Country’s first cotton pre-cleaning unit set up in Malout

Rajay Deep
Bathinda

Setting a bench mark in facilitating the growers of white gold in Malwa region, Punjab government has set up the country’s first cotton pre-cleaning plant in the cotton yard at Malout of Muktsar district.
The plant is expected to give farmers a value added service of getting their cotton crop cleaned, before putting it up for sale, thereby getting better returns for their produce.
The unit would provide this facility to farmers at minimal cost, as learnt. While the machinery itself is worth Rs 1.17 crore, it also has various other equipment, including some related to power supply, which did cost Rs 50 lakh more.
The Market Committee has started it on experimental basis and very soon it would be thrown open to the farmers. With a capacity of cleaning 6 tonnes of cotton per hour, the machinery would weed out leaves etc from the cotton crop and would lessen the moisture content as per requirement thereby improving the quality of cotton fibre, as informed.
The unit has total six machines that would clean the cotton serial wise one-after-another. The isrt segment is named Seed Cotton Dispensing system wherein the cotton picked from fields would be put in. Thereafter the crop would go in hot air generation unit to adjust the moisture content of crop as per need using the hot air gushes. The cleaned crop would then be inserted into machine named vertical floor dryer which would allow the cotton crop to fall off gradually from the machine and lower its moisture content.
The cotton would then go to inclined cleaner where other inert matter is cleared and sends it further to super III stick machine separating the lint from dry leaves and other parts of plant. At last the produce would go into the impact cleaner wherein 12 rollers installed would produce finer crop. Here using two blowers the produce would be brought outside from the machine.
Speaking about the machine, Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Jaskiran Singh said the clean cotton would positively create a win-win situation for the cotton industry as well as farmers.
Meanwhile, Market Committee Malout Chairman Basant Singh Kang, District Mandi Officer Kulbir Singh Matta, Market Committee Malout Secretary Ajaypal Singh jointly claimed that the cotton growers would be immensely benefited due to this plant

After Deer Safari, now CZA clears Tiger Safari project for Bathinda

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

 

After going through the success of the 30-hectare spread Deer Safari in Bathinda, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has now cleared the path for establishing Tiger Safari here in the area of Bir Talab, adjacent to the existing mini-zoo.

The forest and wildlife conservation department of the state, had submitted the proposal for the project to come up in a natural habitat spread over 20 hectare, to the CZA some months back. Going through the supported documents, the CZA has now given the approval to the layout plan but with some queries.

The CZA has asked the forest and wildlife department of Punjab to first ensure the allocation of budget from the state government, which is reportedly Rs 3 crore, as drafted. Then, the CZA has also asked the department concerned to recruit the staff on its own to run the project.

“These are the conditions which were obvious for the CZA to put on the project but we’ll manage the things to get the project set up in Bathinda,” said Sanjiv Kumar Tiwari, the Divisional Forest Officer.

According to information, the DFO apprised of the conditions to the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has further directed the higher authorities of the state to discuss all possibilities to arrange funds and meet other conditions imposed by the CZA.

“Though the schedule is yet to come, it is expected that the meeting will be held soon where the modalities will be finalised,” informed the DFO.

The existing zoo-cum-safari is currently spread over 74 hectares of land of which 30 hectares are being used for the deer safari while the tiger safari would be spread over 20 hectares of land, which has been created partially well in advance. The remaining part is all lying with the mini-zoo providing sufficient space for executing the up-gradation plans.

About the tiger couple, the DFO said that it could be brought from the Chhat Bir Zoo near Zirakpur, which would further lead to the further breeding in the safari.

The deer safari, which was inaugurated in December last year, houses hog deer, black bucks, spotted deer and Sambar, over 100 in total as learnt. For the visitors the safari offers ride on a battery operated train and a golf cart.

The project is learnt to be desired by the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal who wishes to develop Bathinda as a glowing tourism destination.

Working on the lines, besides the deer and tiger safaris, the department concerned has planned a yet another interesting project at the mini zoo-cum-deer safari here—the interpretation-cum-information centre.

The building for the same is near completion but before taking the next step, the zoo authorities now want the state government to allocate the funds.

The centre is proposed to have dioramas of species of animals including that of tiger, deer present in the safari including black bucks, sambar, spotted deer and hog deer and other animals in the zoo.

Besides this, some touch screen audio-video panels will also be installed at the centre and visitors can get information about the animals from those touch screens also.

The project would be first of its kind in the state, the DFO claimed, mentioning that there would be different sections for flowers, herbivores, carnivores and wildlife to ensure the visitors get proper information on every subject.

Besides, the mini-zoo here is also coming up with an Inspection Bungalow and Veterinary Hospital. Though the building for bungalow has been constructed, the divisional office is waiting for the requisite funds to set up infrastructure inside.

Meanwhile, the department is also working on setting up various more cages to house wild dogs, a pair of hippopotamus, beers and a leopard, all within the zoo premises.

rajaydeep@dailypostindia.com

Finally, VB books DTO Faridkot

Recipient of Prez Medal, the PCS officer NS Brar faces serious corruption charges

Rajay Deep
Bathinda

Finally after complying with the weeks-long departmental formalities, Vigilance Bureau officials of Bathinda Range on Thursday evening booked District Transport Officer of Faridkot Nachhattar Singh Brar for committing fraud with the state treasury by misusing his official position.

The VB officials also found Brar (a 2005-batch PCS officer) accused of issuing fancy registration numbers of the vehicles by making false entries in the official records.

He has been booked under sections 420, 467, 468, 120-B of the IPC along with section 13 (1) D and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

It is pertinent to mention that Brar had recently received the President of India 2011 Census Medal from the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

According to information procured from the Bathinda Range office of the VB, after receiving serious complaints, the cops had conducted the record inspection of DTO office in question from November 28 to December2, 2014.

During the preliminary investigations, the VB officials found lot of documents being tampered with. The investigations led to the revelation that the officer had organised a “fake” auction of 138 fancy numbers in Faridkot as the DTO on January 16, 2014, which as per the claims were left out. Probing it, the investigators found that the numbers were sold on the sly, allegedly by agents in connivance with the DTO.

But to a surprise, such numbers were shown as having been sold during the auction. Unmindful of the consequences, the DTO office also dared to enter various names as the participants of the auction, who in fact had not done so. The VB then launched a probe into Brar’s assets and found gross instances of corruption.

The VB officials conducted a random inspection of 10 out of total 72 registers of the office and found various figures mutilated. They also observed that various registration copies were made with the incomplete or wrong addresses given by the applicants. Such applications were processed and the registration done, allegedly for monetary gratification.

During the inspection, the VB also suspected the possibility of several stolen vehicles being registered in Faridkot.

Further, there were various documents, which led the VB officials to learn that the DTO office was issuing no objection certificates (NOCs) to the hypothecated vehicles even before the due payment of the loans was made by the owners to the banks.

Vehicles running on loans in other states were brought to the Faridkot office to get NOCs for some fixed sum of ‘bribe’.

The investigations had also suggested that the DTO was allegedly working in close collaboration with a Mansa-based agent who used to be with Brar most of the time.

It was also ironic to learn that the agent would use Brar’s car to move about and collect applications on his behalf. He used to process the papers and was virtually running the DTO office in Faridkot as a de facto in charge, shared a VB official.

Interestingly, after learning that the VB was in no mood to show any leniency, the DTO had raised a hue and cry. He lodged a complainant with Faridkot Deputy Commissioner and the State Transport Commissioner as well, alleging the VB broke open the record room of his office to procure the documents without even seeking permission for the same and also accused them of snatching the record.

Responding to it, the VB officials denied it saying that they had taken the permission for collecting the records and the inspection was being done in the presence of government witnesses.

However, finding the accused may create any more trouble, the VB Director Suresh Arora asked the range official to dispatch the whole record in their possession to the headquarters at Chandigarh for further inspection.

Finally, the VB officials could ascertain his guilt and sent the file to the office of Chief Secretary for seeking the approval to register a case against the PCS official, who was on the extension, after being originally retired.

Getting nod from the top bureaucrat of the state, the VB Director on Friday asked the Bathinda range officials to register the case on the DTO and his accomplices including some clerks and agents. Following, the officials registered a case at Bathinda office of the VB on late evening.

Confirming the development, Bathinda Range Vigilance Bureau SSP Sukhdev Singh Chahal said, “The case has been registered and the further investigation has been assigned to the Special Investigation Team.”

Repeated attempts made to contact NS Brar for his version turned futile as his phone number was out of reach.

Bird Flu: Samples collected from Harike wildlife sanctuary

Visitors’ entry banned till reports arrive

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

As the bird flu scare has boomeranged in the northern region after finding a positive case of the influenza in Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake and some suspected in Patiala, the forest and wildlife authorities of Punjab have completely banned visitors’ entry to Harike Wildlife Sanctuary.

Taking precautionary measures, the sanctuary officials recently called the veterinary expert from Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts who collected various samples of birds’ dropping to analyse it in their respective laboratories. The experts are expected to take another 10 days to come out with their reports and till the day, the Harike Wildlife Sanctuary will remain close for public, confirmed the Ferozepur Divisional Forest Officer Neeraj Gupa, who also holds the charge of the sanctuary.

During the period, as learnt, the sanctuary staff has been asked to intensify the monitoring of birds in the wetland, spread across 86 square km. The sanctuary occupies the land of three adjoining districts-Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Tarn Taran. And the wetland ecosystem of Harike lies on the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej and the main water body (reservoir) came into existence when a barrage was constructed across the confluence of the two rivers some 60 years ago.

According to the DFO concerned, the sanctuary staff put on the job has been asked to keep an eye over the activities of the birds in their area as not only the death of the birds but also the sluggishness among the inhabitants too would be of great concern. While going into the wetland, the designated staff is supposed to be properly covered to ensure the protection from any kind of suspicion. Apart from it, the sanctuary officials have now strengthened up the liaison with the civil administration of respective districts for the cause, informed Gupta.

Asked about the threat perception, the DFO claimed that there was no incident reported as of now to panic about but as the sanctuary generally houses over 60,000 birds descending from different parts of the country and many from outside the territorial limits of India, the precaution was must. He, however, ruled out the possibility of some affected bird coming flying from Sukhna lake as he claimed that majority of the winged guests of the sanctuary were of long routes and their paths were also very much defined.

Bathinda zoo, lakes also face scare

Though there is no report of influenza detected in Bathinda, the forest and wildlife officials here have taken the requisite precautions well in advance.

According to the information, the enclosure of geese kept in the mini zoo here has been covered from atop to avoid the birds coming in the contact of influenza through the dropping of any migratory bird. Besides, the cautioned zoo authorities have started appealing the visitors not to go close the birds’ enclosures, informed Bathinda DFO Sanjiv Tewari.

However, the widespread lakes of Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant, Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant and National Fertilizers Limited are now haunting the authorities.

New Delhi-Bathinda Shatabdi flagged off

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

With the inaugural run of New Delhi-Bathinda-New Delhi Shatabdi Express train on Thursday, Union Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal claimed to have fulfilled her promise made with the people of Bathinda parliamentary constituency, whom she represents in the Lok Sabha.

The train was formally flagged off from New Delhi railway station in the morning by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu in the presence of Harsimrat and other dignitaries. Later, Harsimrat also attended a ceremony at Bathinda railway station, where she was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, Rajya Sabha member Balwinder Bhunder and Bathinda MLA Sarup Chand Singla.

Before flagging off the train, Harsimrat addressed the people assembled at the station, saying: “I have kept my words and this train will also be an answer to those who were repeatedly propagating that after LS polls Harsimrat had lost love and regard for Bathinda and its people.”

“I have come with a gift (Shatabdi) for the constituency and soon I will ensure the domestic flights too get started from here,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, on one hand she thanked the Union finance minister for approving the train in the NDA government’s first budget, on the other hand she said that she had urged the Union railway minister to attach extra bogeys with refrigeration facility in the passenger train for transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables and processed food items to various parts of the country to give boost to the food processing sector. Responding to the general demand of the region, Harsimrat promised to take up the issue with Railway Ministry to make the train run entire week and also proposed to extend it up to Ferozepur, with mentioning that she would also see the possibilities to make some amendments in the train schedule to ensure it benefits the maximum population of the region.

Failed to convince Christians, VHP cancels the 'shuddhikaran' event

‘Oppose from Akal Takht, threats from ‘own’ community forced them remain away from event’

“Those who had earlier given consent to re-enter Sikhism got feared that if they opted for the conversion through us, they would neither be considered Sikh nor would they remain Christians. So, they all back tracked,” Sukhpal Sran, State Secretary, VHP

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

Despite creating all hype, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders of Punjab failed to mobilise the Christian families to opt for the ‘ghar vaapsi’ (religious conversion) function scheduled to be held in Bathinda on Friday. Left with no option, they had to simply cancel the event.

A demoralised state secretary of the VHP Sukhpal Sran, who was heading the initiative, initially kept on urging the media persons to wait for his message related to the timing and venue for the event but finally in the evening with flat face Sran had to admit that the VHP could not mobilise the Christian families shortlisted for ‘ghar vaapsi’.

The media statement of Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, who clarified that no one adopting Sikhism through such ‘ghar vaapsi’ programme of organistations would be considered as Sikh, worked as the major reason behind the failure of the event, as learnt.

“Those who had earlier given consent to re-enter Sikhism got feared that if they opted for the conversion through us, they would neither be considered Sikh nor would they remain Christians. So, they all back tracked,” explained Sran.

It has also been learnt that many among those shortlisted ones had received threat calls to get socially boycotted from all Christians even their close relatives.

Sran also claimed that there was acute pressure on the VHP as well as the persons once willing for conversion that finally led to the cancellation of the move, at least for now.

He, however, made yet another claim: “We, after discussing all the matter with our national leaders, have now decided to chalk out a thorough strategy to organise the same event on January 13, a festival of Makar Sakaranti.”

“The VHP would take the success of the event on January 13 as a challenge and whatever the hurdle comes on the way we would cross it without bothering the consequences,” he added.

The state wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was earlier scheduled to hold the controversial “ghar vaapsi” (religious conversion) function in Bathinda for Thursday but exposed to different challenges including pressure from different quarters, they had to defer the event for Friday but with no change in circumstances the event was finally cancelled on Friday.

The VHP activists had otherwise planned to perform some rituals pertaining to “shuddhikaran” (purification) of 100 Christian families of Bathinda to ‘bring them back’ to Sikhsim and Hindiusim.

Speaking over phone, State Secretary of VHP Sukhpal Singh Sran said, “Many Hindus were converted to Christianity in the past but now we were scheduled to bring them back to their original religion Hindusim, with no difference between Hindus and Sikhs.”

“For those who were to return to Sikhism, I had to perform Japuji Sahib’s path and for those 20 families going back to Hindusim were to participate in the Yajna performed by a priest,” divulged Sran.

Speaking further, he said, “Once performing the rituals on Friday, we had planned to take all 80 families returning to Sikhism to Takht Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, where they would get baptised,” he added.

While reveling the identity of few who as per him had once given consent to join Hindusim, Sukhpal mentioned that three were the pastors having actively made a number of people adopt Christianity for over two decades.

rajaydeep@dailypostindia.com

Gidderbaha MLA Raja Warring is new Youth Cong president

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

The 37-year-old first-time MLA from Gidderbaha Assembly constituency Amarinder Singh ‘Raja’ Warring has been appointed as the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) President.

The newly appointed IYC president hails from Warring village in district Sri Muktsar Sahib. His appointment, announced on Thursday, has come as a Christmas gift for the Punjab Youth Congress as it’s after 14 years that the Congress high command has selected someone from Punjab for the post.

Earlier, Ambika Soni (1975-77), MS Bitta (1993-96) and Manish Tewari (1998-2000) were the politicians from Punjab who occupied the chair. Now, Warring has replaced Rajiv Satav, an MP from Hingoli (Maharahtra).

Warring stepped in politics in 2000 when the party high command appointed him Block President of Youth Congress from Gidderbaha. Showing his enthusiasm to work for, just after two years Warring was promoted and became the district Muktsar president of the Youth Congress.

It is learnt that he did his apprenticeship under the former Punjab Congress President Jagmeet Singh Brar but once learning the skills, the gap between the two increased with the time, though not ended at an ugly note.

Acknowledging his command over words while delivering speeches, he was then elevated to hold the responsibility of spokesman of the IYC in 2005, which he served till 2008.

He then contested the internal elections to become the president of Punjab Youth Congress which he lost to Ravinder Singh Bittu, grandson of slain Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. Being the first runner up, he was then given the responsibility of Vice-President of the PYC.

A year later, he was then appointed as General Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress, where he remained till 2012.

Having established his strong enough relations with the then IYC chief Rahul Gandhi, he was allotted party ticket to contest Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections in 2012 from Gidderbaha assembly segment. The ticket, as learnt, was given to him from the youth quota of Rahul Gandhi. And it’s just for picking him as the party face the Congress had annoyed many senior leaders including a former MLA from Gidderbaha Raghbir Pradhan.

Further, hurt over the rejection of his ticket claim a known face of the assembly Sant Singh Brar deserted the Congress and joined the Akali Dal as the party had offered ticket to him from the same constituency.

With Warring being the Congress candidate, the contest at Gidderbaha had become a triangular one with the former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal also in the fray as the candidate of his newly created political outfit People’s Party of Punjab (PPP).

As Warring was the choice of him, Rahul Gandhi had himself come all the way to Gidderbaha to hold a political rally to muster support for just few days before the elections. Rahul’s gesture gave tremendous boost to Warring’s campaign as those in the party had some kinds of doubts about his stature in the party got the answers with Rahul’s words from the stage.

Securing as many as 50,305 votes, Warring emerged as the winner with also ensuring the SAD rebel Manpreet Singh Badal remain on the third position in the race with just 31,906 votes. Though his victory had little impact on Sant Singh Brar’s career, it exposed the stature of PPP chief Manpreet Singh Badal as it was first ever defeat of Manpreet that too from the constituency, which he was winning for past four consecutive terms (1995, 1997, 2002 and 2007) as Akali candidate.

Being quite vocal in the Vidhan Sabha, Warring within no time started being considered as a vociferous card of the party to play at desired occasions. Just few weeks ago, he was also appointed the party affairs’ in-charge of Bathinda district.

It is also pertinent to mention that the dynamic leader of the Congress had recently landed in a serious trouble for his name being appeared in a drug nexus exposed by Bathinda zone police. A shocked to find himself in the eye of storm Warring was loud enough in claiming his innocence. The matter had even stormed the Punjab Vidhan Sabha after which the inquiry was learnt to be pushed under the carpet without any leakage of the reason.

Besides, he was once made to tender apology to some Hindu organisations for the act (observed as sacrilege) of his supporters during a protest in Muktsar about a year back.

Speaking over phone, an elated IYC President Amarinder Singh ‘Raja’ Warring said, “I will strive to infuse a new lease of life into the organisaiton.”

“I was not a politician but it was the charismatic character of Rahul Gandhi that made me pursue the career in this field of public service,” mentioned Warring.

He also claimed that his immediate priority would be to strengthen the organisation by enrolling youth in large numbers from booth level onwards and expose the dark sides of the BJP-led central government through different programmes.

rajaydeep@dailypostindia.com

SGPC members pass resolution against Nandgarh

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

Since he opened front for the implementation of Nanakshahi calendar, problems for the Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh are mounting with each passing day.

Now a number of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members from Punjab and Haryana on Thursday passed a resolution against him and sought the SGPC president initiate process of his removal from the position. The SGPC members also reiterated their demand that Nandgarh should be summoned to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs.

Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh is in the line of fire since he stood up against the Bikarmi Calendar, which is followed by all, including the SGPC. Terming the Bikrami Calendar to be of Hindus, Nandgarh wants Sikhs to implement Nanakshahi calendar with a claim that only this could ensure Sikhs have their separate identity across the world.

Interestingly, in the recent past while pursuing his case Nandgarh also didn’t mind uttering against the SAD-ruled Punjab Government, SGPC and Akal Takht Jathedar. In a recent instance, having his reservations Nandgarh avoided participating in the Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) which was held from Takht Damdama Sahib on December 27 to mark the next day as Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth anniversary (Parkash Utsav). In his opinion, the day was not correct according to the historical incidents and he also objected to the celebrations scheduled for December 28.

Justifying his claim, Nandgarh said that at one hand the SGPC and whole Sikh community was observing the martyrdom day of two younger children of Guru Gobind Singh on the same day at Fatehgarh Sahib and on the other, they were all set to celebrate it as Guru Gobind Singh’s birth anniversary. While claiming that it would all in conflict with the gurbani and Sikh history, an emotional Nandgarh went on saying, “Some greedy and selfish people have been consistently misleading the innocent Sikh Sangat in respect of Nanakshahi Calendar just for the vested interests.”

“Cults in Punjab are the gift of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) whose members opposed the termination of article 25 (2) (b) of constitution which states that Sikhs are part of the Hindu religion. And I am 100 per cent confident that the whole controversy is being created just to please the RSS leaders, who are now in power in the country,” he had said.

“It’s very painful for me to say but the SGPC is now following the path directed by some politicians who can’t afford annoying RSS and in the whole scene our respected Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib also failed to understand the issue which I have been raising loud and clear, just for the identity of Sikhs,” rued Nandgarh.

His statement appeared in a section of media, including Daily Post, created turbulence as all SGPC members of Bathinda and Mansa districts, who had participated in the Nagar Kirtan, opened a front against him.

They took his statement as a clear case of disrespect towards the Akal Takht as the Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh had appealed to the masses to celebrate the day on December 28. They also challenged Nandgarh to term the whole activity being done on the direction of the RSS. In an immediate reaction, the next morning they had sought his summoning at Akal Takht for his uttering but now toughening their stand, they including some from neighbouring state Haryana have sought his resignation.

Those signed resolution included Mohan Singh Bangi, Darshan Singh Bahia, Mithu Singh Kahanke, Jagjit Singh Khalsa, Jaspal Kaur, Major Singh Dhillon, Capt Avtar Singh, Surjit Singh Raipur and Gurtej Singh Dhadde. Besides, Baba Sukhchain Singh Dharampura, Baba Buta Singh Gurthadi and Gurpreet Singh Jhabbar sent their written consent with them as theyw ere out of station.

On the other hand, a number of Sikh organisations, backing Nandgarh, on Thursday appeared at the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar and sought the Jathedar to implement it for the sake of Sikh community.

Meanwhile, unfazed over the development, Nandgarh said, “Whether I remain in the chair or the authorities replace me with any one, I will not relent. My stand is clear and it’s is for the sake of all Sikhs.”

Now SGPC members want action against Nandgarh

Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar had accused the SGPC and Akal Takht Jathedar of taking directions from RSS

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

Expressing his anguishes against the SGPC members who, under the patronage of Sri Guru Granth Sahib and led by ‘Panj Piaras’, held Nagar Kirtan on Saturday to mark the celebrations for Parkash Utsav (birth anniversary) of Guru Gobind Singh ji in accordance with the schedule given by Akal Takht, the Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh has invited yet another trouble for him.

Sounding united all SGPC members of Bathinda and Mansa districts, reacting over the news published in some newspapers including Daily Post on Sunday, opened a front against Nandgarh and even urged the Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh to summon him at the highest temporal seat of Sikhs for hurting the sentiments of Sikhs with his ‘slanderous’ gesture.

It is pertinent to mention that claiming that the date (December 28) was incorrect for the celebrations as the day according to Nanakshahi calendar falls on January 5, the head of Sikhs fourth temporal seat (Takht Damdama Sahib) Balwant Singh Nandgarh had not only avoided participating in the Saturday’s Nagar Kirtan held in Talwandi Sabo but also charged the SGPC members of just complying with the directions of the Hindus’ right-wing body Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by holding the event according to their calendar (Bikrami calendar).

While saying no to the SGPC members who had approached him to convince for attending the occasion, Jathedar on Saturday had strongly said that it was all against Sikh history and attending that he didn’t want to commit ‘sin’ like them.

“If I attend this procession it means I do acknowledge the Bikrami calendar, which I can’t even dream about. As of my knowledge about Sikhism, we should all go by the Nanakshahi calendar, which says the day falls on January 5,” Jathedar had said.

While speaking to selected media persons at his official residence in the premises of Takht Damadama Sahib, he on Saturday had said: “Some greedy and selfish people have been consistently misleading the innocent Sikh Sangat in respect of Nanakshahi Calender just for the vested interests.”

“Cults in Punjab are the gift of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) whose members opposed the termination of article 25 (2) (b) of constitution which states that Sikhs are part of the Hindu religion. And I am 100 per cent confident that the whole controversy is being created just to please the RSS leaders, who are now in power in the country,” he had said.

“It’s very painful for me to say but the SGPC is now following the path directed by some politicians who can’t afford annoying RSS and in the whole scene our respected Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib also failed to understand the issue which I have been raising loud and clear, just for the identity of Sikhs,” rued an emotional Nandgarh.

Though Nandgarh was already in tussle with Akal Takht and SGPC since he demanded for the implementation of Nanakshahi Calendar, his statement in the newspapers on Sunday irked the SGPC members from Bathinda region including Mohan Singh Bangi, Baba Sukhchain Singh Dharampura, Baba Buta Singh Gurthadi, Bhai Amrik Singh Kotshamir, Bhai Gurpreet Singh Jhabbar, Bhai Surjit Singh Raipur, Jathedar Gurtej Singh Dhadde and Jathedar Gurtej Singh Jodhpur.

Furious they all asked Nandgarh to recall his own statements of few days back when jumping into the controversy erupted over the demand of separate SGPC in Haryana, he had appealed all Sikhs to respect the existing SGPC as a supreme body with also scuttling the move of those demanding for splitting it.

“Now, Jathedar has himself gone against the SGPC and ironically, not only the SGPC but also the Akal Takht and the Sikh Sangat too,” rued the SGPC members, adding that, “Labeling all as the agents of RSS just for participating in the religious activity he has hurt the sentiments of Sikh community. So, we now want him to be summoned at Akal Takht and justify his words there before the priest of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs. Besides, the SGPC president should also initiate action against him.”

It is pertinent to mention that earlier for his controversial statements the government had withdrawn his security cover. Further, he was also asked to tender resignation from the seat, which he had denied, as learnt.

On his part, an unfazed Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh said, “Such gestures hardly bother me. Let Akal Takht summon me, I will give the appropriate reply.”

Adamant over his stand, Nandgarh skips Nagar Kirtan at Talwandi Sabo

Rajay Deep

Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda)

Firm over his stand that has brought him in a sharp difference with the Akal Takht Sahib, the Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Jathedar Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh on Saturday avoided participating in the Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) held from the Akal Takht in Talwandi Sabo to mark the celebrations of Parkash Gurpurab (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Gobind Singh on Sunday.

While denying the SGPC members approached him to convince for attending the occasion, Jathedar said in fierce words, “It’s all against ‘Sikh Maryada’ and I don’t want to commit sin like you all. If I attend this procession it means I do acknowledge the Bikrami calendar, which can’t even dream of now. As of my knowledge about Sikhism, we should all go by the Nanakshahi calendar, which says the day falls on January 5.”

“I am surprised how the Akal Takht Jathedar and the SGPC can commit such a blunder by celebrating the Gurpurab on Sunday (December 28), when the whole Sikh populace including they too would be observing the Shaheedi Jor Mel, a day when two ‘Sahibzade’ (sons of Guru Gobind Singh) were cremated in 1705 after they were killed at Sirhind just for upholding the values of the Sikhism,” worried Nandgarh. Speaking to Daily Post at his official residence within the Takht Sahib premises at Talwandi Sabo, Nandgarh said, “If Sikhs continue to celebrate days according to Bikrami Calender, then Gurbani would no longer remain factual.”

Referring to the changing dates of Sikh historical days, he said that if such thing continues to happen, month of ‘Vaisakh’ would displace the month of ‘Jeth’, and month of ‘Jeth’ would occupy the place of ‘Harh’.

Expressing his anguishes on the whole episode, the Takht Jathedar said, “Some greedy and selfish people have been consistently misleading the innocent Sikh Sangat in respect of Nanakshahi Calender just for the vested interests.”

“Cults in Punjab are the gift of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) whose members opposed the termination of Article 25 (2) (b) of constitution which states that Sikhs are part of the Hindu religion. And I am 100 per cent confident that the whole controversy is being created just to please the RSS leaders, who are now in power in the country.”

“It’s very painful for me to say but the SGPC is now following the path directed by some politicians who can’t afford annoying RSS and in the whole scene our respected Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib also failed to understand the issue which I have been raising loud and clear, just for the identity of Sikhs,” rued an emotional Nandgarh.

Going ahead with his accusation, Jathedar said, “The RSS wants to cease off the independent identity of the Sikhs. The Right-wing body of Hindus wants to challenge the Sikh identity by saying that Sikhs were part of the Hindu religion which is absolutely untrue and wrong.”

“I appeal the whole community not only to celebrate the Gurpurab on January 5 but also put all efforts to get the Nanakshahi calendar implemented across the world only then we will be able to pursue our case in UNO to get our separate identity from the Hindus, which would further enable us to have our own laws and Acts,” appealed Nandgarh.

Asked about the risk of losing the position (Jathedar of temporal seat) for raising voice against the ‘power that be’ and disobeying the appeal of Akal Takht Jathedar to observe the Gurpurab on December 28, Nandgarh said, “After withdrawing my security few days back, I was asked to resign which I flatly denied. I don’t have lust for this chair but the thing is that I can’t go in such a manner that too when I have been raising the right point for the safety of the community.”

“Still even if I lose the position, I won’t deter from my stand for Nanakshahi calendar,” he asserted.

Questioned, how many Sikh leaders were with him for the cause, Nandgarh said, “It will be ascertained only on January 1, when they would all be submitting memorandum to Akal Takht Jathedar on the issue.”

Jathedar also clarified that he would attend the meeting called at Akal Takht Sahib for January 2 to discuss the issue.

Irregularities over stamp duty cause `32 crore loss

Rajay Deep Bathinda

Taking pride in being addressed as ‘earning son of the state government’-Revenue Department itself has had the state exchequer face a loss of Rs 32 crore in a year (2012-13) with its irregularities in collecting stamp duty. The fact could come bare in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s report on revenue sector of Punjab-2014. According to the CAG report, the auditors inspected the records of 109 units (revenue offices) relating to the collection of stamp duty and registration fee during 2012-13 and found irregularities involving Rs 32.25 crore in 1,674 cases. Among the total, 867 cases were found of non/short levy of stamp duty and registration fee (involving Rs 12.79 crore), 195 cases of misclassification of instruments (Rs 16.52 crore), 300 cases of short levy of stamp duty and registration fees on lease deeds (Rs 92 lakh) and other irregularities worth Rs 2.02 crore. Moreover, during the year 2012-13, the Revenue Department accepted audit observations of irregularities in 578 cases but could recover the amount from just 259 cases pertaining to earlier years. Further going in detail of some illustrious cases involving Rs 15.26 crore, the CAG report stated that the auditors noticed from the records of 21 revenue offices, which included Ajnala, Amritsar, Batala, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Rampura Phul, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Moga, Mohali, Ropar, Sunam, Gurdaspur, Bhawanigarh, Dera Bassi, Fatehgarh Sahib and Malerkotla, that 41 instruments of transfer of properties valuing Rs 18.5 crore were registered at the value set forth in these instruments instead of Rs 48.5 crore computed on the basic minimum market value of properties fixed by respective District Collectors during the relevant years, which put the state in loss of minimum Rs 1.88 crore. In the offices of Barnala and Mullanpur Dakha, the revenue officials registered four instruments considering the property’s worth just Rs 44.8 lakh which was in fact Rs 2.29 crore, the CAG noticed. Moving ahead with their detection lens, the auditors noticed from the record of various revenue offices that while executing the mortgage deeds, the officials kept on charging the previous rate of stamp duty and the put the state face heavy loss just for their irregularity termed as short levy of stamp duty due to application of pre-revised rates of stamp duty. The records of four revenue offices (Bathinda, Nabha, Sangrur and Sunam) suggested the incorrect grant of remission resulted into non levy of the stamp duty and registration fee amounting to Rs 4.42 crore. The concerned revenue officials tried to convince the audit team but failed in the move, stated the CAG report. The audit from the records of 2010-11 and 2011-12 noticed that in the offices of 28 sub-registrars and eight joint sub-registrars that 74 instruments of transfer of properties were registered in the favour of developers/companies. and stamp duty of Rs 7.9 crore was charged on consideration of Rs 115.58 crore.

Uneasy calm prevails in Baghapurana

Security beefed up, nine booked for hurting religious sentiments of dera followers

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

A day after severe clash between the Dera Sacha Sauda followers and members of Sikh community took place in Baghapurana town an uneasy calm prevailed in the town and its surroundings of Moga district on Wednesday.

The clash had taken place over putting up the posters of Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s upcoming movie ‘MSG-The Messenger of God’.

After the Tuesday’s incident, in which Dera followers and Sikhs assaulted each other with stones and bricks, Police have registered two cases against nine persons for tearing off the movie posters bearing the photographs of Gurmeet Ram Rahim as the dera followers (complainant) termed it an act which did hurt their religious sentiments.

In the first case, registered on the complaint of one dera follower Gurmeet Singh under Sections 295 (Injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) and 427 (Mischief causing damage) of IPC, Baghapurana Police arrested Jagtar Singh, Satwinder Singh and Jagjit Singh. After they were produced in the court on Wednesday, the magistrate ordered judicial custody of the trio for 14 days.

In the second case, registered on the complaint of one Anshu Kumar, Police booked Davinder Singh, Barar Dairy, Baljinder Singh, Guermeet Singh, Visakha Singh and Bittu Singh for the same crime. However, in their case, Police added Section 148 of the IPC, as they were also accused of rioting, armed with deadly weapons.

Though Police claimed to have launched the operation to nab them all immediate after the complaint received, they could not be arrested even after 24 hours. It’s learnt that the group of Sikhs was led by being led by some Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members.

On the other hand, security in Baghapurana town and its surroundings of Moga district was observed to be beefed up on Wednesday and the tension continued to grip the area. 

Inspector General Police (Bathinda Zone) Paramraj Singh Umranangal and Deputy Inspector General (Ferozepur Range) Mohneesh Chawla visited the town to take stock of the situation, as learnt.

The senior police officials also held meeting with District Magistrate Parminder Singh Gill, SSP Moga Jatinder Singh Khaira and others to review the security arrangements.

It is pertinent to mention that in the clash between the two groups, some cops had also sustained minor injuries. After realising the situation was slipping out of hand, the cops had opened fire in the air and also resorted to heavy lathicharge to disperse them all. Ironically, before the clash between the two groups started, some of the dera followers had even thrashed a passerby for issuing some disgraceful remarks against the dera head.

Finally, once bringing down the situation under control, the district administration had also enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), banning assembly of over five people in an area, to ensure the groups didn’t assemble again.

On the parallel, a similar controversy had also taken place in Barnala district as the posters of the movie were also torn there. However, the timely action of Police ensure the situation doesn’t take violent turn

Several hurt in clash over movie

Rajay Deep

Bathinda

Dozens of people sustained injuries during a clash between Dera Sacha Sauda followers and members of Sikh community outside the Police Station at Baghapurana town of Moga district on Tuesday.

The clash took place after some persons, alleged to be Sikhs, tore down the posters of Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s upcoming Bollywood movie ‘MSG-The Messenger of God’. Both groups were so violent that while hurling stones and bricks at each other, they didn’t even spare the cops consistently persuading them to maintain cool.

In a free-for-all, besides the Dera followers, Sikhs and policemen, many passersby too were victims of the violence. Finally, the cops shot several rounds in the air and also resorted to lathicharge on both groups to disperse the violent mob. The district administration imposed prohibitory orders in the town under section 144 of CrPC.

No case was registered as the cops were in process to record the statements of the two groups.

According to information, some dera followers on Monday night complained to the Police about some persons (Sikhs) involved in tearing down the posters of their sect head’s upcoming movie. Sensing the issue could take a serious turn, the cops hurriedly rounded up three persons.

On Tuesday morning, hundreds of Dera followers reached the Police station Baghapura and members of Sikh community also in equal strength arrived there. Finding tension brewing with the two groups reaching there, a number of cops hurriedly made a human wall to check them. While some representatives of both groups were busy in meetings inside the police station, the mob waiting outside turned aggressive.

The two groups, after indulging in verbal duel and raising aggressive slogans then started moving towards each other and the cops present there found themselves outnumbered. A heavy police force was deployed from other police stations and even various senior police officials also rushed to the spot.

However, the situation went out of control and the two groups started pelting stones at each other. Both groups also hit the cops sandwiched between the two. 

A senior SP rank official was also among the cops who sustained injuries. The cops then opened fire in the air. After shooting dozens of bullets in the air, the cops also resorted to lathicharge to disperse the violent mob.

Though Moga SSP Jatinder Singh Khaira had reached much before, later Ferozepur range DIG Mohneesh Chawla also visited the town.

Hardline members of the Sikh community are objecting to the movie all across the state

‘AAP won’t be able to open its account’

Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has proved his mettle by winning a series of elections, including the gurdwara management committee polls in Delhi, during the past six years, foresees his party winning all four seats in the Delhi Vidhan Sabha polls tomorrow. A few hours before the poll campaign came to a formal end, Sukhbir took out time to reply to the queries posed by DailyPost Principal Correspondent Rajay Deep

As your partymen call you the master of micro-management in poll campaigns, how much confident are you about the party’s performance in Delhi polls?

I, on the basis of reports collected from the field, can firmly claim that all four SAD candidates will win the Assembly polls. Notably, it will not be the victory of only four of the SAD candidates but the wave suggests that BJP-SAD alliance in Delhi is all set to form the government with a clear majority.

In the wake of your recent experience in Punjab, how do you evaluate the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi?

In 2012, Punjab witnessed a newly popped up political outfit People’s Party of Punjab (PPP), enjoying the hype created by media, contested the Vidhan Sabha polls with much enthusiasm. However, the referendum of voters made them all clear that on the basis of just media hype, one can’t win the polls and I consider the AAP in Delhi standing at the same place now. These people would also not be able to open the account as did the PPP in Punjab.

After winning seats in Delhi Vidhan Sabha (as you expect), will the SAD (B) put its claim on the Delhi parliamentary seats also?

No. It is not our strategy. We will contest the parliamentary polls only in Punjab. But at the same time, I must tell you that following a well chalked out plan of expansion, soon the SAD (B), that already has an MLA in Haryana, would be seen winning the Assembly seats in UP, MP and other states.

Do you think the party campaigners you had called from Punjab performed their assignments in letter and spirit?

Yes, of course. Our party is known for the discipline. Whatever assignment is marked to any leader or the worker, he/she goes all out to ensure the delivery. On the basis of this, I am hundred per cent satisfied with whatever they could do during the past few days.

Punjab Congress leadership was also here to scuttle the chances of all four SAD candidates moving towards victory. What is your take on it?

It all hardly matters to us as the Punjab Congress leaders, who are deeply involved in infighting, have been exposed on all fronts. When they could not stop us from winning in Punjab, they would be seen biting the dust on December 8 in Delhi too.

Did Punjab’s biggest sports extravaganza “World Kabaddi Cup” hit your poll campaign here?

This is not true. We have separate teams to handle different tasks. If a number of leaders were busy in campaigning here, there was a large number other dignitaries who ensured the amazing start of the tournament. And now, they would all be back to Punjab and handle their responsibilities there.

Fielding a Hindu face in Delhi polls, what does the SAD (B), once known as a Panthic party, want to establish?

It is the replication of the model we adopted in Punjab. Fielding Hindu faces on the SAD ticket, we have found that it not only makes the party go secular but also helps the nation in promoting communal harmony. Having undertaken an exceptional blend of different responsibilities, one can find the SAD (B) to be the most secular party of India now.

Don’t you feel the entire BJP-SAD campaign in Delhi Assembly polls was more of projecting Narendra Modi as the PM candidate?

Modi Sahib is our PM candidate and we have to project him at all platforms, but it does not mean that the campaign in Delhi or the other four states was all to project him. He came here and addressed a number of rallies, which gave a major boost to the alliance’s prospects to win the Assembly polls. So, there is no such feeling among the alliance cadre. And interestingly, the party’s victory in these five states is sure to pave the way for the BJP-SAD to have its government at the Centre, of which Modi will be the Prime Minister.

One country, 2 systems not tolerable: Sukhbir

One country, 2 systems not tolerable: Sukhbir

Rajay Deep

Nathana (Bathinda)

Visibly upset for his state being termed as hub of drug addicts, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday declared that Punjab will not tolerate the ‘one country, two systems’ principle any more.

Expressing annoyance with the Union government for not initiating move to check the menace, he demanded immediate imposition of ban on the production of poppy husk, opium and their further derivatives in all states, particularly Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

“I am surprised over the system of the country, one state in our neighbourhood has been openly growing and selling drugs through a chain of vends for collecting revenue worth hundreds of crores of rupees but in contrast Punjab that neither produces nor sells such narcotics is being defamed through all means, that too for no fault at all,” said Sukhbir, while speaking to media persons at Nathana in Bathinda, where he along with Union Cabinet Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal had come to inspect the quality of recently constructed streets.

“Enough is enough. We have now launched a move to ensure this ‘one country, two systems’ biased principle gets eliminated at the earliest,” he added.

Speaking further, Sukhbir said, “Keeping all in mind, the Shiromani Akali Dal has now planned to hold dharnas at three international borders, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Atari. The attempt is not to degrade the BSF but to build a pressure upon the Centre to intensify the security system so as to check the infiltration of narcotics through the barbed wires.”

“Country should know that Punjab is a victim of drug abuse and through those dharnas we will try to keep our point in front of all,” said the deputy CM.

Speaking further, he said, “It’s the duty of the BSF to guard the border and ensure no such contraband is pilfered in from Pakistan or Afghanistan but the fact is that it has been happening and disturbing us in Punjab.” “I would request to the Union government to direct the BSF to seal international border just like US did to check anything entering from Mexico side. Technology has been advanced to a level that gadgets like CCTV cameras can be installed all along the border to ensure a complete check on the notorious activities happening there,” Sukhbir pointed out.

Meanwhile, he hailed Punjab Police for heavy seizures of narcotics entered the state through Pakistan and neighbouring Rajasthan.

Asked about the reservations of Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa against the SAD’s move to stage dharnas on border, Sukhbir said, “He had simply placed his view point but it’s the party that finally takes the call. And importantly, Dhindsa ‘Sahib’ is himself supervising the preparedness of dharna at one point (border).”

About the differences with BJP on the point, Sukhbir said, “The SAD and BJP are two different parties. BJP leaders are also going to launch their anti-drugs drive a few days after the SAD’s dharnas.” Sukhbir claimed that there was no threat to the coalition as it had been strong enough for being tested at times in the past.