Our Correspondent

MANALI, July 3

Lt Gen SK Shrivastava, Director General Border Roads (DGBR), visited both portals of the Rohtang tunnel to evaluate the current status and progress of the work. He visited south portal of the Rohtang tunnel at Dhundi on Sunday and north portal at Sissu today.He spent hours at the sites and had detailed discussions with his staff and the companies involved in the construction of the tunneling works. Brigadier DN Bhatt, Chief Engineer of Rohtang tunnel project, briefed him about the ongoing works and further steps taken to speed up the works.The DG, BRO, said the breakthrough of the tunnel would happen in October 2017. He said after the breakthrough other activities too would speed up and in this snow season, the remaining activities at north portal would be taken up from the south-end to further enhance the pace of work.

A cannon outside the Anglo-Sikh War Museum in Ferozepur.

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, September 9

Two pistols dating back to the Anglo-Sikh wars of 1845-46, stolen more than a decade ago from a museum here, are yet to be recovered.Earlier, swords, firearms and other weapons from these wars had been put on display at the Anglo-Sikh War Museum at the time of its inauguration in 1976. It was constructed in memory of the Sikh soldiers who had attained martyrdom while fighting the British forces.However, much to the dismay of historians and local residents, these historical weapons have been junked or got stolen.On the complaint of the then Director, Cultural Affairs, the Ferozepur police had registered a criminal case against two persons at Ghall Khurd police station in June 2006 in connection with the theft, but no follow-up action was taken.“It seems successive state governments deserted this monument the way the generals betrayed their brave soldiers during the Anglo-Sikh wars,” said Harish Monga, a local resident.Paucity of funds, manpower and resources at this sprawling complex are cited among the reasons for its neglect. The iron tripod bearing plaques of the Anglo-Sikh wars have rusted beyond recognition. The collection of murals and wall paintings depicting battle scenes and portraits by renowned painters such as Kirpal Singh and Jaswant Singh have been damaged. The condition of portraits of Maharani Jindan, Sham Singh Attariwala, Diwan Mool Chand and Lord Dalhousie is equally bad.“Instead of setting up more memorials, the state government should first improve the condition of the existing ones,” said Lt Gen OP Nandrajog, a former Army commander.“One wonders if the state officials or ministers have ever had the inclination to visit these memorials,” he added.Meanwhile, Army officers from Britain will visit the Saragarhi memorial here on Tuesday to pay tributes to martyrs of the 1897 battle. The Congress government is hosting a state-level function to mark the occasion. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who is on a private visit to the UK, has authored a book on the subject.

Kulbhushan Jadhav. File photo

New Delhi, May 9

The International Court of Justice today stayed the hanging of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of “spying”.The order by the Hague-based International Court of Justice came a day after India approached it against the death sentence handed down to Jadhav by Pakistan’s Field General Court Martial last month.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)India, in its appeal to the ICJ, accused Pakistan of “egregious” violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and asserted that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he was involved in business activities after retiring from the Indian Navy but Pakistan claimed to have arrested him from Balochistan on March 3, 2016. Following the appeal, the ICJ stayed his hanging.  — PTI

Indo-Pak politics plays out in UK elections

Theresa May campaigns in York

Ashis Ray in London

Twenty-four out of 650 constituencies in the House of Commons have 10-50% of overseas citizens of India or non-resident Indians. In effect, people of Indian origin have between a significant to a decisive say on who wins these seats.Virendra Sharma is the sitting MP for Ealing Southall, who attracted 65% of votes cast in the last general election in 2015. In a veiled reference to an undercurrent of subcontinental politics in his constituency, which has Sikhs and Hindus from India, Pakistanis and Afghans, he told a rally: “This is a British election and we should be debating British values, not old community conflicts, ancient arguments and squabbles from half a world away and half a century ago.”(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)A section of Pakistani constituents had objected to his stout defence of India in a debate on Kashmir in the Commons. Without directly referring to this, he affirmed: “I will represent every religion, every culture and those unsure of where they belong.”Regardless of his being a rock solid seat for his Labour party, Sharma is taking no chances. Accompanied by activists, he is going door-to-door to canvass for support. One hundred and twenty-five years after the first Indian was elected to the British House of Commons, a turbaned Sikh is likely to make a maiden appearance in this chamber when results of the mid-term general election—unexpectedly summoned by Prime Minister Theresa May to strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations with the European Union—are declared on June 9 next.Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, 38, has been selected by the opposition Labour party to fight in the constituency of Slough, 33 km to the west of London. He replaces Fiona Mactaggart, who stood down after being its MP for 20 years. In the last election, she won by a margin of 15.2% in a seat considered to be a relatively safe for Labour. “If elected, I will work tirelessly for the people of Slough,” he vowed to the Slough Express.Dhesi will be the third Sikh to enter the Commons after Piara Singh Khabra, who represented nearby Ealing Southall, and Marsha Singh, who stood from the Pakistan-dominated area of Bradford West. Both, though, were radical left-wingers who dispensed with long hair and beard as well as their turbans.Dadabhai Naoroji, a Liberal, entered the Commons from Finsbury Central constituency in London in 1892 and remained a member until 1895. He was followed by Sir Mancherjee Bhownagree, a Conservative, who won from Bethnal Green North East, also in London. He served as a lawmaker from 1895 to 1906.Then came the intriguing Shapurji Saklatvala, a former Tata employee and a cousin of the third chairman of the Group, Nowroji Saklatvala. In 1922, he stood for election on behalf of the Communist Party of Great Britain and won from Battersea North in the British capital. He lost the next year, only to be returned for a full five-year term in the Commons in 1924.Fifty-eight years elapsed before another politician of Asian extraction was ushered in to the Commons. Keith Vaz, born in Aden and of Goan descent, ended the drought by getting elected in 1987 for the Labour party from Leicester East, a constituency he has represented ever since.Others who earned the right to warm the gleaming green leather seats were Dr Ashok Kumar, Labour who won from Langbaurgh and Middlesborough South and East Cleveland, Parmjit Dhanda, Labour from Gloucester, Parmjit Gill, Liberal Democrat from Leicester South and Paul Uppal Conservative from Wolverhampton South West. The first mentioned died prematurely. The other three lost their seats, although Uppal is now back in the fray.The maternal grandfather of Sebastian Coe, a double Olympic gold medallist, was Punjabi. He was elected in 1992 from Falmouth and Camborne as a Conservative, before losing in 1997.  Vaz’s sister, Valerie Vaz, Labour from Walsall South—who celebrated Baisakhi in the Houses of Parliament before the house prorogued—Seema Malhotra (who is up and coming and has served as shadow chief secretary to the treasury), Labour from Feltham and Heston, Lisa Nandy (who father was a Bengali doctor), Labour from Wigan, Shailesh Vara, Conservative from Cambridgeshire North West, Priti Patel, Conservative from Witham, Alok Sharma (a second generation Tory), Conservative from Reading West, hedge fund millionaire Rishi Sunak, Conservative from Richmond, Yorkshire, and son-in-law of NR Narayana Murthy of Infosys, and Suella Fernandes, Conservative from Fareham, are again in the running. Last year, Keith Vaz was forced to resign as chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee—having performed creditably at this post since 2007—after an expose on his private life by the Sunday Mirror. It will be interesting to see how—if at all—his constituency of pre-dominantly orthodox Gujarati Hindus reacts to the episode. He met trustees of the Brahma Samaj over the weekend. In 2015, he ensnared 61% of votes.Indian-origin people still punch below their weight in terms of the contingent of MPs. They are 3.3% of the population, but occupy only 1.5% of the seats. But if the outgoing MPs are re-elected and Dhesi and Uppal are returned, the number of lawmakers of Indian descent would rise in the next Commons. Navin Shah in Harrow East, Resham Kotecha in Coventry North West and Ameet Jogia in Brent North are among those who’ve thrown their hat into the ring.   With Patel enjoying cabinet rank and Alok Sharma a junior minister, Indian extraction politicians have in recent years enhanced their presence in Whitehall. 

indian-origin people the deciding factor

• 24out of 650 constituencies in House of Commons have 10% to 50% of overseas citizens of India or NRIs

Sikh connection

• Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, 38, has been selected by opposition Labour party to fight in the constituency of Slough
• If elected, Dhesi will be third Sikh to enter the Commons after Piara Singh Khabra, who represented nearby Ealing Southall
• He, however, will be first turbaned Sikh to make a appearance in this chamber when poll results are declared on June 9
• The second was Marsha Singh, who stood from the Pakistan-dominated area of Bradford West
• Both Piara and Marsha, though, were radical left-wingers who dispensed with long hair and beard as well as their turbans

Jammu, July 28

The Central University of Jammu (CUJ) has inaugurated a ‘wall of heroes’, displaying photographs of Param Vir Chakra recipients, as part of the Union HRD Ministry’s ‘Vidya Veerta Abhiyan’.The event has been organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) of the CUJ in collaboration with the 26 Infantry Division, Jammu.The wall which is titled as “Our Heroes” was inaugurated by Prof Ashok Aima, CUJ Vice Chancellor, and Maj Gen SK Sharma, YSM GOC of 26 Infantry Division, at a function held on the campus to commemorate Vijay Diwas.In his address, Prof Ashok Aima emphasised the valour and sacrifices of soldiers during war and how it is important for students to realise its value. He said the university would constantly interact with the Army and security forces for exchange of knowledge and values.He also directed the National Service Scheme (NSS) to chart out a programme where the university could constructively engage with the war veterans and ‘veer naris’.While delivering the keynote address, Maj Gen SK Sharma highlighted that war was not just the business of the Army or other forces, it was the collective effort of a nation to defend its core values and interests.More than 15 war veterans from various units who fought in Tiger Hills and Tololing and five ‘veer naris’ were felicitated by the Vice Chancellor and the GOC. — TNS

Indian soldiers showing a banner, asking Chinese troops to withdraw. Photo for representational purpose only. Tribune file

Beijing, July 5

Upping the ante on the Sikkim standoff, China on Wednesday accused India of “trampling” on the Panchsheel principles and asked New Delhi to “correct its mistakes” as soon as possible by pulling back troops.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

China also claimed that India was “misleading the public” by saying that Chinese troops are building a road close to the Chicken’s Neck in the Sikkim sector which could endanger India’s access to its north-eastern states.

“I want to point that the relevant actions by the Indian side violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in defiance of the international law and international norms. As we all know, in the 1950s, China, India and Myanmar proposed the five principles (Panchsheel) of co-existence,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Gen Shuang told reporters here.

“However to the surprise of everyone, the Indian side trampled on the basic norms governing the international relations proposed by itself by illegally crossing into other country’s territory,” he said.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as the Panchsheel, are a series of principles which have formed the bedrock of the relationship between India and China. Their first formal codification in treaty form was in an agreement between China and India in 1954.

Geng said this time the Indian troops crossed the delineated boundary into the Chinese side and nature of the incident was “very serious”.

“China and India have been in contact through the Special Representatives mechanism to solve the boundary question but this incident, I believe, violates the spirit upheld by the Special Representatives mechanism and goes in contrast to the efforts made by the two countries,” he said.

China has already lodged a protest with India on this, Geng said.

“Indian border troops are still staying on the Chinese territory,” he said.

The situation is yet to be resolved and “India should pull back the troops that is precondition to avoid worsening of the situation”, Geng said.

“Troops should be pulled back as soon as possible to demonstrate the sincerity to improve bilateral ties so as create conditions for the normal development of bilateral relations,” he said.

“If the Indian side refuses to correct its mistakes in a timely fashion, how it proposes to win the trust of its neighbours and how it is supposed to play a bigger role in the international affairs,” he said.

“We once again urge the Indian side to abide by the boundary convention and respect the Chinese sovereignty and immediately withdraw the border troops and properly deal with the incident in a timely fashion,” Geng said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed that the incident has nothing to do with the tri-junction between China, India and Bhutan.

“In disregard of the 1890 Sino-Britain convention, the Indian side said that Doklam is located within the tri- junction of the three countries, that is misleading the public,” he said.

“The 1890 convention said that the Sikkim section of the boundary commences from East mountain and the incident (of road building) took place about 2,000 metres away from Mount Gipmochi,” Geng asserted.

The Indian side is actually “misleading the public” by saying that the incident took place at the tri-junction point, Geng said, defending China’s road building which India and Bhutan have objected to.

India has expressed concern over the road-building, apprehending that it may allow Chinese troops to cut India’s access to its northeastern states.

Geng also said that besides former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru endorsing the 1890 Sino-British convention on Sikkim in a letter to his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai in 1959, the Indian Embassy in a note to the Chinese government in February, 1960, also endorsed it.

“The note said that the boundary between Sikkim and China’s Tibet has already been delineated and there is no dispute about that in the map and in practice,” he said.

Quoting the note, Geng said, “The Indian government would like to add one more thing that the boundary has already been demarcated as well on the ground.”

“The above mentioned was written in black and white in the note from India,” Geng said.

Asked about Nehru, in his letter to Zhou, pointing out that Chinese maps showed Bhutanese territory as part of Chin, Geng said, “there is no such consent as you mentioned”.

The former prime minister had pointed out to China that it was claiming sizable part of Bhutan’s territory.

“It is not clear to us what exactly is the implication of your statement that the boundaries of Sikkim and Bhutan do not fall within the scope of the present discussion,” Nehru wrote in the letter to Zhou.

“In fact, Chinese maps show sizable areas of Bhutan as part of Tibet,” Nehru had said.

Geng said, “Since the illegal trespass of the border troops, both sides have expressed stern position. The fact is that the Sikkim section of the China India boundary has already been delineated.”

Since India’s Independence, the Indian government has repeatedly affirmed the fact that the Sikkim section has been delineated by this convention, he said.

Geng’s remarks come a day after, in unusually blunt remarks, China’s Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said “the ball is in India’s court” and it was for the Indian government to decide what options could be on the table to resolve the standoff.

Asked about remarks by official Chinese media and think- tanks that the conflict can lead to a “war” if not handled properly, the ambassador had said ,”There has been talk about this option, that option. It is up to your government policy (whether to exercise military option).”

Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments that not a bullet has been fired at the India-China boundary for two decades, Geng said, “I want to point settlement of the boundary serves the fundamental interests of the two sides.” “It is also a strategic target, two sides are working to achieve. We have been trying to explore ways to resolve the boundary question with in the Special Representatives mechanism and we have jointly taken measure to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas,” Geng said.

“What is shocking is that the India border troops entered into the Chinese side of the delineated border in the Sikkim section which is serious in nature,” he said. PTI

2 pvt producers got Rs 900 cr for no generation of power

Ruchika M. Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 8

Two private power producers in Punjab were paid an estimated Rs 900 crore during 2016-17 as fixed charges and not for generating electricity, a technical audit has revealed.Twelve other power-generation plants — owned by the National Thermal Power Corporation and National Hydro Power Corporation — got Rs 600 crore as fixed charges for non-purchase of power during the time these were ready to generate at optimum capacity.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)The fixed charges paid to the 14 companies form the basis of the technical audit of all power purchase agreements (PPAs) signed by the cash-strapped Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) on behalf of the Punjab Government.Power Minister Rana Gurjit Singh, after assuming office, had said that he wanted to review all power purchase agreements by the previous SAD-BJP government. The Capt Amarinder government said the review should be carried out within four months.A preliminary examination of PPAs revealed that the fixed cost paid to Nabha Power Limited was Rs 1.44 per unit of power not bought by the state, and Talwandi Sabo Power Limited Rs 1.20. In comparison, most public sector plants supplying power to Punjab were getting 50 paise to Re 1 per unit as fixed cost, barring one or two, where the fixed cost was as high as Rs 1.46 (from the gas-based plant).The penalty clause in these PPAs will also be examined in the audit.

No jeans, tops for women teachers in Punjab

Order says bright suits, fashionable dresses ‘excite’ school kids; regular checks mus

maninder Pal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 8

Diktats on what to eat or wear, especially in case of women, may sound medieval. But the Punjab Education Department, incidentally headed by a woman Cabinet minister, has done just that by issuing an order stating “jeans, tops, bhadkeela pehrawa (bright suits) and fashionable dresses” worn by women teachers in government schools “excite” students and have a bad influence on them.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Laced with vocabulary reflecting patriarchal mindset and “specifically” addressing dressing culture of women employees, who constitute more than half of the employment base of the department, the order directs all district officials to conduct regular checks in schools to ensure no woman teacher wears such clothes.“We are receiving complaints that teachers in government schools, especially female teachers, are delivering their duties while sporting bhadkeela pehrawa. Some lady teachers wear jeans, tops and other many more exciting fashionable dresses during their duty hours. This affects students,” reads the circular issued to all Circle Education Officers and District Education Officers of the state.Teachers termed it a “Talibani farmaan” (Taliban decree) that was “reactionary” and “immature” in nature.A report on whether the dress code is being followed in schools or not is to be regularly submitted to the office of Director, Education (Senior Secondary).“As it affects students, dress code should be implemented. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure it is being followed,” reads the order.

Will withdraw letter: GovtLetter has been issued without my nod and knowledge. We will withdraw it —SS Kahlon, Director Public Instructions Such vocabulary should not be used. This letter’s been issued with reference to old order of 2012. We’ve summoned officials who issued letter. —TPS Sidhu, Joint Secy, Education Reactionary, immature: TeachersNot only unnecessary and immature, this order is reactionary in nature and reflects patriarchal mindset of those sitting in high offices. It reflects authorities’ immaturity pertaining to gender issues— Surjeet Singh of Government Teachers’ Union, Punjab

SGPC honours Capt at Golden Temple

Sikh body had denied him siropa in 2002 during his previous tenure as Chief Minister

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh is flanked by state Congress president Sunil Jakhar and Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu at the Golden Temple on Monday.

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 8

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) honoured Capt Amarinder Singh here today during his maiden visit to the Golden Temple after taking charge as the Chief Minister, 15 years after it had denied him a siropa (robe of honour) during his previous tenure as the CM.Kirpal Singh Badungar was heading the Sikh body in 2002 as well. Former SGPC presidents Bibi Jagir Kaur and Gurcharan Singh Tohra had condemned the then management for snubbing the CM.Badungar was not present today due to health reasons, according to SGPC chief secretary Harcharan Singh. The SGPC chief had recently said that Capt Amarinder would be welcomed at the shrine.The CM reached the Golden Temple at 7.15 am. Despite his foot injury, he completed a round of the parikrama and offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum.He was honoured with a siropa by the shrine’s head priest, Jagtar Singh. Thereafter, he was presented with a siropa, a shawl, Golden Temple’s framed picture and a set of religious books by the shrine’s manager, Sulakhan Singh, in the presence of Harcharan Singh and SGPC secretary Dr Roop Singh.Later, the CM paid tributes to the martyrs at Jallianwala Bagh. He was accompanied by PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar; Cabinet ministers Navjot Singh Sidhu, Manpreet Singh Badal and Rana Gurjit Singh; local MP Gurjit Singh Aujla; Congress MLAs Sunil Dutti and Inderbir Singh Bolaria; and party leaders Jasbir Dimpa and Dinesh Bassi.He also paid obeisance at the Durgiana Mandir and Ram Tirath Sthal before leaving for Hoshiarpur.Khalsa College suicide: CM promises justiceAmritsar: Capt Amarinder Singh on Sunday met Khalsa College students who had locked horns with the management over the suicide by a student, Harpreet Singh. The CM directed Principal Secretary (Higher Education) Anurag Verma to probe the incident and ascertain the management’s role. He assured Harpreet’s father Yadwinder Singh that anyone found guilty of abetment to suicide would be punished. The CM said the police had formed an SIT to investigate the case. In a letter to the CM, Yadwinder sought Rs 50-lakh compensation and a job for his younger son. The letter was also signed by gram panchayat members and residents of Harpreet’s village, Gumti Kalan. An FIR has already been filed against the college principal, registrar and head of its agriculture department. Harpreet’s attendance at college had been low as he was attending coaching classes with the aim of getting admission in the MSc course in another institution. TNS

‘Non-VIP’ minister

• Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal stood in the queue for ordinary devotees before entering the sanctum sanctorum, whereas the CM and his other Cabinet colleagues preferred to take the VVIP passage to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple.

Denied honour in 2002, Amarinder given ‘siropa’ inside Golden Temple CM promises fair real estate policy

It was Capt’s first visit to the shrine after becoming Punjab CM

SAYS WILL ALSO EXAMINE WHAT STEPS CAN BE ‘LEGALLY’ TAKEN TO HELP HOTELIERS HIT BY SUPREME COURT’S LIQUOR BAN ALONG HIGHWAYS

AMRITSAR : Contrary to its 2002 stand, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Monday honoured Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh with a ‘siropa’ (robe of honour) at the Golden Temple here on Monday.

HT PHOTOChief minister Capt Amarinder Singh also visited Durgiana Temple in Amritsar on Monday.

The chief minister, who reached the Golden Temple early in the morning, did a ‘parikrama’ of the holy shrine before offering prayers at the sanctum sanctorum, where head granthi Giani Jagtar Singh presented him the ‘siropa’. Later, the SGPC executive members and office-bearers also honoured him inside the information office.

However, SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar remained absent due to health issues, said the sources. SGPC chief secretary Harcharan Singh was though present throughout.

Amarinder was denied the ‘siropa’ during his visit to the shrine after becoming the chief minister in 2002, which had evoked a sharp reaction. Though the SGPC honoured him with the ‘siropa’ in 2004, but it was not inside the sanctum sanctorum. This time, when Amarinder became the chief minister, SGPC chief Kirpal Badungar had announced beforehand that the CM will be given ‘siropa’ when he visits the Golden Temple.

CM SEEKS BLESSINGS

From the Golden Temple, Amarinder went to Jallianwala Bagh and then to the Durgiana Mandir. The CM and his colleagues later visited Sri Ram Tirath Sthal to offer prayers before leaving for Hoshiarpur, to inaugurate a new tractor manufacturing facility.

In statement, Amarinder said it was a gratifying experience for him to visit the holy shrines, “which are a fountainhead of peace for millions of people from around the world”.

He said he and his colleagues wished to express their gratitude to God for their victory in the recent Punjab assembly elections. He said they had come to these temples to pray for the state, and its peace and development.

Among those who accompanied him were the newly appointed state Congress chief Sunil Jakhar, Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla, cabinet ministers Manpreet Singh Badal, Rana Gurjit Singh, Navjot Singh Sidhu and Sadhu Singh Dharmsot. MLAs of Amritsar district and Jalandhar Cantt legislator Pargat Singh were also present. HOSHIARPUR: Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday said the new real estate policy in the state would be made in consultation with all stakeholders, promising a fair play to hotel associations and property dealers here.

The CM was presented a memorandum by the two associations on Monday in which they kept their demands regarding the formulation of new real estate policy. Amarinder said he would examine what steps his government could “legally” take to help the hotel industry recover from the “adverse impact” of the Supreme Court ban on sale of liquor along the highways.

INAUGURATES TRACTOR PRODUCTION FACILITY

The CM also inaugurated a new state-of-the-art tractor production facility of International Tractors Limited (ITL), describing it as a major asset for the state’s progress. Rolling out the first tractor, the CM termed the new plant as a major achievement for Punjab, which was heavily dependent on agriculture for its growth and development. The ITL claimed that the new facility was world’s largest integrated tractor plant, with a total capacity of 3 lakh tractors annually.

Inspecting the plant, the CM said that the high-end tractors being manufactured at the plant under the brand name of Sonalika would be beneficial to the state’s farmers, who needed modern equipment to improve their crop yield and quality.

The inaugural event was attended by the top management of the company, including chairman LD Mittal, vice-chairman Amrit Sagar Mittal and managing director Deepak Mittal.

On the occasion, the management presented a cheque for ₹1.01 crore for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. They also presented a tractor to the CM who gifted the same to Citrus Estate in Chhauni village, which he had visited earlier in the day.

To mark the CM’s visit, ITL announced the adoption of Chhauni Kalan to transform in a world-class village.

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Ensure security of Sikhs in US, CM tells Centre

Chandigarh, May 8

Concerned over the spurt in attacks on Indians, including Sikhs, abroad, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has urged the Centre to ensure their protection and take up such issues in “right earnest”.Amarinder had raised concern over the recent killing of a Kapurthala man, Jagjeet Singh (32), in the US in a suspected hate crime case.He was stabbed to death by an unidentified person allegedly over cigarettes outside a grocery store in California.In response to the CM’s tweet, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she had spoken to the Indian Ambassador in Washington, Navtej Singh Sarna, on the issue.Raveen Thukral, media adviser to CM, said Amarinder was concerned over the recent spurt in hate crimes against Indians, mainly Sikhs, in the US and other parts of the world.The CM has said the US alone had witnessed several such attacks on Sikhs, who have been at the receiving end of the growing bigotry in the country and demanded immediate steps to ensure their protection. The Centre, he said, needed to adopt a more proactive stance to put pressure on the US to crack down on racist elements and provide fool-proof protection to the Sikh community. — PTI

Need-based changes in Cong unit on cards

Sunil Jakhar

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 8

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Sunil Jakhar today hinted at rationalising the state body, wherever required.He will formally take over as the state Congress chief at the PPCC office here on May 10. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab affairs in-charge Asha Kumari and Congress secretary Harish Chaudhary would be present.A former Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader and three-time MLA from Abohar, Jakhar will replace Capt Amarinder as the PPCC chief. Capt Amarinder had resigned from the post during a meeting with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on April 12.Jakhar said the present PPCC team appointed by Capt Amarinder had done extremely well. “As some of the leaders have been become ministers or have been given other responsibilities in the government, some changes may be required.”On his agenda would be to share information on the foodgrain scam, scam in setting up of private thermal plants and other matters raised by him in the run-up to the Assembly elections. “The government is already on the job and I will be sharing the information as and when required,” Jakhar added.

Chandigarh-based doctor adopts martyr’s daughter

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 8

MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla along with Dr Gurmohan Singh (a Chandigarh-based nephrologist) and Jaspal Singh Sandhu, a local businessman, and others visited the family of Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh, who was killed by the Pakistani army along the Line of Control in the Poonch Sector.Motivated by Aujla, Dr Gurmohan has adopted the martyr’s elder daughter, Simrandeep Kaur, and offered to bear the expenditure of her education and marriage.The Deputy Commissioner of Kullu and his wife have already adopted the younger daughter, Khushdeep Kaur. Talking about his inspiration, Dr Gurmohan Singh said he had seen a dream 33 years ago in 1984 that he should adopt the families of soldiers and policemen who were in killed in trains and at the railway station, but it didn’t materialise due to lack of funds and other issues. He had earlier adopted a Dalit girl in Chandigarh. He offered to sponsor the study of Simrandeep Kaur in the best school in Chandigarh, Amritsar or any other school of the family’s choice. He also proposed to open a bank account in the name of Simarndeep and deposit the first instalment to meet her expenses.Speaking on the occasion, Aujla said that Paramjit would be remembered alongwith those who laid down their lives for the country and it is an honour for them to do something for the family. He said the bravehearts of their nation were standing shoulder to shoulder with the armed personnel of India.Dr Gurmohan Singh said Naib Subedar Paramjit Singh laid down his life for the nation and it was their duty to help his dependents.

70 yrs on, holy city holds on to its British legacy

HOUGH RECHRISTENED AFTER INDEPENDENCE, MANY ROADS, OTHER PLACES STILL KNOWN BY THEIR COLONIAL NAMES

AMRITSAR: Even as the British rulers left the country around 70 years ago, their legacy still survives, especially in the holy city.HTHall Gate, built in 1873 and named after the then deputy commissioner CH Hall, was renamed Gandhi Gate after Independence. In view of the original name’s popularity, the Punjab tourism department has mentioned it on signboards on both sides of the gate.

Although various places, predominantly roads, were given Indian names by the administration subsequently, these remain only on paper. In practice, the original names given by the British rulers remain popular among locals and tourists alike.

On entering the walled city from the west side, there is a famous gate that was constructed in 1873. The gurbani slogan ‘Amritsar Sifti Da Ghar’ (Amritsar is a home of values) is installed atop it. The gate is famous as Hall Gate after the then deputy commissioner CH Hall. Even as it was rechristened Gandhi Gate after independence and the new name can be seen written on it, the old name persists.

In view of its popularity, the Punjab tourism department has in fact mentioned the old name on boards on both its sides. Even the famous market situated along the stretch between this gate and the historic Town Hall building is popular as Hall Bazaar.

The Civil Lines, one of the posh localities of the city, was developed by the British officers on the north side of the old city. Lawrence Road constructed near the historic Ram Bagh garden in 1870 was named after the British official John Lawrence. The officers used this road to commute, and Indians were not allowed to reside near it. However, the legendary Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh, who belonged to an affluent family, managed to build his house on this road. In view of his contributions, the civic body renamed this road after him, but only on paper. The signboards still call it Lawrence Road.

The road connecting the Sadar police station to the cantonment area was named after the then finance commissioner FC Mcleod in 1853. Although the administration renamed it after Pundit Lal Chand Changotra, people are oblivious to this fact. The same has been the fate of Queens Road and Cooper Road (both between Bhandari Bridge and the district courts), Mall Road (Novelty Chowk to Court Chowk), Taylor Road (connecting Mall Road to Court Road), and Albert Road (between the railway station and Mall Road).

QUEEN VICTORIA TRUMPS MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH

The Ram Bagh garden, developed by Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the memory of Guru Ram Das, founder of the holy city, was renamed Company Bagh by the British administration. Even today, this new name remains popular.

In 1887, the colonial rulers installed a statue of Queen Victoria on the chowk situated on the way to the Golden Temple near the Dharam Singh market. Both the chowk and the market were rechristened after her. Later, the Queen’s statue was removed, and recently the Punjab government installed a huge statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh here. The locals, however, still call it by the colonial name, which as the names of other places has been passed down from one generation to the other since 1947.

 

 

“Since infiltration is sustaining militancy, this supply line needs to be cut Gen Bipin Rawat, Army chief

Arun Joshi

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 27

The worsening spectre of violence in Kashmir notwithstanding, the Army Chief is optimistic that things would soon fall in place in the Valley.“I have no doubt whatsoever that things would improve soon and people would get to experience normal life again. They are our people, we know what is hurting them and how to swab their wounds inflicted by violence,” Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Along with its bullet-for-bullet approach, the Army is also actively engaging itself in the “pro-people” process of healing wounds and reaching out, especially to the youths. “There would be relentless operations against terrorists. Their lifespan would be cut short so others do not follow them, and parents too are conscious of the dangers ahead for their children if they join militancy. The idea also is to eliminate the fear of terror among the masses,” he said.Gen Rawat is clear that the Army’s primary task in Kashmir is to bring down infiltration to the zero, or near close, level. Since “infiltration is sustaining militancy, this supply line needs to be cut”.More than the sneaking in of militants through the Line of Control, infiltration is seen as a multi-purpose psychological tool with Pakistan. It sends a message that Islamabad is behind Kashmiris and would not mind sacrificing its own nationals. This also encourages and reassures the militancy-inclined youth in Kashmir that they are not alone in this “fight”

Raj Kadyan

THE runway at Agartala had a general east-west alignment before 1947. After the creation of erstwhile East Pakistan, the border ran west of the airfield. Resultantly, the aircraft had to cross over the border. To avoid this, another runway was constructed parallel to the border.  My company had been deployed to guard the airfield since mid-November 1971. On our west was Chandpur village, occupied by the enemy. The area was thickly wooded. Around 7.30 pm on December 3, the field telephone in my bunker rang. It was urgent summons from the battalion headquarters. Shortly, a jonga with headlights off halted at the end of the runway and I was off. Having told us that Pakistanis had attacked our western airfields, the Commanding Officer tasked my company to capture Chandpur the next morning. It was past 10 pm when I got back. I called my order group to issue necessary instructions. Bhawani Singh, all of 22, was my quiet companion. He must have possessed sixth sense. By the time I returned to the bunker around midnight, he had cleaned my carbine, checked magazines for ammunition, primed two grenades and ensured their safety pins were in place. My field upholstery was laid out neatly; a bottle had been filled with water. He ensured that my identity discs were worn on my person. In one corner, was his own kit in complete readiness. He brewed tea on the stove and gave it to me in a mug. Free of these worries, my mind went over operational details. We spoke little. Before withdrawing to his nearby dug-out, he quietly reminded me to write a letter to the family. I also told him to write to his parents; he was to be married in three months. At the crack of dawn, on December 4, we launched the attack. Bhawani was next to me, carrying the radio set. Many lives and limbs were lost but we managed to capture the objective and began to reorganise to face a possible counter attack. Bhawani and I dug a 30-inch trench and crouched in it with our weapons. We remained under shelling throughout the day and continued to suffer casualties.  At dusk there was a call from the battalion headquarters wanting to know the map reference of our position. The map was with the mortar officer, some 30 ft away in his trench. Bhawani volunteered to fetch it. He had hardly gone halfway when a shell landed near our trench throwing mud all over. I heard his groan. I jumped out and rushed to him. He was hit in the chest by a huge splinter; his entrails were out. I took his head in my lap and shouted for the stretcher bearers. Four of them from the medical platoon were the only medical help. They came quickly, but Bhawani was gone — the 10th casualty of the day. Tears welled up in my eyes on the loss of a close companion, a comrade-in-arms. In military glossary definition he was an orderly. In common parlance, he was a sahayak.