Abohar residents see red over saffron

Abohar: BJP activists had to cut a sorry figure following the row over painting the statue of Haqiqat Rai in saffron colour on his martyrdom day. Haqiqat Rai was an 18th-century martyr from Sialkot, who was executed in Lahore for refusing to convert to Islam on the eve of Basant Panchami. Members of Tola Majdoor Union objected to the attempts to give saffron colour to the white marble statue that was installed at Vir Haqiqat Rai Memorial on the Krishna Nagari terminal here about four decades ago. As the activists of rival factions and BJP activists came face-to-face, someone informed the district administration. A police team, led by City Police-2 SHO Sunil Kumar, reached the spot. After heated arguments, the BJP activists relented and agreed to restore the white coating of the statue.

Public or political interest?

Fazilka: The abrupt transfers of the DC and the SSP, Fazilka, in “public interest” through special orders on January 30 have raised many eyebrows. Deputy Commisioner Manpreet Singh has been transferred to Chandigarh as Special Secretary, Animal Husbandry, in place of Arvind Pal Singh Sandhu, who takes his place. Similarly SSP Bhupinder Singh has been shifted to Ferozepur in place of SSP Vivek Sheel Soni. In another development, Abohar SDM Poonam Singh has been shifted to Fazilka as Assistant Commissioner (Grievances). Sources say the reshuffling has been carried out as some of the ruling party leaders were reportedly “dissatisfied” with the functioning of the top officers.

Acknowledging good deeds

Chandigarh: A superintendent posted at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Paramdeep Singh Bhabat, was honoured by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh during the Republic Day function in Mohali last week. The Chief Minister appreciated Bhabat for his philanthropic work for the differently abled. He is actively involved in organising games and providing tricycles and wheelchairs to the differently abled persons. He is also working to spread awareness regarding AIDS and female foeticide. Besides, he has been actively involved in working for the welfare of widows and senior citizens. “I have always believed in helping the less fortunate ones. This appreciation by the Chief Minister only propels me to continue with this work,” he says.