 3 held Dera Bassi, October 27 Sources said the youths had been detained on the complaint of Mr Ravinder Vaishnav, head of the Ramlila committee. The problem began soon after the effigies of Ravana, Meghnada and Kumbhkarna were burnt here on Dasehra. Allegedly, about 10 persons jumped on the Ramlila stage and started beating the artiste. They even broke electric bulbs and tubes, besides tearing curtains. Leaving behind their scooters (PB-70-0524 and PB-39A-1334), the persons ran away from there when officials of the committee reached the spot. The matter was also taken up with the police and three suspects were rounded up from different places. Sources said that some persons had had drinks in a house near Morni Wala Khuh here before rioting. The police is investigating the matter, but no case has been registered, so far. |
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