Diary

Apprehensions over Kartarpur corridor

Gurdaspur: Even as Indian and Pakistan governments are moving towards a detente, the focus has invariably shifted on the Kartarpur corridor. Insiders claim it will be a long time before the Ministry of Home Affairs decides to reopen the passage. The reasoning being cited is pilgrims may be indoctrinated by Pakistan agencies “in their own nefarious agenda of separatism”. Senior officials admit even when the passage was open, not many were willing to cross over, making it “a-not-so popular” venture. The estimated daily target was pegged at 5,000 pilgrims per day, but on an average 100-150 persons crossed over daily. Even the Chief Minister had expressed apprehensions that the project would be misused by Pakistan agencies and there would be a long wait before the doors are opened again, claimed an officer. — Ravi Dhaliwal

Parking woes at Mini Secretariat

Patiala: Residents have been complaining that parking their vehicles outside the Mini Secretariat reminds them of the “colonial times” as real estate tycoons of the city and some selected political stooges allegedly continue to use the space meant for only the “officers”. The recent orders regarding parking have been pasted on a board and two traffic cops stand outside the gate. However, they have no idea as to where the politicians or the visiting journalists should park their car. They say they are following the orders of their boss. People complain that the they waste almost 30 minutes in finding a parking place and then walk all the way to meet the officers at the Mini Secretariat. — Aman Sood

A gift for friend

Fatehgarh Sahib: Rupinder Singh “Ramla”, sarpanch of Kheri Naudh Singh village in the district has set an example of selfless love and friendship by donating a piece of land for his childhood friend, legendary folk singer Sardool Sikandar, for the burial of his mortal remains and erecting a memorial. He offered the land free of cost by cutting his standing wheat crop. Noori, the wife of the deceased, implored that after her death she should be buried next to the grave of her husband, and the sarpanch acceded to her wish. The sarpanch said he and Sardool Sikandar used to play together as children. He said Sardool was the pride of the village. — Surinder Bhardwaj

Students welcome victory flame

Fazilka: As a part of the golden jubilee celebrations of India’s triumph over Pakistan in the 1971 war, the victory flame was taken to 18 schools in border villages of Fazilka in the past three days. The flame was escorted by a retinue of Army personnel. The students were told about the significance of the flame.

War veterans and ‘veer naris’ of the border area were also invited to motivate children with their tales of bravery. — Praful Chander Nagpal

Making a mark

Abohar: Jaspal Kaur (70), a retired teacher, who is a resident of Ekta Colony, won three gold medals in the 41st Master Athletics Meet held at Mastuana Sahib in Sangrur recently, and brought pride to the district. She is known as the torchbearer of the ‘Nashon se door, khelon ki aur’ campaign that changed the life of many people of the district. Jaspal Kaur and her spouse Gulshinder Singh Jassal, also a retired teacher, have been participating in athletics competitions for the past 10 years in Punjab and Rajasthan. This year, Jaspal Kaur won gold in javelin throw, hammer throw and discus throw. Jaspal Kaur’s father Joginder Singh had won medals till the age of 98 by participating in the Master Veterans Games. He died a few years back. — Raj Sadosh

Birthday with ashram inmates

Abohar: Inmates of the Matrachhaya Anath Ashram that was established by the Bal Mukand Sadhu Ram Charitable Trust on the national highway a few years back ago were the special guests, as DSP Rahul Bhardwaj decided to celebrate his birthday at the complex on Saturday. District Legal Services Authority secretary Raj Pal Rawal had checked the quality of food being served to the inmates and other facilities being provided during the pandemic. Rawal told the inmates about Covid-19 guidelines and the legal rights of children. After serving his birthday cake to the inmates, he emphasised the impact of drug addiction on society. The inmates interacted with the DSP and said they considered the ashram their home. — Raj Sadosh