13
monday, march 5, 2018
Ultra,three
‘OGWs’shot
inShopian
firing:Army
Suhail A Shah
Anantnag, March 4
Three civilians, who the
Army claimed were Over-
Ground Workers of terror
outfits, and a militant were
killed tonight in a brief
exchange of fire between
the security forces and mil-
itants in south Kashmir’s
Shopian district.
The incident triggered
clashes between locals and
security forces in several
parts of the district as the
Army was accused of killing
the civilians in cold blood.
The Army, on the other
hand, maintained that the
civilians were OGWs (Over-
Ground Workers) of mili-
tant outfits and were travel-
ling in a car along with the
slain ultra, identified as
Mushtaq Ahmad Dar of
Jamnagri in Shopian. The
identity of the civilians was
yet to be ascertained, a
police official said.
A defence statement said
a mobile vehicle check post
of the Army’s 44 Rashtriya
Rifles came under fire from
militants in the Pahnoo
area of Shopian. “The inci-
dent occurred at about 8 pm,”
said Army spokesperson
Rajesh Kalia.
“The militants fired from
the car. In retaliatory firing
by the Army, a militant was
killed and a weapon was
found on him…. Three
OGWs/accomplices accom-
panying the militant were
also found dead,” said Kalia.
The spokesperson said the
police had reached the spot
and legal proceedings were
on. The Army has rushed
additional troops to the spot
and the entire area has been
cordoned off.
UK TRIBUNAL TO RULE
ON BLUESTAR FILES
A British tribunal will rule on
a Freedom of Information
request for classified UK
Cabinet Office files that are
believed to hold information
on Britain’s involvement in
Operation Bluestar in 1984.
A three-day hearing of the
First Tier Tribunal (Informa-
tion Rights) will open in
London on Tuesday. PAGE 4
Roger Bannister, first Javed Abidi, relentless
under 4-minute miler crusader for disabled
London, March 4
Roger Bannister, who has
died aged 88, will live forever
in the annals of athletics his-
tory as the first man to run a
mile in under four minutes.
British Prime Minister
Theresa May led the tributes
to the former athlete, who lat-
er became one of Europe’s
leading neurologists.
The record-
breaking run was
on the Oxford Uni-
versity track dur-
ing a local athletics
meeting with only
a few spectators
witnessing the 25-
year-old English-
man’s destruction
of the myth that no human
being could run so fast.
His achievement opened
the physical and psycholog-
ical door for many other
milers who have since beat-
en his time of three minutes
59.4 seconds.
Roger Gilbert Bannister,
born in Harrow, a London
suburb, on March 23, 1929,
was a shy, gangling medical
established in 1881
� late city
chandigarh | gurugram | jalandhar | bathinda | jammu | srinagar | www.tribuneindia.com | vol. 138 no. 62 | 26 pages | ~4.50 | regd. no. chd/0006/2018-2020
On brink of history
Chandigarh’s Shubhankar Sharma, 21, upstaged biggest names
in golf on Saturday during the World Championship in Mexico
and could potentially have a career-changing win. He also
became first Indian to hold a 54-hole lead in the event. PAGE 14
Out of power, Badals’ bus
business has added power
Fleet increases, as small transporters cry foul
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
In power, or out of power, the
Badals’ transport business
— often accused of indulging
in high-handed and unfair
trade practices at the cost of
competition, mainly public
transport — seems to be on a
steady ascendancy.
“Cartelisation” by the Badal-
owned bus companies was a
charge often levelled by the
Congress during the SAD-
BJP rule and also became an
election issue, much high-
lighted by AAP. Now, despite
the Akali Dal’s first family
being out of power for almost
a year, their fleet of buses is
increasing, it is learnt.
According to sources, they
have taken over control of all
bus permits of one company
at least, while talks are said to
be in the final stages to buy
FAREWELL
student who aimed to be an
oarsman. But Bannister, 1.8
metres tall and weighing
only 68 kg, was told he was
too light to make a first-rate
oarsman. So he turned to
running and his new ambi-
tion became to win the 1,500
metres at the Olympic
Games in Helsinki in 1952.
Bannister started a five-
year build-up in
1947 at the age of
17. He managed
only the fourth
place in Helsinki.
He became the
forgotten man of
athletics, but set
his sights on the 4-
minute-mile — a
challenge which had fascinat-
ed athletes. And that he
achieved on May 6, 1954.
In August, Bannister cap-
tured the European 1,500
metres crown. Having quali-
fied as a doctor, he retired to
pursue his medical career.
Bannister gave up his prac-
tice after a serious car acci-
dent and devoted himself to
research. — Reuters
Today’s issue is of 26 pages, including six-page Chandigarh Tribune and four-page Life+Style.
permits of three other trans-
porters. In total, the compa-
nies owned by the Badals are
in the process of adding
about 40 buses to their fleet of
more than a thousand buses.
Though the managers of
the companies owned by the
Badals remain tightlipped,
the owner of DMS bus trans-
port company, Amarjit Sam-
ra, a former Congress minis-
ter from Jalandhar, has
confirmed the deal. He told
The Tribune that his family
was selling all the 14 bus per-
mits of DMS to the Badals.
Samra said the business
was no longer viable for small
transporters. However, he
refuted that any deal was on
to sell buses of another com-
pany, Prince Bus Service,
where his family is a partner
with another transporter.
Similarly, owners of the
Mansa-based Punjab Bus
Aditi Tandon
Tribune news Service
New Delhi, March 4
“The road ahead is tough
but it sure looks like the
journey of a lifetime” was
the abiding message Javed
Abidi, head of the Disability
People’s International
(DPI), gave to the global dis-
ability rights movement as
long as he lived.
When Abidi, 53,
breathed his last
today, the value of
his message
returned to inspire
those who gathered
to see this relent-
less crusader off to
his final journey.
Abidi encountered sudden
death from severe respirato-
ry failure and could not be
resuscitated at a private hos-
pital. Burial is scheduled for
tomorrow morning.
As curtains fell on an illus-
trious life, Abidi’s many vic-
tories in the face of odds
streamed back and forth in
the recesses of the mind.
Diagnosed with spinal bifida
/thetribunechd /thetribunechd
Abandoning
World record shot Meghalaya to milch cow to
attract fine
have NPP-led in Haryana
Tribune News Service
coalition govt Chandigarh, March 4
Abandoning milch cows
will soon attract a fine in
Conrad Sangma’s oath tomorrow Haryana with the state
government working on
Bijay Sankar Bora All set for NDPP-BJP enacting a law to punish
Tribune News Service
govt in Nagaland the guilty.
Guwahati, March 4 Chief Minister Manohar
Uncertainty over the next Kohima: Three-time Chief Lal Khattar, addressing a
government in Meghalaya, Minister Neiphiu Rio has the press conference here
which threw up a fractured majority and should form the today, said his government
mandate, is over and the next government, Nagaland had already enacted the
Governor PB Acharya said on
stage is set for a non-Con- “Gauvansh Sanrakshan
Sunday after he had met the
gress coalition government NDPP leader, who claimed he and Gausamvardhan” Act
led by the National People’s had the support of 32 MLAs for protecting cows.
Party (NPP), to be headed by in the 60-member Assembly. Also, the government had
Lok Sabha MP Conrad Sang- Acharya said he had asked tagged cattle in gaushalas
ma, son of the late Purna A Rio to submit the signatures to track their location.
Sangma, the NPP founder. of all 32 MLAs. The NDPP “Similarly, we will tag
Conrad is slated to be and the BJP have won 18 and domestic cattle in homes.
sworn in on Tuesday. 12 seats, respectively. PTI This will help ascertain
Earlier in the day, the Con- . ownership if the cattle is
gress, the single largest party Hill State People’s Democ- abandoned. This done,
with 21 seats in the 60-mem- ratic Party with two MLAs abandoning cattle will
ber House, also met Governor and Independent Samuel attract a fine of Rs 5,000,” he
Also in Mexico, unheralded Indian shooter Shahzar Rizvi Ganga Prasad. But it failed to Sangma. In all, the coalition explained.
clinched the gold medal with a world record score in his maiden garner the support of non-BJP, has 34 MLAs in its fold. Polls Seeking the support of
ISSF World Cup appearance. The Meerut-based Rizvi shot a non-NPP regional parties. The were held for 59 seats. people in effective imple-
world record 242.3 in 10m air pistol event’s final. AFP PAGE 15 regional parties led by the “More MLAs are likely to mentation of the drive to
United Democratic Party join. Except the Congress, all protect livestock, the Chief
(UDP), which won six seats, others will be there in the Minister said: “We achieve
opted for a non-Congress gov- government,” said BJP key our target in cities and
PAK GETS FIRST DALIT
WOMAN SENATOR
Kirshna Kumari Kolhi has
ernment and extended sup-
port to the NPP, that won 19
seats, on the condition that the
coalition government would
strategist Dr Himanta Biswa
Sarma. A Congress Legisla-
ture Party meeting elected
outgoing CM Dr Mukul
declare them cattle-free.
However, residents aban-
don their cattle and their
number keeps growing. We
become first-ever Hindu Dalit
woman senator in the Mus-
lim-majority country, the Pak-
istan People’s Party has said.
be headed by Conrad Sangma.
Besides the UDP, the NPP-
led government has the sup-
Sangma as their leader.
In Tripura, meanwhile, 35
MLAs of BJP and eight of
need to check that.”
The BJP government in
the state had imposed a
Kolhi, 39, belongs to a remote
village in Sindh province. P16
port of the BJP with two
MLAs, the People’s Democ-
ally IPFT will meet on
March 6 to elect their leader.
ban on beef in 2015, fol-
lowed by a ban on cow
Service and Laddi Transport ratic Front with four MLAs, edit: North-Eastsaffronised slaughter in the state.
and Jalandhar-based Rajdeep
Transport also denied talk of
any ongoing deals. Though
some operators and man-
agers claimed reporting to the
“new owners”, Teja Singh of
Punjab Bus Service dis-
missed reports of the sale of
his fleet of buses as rumours.
The Transport Gazette
weekly, the nodal publication
for all transport-related noti-
fications, carried a report on
these deals in last week’s
issue. Sources said the deals
would be formally confirmed
only once the full payment
was made. Under rules, the
change of ownership of bus
route permits is to be notified
in a newspaper. All such noti-
fications appear in the Trans-
port Gazette.
The likely deals have ruffled
feathers of small transporters.
continued on page 7
as a child and confined to the
wheel chair ever since, Abidi
went to study in the US and
returned to lead the nascent
disability rights movement.
He was in the forefront of
the campaign for India’s
first disability rights law —
Persons with Disabilities Act
1995 and then to redo it as
the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Bill
2016 in line with
the UN Conven-
tion which India
ratified in 2007.
As director of
the National Cen-
tre for Employ-
ment for Persons
with Disabilities,
founder of the Disabilities
Rights Group and chair,
DPI, the world’s first suc-
cessful cross disabilities
endeavour, Abidi epitomised
the popular disability move-
ment message — “nothing
about us without us”.
He used every possible
forum to ensure that govern-
ments engaged the
continued on page 7
 THE TRIBUNE
02 PUNJAB CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018

Agriculture crisis priming

COMMENT
Report on farm suicides World Punjabi meet
to start on March 10
Chandigarh: The 6th World

in Budget session: Panel

Punjabi Conference to be
organised by World Punjabi

Punjab for fresh unrest

Conference (WPC) and Pun-
jab Arts Council will start on
March 10 here. Chief Minis-

Kuljit Bains farmer education, agricultural inputs,

Will suggest ways to supplement dwindling income of farmers ter Capt Amarinder Singh
will inaugurate the two-day
and finally procurement — that created Praful Chander Nagpal conference in Panjab Uni-

T
HE Central government has this food production machine. This was versity. In a press release
revealed a startling new done to save the country the repeated Fazilka, March 4 issued here on Sunday,
approach towards Punjab in famines that struck India in the first two The Vidhan Sabha Commit- WPC secretary general Prof
which the state apparently does decades after Independence. tee to review suicide by Rawail Singh said sessions
not figure in the national scheme of food In an economy where procurement farmers and landless labour- would be on Punjab’s edu-
security. The SAD has been chiding the prices, input prices, as well as the price ers will present its report in cation, economy, security
Congress government in the state for the for a huge section of consumers, are con- the Assembly during the situation, Punjabi language,
very mess the former created while in trolled by the Centre, to suggest the Budget session scheduled literature and arts, and Pun-
power for 10 years. And the Capt state’s agriculture is independent can later this month. jabi diaspora. The final ses-
Amarinder Singh government in its one only be a joke. Simply pulling the plug Committee chairman sion will be on politics and it
year has miserably failed to give even a now would be akin to deliberately getting Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria will have panelists from the
hint of how it intends to change the way someone hooked to drugs and then not and member Nathu Ram, Congress, SAD, AAP, BJP,
the farm economy works in the state. even providing rehab. Balluana MLA, recently CPI and CPM. TNS
Between this deliberate stonewalling of The Centre also wants the state to club all toured Gujarat to gather
Punjab’s agriculture issues for political farm subsidies and pay those to the farmer facts on how to increase the
reasons on the part of the Centre, pres- in cash in his bank account. This sounds income of farmers. They National convention
sure sustained by the Opposition in the like a reformist push towards accountabil- said the committee had pre- Members of the Vidhan Sabha Committee on farm suicides in Kutch district of Gujarat. TRIBUNE PHOTO
state for unsustainable subsidy struc- ity and digitisation. In reality it only shows pared the report and it
in Sangrur tomorrow
tures, and the planning and governance how out of touch the government is with would be tabled in the niques of cultivation and been earning a minimum recommendations. Sangrur: Representatives of
failure of the state government, the state the farming community in the state. There House during the upcom- diversification. profit of ~3-4 lakh per acre The committee members farmer organisations will
is being primed for major unrest, if not is a huge population of tenant/landless ing Budget session. Talking to The Tribune, by opting for cash crops had visited Gujarat on the organise its first convention in
upheaval, in a not very distant future. farmers — mostly poor — who will be Besides Sarkaria and Nathu Ram said the com- despite paucity of water. recommendation of progres- Punjab at Bhawanigarh on
The indicators are there, and with clear denied the subsidy as only landowners can Nathu Ram, MLA Nazar mittee members were sur- “The farmers are left with sive farmer Dhingra during March 6, under the banner of
basis in statistics. By some estimates well be reliably tied to a bank account. Singh Manshahia, OSD to prised to see a 35-acre stone no alternative, but to diver- the committee’s tour to his the All-India Kisan Sangharsh
over 300 suicides have taken place in the Both SAD president Sukhbir Singh CM Gurkirat Singh Ghu- surface farmhouse where sify to cash crops and horti- agriculture fields at Moham- Committee. Two more con-
past year in the state. Farmer agitations Badal and Leader of Opposition (AAP) man, Fazilka’s progressive the farmer had cultivated culture to prevent situa- mad Pira village last month. ventions will be held in Moga
demanding a greater viability are getting Sukhpal Khaira have maintained pres- horticulturist Ravi Dhingra dates after digging 5-6 feet tions that could lead them The members had also vis- and Jalandhar on March 7
more and more frequent, even if they are sure for continuation of power subsidies and some government offi- deep pits. They also moni- to distress,” said Nathu ited the families of debt-rid- and March 8. Jagmohan
systematically defused. Most economists under the same model which has failed cials visited Kutch district tored the fields of pome- Ram. The committee, how- den farmers who had com- Singh, general secretary, BKU
agree farming at the present levels of prof- farmers miserably. They have to be in Gujarat to acquaint granate and kesari mango. ever, refused to divulge the mitted suicide in Punjab in (Ekta-Dakaunda), said: “The
itability is not sustainable for marginal or blamed for blocking any scope for a larg- themselves with new tech- The farmers in Gujarat have details of the outcome and the last few months. main demands are complete
small farmers, and yet the sector is serv- er discussion on what alternatives may debt waiver and implementa-
ing to hold more than 10 lakh families at be found. This is intellectual and political tion of the Swaminathan com-
bay. Mischievous elements in India and
abroad are always ready at hand to paint
this as “discrimination against Punjab
insincerity at the cost of farmers.
The third and most crucial entity in
changing the course of this ship, the state
Debt-ridden farmer ends life Farm labourer
hangs himself
mission report.” TNS

because most farmers are Sikh”. Both rul-
ing and Opposition parties in Punjab, and
the Centre, must realise the seed of all
social unrest lies in economics.
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv
Kumar’s suggestion to Punjab that it
should stop harping on its role in ensur-
ing national food security to get help, and
leave the matter to the Centre, not only
smacked of low politics but also selective
amnesia regarding the food history of the
country. Punjab has not ended up grow-
ing wheat and paddy with the highest
yields in the country just because the
farmers one day decided to do so. It was
a deliberate effort from the Centre —
nearly entirely funded by it with endless
amounts of cash spent on research,
government, has reduced its role to Our Correspondent supply milk, but purchasers Anganwadi workers
merely pleading with the Centre and fire- were not paying him. So, he
fighting to pay the power utilities for the Fatehgarh Sahib, March 4 was unable to pay the instal-
Sangrur, march 4
An indebted farm labourer,
seek higher stipend
subsidy and find money for procure- A debt-ridden farmer, ments. He had five acres and Buta Singh (45), allegedly Sangrur: Anganwadi work-
ment. Such has been its preoccupation Sukhwinder Singh (42), of had sold half an acre to clear hanged himself in Chhajli vil- ers, under the banner of the
with crisis management that it seems to Makaronpur village allegedly instalments, but to no avail. lage of the district yesterday. All-Punjab Anganwadi
find no time (or money) for even propos- committed suicide by jump- The uncle said he often “The family said he was Mulazam Union, on Sunday
ing alternatives. ing into the Bhakra canal. remained tense. On Febru- under mental stress. We have protested in Malerkotla for
Parkash Singh Badal in his time often According to the family, he ary 24, he left the house in his started investigation and their long-pending demands.
used the “sensitive border state” card as a was depressed as he was car and did not return. The handed over the body to the They demanded stipend on
threat to extract money from the Centre. It under a debt of ~20 lakh tak- Sukhwinder Singh family started looking for family after the postmortem,” the pattern of New Delhi —
seemed a very cynical approach, but it was en from bank, commission him and informed the police. said ASI Jaswinder Singh. ~10,000 for anganwadi work-
not entirely a lie. If all political stakeholders agents and a cooperative soci- had taken a loan of ~15 lakh The next day, they received a BKU Ugrahan district gener- ers and ~5,000 for helpers.
do not overcome their short-sightedness ety. He got married four years from Axis Bank, ~2 lakh from a message his car was lying al secretary Darbara Singh They alleged the state gov-
focused on the next election, and start talk- ago and had a two-and-a-half- cooperative society and ~2 lakh abandoned at Bhakra canal Chhajla said Buta Singh was ernment was paying only
ing to find solutions with a common intent year-old daughter. from commission agents. bridge near Khalspur village. under a debt of ~5 lakh. He ~5,600 and ~2,800 to
immediately, they will have deliberately Kesar Singh, uncle of the He had taken loan to start His body was recovered from demanded financial help from anganwadi workers and
pushed the state towards a new abyss. deceased, said Sukhwinder dairy farming. He used to the canal yesterday. the state for the family. — TNS helpers, respectively. TNS

Connect with roots: 1st UK batch soon 1 year of govt: BJP to Congress: Need no
Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
The first batch of youths
from England, under the
“Connect with your roots”
programme for non-resi-
dent Punjabi youths settled
in foreign countries, is
expected to arrive at the
end of this month.
Chief Minister Capt
Amarinder Singh had
launched the programme
in September last year at
London.
“The tour programme
will be finalised based on
the confirmation of the
dates of visitors,” said a
senior officer in the state
government.
Being rolled out by the
Department of NRI Affairs
and Punjab Heritage and
Tourism Promotion Board,
the state government has
proposed a 10-day pro-
gramme for the first batch.
Foreign-born youths, who
are into second, third and
fourth generation of Pun-
jabis and have never trav-
elled to Punjab are the
focus of the programme.
The aim is to help youths
aged between 16 and 22
years, especially those who
have never visited India, to
discover their identity.
Officials said depending
on the success of this pro-
gramme, the government
would replicate it in
North American coun-
tries — the US, Canada,
Europe and other nations
where Punjabis are set-
tled in large numbers.
Visit to Punjab will enable
the young men and women
to go to places where their
parents or grandparents
were born and grew up. It
also incorporates a home-
stay element in a Punjab
village and visits to historic
and cultural sites and
tourist attractions such as
the Golden Temple, Jallian-
wala Bagh, Wagah border,
Bhagat Singh Memorial at
Banga and Khalsa Heritage
Memorial among others.
protest on March 18 certificate from BJP
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
The state BJP will hold a
protest rally in Jalandhar on
March 18 to mark the com-
pletion of Capt Amarinder
Singh’s one year in office. It
will come out with a
“report card” exposing the
alleged misrule of the
state government.
This was said by state BJP
president Vijay Sampla
after chairing a meeting of
office-bearers here on today.
Sampla said the BJP Yuva
Morcha would hold a pro-
gramme on March 23 at Jal-
lianwala Bagh in Amritsar
to mark the martyrdom day
of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru
and Sukhdev.
The SC wing of the party
would hold a programme
on the birth anniversary of
BR Ambedkar on April 14,
he said.
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
State Congress president
Sunil Jakhar today said PM
Narendra Modi calling CM
Capt Amarinder Singh an
“independent soldier” had
actually acknowledged the
free and democratic culture
in the Congress under the
leadership of Rahul Gandhi.
Besides, he said, the PM
had recognised the self-
respecting and independ-
ent character of the Pun-
jabis represented by
Capt Amarinder.
Asserting the Congress
needed no certificate from
the BJP about watching
the interests of Punjab, he
challenged Modi if he was
a well-wisher of Punjab,
he should reimburse
~31,000 crore “siphoned
off ” by the previous state
government.

Sessions Court Patiala
In the Court of
Sh. Deepak Kumar Chaudhary,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-10, Patiala.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on http://ecourts.gov.in
Hansraj
Versus
Rameh Chand @ Ramesh
Chander
CA/166/2017
CNR No. PBPT01-001560-2017
18.02.2017
Appeal against the impugned
judgement and decree dated
20.01.2017 passed by Sh. Amit
Bakshi, PCS, CJJD, Rajpura.
Peshi: 25.04.2018.
Whereas, it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the defendant(s) named Shanti
Sarup has expired leaving behind
following LRs: (a) Darshana
(Widow) resident of Village
Bhoglan, Rajpura Road near
Petrol Pump, Tehsil Rajpura,
District Patiala cannot be served
in the ordinary way of service.
Hence, this proclamation under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is hereby
issued against her and she should
appear personally or through her
counsel on 25.04.2018 at 10.00
a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
her appearance on the day before
mentioned, the above said case
will be heard and determined in
her absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 27th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Additional District and
Sessions Judge-10,
A7-83830 Patiala.
In the Court of
Gurnam Singh Dhillon,
Addl. District and
Sessions Judge-XI,
Jalandhar.
Next date, purpose of case,
orders and judgements as well
as other case information is
available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Sukhbinder Singh
Versus
Harinder Kaur
CNR No. PBJL01-000779-
2017
Publication issued to:
Harinder Kaur (R) D/o
Surinder Shemby, Address
Village Poonian, Banga
District Nawanshahr.
Whereas, it has been proved
to the satisfaction of the Court
that the
defendant(s)/respondent(s)
above named cannot be served
in the ordinary way of service.
Hence this proclamation under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is
hereby issued against her and
she should appear personally
or through her counsel on
22.03.2018 at 09.30 a.m.
Take notice that in default of
her appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above
said case will be heard and
determined in her absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the Court, on this
07.02.2108.
Sd/- Gurnam Singh Dhillon,
Addl. District and
Sessions Judge-XI,
CN7-3583 Jalandhar.
In the Court of
Preeti Sahni,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-II, Jalandhar.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Amandeep W/o Amandeep
Singh D/o Shingara Singh,
Address: Village Mauli, Tehsil
Phagwara, Distt. Kapurthala.
Versus
Amandeep Singh S/o Jarnail
Singh, Address: Village Dhande,
Tehsil Distt. Jalandhar.
Dmc/1221/2017
CNR No. PBJL01-011201-2017
Publication issued to: Amandeep
Singh S/o Jarnail Singh,
Address: Village Dhande, Tehsil
Distt. Jalandhar.
Whereas, it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the defendant(s)/respondent(s)
above named cannot be served in
the ordinary way of service.
Hence, this proclamation under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is hereby
issued against him and he should
appear personally or through his
counsel on 23.03.2018 at 9.30
a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
his appearance on the day before
mentioned, the above said case
will be heard and determined in
his absence according to law.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 15th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Preeti Sahni,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-II,
CN7-3585 Jalandhar.
COURT NOTICES
In the Court of
Karunesh Kumar,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-III,
Jalandhar.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Sewa Singh
Versus
Mewa Singh
CNR No. PBJL01-015420-
2017
Publication issued to:
Amrik Singh S/o Sardool
Singh, Chamkoor Singh S/o
Sardool Singh, Palwinder
Singh S/o Sardool Singh, all
R/o Village Tehang, Tehsil
Phillaur, Distt. Jalandhar.
Whereas, it has been proved
to the satisfaction of the Court
that the defendant(s)/
respondent(s) above named
cannot be served in the ordinary
way of service. Hence, this
proclamation under Order 5
Rule 20 CPC is hereby issued
against them and they should
appear personally or through
their counsel on 19.03.2018 at
9.30 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
their appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above
said case will be heard and
determined in their absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 22nd
day of February, 2018.
Sd/- Karunesh Kumar,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-III,
CN7-3589 Jalandhar.
In the Court of
Ms. Prabhjot Kaur,
Civil Judge (Junior Division),
Hoshiarpur.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Birbal
Versus
Balwinder Pal and Ors.
CNR No. PBHO020007882017
Suit for Possession by way of
Declaration
Peshi: 19.03.2018
Publication issued to:
3. Balbir Singh.
4. Harmesh Chand S/o Karam
Chand S/o Banta Ram, both
resident of Village Tharoli,
Tehsil and District
Hoshiarpur.
Whereas, it has been proved
to the satisfaction of the Court
that the defendant(s)/
respondent(s) above named
cannot be served in the ordinary
way of service. Hence, this
proclamation under Order 5
Rule 20 CPC is hereby issued
against them and they should
appear personally or through
their counsel on 19.03.2018 at
9.30 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
their appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above
said case will be heard and
determined in their absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 15th
day of February, 2018.
Sd/- Ms. Prabhjot Kaur,
Civil Judge (Junior Division),
CN7-3591 Hoshiarpur.
In the Court of
Gurnam Singh Dhillon,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-XI, Jalandhar.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as
well as other case information
is available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Mohit
Versus
Kerrie June Kirk
CNR No. PBJL01-016093-
2017
Publication issued to: Kerrie
June Kirk(R) D/o Paul Allen
Kirk, Address: Unit 1/55, Rode
Road, Wavell Heights 4012,
Australia.
Whereas, it has been proved
to the satisfaction of the Court
that the defendant/respondent
above named cannot be served
in the ordinary way of service.
Hence, this proclamation under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is hereby
issued against her and she
should appear personally or
through her counsel on
19.03.2018 at 9.30 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
her appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above
said case will be heard and
determined in her absence
according to law.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 09th
day of February, 2018.
Sd/- Gurnam Singh Dhillon,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-XI,
CN7-3595 Jalandhar.
Criminal Courts,
Sultanpur Lodhi
In the Court of
Rachhpal Singh,
Sub Divisional Judicial
Magistrate, Sultanpur Lodhi.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Proclamation requiring the
appearance of a person
accused (See Section 82)
CNR Number: PBKPB1-
002786-2017
Next Date: 19.03.2018
Mumtaz Begam
Versus
Arshbir Husain @ Alshbir
Husain
Under Section: 125, Cr.PC
Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973
Publication issued to: Arshbir
Husain @ Alshbir Husain(R)
resident of Village Dhillwan,
Teh. Bhulath, Distt.
Kapurthala.
Whereas it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the accused above noted cannot
be served in the ordinary way
of service. Hence this
proclamation under Order 5
Rule 20 CPC is hereby issued
against him and he should
appear personally or through
his Counsel on 19.03.2018 at
09.30 a.m. failing which
exparte proceedings shall be
taken against him.
Given under my hand and
seal of the Court dated this day
of 14.02.2018.
Sd/- Rachhpal Singh,
Sub Divisional
Judicial Magistrate,
CN7-3597 Sultanpur Lodhi.
Civil Courts, Ludhiana
In the Court of
Sh. Akashdeep Singh Malwai
Civil Judge (Junior Division),
Ludhiana.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgments as well as
other case information is
available on http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under Order
5 Rule 20 CPC
Gurdeep Singh
Versus
Balkar Singh and Other
CS/3724/2016
CNR No. PBLD02-006425-2016
08.07.2016
Suit for grant of decree of
Declaration
Peshi: 23.03.2018
Publication Issued to:
3. Sukhwinder Kaur W/o
Bhupinder Singh Gill R/o 50,
Melrose Street, Leicester,
Leicesters Hire, LE4 6FA, United
Kingdom.
Whereas it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the defendant(s)/respondent(s)
above named cannot be served in
the ordinary way of service.
Hence, this publication under
order 5 Rule 20 CPC is hereby
issued against him/them and
should appear personally or
through their counsel on
23.03.2018 at 9.30 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
his/their appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above said
case will be heard and determined
in his/their absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the Court, this 14.02.2018.
Sd/- Sh. Akashdeep Singh
Malwai, Civil Judge
(Junior Division),
CN7-3599 Ludhiana.
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018 PUNJAB 03
Mass copying probe widens, Bathinda youth Undertrial who fled
Phagwara jail held
Hit-and-run triggers
protest in Fazilka

held for exam fraud

Phagwara: After three months, Fazilka: The family members of

25 schools under PSEB lens

Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
Following the beginning of
the process for disaffiliation
of six schools that were found
indulging in dummy admis-
sions to facilitate mass copy-
ing, the Punjab School Edu-
cation Board is now probing
over 25 institutions for simi-
lar practices. The probe is
being conducted by the Patti
Sub-Divisional Magistrate
(SDM), Surinder Singh.
Confirming the develop-
ment, a senior officer said:
“The education system in
the border belt (Tarn Taran,
Valtoha and Khemkaran) is
the police succeeded in arrest- a mishap victim and residents
ing an undertrial who had of Karnikhera village on Sun-
escaped from the Phagwara day blocked the Fazilka-Fer-
Tribune News Service A case under Sections 420, sub-jail along with another ozepur highway, alleging police
419 of the IPC has been reg- inmate on December 7. Par- inaction in the case. Sources
Sant Sipahi Public School, istered on the complaint of minder Singh Bhandhal, SP, said a car allegedly hit Mehar
❝
Bathinda, March 4
The education system in the border belt is in a mess. Thatha; and Shaheed Bhagat The Maur police today arrest- Kulwinder Kaur, centre Phagwara, said Amandeep Singh (35) when he was on his
Besides helping students in copying, schools are enrolling Singh School, Valtoha. ed a youth under the charge superintendent. was nabbed near the way back home near Thangni
children who never attend classes. Since science students Krishan Kumar, Secretary, of fraud for taking the class On Saturday, master Gur- Rawalpindi village bus stand village on Saturday evening.
cannot appear as private candidates, coaching academies from School Education, is learnt to XII Punjabi examination on sharan Singh, during the on Saturday, adding that Mehar Singh sustained serious
the state and even Chandigarh arrange dummy admissions for have initiated action against behalf of a student of Gov- checking of the signature Rajwinder was still at large. injuries. He was admitted to
teachers and other staff of the ernment Senior Secondary sheet, noticed that student Amandeep and Rajwinder the local Civil Hospital, but suc-
their students in border schools Senior PSEB official
department after a surprise School, Maiserkhana. Sukhjeevan Singh had escaped from the sub-jail after cumbed to his injuries.
checking last week when he The arrested accused was signed as “Surjeevan Singh”. throwing tea and pepper in the Deceased brother Kehar Singh
in a mess. Besides helping the state and even Chandi- detected mass copying. identified as Surjivan Singh, On cross-checking, the duty eyes of prison staff, while the said despite informing the
students from outstation in garh get their students The police are also learnt to a resident of Jodhpur Pakhar. master found many differ- third was overpowered by jail police about the registration
copying, schools are enrolled in these schools.” be working independently He was writing the Punjabi ences between the signa- personnel. Bharat Masih, SHO, number of the car that hit his
enrolling children who The institutes where the dis- on the issue, particularly exam of a student named as tures. The police was called Phagwara, said Amandeep told brother, they failed to act. The
never attend classes. They affiliation process has started after videos of people claim- Sukhjeevan Singh, a resident and Surjivan was arrested. the police that he took shelter protesters kept the body on the
only come here during are United Senior Secondary ing that they paid Rs 20,000- of Ramnagar. Surjivan told the police that at various places in Hoshiarpur highway resulting in a blockade
examinations.” School, Sri Bala Ji Senior Sec- Rs 50,000 to “touts” for such Surjivan is a student of his acquaintance Sukhjeevan and Nawanshahr. The police till late in the evening. DSP
The officer said: “Since sci- ondary School and Gurukul admissions and copying class X whose final examina- had sought his help for the had formed a SIT to probe the Narinder Singh said they had
ence students cannot appear Public School, all in went viral. More than 100 tions got over few days ago. Punjabi exam as he was poor case. Three head constables registered a case and had
as private candidates, many Khemkaran; Hari Singh centres in the area have been The police have also booked in that subject. The deal had were arrested on the charges nabbed a suspect, while others
coaching academies from Nalua Public School, Poonian; declared “highly sensitive”. Sukhjeevan Singh. been finalised for Rs 1,500. of negligence of duty. TNS would be arrested soon. TNS

Mining: Sarpanch,
panchayat secy
suspended
Kulwinder Sandhu
Tribune News Service
Moga, March 4
The state Rural Development
and Panchayat Department
has suspended the sarpanch
of Janer village Malwinder
Singh and panchayat secre-
tary Harcharan Singh on the
charge of illegal mining on 25
acres of panchayat land.
The action follows news
reports published in The Tri-
bune ‘Illegal mining on pan-
chayat land threatens ecology
at Moga village’ on Novem-
ber 7, 2017, and ‘In Moga,
drug mafia takes to sand min-
ing’ on December 2, 2017.
The Tribune had highlight-
ed illegal extraction of top soil
(earth) and sand from 25
acres of panchayat land at
Janer village in Dharamkot,
causing financial loss of Rs 64
lakh to the state exchequer.
The top soil was allegedly
sold to the nearby brick kilns.
Following the news reports,
the Rural Development and
Panchayat Minister Tript
Rajinder Singh Bajwa had
THE TRIBUNE IMPACT
ordered a probe in January.
The department has
asked the district authori-
ties to register a criminal
case against the duo and
recover the financial loss to
the state exchequer.
Legal/departmental action
has also been recommended
against former Block Devel-
opment and Panchayat Offi-
cer of Dharamkot sub-divi-
sion Jagir Singh who retired
some months back.
A senior official said pro-
ceedings are also being initiat-
ed to recover Rs 64 lakh from
the sarpanch and the pan-
chayat secretary. Departmen-
tal proceedings will also be ini-
tiated to dismiss the sarpanch
and panchayat secretary.

Seven arrested for dual murder

Hoshiarpur: A day after the murder of a mother-son duo here,
seven persons were arrested on Sunday. SSP J. Elanchezhian
said the motive behind the crime was to take revenge from
Rajinder Sharma (victim's husband) as the main accused,
Lovepreet, held him responsible for the divorce of his father.
Sharma told the police that Lovepreet alias Chinu, Ramesh
Kumar, Roop Lal, Prem Lata and Surinder Kaur had attacked
his wife Seema Sharma (47) and son Harsh Sharma (15) with
sharp weapons. He alleged that the accused were instigated by
Channan Singh and his wife Manjeet Kaur of Akash Colony,
Ravidas Nagar. A case under sections 302, 148, 140, 120B IPC
was registered. The SSP said all accused were arrested from
different places during raids by the investigating team. TNS

No ‘pay protection’
for ex-servicemen
on probation
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
Former defence personnel
who have joined the Punjab
Government after their
release from the services are
drawing a salary of just Rs
10,000 per month during the
three-year probation period.
Officers who have left the
armed forces at the level of
Lieutenant Colonel or equiv-
alent were getting a remu-
neration of approximately
Rs 1.75 lakh per month.
While rules ensure protec-
tion of last drawn pay, they
will have to make do with the
paltry amount till the time
they are on probation.
Those affected include
officers who have been
appointed to various Class
A posts in the Punjab Civil
Service as well as other
cadres, including the state
police and medical services.
For personnel below officer
ranks (PBOR) who have
joined the state govern-
ment at Class II or Class III
level, the basic salary is
even lower. Recently, the
state had recruited over 900
PBORs in the police.
Under the rules notified by
the then Badal government
in 2015, only basic pay with-
out any statutory or atten-
dant allowances is admissible
to new recruits. According to
the state government's Fifth
Pay Commission, the mini-
mum basic salary is Rs 10,300
for officers.
A senior government offi-
cer says a case to rectify the
anomaly is under consider-
ation and the matter is
pending with the Finance
Department. Approval of
the Cabinet is required to
amend the rules.
The aforesaid rules do not
affect recruits or former
defence officers who were
appointed before 2014.
04 PUNJAB THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018

UK tribunal to rule on secret Punjab Diary

Operation Bluestar papers
Files contain info on Britain’s alleged involvement in 1984 op
London, March 4
A British tribunal will rule on
a Freedom of Information
(FOI) request for classified
UK Cabinet Office files that
are believed to hold informa-
tion on Britain’s involvement
in Operation Bluestar in 1984.
A three-day hearing of the
First Tier Tribunal (Informa-
tion Rights) will open in Lon-
don on Tuesday to determine
if UK’s Information Com-
missioner was right to uphold
a Cabinet Office decision not
to allow the files being made
public. The appeal is being
handled by KRW Law on
behalf of freelance journalist
Phil Miller, who has been
investigating the exact
nature of the then Margaret
Thatcher-led government’s
assistance to the Indian
Pak Rangers build towers along
❝ The Freedom of Information request should be
granted because there is overwhelming public interest
in understanding the extent of UK involvement in the
tragic events of 1984
Army operation at the Gold-
en Temple in Amritsar.
“The FOI request should be
granted because there is pub-
lic interest in understanding
the extent of UK involvement
in the tragic events of 1984.
Disclosing documents from
three decades ago will not
harm diplomatic relations —
politicians in the UK and India
have embraced right to infor-
mation laws and recognise the
importance of public access to
national archives,” Miller said.
In 2014, UK government
documents declassified
— Phil Miller, FREELANCE JOURNALIST
under the 30-year rule to
make such material public
had revealed that British mil-
itary advice was given to Indi-
an forces prior to Bluestar.
Then British PM David
Cameron had ordered a
review into this discovery,
which led to a statement in
Parliament declaring that
Britain’s role had been
purely “advisory” and the
Special Air Service advice
had “limited impact”.
But Miller, author of ‘Sacri-
ficing Sikhs: The need for an
investigation’ report
released last year, says many
documents from the incident
remain classified and only
“full transparency” would
reveal the exact nature of
Britain’s involvement.
“A public inquiry will allow us
to understand how much
Thatcher’s decision to send a
military adviser to Amritsar in
1984 was motivated by trade
and arms deals worth billions
of pounds. It will also establish
whether the UK military
advice was really a one-off or in
fact it continued throughout
the period, even after the tragic
events of June 1984,” he said.
The UK Cabinet Office
has declined to release the
files on the grounds of
national security and safe-
guarding international rela-
tions with India. —PTI
HC: Use job
scheme for
Member of Parliament Ravneet Singh Bittu and MLA Bharat
Bhushan Ashu ride a motorcycle in Ludhiana. TRIBUNE PHOTO
Violating law for photo op
Chandigarh: After the Congress swept the Ludhiana Municipal
Corporation polls on Tuesday, Member of Parliament Ravneet
Singh Bittu and MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu were seen taking a
round of the city on a swanky bike. Ashu, who was riding pillion,
was without a helmet. Interestingly, when the lawmakers were
boasting of violation of traffic rules, at the same time DGP
Suresh Arora was busy trying to make a world record of several
hundred people wearing helmets together in Chandigarh. The
question is what was the traffic police in Ludhiana doing?
Unique ‘award’ for Cong MLAs
Chandigarh: While the Congress is
going to complete one year in power in
the state, the contractual employees
are still waiting for it to fulfil the
Gurpreet Singh Sran of the Bir Society says
bureaucrats can play a vital role in initiatives aimed
at protecting environment and maintaining a balance
in the nature. Society members Kuldip Singh,
Gursewak Singh and Zia Gill say to date, they have
helped in installing more than 7,000 bird nest boxes.
Following in Sukhbir’s footsteps
Muktsar: Shiromani
Akali Dal MLA from
Muktsar Kanwarjit
Singh Rozy
Barkandi,
considered close to
party chief Sukhbir
Singh Badal, follows
in the footsteps of
his boss. Be it the
style of delivering a
SAD MLA from Muktsar Kanwarjit
Singh ‘Rozy Barkandi’. TRIBUNE PHOTO
speech, the manner
of public dealing or wearing clothes, Rozy Barkandi imitates
him in every aspect. This Holi was no different. After playing
Holi with his core team and local residents in a park, he
went to a shop located in the heart of the town to have
chole bhature. Notably, Sukhbir, too, goes to some sweets
shop in Bathinda on Holi or Diwali or a day after.
Five-star ‘hospitality’ in custody
Amritsar: Of the nine suspects in a suicide case, five were
privileged to avail themselves of the ‘hospitality’ of a five-star
multi-specialty hospital after claiming to have one ailment or
the other. All this happened while they were in judicial
custody. The need was not felt to constitute a medical board
to verify suspects’ claim about their health. Will poor souls be

border, BSF terms it ‘normal’ green cause

Tribune News Service
promises made before coming to power.
Looking at the government not paying
heed to the demands of contractual
able to avail such kind of judicial custody?

Anirudh Gupta employees, an organisation of

Ferozepur, March 4
“Unusual” construction
activity is being observed
along the 550-km-long India-
Pakistan border in Punjab.
At several locations, the Pak-
istani Rangers have started
strengthening their defence
by building observation tow-
ers along the zero line.
In the Ferozepur sector alone,
several “pucca” observation
posts are being constructed
along the International Border
(IB) close to the Indian side.
BSF officials say the develop-
ment was “normal” as the Pak-
istani authorities can construct
anything on their side. Sources
say the matter has been
brought to the notice of higher
officials in New Delhi.
As per information, those
manning the towers can
observe every movement
till several kms in the Indi-
an territory. Earlier, the Pak-
istani security forces had
made concrete bunkers and
new border posts along the
A Pakistani observation post being constructed close to the zero line
along the International Border in Ferozepur sector. TRIBUNE PHOTO
border. Alarmed by the con-
struction activity close to
their fields, farmers in Jama
Rakhiya Hithar and other vil-
lages close to the IB said they
felt vulnerable and insecure.
Sources say that in the
Mamdot area, Pakistani
border outposts, including
Shere Jawan, Mehfooz
Khan, Khalid Shahid and
Jalle Khan, are situated
away from the zero line,
while BSF posts such as Jal-
loke and Raja Mohtam are
right on the zero line.
Maybe for this reason, they
say, the Pakistani Rangers
want their posts be relocat-
ed close to the border for
tactical purposes.
The BSF, meanwhile, is
reportedly enhancing sur-
veillance along sensitive
areas. BSF officials said
smart fencing was being
installed. More observation
towers, ambush and patrol
shelters, and laser walls will
come up subsequently.
To check spurt in cross-bor-
der drug smuggling and to
prevent intrusion attempts,
the BSF is in the process of
erecting anti-cutting and
anti-climbing fence.
Chandigarh, March 4
The Punjab and Haryana
High Court has asked the
Centre to spell out ways funds
allocated for the MGNREGA
scheme could be handed over
to women in villages for main-
taining green environment.
The query by Justice Ritu
Bahri came a year after the
High Court initiated suo
motu proceedings for pre-
venting women from ending
their lives. Justice Bahri
asked Assistant Solicitor-
General of India Chetan Mit-
tal to answer the court query
by the next date of hearing.
She also asked Punjab to file
a statement on the status of
“sanctioned homes”, which
had been “Geotagged” and
completed. The state counsel
was asked to inform the Bench
how eligible beneficiaries could
be given free houses on the
gram panchayat land on nomi-
nal rent. The counsel for Pun-
jab told the Bench that mobile
application “Punjab e-Sewa”
had already been launched.
employees has found a unique way of
protest. It will be honouring all Congress
MLAs and ministers in each district with
“dakkeshahi award” (award for
highhandedness). The list of “winners”
will start coming out from March 9.
Ferozepur Divisional Commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar with society
members install bird nest house at his residence. TRIBUNE PHOTO
Birds find home at officer’s residence
Ferozepur: To protect feathered guests, Ferozepur
Divisional Commissioner Sumer Singh Gurjar has set
an example by installing 50 bird nest boxes at his
official house here with the help of Faridkot-based Bir
Society. The environment-friendly bureaucrat exhorts
people to protect endangered sparrows and other
birds that are not yet in the danger of extinction, but
have shown a significant decline in their numbers.
CONTRIBUTED BY VISHAV BHARTI, ANIRUDH GUPTA, ARCHIT WATTS, PK JAISWAR AND RAJ SADOSH
Robin Hood Army volunteers celebrate Holi with slum
children in Abohar. TRIBUNE PHOTO
Wooing beggars with notebooks
Abohar: Poor implementation of the ban on begging has
volunteers of NGO Robin Hood Army concerned. They
have been visiting slum areas here, asking residents to
stop begging. Every time, they were shooed away. Not
disheartened by the plain-speaking residents, NGO
volunteers — mostly teenagers — visited Dhol Mohalla
this Holi, again. They played Holi with the dwellers and
cut a cake too. New clothes, pencils and notebooks
were distributed among the children. This time,
volunteers convinced parents for an evening class for
their wards. A Holi beginning!

Trained cops to be deployed at toll plazas, HC told Govt offers concessions for
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 4
For applying brakes to traffic
snarls and harassment to
commuters, the Punjab
Police have decided to
deploy trained cops at toll
plazas across the state.
Information to this effect
was submitted to the Punjab
and Haryana High Court just
over two months after Jus-
tice Rajan Gupta questioned
the deployment of private
personnel by the concession-
affordable housing projects
aire to manage traffic.
In his order dated Decem-
ber 1, 2017, Justice Gupta
had asked the state and oth-
er respondents to specify
whether traffic regulation
on highways was a sover-
eign function and whether
it could be delegated to pri-
vate individual.
As the case came up for
resumed hearing, the coun-
sel for the petitioners, the
state counsel and amicus
curiae or the friend of the
court Gautam Dutt asserted
TRAFFIC SNARLS
that the task could not be
left to private individuals.
Appearing before Justice
Gupta’s Bench, Punjab
Additional Advocate-Gener-
al AA Pathak submitted that
one or two trained police per-
sonnel would remain posted
on both sides of all toll plazas
in the State of Punjab.
This, he added, would be
done to ensure smooth flow
of traffic, obviate harassment
to the public and also to make
certain that private personnel
hired by the concessionaire
do not carry batons and arms
to manage chaos.
“This court shall be apprised
of further progress on the next
date of hearing,” Justice Gup-
ta asserted while taking note
of the submissions.
He also took on record an
affidavit filed by Punjab
Inspector-General of Police,
Law & Order, Gautam
Cheema. Among other
things, the affidavit asserted
the use of muscleman was
discussed with the heads of
field units before conveying
instruction to prevent any
person from taking law into
his hands. The affidavit
added patrolling parties
and “striking reserves” had
been deployed in every
police district of Punjab.
Chandigarh, March 4
In a bid to make available
houses at affordable prices to
the lower income groups in
the state, the Department of
Housing and Urban Develop-
ment has offered major con-
cessions for developing
colonies that will offer afford-
able houses to the needy. For
this purpose the department
has come up with an Afford-
able Colony Policy-2018.
Additional Chief Secretary,
Housing, Urban Develop-
ment and Revenue, Vini
Mahajan has said the policy
proposed to offer higher den-
sity and floor area ratio (FAR)
to promoters who would
show interest in developing
an affordable colony besides
rebate in rates pertaining to
CLU, EDC and LF has also
been proposed in these proj-
ects so that maximum num-
ber of flats could be con-
structed over an acre and the
same could be made avail-
able to the lower income
groups at affordable price.
A minimum of 5 acres is
required for setting up an
affordable colony in all master
plans of the state except Mohali
and New Chandigarh. “The
policy will be finalised after
receiving suggestions from the
public,” she added. — TNS

Woman run
over by train
Our Correspondent
Fatehgarh Sahib, March 4
Jasbir Kaur, a resident of
Khanna town, was run over
by a train while she was
crossing the railway line at
the Sirhind railway station
on Sunday.
She was referred to Rajin-
dra Hospital, Patiala, but
succumbed to her injuries
on the way.
Family members accom-
panying her said she had
come to Sirhind to choose
a matrimonial match for
her son.
After meeting the girl and
her family, she left for the
railway station.
As the train was about to
come, she tried to cross the
railway line in a hurry, but
did not notice the approach-
ing train and was run over.
The body was handed over
to the relatives after a post-
mortem examination.
Bird arrivals at state wetlands remain constant at 1.25 lakh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
With more than 1.25 lakh
winged guests thronging
Punjab’s four wetlands, the
number of migratory birds
arriving in the state remained
consistent this season.
According to a census of
migratory birds carried out
by the state Department of
Forests and Wildlife, more
than 90 species of migra-
tory birds were found in
the wetlands. The birds
start arriving in Novem-
ber and stay here till the
end of February.
At Harike wetland — the
largest wetland in the state
and spread over 10,000
acres — a total of 94,771
birds of 93 water-dependent
species were recorded.
Among the birds, the
highest were the common
coot, numbering around
55,000. Greylag geese,
gadwall, common pochard
and northern shoveller
were also found in signifi-
cant numbers.
At Harike, some interest-
ing birds that were sighted
were rufous-vented chacha-
laca, prinia, penduline tit,
babler etc. The bird census
was conducted on January
27 and 28 by 16 bird watch-
ers and the Ferozepur
Wildlife Division.
Harike was followed by
Keshopur wetland in Gur-
daspur. It is spread over 850
acres and is the second
largest wetland in the state.
It hosted more than 21,000
birds of 75 different species.
At Keshopur, the most
common migratory birds
were Eurasian coot, which
were around 3,500. Com-
mon moorhen, gadwall,
rudy shelduck, bar-headed
goose, glossy ibis, common
teal, northern shoveller
and common crane were
Know the wetlands
■ There are 53 wetlands in
the state
■ Two— Nangal and Ranjit
Sagar — are of national
importance
■ Three wetlands Harike,
Kanjli and Ropar are
recognised under Ramsar.
Six others are of state
importance
■ Theremaining 42 are
small wetlands
■ The birds in Punjab’s
wetlands generally come
from the western Himalayas,
Central Asia and Siberia
Bird arrivals per year
2016 1.4 lakh
2017 1.25 lakh
A flock of seagulls at Harike Pattan, near Amritsar. TRIBUNE PHOTO: VICKY 2018 1.25 lakh
also found in large num- Asian openbill, wooly- miny kite, western osprey, land, more than 4,500
bers. The important necked stork, painted northern lapwing and migratory birds of 65
species that were spotted stork, black-headed ibis, water rail. species were counted. Rud-
at Keshopur included ferruginous duck, Brah- Similarly at Ropar wet- dy shelduck, common coot,
red-crested pochard, spot-
bill duck and gadwall were
the common species.
At Nangal wetland, more
than 3,700 migratory birds
of 36 species were spotted.
Common coot and gadwall
were in large numbers.
According to wildlife
experts, the number keeps
on varying depending
upon climatic conditions.
Kuldeep Kumar, Principal
Chief Conservator of
Forests (Wildlife), said that
the department is chalking
out plans for Keshopur and
Harike wetlands.
In January, Cultural
Affairs and Tourism Minis-
ter Navjot Singh Sidhu had
announced that next year, a
“World Photography Con-
test” would be held at the
wetlands. The Tourism
Department has also
planned eco-friendly tow-
ers for wildlife photogra-
phers and bird lovers.
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018 HARYANA 05
It’s official: Kurukshetra PG owner
booked on
rape charge
Sampla residents create ruckus,
demand exemption from toll
teens committed suicide Tribune News Service

Hisar, March 4
Ravinder Saini
Tribune News Service

AIIMS experts rule out rape, murder of 15-year-old Jhansa resident
Vishal Joshi
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, March 4
A panel of forensic experts
from the AIIMS in New
Delhi has concluded that
the 15-year-old girl and 18-
year-old Gulshan Kandara
of Jhansa village in the
district, whose bodies were
found from separate
places in the canal, had
committed suicide.
Confirming the develop-
ment, SP Abhishek Garg
today said the board of
experts had ruled out sexu-
al assault on the minor and
her murder. He said the
AIIMS team submitted the
report to the district police
on Thursday.
“After studying the crime
spots and examining
reports on autopsy and
chemical analysis of vis-
Jhajjar, March 4
A PG owner has been
booked for raping a student,
A considerable number of
residents of Sampla town,
“analysis of oral, perineal who was residing at his res- located on the border of
❝ After studying the crime spots and examining
reports on autopsy and chemical analysis of viscera, and vaginal swabs and idence as a paying guest for Jhajjar and Rohtak, today
smears preserved for detec- last some time. created ruckus at Rohad toll
the experts ruled out any foul play behind the
tion of seminal fluid and The complainant alleged plaza for over an hour in
deaths. The experts' opinion in this case will be duly
spermatozoa”. that the PG owner behaved protest against the toll
considered in the police investigation.❞
A panel of doctors at the well initially as he was being charged by the West
Abhishek Garg, SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, KURUKSHETRA PGIMS had already con- known to her. Haryana Highways Projects
cluded that the girl had She said the owner called Private Limited from them.
cera, the experts ruled out canal in Jind’s Budha died due to drowning. After her to his room and served During the protest, they
any foul play behind the Khera village on January 12. studying the chemical her soft drink after which did not allow the toll work- Protesters at the Rohad toll plaza in Jhajjar on Sunday. TRIBUNE PHOTO
deaths. The experts’ opin- Gulshan’s body was fished analysis and autopsy report she lost consciousness. ers to charge the toll from
ion in this case will be duly out from a canal near Kir- of the minor, doctors had The girl said the accused any vehicle passing through Dhankar left for his destina- out demand,” said one of
considered in the police mach village on January 16. concluded that the injuries raped her while she was the barrier. The police on tion after assuring them that the protesters while inter-
investigation,” said the SP. The case had attracted on the deceased’s vagina unconscious. The accused getting information reached their demand would be raised acting with mediapersons.
Following a political attention after Dr SK Dhat- and ruptured liver resulted kept on raping her for sev- the toll plaza but failed to before Chief Minister He said no one from Sam-
uproar, the police had roped tarwal, head of forensic after her death. eral days, while threatening disperse the agitating vil- Manohar Lal Khattar and pla town would now pay the
in AIIMS experts to exam- medicine at the PGIMS in Bruises on the chest were her not to disclose the inci- lagers despite heated argu- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. toll as they were entitled for
ine the circumstances lead- Rohtak, told the media that found ante-mortem in dent to anyone. ments with them. “Except Sampla, all other toll exemption because they
ing to the unnatural death of the girl had been subjected nature, the PGIMS report The girl said the accused Significantly, the protesters 15 villages located within were living within a radius
the duo. The minor girl and to gang-rape. had claimed. The Forensic also thrashed her on Janu- also stopped Agriculture and the ambit of 8 km from the of 8-km from the barrier.
her friend Gulshan, both He was not even a mem- Science Laboratory in Mad- ary 29 after which she Rural Development Minister toll plaza have been given Bijender Tiwari, manager,
Dalits, were from Jhansa vil- ber of the panel that had huban had also denied the revealed the assault and Om Prakash Dhankar when exemption from the toll. We toll plaza, said the company
lage. They reportedly went performed autopsy on the presence of semen in the sexual exploitation to her he was passing the toll barrier. had several times requested had suffered a revenue loss
missing on January 9. girl. The panel had with- viscera of the minor, there- family. The police said a The minister had to come out the company to provide us of Rs 2 lakh as the protesters
The body of the 15-year- held confirmation of sexual by trashing the sexual case has been registered from his car to listen to the free passage like other vil- did not let the workers to
old girl was found near a assault until receipt of assault theory. and further probe is on. protesters’ grievance. lages, but it paid no heed to charge toll from vehicles.

Assembly session starts Half-burnt body

of Phagwara Laxity cost Karnal roadways depot lakhs
teenager found AUDIT REPORT cleaning buses and four bus loss of Rs 10.11 lakh in two sioner, Chandigarh, and oth-

today, likely to be stormy Karnal, March 4

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
The Budget session of the
Vidhan Sabha which begins
tomorrow is likely to be a
stormy affair with the INLD
and Congress gearing up to
corner Manohar Lal Khattar
government on a number of
issues, including the SYL
canal, registration of cases
against farmers and deterio-
rating law and order situation.
While the session will begin
with the Governor’s address
tomorrow and proceedings
for the day will conclude with
obituary references, action is
likely on March 6 when the
INLD and Congress present
their adjournment motions
on non-implementation of
the court order on the SYL,
seeking suspension of work
and discussion on the issue.
Leader of Opposition
Abhay Chautala said the gov-
ernment was deliberately
dragging its feet on imple-
mentation of the court order
and the INLD would take the
government to task for fail-
ing to bring in water.
“Our adjournment motion is
on the SYL, the Mewat canal
and scrapping of the Dadupur-
Nalvi project. We have 15 call-
ing-attention motions on sub-
jects ranging from agrarian
crisis and paucity of doctors
and other health staff to rising
cancer cases, rising cases of
crime against women and
report card of CM announce-
ments,” he said.
Maintaining that land was
given away at throwaway
prices to Swami Gyananand
in Kurukshetra in the name
of the Bhagavad Gita, Abhay
said a calling-attention
motion had been submitted
on the matter and an alleged
scam involving purchase of
tiles in municipalities.
“For the non-official day, we
have given resolutions on law
and order, plight of farmers,
non-implementation of
Swaminathan report and ris-
ing unemployment,” said the
Leader of Opposition.
Meanwhile, the Congress
decided to take up the recent
lathi charge on farmers and
subsequent registration of cas-
es, the SYL issue, law and
order and the cause of sugar-
cane growers. “The farmers
were forced to sell their pro-
duce in Uttar Pradesh at half
the price. The government has
failed the state and its people
on all fronts and we will take
its leaders to task for doing so.
The Congress is not going to
spare the government for let-
ting down farmers, employ-
ees, anganwari workers and
the common man,” said Con-
gress Legislature Party leader
Kiran Choudhry.
Though former Chief Minis-
ter Bhupinder Singh Hooda
would not attend the session
on account of a fracture in his
foot, Choudhry said the party
meeting was held at his resi-
dence on his request. This
would be the first session after
registration of an FIR against
Hooda in the Manesar land
case and the Congress was
likely to rake up land release
by Khattar government.
The half-burnt body of a
teenager was found in a
deserted area near the Baldi
bypass along National High-
way-44 here this morning.
The police suspected that
the victim had been mur-
dered and the murderers
tried to burn the body so
that the deceased could not
be identified. The police ini-
tially termed the body as
unidentified. In the
evening, the deceased was
identified as Sanyam Gupta
(17) of Phagwara in Punjab.
Manoj Verma, Karnal
Sadar SHO, said the family
were informed and the
cause of death would be
ascertained after post-
mortem examination.
He said Sanyam was miss-
ing for the last two days and
the reasons thereof would
be known after the arrival
of his family. He said some
labourers spotted the body
and informed the police.
DSP Rajiv Kumar and
forensic experts rushed to
the spot and inspected the
crime scene. — TNS
Parveen Arora
Tribune News Service
Karnal, March 4
An RTI application has
revealed that negligence on
part of officials at the road-
ways depot in Karnal caused
huge losses to the exchequer.
Rajesh Sharma filed the
application to seek informa-
tion on audit report 2015-17.
As per the report, officials
set aside all norms while
awarding contract for clean-
ing buses, four bus stands
and a workshop.
The depot officials report-
edly awarded one-year con-
tract to a private firm for
stands at Karnal, Assandh,
Nissing and Indri for Rs
76,800 per month, despite
having 21 regular employees.
The regular staff, made to sit
idle, were paid remuneration
amounting to Rs 113.40 lakh
from November 2014 to May
2016. The amount remained
the same even though clean-
ing of buses was not included
when the contract was
extended in June 2016.
The audit team was not pro-
vided EPF record of employ-
ees hired by the contractor.
The report also states buses
were repaired at private
shops despite presence of
staff at the depot. This led to
years. Further loss of Rs 24.04
lakh was incurred as buses
were allowed to remain
parked for more than 15 days.
The department suffered
loss of Rs 16.82 lakh as buses
plied on non-profitable inter-
states routes like Karnal-
Katra, Karnal-Dharamsala,
Karnal-Baijnath and Karnal-
Patiala. The depot suffered
loss of Rs 26.57 lakh in two
years due to low frequency of
Haryana Gaurav buses.
It also revealed the depart-
ment had to recover dues
amounting to Rs 25.47 lakh
from RTA office at Hisar,
Haryana Vigilance Bureau,
Karnal, Transport Commis-
ers till March 31, 2017, for
using diesel and other goods.
Funds for electricity mainte-
nance work were not used.
The depot withdrew Rs 6 lakh
in October, 2014 for the work,
but the amount was not used
resulting in loss of Rs 1.44 lakh
in interest for three years.
The depot incurred loss of
Rs 4.80 lakh for not availing
discount on purchase of
diesel from Indian Oil Corpo-
ration, which has a contract
with the roadways from Janu-
ary 2016 to December 2020.
The department can avail dis-
count of Rs 1,200 on the bill at
base price on purchase of
every kilolitre of diesel.

Haryana Diary
Tributes paid to Army braveheart Holi exhibition at Vatsalya Special School
Ambala: A Holi exhibition was organised for differently-abled
children of Vatsalya Special School in Ambala Cantonment
on Wednesday. Children had prepared organic colours, which
were put up on sale. Brig SS Sidhu, president of the Canton-
ment Board, Ambala, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Varun Kalia, CEO of the Cantonment Board, said, “The pur-
pose of organising the exhibition was to showcase the talent
of speacial children to people.” Vatsalya Special School is run
by the Cantonment Board. Kalia said the board had strength-
ened the school’s infrastructure. Besides, a sensory park was
also being developed in the school. Parents of the children
and staff of various schools were invited to the exhibition. The
children earned nearly Rs 9,000 and it would be equally dis-
tributed among them, added Kalia.

Stone of Aggarsain chowk laid

Rajiv Jain, BJP’s state media in charge, unveils the statue of Capt
Deepak Sharma at Bidhlan village in Sonepat. PHOTO: BS MALIK
Sonepat: “Society cannot forget the supreme sacrifices
made by the soldiers for the unity and integrity of the nation
during peace and war times,” said BJP’s state media in
charge, Rajiv Jain, while paying tributes to Capt Deepak Shar-
ma at Bidhlan village in Sonepat on Sunday. Jain said Capt
Deepak sacrificed his life on this day in 2010 while fighting
against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. He was awarded
with Kirti Chakra by the Union Government in recognition to
his supreme sacrifice. Despite being seriously injured, Capt
Deepak continued to lead his soldiers against the terrorists
and eliminated three terrorists before breathing his last.The
occasion was marked by unveiling his statue in the village DC Chander Shekhar Khare and his wife after the foundation
and also organising a kabaddi competition. stone-laying ceremony in Panipat on Saturday. TRIBUNE PHOTO
ACP’s transfer leaves residents fuming Panipat: Chander Shekhar Khare, Deputy Commissioner,
Faridabad: The sudden transfer of Rajesh Kumar Chechi, and his wife Dr Rajni Goyal Khare, chairperson of the Red
ACP Crime, has left residents upset. Supported by local social Cross Welfare Hospital, along with Rajesh Goyal, a social
activists, the residents not only staged a demonstration on worker, laid the foundation stone of Maharaja Aggarsain
Saturday, but also demanded cancellation of his transfer Chowk in Sector 25 here on Saturday. The chowk was a long
order. A group of local residents held a formal press confer- pending demand of the Aggarwal society. The government
ence on Sunday to decry the move. Kumar was transferred has given Rs 37 lakh for its construction under the CM
after kin of a murder victim levelled allegations against the announcement. Goyal said Panipat was the only city where
ACP for allegedly being biased in the probe. The ACP also there was no chowk on the name of Maharaja Aggarsain. A
denied the allegations. The residents protesting against his 20-feet statue will also be established. “The Maharaja Aggar-
transfer, claimed that the officer was honest and hardworking sain Organisation will take care of it’s beutification,” said
and charges against him were politically motivated. Neeraj Gupta, president of the Aggarwal Sangathan.

CONTRIBUTED BY BS MALIK, BIJENDRA AHLAWAT, NITISH SHARMA AND MUKESH TANDON


06
CLASSIFIEDS
SITUATION VACANT
Management student for one month
survey for packaging in Himachal,
Punjab. Rs. 10000/-.
varun.rao@leogroup.co.in A7-82605
Pal Hospital Partap Bagh Jalandhar
requires Receptionist, GNM/ANM
Staff, Optometrist, OT Technician:
98723-77155. A7-83632
Guru Teg Bahadur Public School
affiliated to CBSE Hoshiarpur Road
Hazara, requires NTT/TGT/TPGT -
Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Accounts,
Business Study, Economics, History,
Social Science. Should have fluency
in English, step in for interview on
March 6, at 11:30 am sharp. A7-82601
P.C.S.D. Sr. Sec. School, Hansi.
Requires PGT (1): Economics
qualification MA Economics (with
atleast 50% marks), HTET/CTET
qualified. PGT (1): English,
qualification MA English (with atleast
50% marks), HTET/CTET qualified.
TGT (1): S.S. Quali. BA, B.Ed.
(Subject Combination with atleast 50%
marks), HTET/CTET qualified. Note:
1. Experience holder will be preferred.
2. Salary: Negotiable. No bar for
deserving candidate. 3. Interested
candidate may apply to Principal
P.C.S.D. Sr. Sec. School, Hansi. up to
15 March. 4. Management reserves the
right to increase/decrease/cancel the
No. of post advertised. Contact No.:
01663-254098, 98132-71710. Email:
principal.pcsd@gmail.com Admission
open for 6th to 12th class. C7-94138
Delhi International School Sr. Sec.
Affiliated to CBSE, Kotkapura Road,
Faridkot. Requires Vice Principal
having munimum 5 years of
experience as Vice Principal equivalent
in CBSE School. The candidate should
be Post Graduate with B.Ed. and shall
have good command over English.
Minimum salary 45,000/-. PGTs for
Chemistry, Physics, English, History,
Economics, Accounts TGTs in all
steams. Having 3-4 years of
experience. The candidate should be
duly qualified. Salary slab (PGTs
20,000 to 30,000) (TGTs 12,000 to
18,000). Free accommodation
for out station candidates. Apply
within 7 working days. Email:
vicechairmandis@gmail.com Cont.
No. 01639-251277. A7-82579
Required Principal, Vice-Principal,
PGT’s and TGT’s Physics, Chemistry,
Maths, Biology, English, Social
Science, Computer, Receptionist,
Accountant, PET and Teacher for
Kindergarten also for reputed CBSE
affiliated Sen. Sec. School in
District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh on
Jassur-Dhameta Road. Male/
Female candidates with rich
experience can apply, highlighting
their achievements and qualities on:
schoolmanagingdirector@gmail.com
A7-82859
Baba Mehtab Singh Public School,
Village Sadhmajra required Teachers
for English, Science, Pbi., Hindi, Phy.
Edu. subjects. the school affiliated
with PSEB English medium up to
Matric and situated on Samana
Badshahpur Road, well qualified
candidates clear PTET can apply with
in fifteen days. Experience hand
candidates preferred, good salary.
Contact: 01764-250315. C7-93584B
S. Hardam Singh public School
(Affiliated to CBSE) up to 10+2
Jindalpur (Bhadson), Distt. Patiala, 5
km Bhadson to Sirhind. We are
looking for PGTs and TGTs English,
Accoutancy, Business Studies,
Economics, Geography, Chemistry,
Physics, Biology and Trained Spoken
English Teacher. Walk in interview on
11.03.2018 at 09:30 am in school
office. Contact: 98767-92967, 98142-
60367, 94780-00067. Email:
shspublicschool25065@gmail.com
C7-93794
Allex Medical required Sale &
Service Engineers, B.Tech./Diploma
Electrical/Electronics/Computer
for Chandigarh, Jammu, Amritsar,
Jalandhar with bond condition.
Cont.: www.allexmedical.com ,
Ph.: 01762-286117, Mail:
allex@allexmedical.com NA7-77817
Seth Tek Chand Memorial Public
School Kurukshetra requires Vice
Principal, Co-Ordinators, NTT, PRT,
TGT (English, Maths), PGTs
(Commerce, Physical Education,
English, Maths), Art and Craft, Music,
Dance, Accountant, Clerk. Contact:
85699-03623, 94160-30588. Email:
stcmps294@gmail.com A7-83584
Cambridge International School,
Sangrur - Sunam Road, Sangrur
(Punjab). Requires experienced &
qualified Teachers. TGTs/PRTs -
(English, Mathematics, Punjabi, Physics,
Chemistry, Biology, Social Studies),
Kindergarten Teachers, Primary
Teachers, Music Teacher, Dance Teacher,
Computer Teacher, Coaches - (Yoga,
Table Tennis, Baksetball, Football,
Swimming, Cricket, Shooting, Skating,
Chess, Boxing & Martial Arts), PTI -
(Female), IT Manager, Front Desk
Counselors & Communication Trainers.
Free Accommodation for single females.
Send your resume within 7 days at:
cissangrur@gmail.com , Walk-in
interview on 11th March, 2018 (10.00
a.m. onwards). Helpline: 97110-49581.
A7-83590
DISCLAIMER
“The Tribune Trust does
not take responsibility
for the contents
of the advertisements
(Display/ Classified)
carried in this
newspaper. The paper
does not endorse the
same. Readers are
requested to verify the
contents on their
own before acting
there upon.”
Needed male English Steno for Law
Office & Office boy with
qualification passed 12. Contact:
81463-61101. A7-83634B
Holy Child Smart School, Vill. Patti
(Nangal) P.O. Manakpur, Teh. Nangal,
Distt. Ropar (Pb.). Walk-in interview
for a Prestigious and reputed school,
required efficient, dedicated,
hardworking and experienced teachers
in all subjects. Attend interview on
10th March, 2018 at 10.00 a.m.
Candidates must have good command
over English. Chairman, 94170-
30278, Vice-Principal 97800-06490,
97800-06491. A7-83704B
Wanted a patient helper in
Chandigarh and a housekeeper for
Ambala fulltime. Contact: 84279-
81134. A7-83706B
Wanted a Psychiatrist MD or DPM for
Govt. approved De-Addiction and
Rehabilitation Centre in Ludhiana.
Offered good salary and accommodation.
Contact 94649-00002. A7-83710
Required a Principal for a prestigious
and reputed School. Apply by post/
E-mail within ten days from the date of
publication of this advertisement.
Chairman, Holy Child Smart School,
Vill. Patti (Nangal), P.O. Manakpur,
Tehsil Nangal, Distt. Ropar(Pb.). Email
Id: holychild.nangal@gmail.com ,
Phone No. 94170-30278. A7-83873B
Candor Institute invites application
for the post of Faculty cum Counselor
for Distance Education Programmes
in Management (MBA/M.Com.),
Computer Applications
(MCA/M.Tech./B.Tech.), Tally ERP9,
Marketing Officer and IELTS Trainer.
For Walk in interview visit at SCO:
19, 2nd Floor, City Centre, Near 22
No. Phatak, Patiala. 98883-00037,
candorlearning@gmail.com C7-93898
Urgently Required
Principal M.A./M.Sc., B.Ed.
having at least 5 years
experience as a Principal in a
reputed school, for a Senior
Secondary English Medium
School, in Tehsil Mukerian.
Affiliated to Punjab School
Education Board. Salary Rs.
50,000/- per month. Send your
resume by 10th March, 2018 to:
PO Box No. 47G
Tribune, Chandigarh
Wanted experienced Salesman for
PVC Showroom at Zirakpur,
handsome salary. (M) 99153-03556.
NA7-78604
Immediately required TGT (Hindi)
teacher with knowledge of Sanskrit (1)
TGT Art Teacher (1). At Loreto Convent
School, Tara Hall, Shimla-171003.
Contact: 0177-2652355. C7-94102
Staff Required: Principal (1),
M.A./M.Sc., M.Ed., 5 year experience,
Vice Principal (1), M.A./M.Sc., B.Ed.,
2-3 year experience, Teacher (1)
(Science, General, English)
M.A./M.Sc., B.Ed. 1-2 year experience,
Coordinator (1) MA, 3 year experience.
Note: Fluency in English is must.
Higher Salary for deserving
candidates. Send the Resume (with
photo) & scan Documents on
tcstalwandisabo@gmail.com or
documents will be submitted by Hand
before Dated 12 March 2018. Tara
Convent School, Kothi Wala Rah,
Talwandi Sabo Mob. No. 94175-39621.
C7-94136
Guru Nanak Dev Academy Pehowa
(Affiliated with CBSE) Mobile No.:
094669-54008, 097290-00675. Email
ID: gnda.pehowa@yahoo.co.in Requires
qualified and experienced faculty, PGT
Maths, TGT’s (Social Science, Science,
Computer) and Accounts Assistant.
Salary no bar for deserving candidates.
The desirous candidates may apply
online latest by 15th March. The
shortlisted candidates shall be called for
interview. Free accommodation is
available for outstation teachers. (S.S.
Guraya) Director. D7-94
Pathways Global School, affiliated to
ICSE Board, New Delhi. Residential
cum day school. Dharamkot Road,
Kot-ise-khan, Distt. Moga, Punjab.
Requirement- Residential Teachers.
Requires qualified, experienced and
English Speaking Teachers with
pleasing personality. Kindergarten
(Nursery/KG) Teachers BA/NTT/
B.Ed. TGT (trained Graduate Teacher)
Teacher- All subjects: Biology/
Chemistry/English/Social Studies/
Punjabi/Hindi/Computer. Physical
Education Teacher (Lady). Music
Teacher (Lady). Note: Teachers from
other States will be welcomed.
Experienced Teachers will be preferred.
Attractive salary and residence
available. Apply or contact at:
pathwaysglobalschool.13@gmail.com ,
Tel: 01682-241578 (L), 078373-06100
(M), 078372-81100 (M). Director-
Principal. NA7-78321
Mata Baljinder Kaur Memorial Kaler
International Public School, Samadh
Bhai, Moga, PU 083, ICSE Affiliated
School Requires following Residential
Teachers. PGT:- Maths (Salary 30,000/-
). PGT:- Chemistry (Salary 30,000/-),
PGT:- Commerce (Salary 20,000/-).
Higher start may be considered
for deserving candidates. Free
accommodation and free education for
one child. Call:- 98159-66322, Email:-
kulwantmaluka77@gmail.com NA7-78323
Teachers required for Akal Academy
Sacha Sauda, Vill. Aftabgarh, Distt.
Jind for Kindergarten (Nursery & KG),
Primary English, and Maths. Fluency
in English is must. Eligibility:
Graduation/Post Graduation in any
stream. Salary: 7,000 to 15,000. B.Ed.
is compulsory. Walk-in interview, test
at Akal Academy, Sacha Sauda, vill.
Aftabgarh, Distt. Jind on 06.03.2018 &
08.03.2018, 10 a.m. Contact: 98759-
87321. hr.patiala@akalacademy.ac.in
NA7-78588
Teachers required for Akal
Academy, Ubhia, Bhunder Bhaini
(Moonak), Dharmgarh Chhanna and
Seona for Kindergarten, (Nursery &
KG), English, Maths, Science and
Social Science. Fluency in English
must. Eligibility: Graduation/Post
Graduation in required stream, B.Ed. is
compulsory. Transport facility
available. Salary; 7,000 to 15,000.
Walk in interview, test (10 a.m. to 1
p.m.) Gurdwara Shri Guru Tegh
Bahadur Sahib, near Old Bus Stand,
Patran, Distt. Patiala, on 06.03.2018, (9
a.m. - 5 p.m.) Contact: 82838-17713),
hr.patiala@akalacademy.ac.in
NA7-78591
GN Convent Sr. Sec. School, VPO:
Bhaloor (Moga). Requires
immediately. PGTs: English, Maths,
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Music,
Computer & Punjabi,
Clerk/Accountant. TGTs: Social
Science. Send your CV on E-mail:
gnconvent@yahoo.in Contact No.:
75270-20227. NA7-78325
Required experienced Sales
Representative for reputed Auto parts
distribution house at Ludhiana, salary
negotiable Lakshmi Motor Company,
Guru Gobind Singh Tower, G.T. Road,
Dholewal, Ludhiana. 98886-51552,
Email: lmc.ludhiana@gmail.com
NA7-78545
DAV KRB Public School, Moga
Road, Kot Ise Khan, Moga (CBSE
Affiliated). Requires on contractual
basis PGTs Physics, Chemistry, Maths,
Economics, Commerce, TGTs English,
S.St., PRTs, English, Hindi, Computer,
Maths, Science, Art, Punjabi Moral
Education, Music/Dance, NTTs, Asstt.
Librarian, Driver, Conductor, Aya,
Safaiwala, Guard. Qualification
as per CBSE & DAV CMC norms.
Application and resume should reach
on and before 18.03.2018. Only short
listed candidates will be called for
interview Telephonically. 98164-15074,
01682240365, Principal. NA7-78593
Urgently required Faculty for leading
coaching institute at Gurdaspur.
Qualification: M.Sc. (Zoology &
Botany), experience: 2 to 5 year. The
Faculty should have experience of
teaching crash courses and preparation
for NEET as well as 11th and 12th
Academic. Job type: Full time. Contact
No. 78892-33321. NA7-78610
R.K.S International Public School,
Janer, Moga (Pb.). A reputed CBSE
affiliated School requires TGT &
PRT- English, Science, S.St.,
Computer and Physical Education
Teachers, handsome salary, free
accommodation for outstation
candidates. Send your resume at:
rksipsjaner@gmail.com or contact:
75088-03000. NA7-78635
CAAN Wings Consultants Pvt. Ltd.,
urgently required, Counsellors,
Telecallers, Marketing Executives,
Processing Executives, IELTS/PTE
Trainers best salary/free accommodation
available freshers welcome place:
Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar. Call or
WhatsApp: 98140-62588 or email CV at
dir.caanwings@gmail.com NA7-78636
SALES & MARKETING
M/s IL&FS Human Resources Ltd.
is looking for a Marketing &
Operations Executive to be based at
Chandigarh for its North India
Operations. People drawing less than
Rs. 25,000 per month need not apply.
Send your papers at ceo@ilfshr.com,
marketing@ilfshr.com
A7-82890
WEB SERVICES
Website - we make business
websites, blogs and other softwares.
Contact: 62806-14914. A7-83600
PUBLIC NOTICES
I, Inderjit W/o JC 329914L Sub
Ranjit Singh, R/o Unit 70 Engr. Regt
C/o 56, APO, I have changed name
Inderjit Kaur to Inderjeet Kaur.
NA7-78623
I, Balwinder Kaur W/o Jagtar
Singh, R/o Village Hadana, Teh.
Patiala, Distt Patiala, have changed
my name to Jaswinder Kaur. C7-93498B
I, Jaspreet Kaur w/o Late Tarsem
Singh Rathore r/o 528 Kehra Enclave,
Ladhewali, Jalandhar-144007, have
changed my name from Brij Bala to
Jaspreet Kaur after marriage. C7-93850
I, Paramjit Singh s/o Gurdial Singh
# 9, Galaxy Developers Sector 125,
Kharar, Mohali, have changed my
name from Paramjit SIngh to Paramjit
Singh Sodhi. A7-83823
I, Manisha Dhiman d/o Ashok
Kumar r/o House no. 150/5, Village
Kajheri, P.O. Badheri, Sector 52, U.T.,
Chandigarh have changed my name to
Paramjeet Kaur. C7-93720
I, Gurdeep Singh s/o Krishan Singh
village Jagmalwali, Distt. Sirsa
(Haryana), have changed my name to
Harpreet Singh. C7-93968B
I, Sunam Atri wife of Ramesh Attry,
Residing 1863, Sector 2, Rohtak, have
changed my name to Suman Attry.
C7-93976B
I, Ramesh Kumar son of Ram Singh
Sharma, residing 1863, Sector 2,
Rohtak have changed my name to
Ramesh Attry.
C7-93980B
I, Reena Dhanota w/o Sh.
Sukhvinder Singh Dhanota r/o Village
Pajo, PO Kotlanala, Tehsil and
District Solan, HP, have changed my
name from Reena to Reena Dhanota.
All concern please note. NA7-78551B
I, Jit Ram S/o Balwant Singh R/o
Kothi No. 2560, Phase 7, SAS Nagar
(Mohali), declare that my son
Jagmohan is out of my control. I
disown him from my all
moveable/immoveable property. If
anybody deals with him, will do so at
their own responsibility. A7-83922B
COURT NOTICE
Civil Courts, Amritsar
In the Court of
Sh. Abhay Rajan Shukla,
Civil Judge
Junior Division-XVII.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on http://ecourts.gov.in
Kamlesh Sharma W/o Ravinder
Sharma, R/o H.No. 1438/12,
Katra Sher Singh, Amritsar.
Versus
Manoj Kumar S/o Raghuvansh
Kumar,
Anil Kumar S/o Raghuvansh
Kumar both R/o H. No. 192,
East Mohan Nagar, Amritsar.
CNR No. PBAS02-004674-
2017
Publication issued to: Manoj
Kumar S/o Raghuvansh Kumar,
Anil Kumar S/o Raghuvansh
Kumar both R/o H. No. 192,
East Mohan Nagar, Amritsar.
Whereas, it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the defendant above named
cannot be served in the ordinary
way of service. Hence, this
proclamation under Order 5 Rule
20 CPC is hereby issued against
them and they should appear
personally or through their
counsel on 20.03.2018 at 9.30
a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
their appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above said
case will be heard and
determined in their absence
according to law.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 23rd day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Sh. Abhay Rajan Shukla,
Civil Judge
Junior Division-XVII.
CN7-3601 Amritsar.
HARYANA
ADMISSION GUIDANCE
10th, 12th, BA, B.Com., BCA all
Graduate/Postgraduate/Diploma/
B.Ed/Ph.D from recognised
Universities. Aggarwal College:
93160-00066, 93572-99000.
A7-83863
COURT NOTICES
In the Court of
Ms. Preeti Sahni,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-II, Jalandhar.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Harminder Kaur W/o Amarjeet
Singh D/o Avtar Singh, Address:
VPO Manak Rai, PS Bhogpur,
Tehsil Distt. Jalandhar.
Versus
Amarjit Singh S/o Gurdev Singh
S/o Banta Singh, Address:
Village Poonian, Tehsil Shahkot,
Distt. Jalandhar.
DMC/737/2017
CNR No. PBJL01-006604-2017
Publication issued to: Amarjit
Singh S/o Gurdev Singh S/o
Banta Singh, Address: Village
Poonian, Tehsil Shahkot, Distt.
Jalandhar.
Whereas, it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the defendant/respondent above
named cannot be served in the
ordinary way of service. Hence,
this proclamation under Order 5
Rule 20 CPC is hereby issued
against him and he should appear
personally or through his
counsel on 21.03.2018 at 9.30
a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
his appearance on the day before
mentioned, the above said case
will be heard and determined in
his absence according to law.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 09th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Preeti Sahni,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-II,
CN7-3603 Jalandhar.
In the Court of
Gurnam Singh Dhillon,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-XI, Jalandhar.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Deepak Jaggi
Versus
Himani Wadhwa
CNR No. PBJL01-015809-
2017
Publication issued to: Himani
Wadhwa(R) D/o Ravinder
Wadhwa, Address: W/o Deepak
Jaggi R/o House No. EE 63,
New Railway Road, Near
Bhagat Singh Chowk,
Jalandhar, presently residing at
Newzealand.
Whereas, it has been proved
to the satisfaction of the Court
that the defendant/respondent
above named cannot be served
in the ordinary way of service.
Hence, this proclamation under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is hereby
issued against her and she
should appear personally or
through her counsel on
22.03.2018 at 9.30 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
her appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above
said case will be heard and
determined in her absence
according to law.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 08th
day of February, 2018.
Sd/- Gurnam Singh Dhillon,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-XI,
CN7-3605 Jalandhar.
In the Court of
Shri Aashish Saldi,
Additional Civil Judge
(Senior Division),
Hoshiarpur.
Next Date, Purpose of case, Orders
and Judgements as well as other
case information is available on
http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
M/s Sood Medicine Traders Pvt.
Ltd., Medicine Market, Heera
Colony, Hoshiarpur through its
Managing Director Sh. Anuj Sood.
Versus
M/s Sharma Medical Hall
CNR No. PBHO02-001565-2017
Suit for Recovery Rs. 693359/-.
Peshi: 21.03.2018
Publication issued to:
1. M/s Sharma Medical Hall, Main
Road Gagret, Tehsil Amb,
District Una (HP) through its
partner Mr. Varinder Sharma S/o
Sh. Vikram Chand Sharma.
2. M/s Sharma Medical Hall, Main
Road Gagret, Tehsil Amb,
District Una (HP) through its
partner Mr. Mr. Vikram Chand
Sharma.
Whereas, it has been proved to the
satisfaction of the Court that the
defendant(s)/respondent(s) above
named cannot be served in the
ordinary way of service. Hence, this
proclamation under Order 5 Rule 20
CPC is hereby issued against them
and they should appear personally
or through their counsel on
21.03.2018 at 9.30 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
their appearance on the day before
mentioned, the above said case will
be heard and determined in their
absence.
Given under my hand and the seal
of the court on this 23rd day of
February, 2018.
Sd/- Aashish Saldi,
Additional Civil Judge
(Senior Division),
CN7-3607 Hoshiarpur.
finance
LOAN
Credit suisse corporate immediate
available private
funding property project takeover
bad cibil deal agent welcome,
good income. 99883-13995.
A7-82231
COURT NOTICES
In the Court of
Mrs. Saru Mehta Kaushik,
Additional District Judge,
Patiala.
CNR No.:
PBPTO10019772017
DMC/HMA Case No.:
158/2017
Date of Instt.: 03.03.2017
Date of Hearing: 04.04.2018
Aarti W/o Vinkatish Kaushal
D/o Santosh Kumar, R/o
H.No. 4, Thapar University
Campus Colony, Tehsil and
Distt. Patiala.
Versus
Vinkatish Kaushal S/o Late
Jai Kishan Kaushal R/o #
370/6-B, Purana Bazar, Tehsil
and Distt. Barnala.
Petition of HMA
Notice to: Vinkatish Kaushal
S/o Late Jai Kishan Kaushal
R/o # 370/6-B, Purana Bazar,
Tehsil and Distt. Barnala.
Whereas it has been proved
to the satisfaction of the Court
that the respondent above
noted cannot be served in the
ordinary way of service.
Hence this proclamation
under Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is
hereby issued against him and
he should appear personally
or through his Counsel on
04.04.2018 at 09.30 a.m.
failing which exparte
proceedings shall be taken
against him.
Given under my hand and
seal of the Court on 26th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Saru Mehta Kaushik,
Additional District Judge,
CN7-3609 Patiala.
In the Court of
Sh. Naval Kumar,
Additional District Judge,
Patiala.
CNR No. PBPT01-007399-2017
Civil Appeal No.: 56
Dated: 19.07.2017
CA/606/2017
Pending for: 07.03.2018
1. Mandeep Walia S/o
Mohinderjit Walia,
2. Navdeep Walia S/o
Mohinderjit Walia, both R/o
House No. C-4, Gobind
Colony, Rajpura, District
Patiala.
... Appellant
Versus
1. General Public
2. Mohinderjit Walia S/o Bharat
Parkash Walia R/o House No.
C-4, Gobind Colony, Rajpura,
District Patiala.
... Respondents
Appeal against the judgement and
decree dated 31.05.2017 passed
in Succ. No. 08 dated 30.03.3015
by the Court of Ms. Suman
Agnihotri, PCS, Civil Judge Sr.
Division, Rajpura.
Notice to (Respondent No. 1):
General Public
The respondent No. 01 above
named cannot be served in the
ordinary manner, therefore, this
publication is hereby issued
against the respondent No. 01
named above to appear before
this court on 07.03.2018 at 10.00
am either personally or through
any authorised agent or pleader,
failing which exparte proceedings
shall be taken against them
according to law.
Given under my hand and seal
of the Court on this 23rd day of
February, 2018.
Sd/- Additional District Judge,
CN7-3611 Patiala.
Sessions Court Patiala
In the Court of
Sh. Dharminder Paul Singla,
Additional District and
Sessions Judge-2, Patiala.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on http://ecourts.gov.in
Darshan Singh (Advocate)
Versus
Sham Lal
CRR/575/2017
CNR No. PBPT01-011647-2017
13.11.2017
Peshi: 20.03.2018.
1. Sham Lal S/o Lekh Raj,
3. Tejinder Kumar S/o Sham Lal,
R/o Vill. Kalyan, Tehsil
Patiala.
4. Raj Rani,
5. Sita Rani D/o Kamla Devi D/o
Lekh Raj,
8. Tarsem Singh S/o Raghubir
Singh S/o Ajit Singh, R/o
Bangli Kalan, Tehsil Samrala,
District Ludhiana.
Whereas, it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the Respondents above named
cannot be served in the ordinary
way of service. Hence, this
proclamation under Order 5 Rule
20 CPC is hereby issued against
them and they should appear
personally or through their
counsel on 20.03.2018 at 10.00
a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
their appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above said
case will be heard and determined
in their absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 28th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Additional District and
Sessions Judge-2,
CN7-3615 Patiala.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Eight marla renovated ground floor
facing park, Sector 20A, Chandigarh.
Amrit Property: 98140-39322. A7-82760
Himachal Solan: Drive in two and
three bedroom apartments at prime
location on outright sale. 98160-72072,
88941-85291, 94181-68681. NA7-78556
COURT NOTICES
Publication Notice
U/O 5 Rule, 20 CPC
In the Court of
Chandan Hans, PCS,
Civil Judge (Junior
Division)-cum-Judicial
Magistrate 1st Class,
Gurdaspur.
Civil Suit No.: 169
Institution Date: 15.11.2017
Peshi: 05.04.2018
Nature: Declaration
Case Title: Beant Singh S/o
Fauja Singh, R/o Village
Alawalpur, Tehsil and Distt.
Gurdaspur.
Versus
Joginder Singh etc.
Notice to:
4. Lakhwinder Singh S/o
Beant Singh R/o Village
Alawalpur, Tehsil and
Distt. Gurdaspur.
In the above noted case, the
satisfaction of the Court that
the above named defendant/
defendants are avoiding the
service of summons. Hence
publication under Order 5
Rule 20 CPC is hereby issued
against the above named
defendant for 05.04.2018. He
is directed to appear
personally or through his
Counsel in this court on
05.04.2018 at 09.30 a.m.,
otherwise exparte
proceedings shall be initiated.
Given under my hand and
seal of the Court on 09th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- (Chandan Hans),
Civil Judge
(Junior Division),
NA7-78337 Gurdaspur.
In the Court of
Rattan Deep Singh,
Civil Judge (Junior Division)-17,
Jalandhar.
Next Date, Purpose of case,
Orders and Judgements as well
as other case information is
available on http://ecourts.gov.in
Publication Notice Under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC
Krishan Kanta Sharma W/o Late
Sh. Ravi Dutt Sharma R/o 126/2,
Gangadhar Chetty Road,
Bangalore-560042.
Versus
Soma Rani
CNR No. PBJL02-002726-2017
Case No.: CS/1432/2017
Date Institution: 31.05.2017
Next Date: 04.04.2018
Publication issued to:
1. Soma Rani Sharma W/o S.D.
Sharma, R/o C-412, Purava
Park, Cox Town, Bangalore.
2. Puneet Randev S/o Om
Parkash Randev, R/o O-40,
2nd Floor, Lajpat Nagar-II,
New Delhi, Pin-110024.
Whereas, it has been proved to
the satisfaction of the Court that
the defendant(s)/respondent(s)
above named cannot be served in
the ordinary way of service.
Hence, this proclamation under
Order 5 Rule 20 CPC is hereby
issued against them and they
should appear personally or
through their counsel on
04.04.2018 at 10.00 a.m.
Take notice that, in default of
their appearance on the day
before mentioned, the above said
case will be heard and determined
in their absence.
Given under my hand and the
seal of the court on this 07th day
of February, 2018.
Sd/- Rattan Deep Singh,
Civil Judge
(Junior Division)-17,
NA7-78415 Jalandhar.
Publication Notice
U/O 5 Rule, 20 CPC
In the Court of
Chandan Hans, PCS,
Civil Judge (Junior Division)-
cum-Judicial Magistrate 1st
Class, Gurdaspur.
Civil Suit No.: #27
Institution Date: 03.03.2017
Peshi: 06.04.2018
Nature: Sep. Poss.
Case Title: Manjit Singh S/o
Wasakha Singh R/o Vill.
Narainipur, Teh. and Distt.
Gurdaspur.
Versus
Gurmit Singh
Notice to:
4. Hardeep Singh,
5. Davinder Singh Sons of
Joga Singh S/o Wasakha
Singh both R/o Vill.
Narainipur, PO Purana
Shalla, Teh. and Distt.
Gurdaspur.
In the above noted case, the
satisfaction of the Court that the
above named defendant/
defendants are avoiding the
service of summons. Hence
publication under Order 5 Rule
20 CPC is hereby issued against
the above named defendants for
06.04.2018. They are directed
to appear personally or through
their Counsel in this court on
06.04.2018 at 09.30 a.m.,
otherwise exparte proceedings
shall would be initiated.
Given under my hand and
seal of the Court on 09th day of
February, 2018.
Sd/- (Chandan Hans),
Civil Judge
(Junior Division),
NA7-78583 Gurdaspur.
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018
No simultaneous
elections next
year, says Khattar
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
Chief Minister Manohar Lal
Khattar today made it clear
that the next Assembly elec-
tions would be held on time
and not simultaneously with
the General Election.
He was replying to ques-
tions of mediapersons at a
press conference here.
Asked to comment on the
possibility of holding the
next Assembly and Lok Sab-
ha elections simultaneously,
he ruled out the possibility
in 2019. He stated that it
might happen in 2024.
He said that although
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi had proposed the ‘one-
nation-one-election’ concept
at the all-party meeting,
which he had supported, this
concept could be implement-
ed unless all political parties
reached a consensus.
“Holding elections to the
Lok Sabha and Assemblies
simultaneously will require
constitutional amendments
and changes and this requires
time,” Khattar stated.
Critical of opposition parties
for politicising construction of
the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL)
canal, he maintained that
there was no need thereof.
“Since we are governed by
the Constitution, we must
abide by it. We have full
faith in the judiciary and
will get our due share in riv-
er waters through the SYL
canal,” he asserted.
He said the present state
government had strongly
pleaded the case in the
Supreme Court and ensured
early hearing for a presiden-
tial reference, pending for 12
years. The apex court has giv-
en its decision in favour of
Haryana, he pointed out.
“We have full faith in the
Supreme Court and the state
will soon get its share of water
through the SYL canal,
which should be constructed
at the earliest,” he added.
Referring to water manage-
ment projects, Khattar said
between 50 and 100 new
ponds would be constructed
in the vicinity of the national
capital for getting groundwa-
Anna Hazare for
autonomous farm
price commission
Vishal Joshi
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, March 4
Social activist Anna Hazare
today demanded an
autonomous central agri-
culture price commission
with a pro-farmer mandate
to fix minimum rates for
farm produce.
Hazare was here in con-
nection with his ‘Satyagra-
ha Jan Jagran Yatra’ to
muster support for his agita-
tion, scheduled to be held in
Delhi on March 23.
He showed deep concern
over the deteriorating
financial condition of the
farming community. He
said around 20 lakh farmers
had committed suicide
between 1995 and 2017.
“This is because the gov-
ernment is more focused on
entrepreneurs and not on
those who provide food for
the country. The country
needs an autonomous agri-
cultural body to make farm-
ing a profit-making voca-
tion,” he said.
“The state authorities sub-
mit their suggestions to the
Centre to determine prices
for various agricultural com-
modities. The Union govern-
ment ignores these for
unspecified reasons,” he said.
He said the formation of a
price fixation commission,
pension scheme for farmers
and labourers and competent
Lokpal were the key
THE TRIBUNE
❝ Since we are governed
by the Constitution, we
must abide by it. We have
full faith in the judiciary
and will get our due share
in river waters through
the SYL canal❞
Manohar Lal Khattar, CHIEF MINISTER
ter recharged. He said the
government had ensured
adequate water at tail-ends
for irrigation.
“Water has reached 293 of
the 300 tail-ends in the state.
The present government has
made infrastructural arrange-
ments for irrigation. The exist-
ing capacity of 3,451 cusecs of
the JLN canal is being revived
at a cost of Rs 300 crore,” he
said. He listed various other
irrigation projects.
Admitting that unemploy-
ment was the biggest chal-
lenge, he said his govern-
ment had done well in
providing jobs and skills to
the youth and lived up to its
promise of openness, merit
and transparency without
nepotism in matters of
recruitment.
“Since our government
came to power, employment
had been provided to 2.03
lakh persons in the private
sector, including 1.24 lakh in
micro, small and medium
enterprises,” he claimed.
“In the government sector,
55,000 posts in various cate-
gories were advertised by the
Haryana Public Service Com-
mission and State Staff Selec-
tion Commission. Appoint-
ment letters have been given
to 17,300 while the results of
28,000 appointments are pend-
ing due to litigation,” he said.
Investment of ~45,000 crore
had been made and as a
result of MoUs during Hap-
pening Haryana Summit, 136
projects worth ~18,000 crore
had been set up, he added.
Anna Hazare
demands in the ‘satyagraha’.
“Following our persistent
efforts, the Union govern-
ment had announced MSP at
50 per cent of the cost of pro-
duction. It did not announce
how the cost would be calcu-
lated. This announcement is
an eyewash and the move-
ment will pressurise the gov-
ernment to adopt a formula to
benefit farmers,” he said.
He said like the previous
UPA government, Narendra
Modi-led NDA government
was had been maintaining
stagnancy around the Lokpal
Act. Corruption was rampant
in the absence of any check
on it, he added.
The 80-year-old crusader
said the Delhi authorities
were yet to give permission
for the venue of the ‘satya-
graha’. “I am getting tremen-
dous public support. I urge
you all to join the peaceful
agitation in Delhi later this
month. If the authorities do
not allow us space, jail prem-
ises will be our place for
satyagraha,” he said.
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018
House resumes amid bank scams
Budget session likely to be stormy as Oppn all set to question PM for frauds
Aditi Tandon
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 4
The Budget Session of Parlia-
ment is likely to resume on a
disruptive note as the Oppo-
sition prepares to question
the government for multi-
crore bank frauds that began
with the scamming of Punjab
National Bank by jeweller
Nirav Modi and his uncle
Mehul Choksi. Both subse-
quently fled India.
Congress leaders will
demand adjournment of pro-
ceedings in both Houses to dis-
cuss the “bank loot scam” and
ask questions directly of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
He is unlikely to oblige,
especially after BJP’s elec-
NATION 07
PSU banks write off NPAs
ernment of “political vendet- Opposition fire on the PNB
worth ~516 cr in H1 FY18
MODI, CHOKSI BARRED FROM SELLING ASSETS ta” against rivals with the issue by piloting the Fugitive New Delhi, March 4 8,915 DEFAULTERS OWE ~92,376 CR
■ National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has restrained over arrest of former Finance Min- Economic Offenders Bill to Public sector banks have ■ As many as 1,762 wilful defaulters owed ~25,104 cr to SBI
60 entities, including Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, companies ister P Chidambaram’s son confiscate domestic assets of written off loans worth Rs 516 as on March 31, 2017. PNB is next on the list with 1,120
and limited liability partnership firms, from selling their assets Karti being the case in point. scamsters. crore owed by wilful default- wilful defaulters having outstanding NPAs of ~12,278 cr
Even though sections in the Besides, the BJP will come ers in the first half of the cur-
■ Gitanjali Gems, Gilli India, Nakshatra Brands and Firestar Dia- ■ Total outstanding loans due to public sector banks by 8,915
party are still uncertain over into Parliament on a psycho- rent fiscal, as per the data col-
mond are among the barred companies, while partnership how the Karti arrest will play logical high having trounced lated by the Finance Ministry. wilful defaulters amounted to ~92,376 cr
firms include Solar Exports and Stellar Diamond
out politically, the decision as the CPM in Tripura and As part of this exercise, 38
of today is to defend Chi- Nagaland and having laid the loan accounts of wilful pressure on balance sheet of do so; he has siphoned off the
toral sweep of the northeast similar notices expected in dambaram and his son. ground for government for- defaulters were written off banks as it erodes operating funds or he disposed of the
where the Congress was Lok Sabha tomorrow. Con- Privately some Congress mation in Meghalaya. the books of banks during profit. Since recovery in case assets pledged for loan with-
reduced to dust in Tripura gress president Rahul Gandhi leaders say the party is still BJP’s defence on PNB April-September period of of wilful default is very out the bank’s knowledge.
and Nagaland while it strug- may personally lead the offen- weighing the political reper- scam will be the same as 2017-18, it said. remote so the possibility of If there is wilful default
gled with government forma- sive on the matter having cussions of the develop- before — these scams origi- Write-off in banking parl- write-back in the future is then where is the possibility
tion in Meghalaya despite been vocal on the issue for ments and whether Karti nated in UPA’s times and the ance means that the bank has also very little, said a senior of recovery, when the entire
winning the highest seats. days. Gandhi is, however, yet Chidambaram’s arrest has NDA is only clearing the old made 100% provision from its bank official. exercise was undertaken
That notwithstanding, to return from Italy where he blunted the party’s attack mess. The government will earning against that account. A wilful defaulter is some- with a clear intention of
deputy leader of Congress in is visiting his grandmother. on PM Modi over bank loot be equally keen to pass the Following this, non-perform- body who has essentially not default, the official said,
Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma The Congress-led Opposi- by fraudsters. anti instant triple talaq Bill as ing asset (NPA) is no longer used the fund for the purpose adding that banks could only
today gave an adjournment tion, including the TMC and The government, for its Parliament resumes tomor- part of its balance sheet. it has been borrowed or he get few of their assets which
notice over bank fraud with Left, will also accuse the gov- part, is geared to return the row after recess. However, the write-off puts has not repaid when he can have been disclosed. — PTI

Badals’ bus...
from page 1
JS Grewal, president of the
Mini Bus Operators Union, has
sought a CBI inquiry into the
mushrooming of bus transport
business of select companies.
“It is shocking that while most
of the transporters are suffer-
ing losses, still others are buy-
ing buses,” he said.
He blamed the Congress
government’s “dilly-dallying
approach” on introducing the
news transport policy. “The
Congress government prom-
ised a level-playing field for
all transporters but no differ-
ence is visible on the ground.
They have failed to introduce
the new transport policy due
to which some transporters
continue to reap profits.”
A number of other trans-
porters and union represen-
tatives, not wishing to be
identified, said the bus time
table favoured transport
companies owned by the
Badals as their buses were
given up to 10 minutes’ halt
at bus stands.
“This helps in getting more
passengers while other trans-
porters don’t get more than
two minutes,” they said.
Javed Abidi...
from page 1
differently abled when framing
policies for them. Most recently
Abidi was working to deter-
mine how accessible India’s
universities are. His early life
too was dedicated to accessibil-
ity issues. Many would recall
that polling booths were made
accessible following Javed Abi-
di’s petition to the SC.
His efforts at simplifying
the procedures for acquiring
disability certificates; his con-
stant struggles for dignity of
the dis and his successful
engagement with corporates
to deliver jobs for the special-
ly-abled are legendary.
Everyone remembers how
Abidi went out of his way to flag
the alleged harassment UN
Special Rapporteur for Disabil-
ity Shuaib Chalken, himself
differently abled, faced as an
Indigo passenger in 2012. He
wrote to the Aviation Ministry
demanding accountability of
the airline, which later apolo-
gised. Speaking truth to power
was a habit with Javed Abidi.
His demise deals a severe blow
to the global disability rights
movement in general and the
Indian struggle in particular.
Karti, Indrani confronted Support to SP
tactical: Maya
Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service
Mumbai, March 4
Karti Chidambaram, son of
former Finance Minister
and senior Congress leader
P Chidambaram was today
brought to Mumbai by the
CBI and “confronted” with
Indrani Mukerjea. Karti,
who has been arrested for
allegedly receiving bribes
from Mukerjea in the INX
Media case, said that all the
allegations against him
were politically motivated.
“All allegations against me
are false and politically
motivated,” a composed-
looking Karti punched his
fist in the air and shouted
out to reporters while being
escorted out of the Byculla
jail here by the CBI officials.
Both Indrani and her hus-
band Peter Mukerjea are
under arrest for the murder
of the former’s daughter
Sheena Bora in 2012.
According to sources, Kar-
ti was brought to Mumbai
by a six-member CBI team
from Delhi. Nobody was
allowed to enter the jail as
Tribune News Service
Lucknow, March 4
BSP national president
Mayawati, denying the par-
ty had entered into a poll
alliance with the Samajwa-
di Party, made it clear today
that the BSP had merely
decided to lend support to
SP candidates Praveen
Kumar Nishad and Nagen-
dra Singh Patel for the com-
ing Lok Sabha byelections
in Gorakhpur and Phulpur
on March 11.
“All rumours of a BSP-SP
alliance are false and base-
Karti Chidambaram leaves the Byculla Jail after meeting former less. As the BSP has not put
INX Media directors Indrani and Peter Mukerjea on Sunday. PTI up candidates in the Lok
Sabha byelections, our par-
long as Karti was in. Offi- duced before a CBI court. ty workers and voters were
cials refused to comment He was sent to five-day CBI asking for a directive. I
whether Karti was confront- custody on March 1. Karti have asked them to vote for
ed with Peter Mukerjea as is alleged to have received a party that can defeat the
well on the occasion. bribes in 2007 from the BJP, and in this case it is the
Karti was arrested at Mukerjeas for facilitating SP. It is not an alliance but a
Chennai airport shortly the Foreign Investment mere transfer of votes”.
after he returned from the Promotion Board (FIPB) The BSP supremo said her
United Kingdom and pro- clearance to INX Media. party had not struck an
alliance with any party any-
where in the country, except
in Karnataka where it has
tied up with HD Deve Gow-
da’s Janata Dal (Secular).
Hitting out at the media for
outting out speculative
reports on a SP-BSP alliance
in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati
said: “If there is ever an
alliance we will be the first to
announce it to the media.”
The BSP president said if
the SP agreed to send one
BSP candidate to the Rajya
Sabha, she would help the SP
win in the Vidhan Parishad.
Similarly, if the Congress
wanted BSP votes in Madhya
Pradesh to see its candidate
in the Rajya Sabha, it would
have to reciprocate in UP.
The BSP has only 19
members in the UP Assem-
bly while a minimum 37
votes are required for the
Rajya Sabha election sched-
uled later this month. The
SP has 47 members and the
Congress seven.
Misa blames
husband for
laundering
New Delhi, March 4
Shrugging off her responsibil-
ity, RJD chief Lalu Prasad’s
daughter Misa Bharti has put
the onus of running a company
being probed for money laun-
dering on her husband and a
dead CA, even though the ED
has said the duo “actively con-
spired” to launder Rs 1.2 crore
using shell firms.
The agency, in its
chargesheet filed against the
couple in December, had said
they were “party and actively
connected with proceeds of
crime, including its conceal-
ment, possession, acquisition
or use and projecting or claim-
ing it as untainted property,
and thus are guilty of offence
of money laundering.”
A special court in Delhi took
cognisance of the
chargesheet—called the pros-
ecution complaint under the
Prevention of Money Laun-
dering Act—and summoned
the couple as accused in the
case. They are scheduled to
appear before the court
tomorrow. — PTI

TAX ADVICE
SC VASUDEVA
State of affairs
Leaders switch loyalties No tax on interest
Shrinking support base up to ~10,000
before March 11 bypoll
a worry for Rupani govt Bihar
Q. I am a senior citizen and getting pension from PSPCL, Patiala,
besides family pension of my wife who died on 23.3.2017. I have an MIS
account of Rs 4.5 lakh with post office at Patiala and the interest there-
of was being taken on withdrawal form until 2017. Now the post office
has started depositing interest of Rs 3,150 per month to my savings
Gujarat JITENDRA K SHRIVASTAVA
account. The total interest during the financial year comes to Rs

P
MANAS DASGUPTA OLITICAL loyalties have start- 37,800. Further, the interest income from my savings account with SBI,
ed changing ahead of the PNB and HDFC Bank is Rs 5,330 (for 2017-18). Please advise whether I

S
ELF-IMMOLATION by a
Dalit activist last week
brought the BJP government
in Gujarat down on its knees with
various Dalit organisations threat-
ening to re-enact post-Una flog-
ging-type statewide agitations, if
the demands of the aggrieved
Bhanuprasad Vankar’s family
were not met. The 65-year old
activist, a retired government
employee, died for the cause of the
Dalit families denied land alloca-
tion for years despite entitlement.
On the forefront of the Dalit agi-
tation was Independent MLA Jig-
nesh Mevani. An unnerved Vijay
Rupani government accepted
each of the seven demands put
forth by Vankar’s family within 48
hours, in writing. The BJP is
afraid of antagonising Dalits
because of the steady decline in its
performance since the December
2017 Assembly elections.
Though parliamentary elections
are some 15 months away, shrink-
ing support base in the state is
causing concern to the ruling party
and it can ill-afford to alienate the
Dalits. PM Narendra Modi is aware
that a setback in his home state
could jeopardise his chances of
emerging as the undisputed leader
of the NDA unless the BJP can
repeat its 2014 performance, win-
ning a clear majority on its own.
Although CM Rupani and state
BJP chief Jitu Vaghani claim the
BJP is “actually gaining ground”
since the last Assembly elections,
the party has failed to turn the tide
and is actually suffering an erosion
in its base, both in rural and semi-
urban areas. The party has not been
tested in big cities since the Assem-
bly elections, but may still be the
March 11 bypolls to the Araria can avail the income-tax deduction of Rs 10,000 besides Rs 3,500 as
Lok Sabha, and Jehanabad and relief under Section 10 of the I-T Act or both for the FY 2017-18 while
Bhabhua Assembly seats in Bihar. preparing income-tax return for AY 2018-19. — Swaran Singh
Former Chief Minister and Hindus- A. The amount of Rs 3,500 is exempt from tax in respect
tani Awam Morcha (Secular) chief of the interest on PO Savings Account and, therefore,
Jitan Ram Manjhi left the ruling the deduction of Rs 10,000 admissible u/s 80TT is in
NDA to join hands with the RJD-lead addition to the amount which is exempt from tax.
Grand Alliance on February 28. Only
a couple of hours later, former Bihar Q. Kindly compute my income tax liability for the assessment
Congress chief Ashok Chaudhary year 2018-2019 as per the following details. Family pension of
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (R), Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani (L) and three MLCs joined Chief Minis- late husband: ~80,000 per month, gratuity: ~10 lakh, GIS: ~1
and state BJP chief Jitu Vaghani at a seminar in Gandhinagar. PTI FILE ter Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal lakh, GPF: ~12.5 lakh. My own income from salary: ~50,000 per
(United), thus dealing a blow to the month, GF: ~10,000 per month; medical insurance: ~1 lakh per
Despite the recent election win, the BJP has failed to turn Congress and the Grand Alliance annum, TDS: ~80,000 per annum. — Navneet Anote
(RJD, Congress and HAM-S). Former state Congress chief Ashok A. Replies to your queries are based on the following
the tide and is actually suffering an erosion in its base, HAM-S spokesperson Danish Choudhary (R) and another MLC after presumptions as these are not evident from the facts
both in rural and semi-urban areas in the state Rizwan alleged the NDA had been
they joined the JD (U) in Patna. PTI FILE
given in the query:
deliberately ignoring Manjhi’s party Sources say the BJP tried to stall a) The amount of Rs 1,00,000 received as GIS has been
favourite in urban areas. Vadnagar municipality, the PM’s considering it a “small ally” having Manjhi’s move by offering a minis- taken into account for computing your total income as
It was almost a repeat perform- hometown, winning 27 of the 28 just one member in the 243-member terial berth to his son Santosh you have not indicated the scheme under which this
ance for the BJP in the elections to seats. It succeeded in wresting the Bihar House. “HAM-S exercises Kumar Suman, but it was already amount has been received. b) Family pension has been
municipalities and panchayats Chhota-Udepur civic body from the influence over 13.5 per cent too late by then. taken at Rs 9,60,000 as you have indicated the family
held within two months of the Congress and staged a comeback in Mahadalits. In spite of our big pres- On the other hand, former Bihar pension @ Rs 80,000 per month. c) In respect of your
Assembly elections. The BJP Amreli district where it was wiped ence at the grassroot level, the NDA Congress chief Ashok Chaudhary salary ‘GF’ has been taken to be the General Provi-
claimed 47 of the 75 municipalities out in the Assembly elections. The continued to ignore us,” he alleged. and three MLCs (Dilip Chaudhary, dent Fund contribution for which deduction under
that went to the polls, a good per- BJP managed to take the Jafrabad Manjhi was not made a minister Ramchandra Bharti and Tanveer Section 80C of the Income-tax Act 1961 (The Act) has
formance on the face of it but what municipality unopposed and also when CM Nitish Kumar-led JD-U Akhtar) dumped the Congress to been claimed at Rs 1,20,000. d) You are neither a sen-
is worrying the leadership is the regained two more municipalities in embraced the NDA in August 2017. join the JD-U soon after Manjhi ior citizen nor a person above the age of 80 years. e)
party suffering defeat in 12 munic- the district leaving three to the Con- Later, Manjhi wanted his party to joined the Grand Alliance. The amount for medical insurance has been paid by
ipalities. The Congress captured 16 gress. The Congress took away Dev- contest the Jehanabad bypoll, but Chaudhary said: “We nurtured the an account-payee cheque. f) The amount of Rs
municipalities as against six under gadh-Baria, Jhalod and Bhayavadar the demand was turned down. Congress in its bad days despite the 10,00,000 has been assumed as the amount of gratu-
its control in the last elections. municipalities from the BJP. Clarifying his stand over realign- fact that it failed to recognise our ity of your late husband which is exempt from tax. g)
While one municipality each went In the elections to two districts ment with the RJD, Manjhi said: contribution. Now, we have joined The amount of ‘GPF’ of Rs 12,50,000 has been
to the NCP and the BSP, Indepen- and 17 taluka panchayats, the Con- “We have reasons to dump the NDA. the JD-U unconditionally as Nitish assumed to be the refund of General Provident Fund
dents won a majority in four local gress fared better than the BJP. The alliance never listened to the happens to be a true leader.” of your late husband which is not taxable.
bodies while there was no clear ver- While it managed to wrest the voices of the poor. Over 90,000 per- Chaudhary is a prominent figure Your total income has been computed as under for the
dict in six municipalities, but the Banaskantha panchayat from the sons were jailed for violating the among Dalits. The Congress re- assessment year 2018-19 on the basis of the above pre-
BJP managed to form a board with BJP, it could not regain Kheda till liquor ban imposed in 2016. Around established itself in the 2015 Assem- sumptions:-
the support of Independents in two recently considered a Congress 99 per cent of those jailed were from bly poll under his leadership by win- Family pension: ~9,60,000; less standard deduction:
of these. In respect of number of citadel. Of the 17 taluka panchay- poor families and their incarceration ning 27 seats of the 41 it had ~15,000; taxable income: ~9,45,000; salary income: ~6,00,000;
seats, the BJP won 1,167 of the 2,060 ats, the Congress captured eight, a left their children crying for two- contested. After the Manjhi joined total income: ~ 15,45,000; less u/s 80C of the Act: ~1,20,000;
seats, 15 less than it did last time. The net gain of three, and the BJP sev- square meals.” the Grand Alliance, Opposition deduction u/s 80D (medical insurance) being maximum per-
Congress won 630 seats, a massive 44 en while the two parties were tied “Injustice with the poor could not leader Tejaswi Prasad Yadav said: missible deduction: ~25,000; total income: ~14,00,000
per cent improvement over the last at 11 seats each in two taluka pan- be tolerated, so we parted ways with “The NDA claim that everything Tax payable on the above total income would work out
elections when it held 444 seats. chayats. The Congress succeeded the NDA. Now, we have joined hands was in order in the alliance has at Rs 2,47,535. After giving a deduction for amount
The BJP, however, had a few posi- in unseating the BJP from the with the RJD as it always cares for proved wrong. Manjhi’s exit shows deducted at source Rs 80,000, the net payable amount
tives too. It managed to sweep the Gandhinagar taluka panchayat. the poor,” he said. that all is not well within the NDA.” would be Rs 1,59,475.
 THE TRIBUNE
08 OPINION CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018

THE TRIBUNE Joint gains from Afghan peace

established in 1881 The ‘big picture’ India can’t ignore
MK Bhadrakumar ties with China and the warming up
with Russia. A relationship with Russia

Benching Dalai Lama

I
NDIA lost no time to welcome the cannot substitute for the far more
Afghan government’s call on Feb- important diplomatic, economic and
The limits of lal-lal ankhen ruary 28 “to armed groups to cease security relationship with the US. Of
violence and join national peace course, there are significant hurdles to
and reconciliation process”. India also overcome, but international recognition

T
HE Narendra Modi government’s abrupt reversal of its China
added the caveat that “there can be no
containment policy is a welcome and realistic acceptance of compromise with terrorism and action
India’s lack of capacity to sustain muscularity in foreign poli- must be taken against those who contin-
cy for long. For four years, South Block has deluded itself with the ue down the path of violence and those
belief that an unspoken alliance with the US and occasional launder- who finance them and provide safe
ing of the Tibetan cause were adequate bulwarks against a rising Chi- havens and sanctuaries”. The caveat is
na. But a government note last month asking all senior officials to well grounded. However, there is also
avoid functions marking 60 years of Dalai Lama’s exile is perhaps the the “big picture” sailing into view, which
first time India has so visibly distanced itself from the Tibetan cause. India cannot ignore.
The situation obviously is direr than South Block is letting it out to If a timeline is needed, it could be
be. For, Tibet and Buddhism (along with yoga) are PM Modi’s preferred mid-January when US Acting Assistant
soft foreign policy tools. PM Modi made it a point to be always accom- Secretary of State Alice Wells and a
panied by a sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree as if to underline India’s three-member team of Taliban negotia-
tors headed by Shahabuddin Dilawar
spiritual pre-eminence over competitor China during his visits to the
landed in Islamabad for consultations
Buddhist-dominated Sri Lanka, Mongolia, South Korea and Japan.
simultaneously. Some evidence is avail-
India ought to have realised the limited utility of the Dalai Lama when able in the testimony last week in Wash-
it egged him to visit Mongolia. The move spectacularly backfired after ington by Gen Joseph Votel, Comman-
Mongolia apologised to China and promised not to repeat the mistake. der, US Central Command, before the
The bell for course correction since then has been ringing loudly: Chi- House Armed Forces Committee that
na wrested Maldives away from Indian influence, Sri Lanka is seeing behind the cloud cover of nationalist
the political reemergence of a former President disdained as pro-China rhetoric, Pakistani army chief Gen
while the Communists won the Nepal elections on an anti-India plank. Qamar Javed Bajwa had begun “deliv-
Donald Trump’s baiting of Narendra Modi on social media has rein- ering”. Gen Votel noted, “Recently we
forced the folly of putting all strategic eggs in one superpower’s basket. have started to see an increase in com-
India’s slipping foothold in the neighbourhood is a stark testimo- munication, information sharing, and
ny to the short shelf life of a foreign policy pivoted solely on aggressive actions on the ground (by Pakistan) in
response to our specific requests —
nationalism and bluster that conceal the systemic weaknesses and the
these are positive indicators.”
absence of an overall foreign policy framework. Time will tell whether
The progress must have been appre-
Modi’s walk back on Tibet will act as an ice-breaker or whet China’s ciable because the Taliban switched to
appetite for extracting more concessions. But the self-realisation public diplomacy on February 14 with
about the limitations of a one-trick pony circus in conducting foreign a letter of the Islamic Emirate to the
policy could not have been more dramatic — and, more timely. American people, making a passionate
appeal to the “logic and conscience” of
the great American people that the Tal-
iban “can solve its problems with
of the Taliban as a legitimate Afghan
entity has been an elusive objective that
Pakistan keenly sought through the
past three decades. Being the best
organised and cohesive group by far in
the highly fragmented Afghan polity,
the Taliban can aspire for a leadership
role in a broad-based government under
a new constitution. Pakistan also holds
the permanent advantage of its unique
geography, which attracts big powers
without exception.
ON SAME PAGE: Consensus among major powers would be key to lasting peace. However, peace can only come with all
the major powers and neighbours of
Security Council’s senior director for didn’t differentiate the Haqqanis who Afghanistan on board. And cooperation
South and Central Asia, Lisa Curtis, on constitute Taliban’s “steel frame”. On in Afghanistan between big powers is
an overnight visit. According to the US the other hand, Ghani skipped the oth- necessary. The conference in Tashkent
embassy readout, Curtis expressed er contentious issue — the US occupa- in March, mentored by Washington, cre-
interest “to move toward a new relation- tion of Afghanistan. In the American ates a regional platform for consensus-
ship with Pakistan” and emphasised the scheme of things, the non-negotiable building. Russia can contribute mas-
“opportunity to work together”. part narrows down to a single point — sively to peace in Afghanistan. So can
Clearly, Afghan President Ashraf the military bases in Afghanistan. A Iran. Hopefully, the Tashkent process
Ghani did not conjure up from thin air tradeoff is entirely conceivable. The US can break the vicious cycle — Taliban
his peace initiative of February 27 offer- is willing to concede that Islamic legit- seeking talks with Americans while tak-
ing Taliban a ceasefire and release of imacy is essential for any Afghan gov- ing instructions from Islamabad, and
prisoners, recognition of the group as a ernment. Evidently, the US regards it the Kabul government seeking peace
political party, constitutional review to be imperative that the Taliban do not talks under tutelage from Washington.
and unconditional negotiations — plus gravitate to the Russian and Iranian No doubt, the US’ terms of engage-
an overture to Islamabad to “forget the orbit. Again, Pakistan’s cooperation ment with Pakistan impact Indian
past and start a new chapter”. The US’ being vital, its interests need to be interests. Coinciding with Ghani’s
olive branch to Taliban (and Pakistan)
and Curtis’ arrival in Islamabad, US
While India’s articulation of support for Ghani’s peace offer to the State Department spokesperson
Taliban makes a goodwill gesture, difficult decisions are needed by stressed last Tuesday that India and
Pakistan should “sit down and have
way of making adjustments in India’s regional policies. talks” regarding issues relating to their
. border tensions. The bottom line is that

North-East saffronised every side through healthy politics

and dialogue…and can play a con-
structive role”. On February 23, the
Victory of new slogans, fresh leaders Taliban reaffirmed this by welcoming
as “good news” the commencement of
imprimatur is self-evident. Ghani is in a
beleaguered position and lacks a base
in the Pashtun heartland. The weari-
ness and anger coursing through the
country is palpable. The Trump admin-
accommodated. But then, the US
views China to be a benign partner and
Beijing has influence over Pakistan.
Significantly, China has “highly appre-
ciated” Ghani’s peace offer and urged
while it may appear that a paradigm
shift is under way, in reality, maximalist
definitions still motivate Pakistan’s
approach. Therefore, Washington’s
expectations will put pressure on India.

T
WO decades back, Chalo Paltai (let us overturn) should have work on the Turkmenistan- istration understands the futility of the Taliban (“relevant parties”) to But then, with a crucial election year
been the staple slogan of one of the socialist-leftist formations Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) waging a war under an Afghan govern- address differences through consulta- looming ahead, will the Modi govern-
challenging an entrenched Goliath. It is a sign of how far poli- gas pipeline project. Curiously, the Tal- ment whose legitimacy is wearing thin. tion and dialogue. Arguably, the US ment be in a position to show flexibili-
tics has travelled that an election battle cry carrying the symbolism of iban claimed TAPI as its legacy — a Elections are needed urgently, but can- and Chinese interests can be congru- ty? Certainly, while India’s articulation
upturning the old order has helped the BJP pull the rug from under the pointed reminder of the Faustian deal not be held unless there is ceasefire, ent apropos the economic rise of conti- of support for Ghani’s peace offer to the
feet of the Left in Tripura. Ever since Mamata Banerjee successfully between the Taliban regime and Uno- since insurgents are active in 70 per nental and South Asia — that is, in Taliban makes a goodwill gesture, diffi-
worsted the CPM in West Bengal, the Left has been with its back to the cal in the mid-90s with patronage from cent of the country and continue to securing investments in connectivity cult decisions are needed in Delhi by
wall. Its inability to jettison a tired and unimaginative leadership has the Bill Clinton administration. expand their reach. The best American and integrating Afghanistan into the way of making adjustments in India’s
now knocked over Tripura, its second and last remaining bastion. Ker- On February 26, the Taliban followed hope lies in co-opting the Taliban under connective networks. regional policies. A leap of faith is need-
up with a formal proposal to hold direct a new leadership in Kabul where the To be sure, Pakistan has managed the ed for turning challenges into opportu-
ala has always been iffy and the CPM’s dominance there is not assured;
talks with the US. Interestingly, this pro- US retains influence. relationship with the US through a try- nities to improve India’s relations with
Kerala’s time of reckoning could come in the 2019 general election.
posal coincided with the arrival in Suffice to say, the moment of truth is ing period. The Pakistani elite is deter- both China and Pakistan.
What makes the North-East different is the BJP’s emergence as Islamabad of the Deputy Assistant to approaching for the Indian policymak- mined to have a relationship with the
the party of choice not just in Hindu-majority regions — Assam, the US President and the National ers. Ghani’s unconditional peace offer US, notwithstanding the longstanding The writer is a former ambassador
Manipur, Arunachal and, now, Tripura — but parts of Christian-dom-
inated areas as well, thought to have been traditionally out of its pale.
This performance shatters a seven decade-old trend of choices

In Lahore, a Holi to remember

devolving between the power brokers of the grand old party (Con-
gress) and local outfits messaging anti-establishment and regionalist
sentiments. The formula for the BJP’s success is endearingly simple:
old RSS warhorses snare leaders from local parties to pose as libera-
tors of an old order captured by jaded patronage networks. Sumit Paul university had been celebrating Holi tation well in advance. Alack, times his mother did her Master’s in Urdu
The absence of past baggage has helped BJP inveigle the voters of right from its inception in 1882 and the have changed. Yet, the feelings are literature from Lucknow University!
the North-East with its siren call of all-out and corruption-free devel-
opment embellished with a seasoning of Hindutva; a pattern first
experimented successfully in the “virgin” states of the north: Haryana,
J&K, Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The Modi government is already
I N 2002, I was in Pakistan for six
months to finish my doctorate on
(Raghupati Sahay) Firaq Gorakh-
puri’s poetry from the University of
Punjab, Lahore. Holi was round the cor-
tradition was never broken, even dur-
ing and after Partition. The three wars
also did not affect it. He quoted Urdu
poet and critic Kalidas Gupta ‘Raza’ —
‘ Rang nahin dekhte Hindu ya
intact in the hearts of the common peo-
ple of both countries. This cordiality
can be further consolidated through
the universality of festivals because
they all do not belong to a specific com-
This is what we all urgently need at
this hour of increasing rancour. We
need to imbibe the universal spirit of
festivity to live happily with one
another like a very big family. To
facing the law of diminishing returns in its erstwhile strongholds of ner and I was missing its infectious Musalmaan/Baras jaate hain sab pe ek munity or faith. Diwali or Holi is as quote Pakistani Urdu poet Aurangzeb
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Its governance record in other states bonhomie. On the eve of Holi, I got a samaan’. Holi had the shared history much a festival of Muslims as of Hin- Khan Qateel Shifai — ‘Holi na teri
is also under close scrutiny as jumlas have been inadequate in meet- call from the professor of philosophy, Dr and heritage of India and Pakistan. It dus, just like Eid is celebrated by all, hai, na meri/Eid jaise hai sabki,
ing the aspiration for regular employment and farm prosperity. They Rahil Abbas, to come to the department belongs to all. Dr Abbas’ words still not just by Muslims. I remember, I had humari-tumhari/Rasmon aur
will be even less of a help in North-East which is even more problem- to celebrate Holi. It was a surprise! Holi echo in my mind. sheer-khurma on Eid at the place of a tyoharon ko na baant, mere yaar/Sirf
atic due to the complexity of overlapping regional identities. in Pakistan! I went to the department; it This unforgettable experience Christian friend of mine from Rampur ada-e-tyohar ko dekh, jo hai sabse
was a colourful spectacle to behold. enthralled me. I left Pakistan after the in Uttar Pradesh. His parents were pyari’ (Holi doesn’t belong to you or
There were colours everywhere. Stu- completion of my PhD degree, but I Roman Catholics, but they were me/Just like Eid belongs to all/My
dents and professors were playing Holi. still get the invite from the department brought up in Lucknow and had the friend, don’t discriminate among fes-
Thought for the Day The moment I entered the department, of humanities on the occasion of Holi. inter-cultural ethos in their blood, nay tivals/Just look at the beauty of it,
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we all greeted me with ‘Holi mubarak ho’ They haven’t forgotten to invite me in their consciousness. My friend’s which is of paramount importance).
belong to each other. — Mother Teresa in chorus. Dr Abbas told me that the since 2002. This year too, I got the invi- parents spoke impeccable Urdu and Wish, we all understood this!

letters to the editor

What Cong needs to do
Harish Khare’s ‘Primary task at Cong
plenary’ (Statecraft, March 2); rightly
warns of the current goings-on in the
polity. The plenary session of the Con-
gress holds special importance not
only for the party, but also for the Indi-
an polity due to the change of its pres-
ident. The elevation of Rahul Gandhi
has imparted new orientation to the
party, which seems to be in acute need
of ‘will power’ and ‘a sense of propor-
tion’ to retrieve its loosening hold on
the polity, despite its legacy, leader-
ship, experience and drawbacks of
political opponents. The current situ-
ation demands honesty of purpose,
genuine concern for the problems of
different strata of society, coupled
with the fire and thrust for robust and
efficient political action. A responsible
and strong Opposition is as much
desirable as an efficient and forward-
looking government.
JAGVINDER SINGH BRAR, PATIALA
Countering BJP
In his meaningful write-up ‘Primary
task at Cong plenary’ (March 2),
Harish Khare in his typical style has
given a mahamantra to the Con-
gress for its plenary session. All the
ingredients contained in the concoc-
tion of advice to the main opposition
party can prove to be most powerful
and effective to counter the strong
march of the BJP. The two-pronged
strategy, as propounded in the arti-
cle, rightly emphasises on highlight-
ing weaknesses of the BJP, like
authoritarianism, dilution of author-
ity of important ministers and fail-
ure at the fiscal and foreign policy
front. But it is also equally essential
that the Congress should bring to
light that they have the ‘personali-
ties’ and ‘policies’ to counter
Modi’s leadership quality.
VK ANAND, PATIALA
A tall task
Reference to ‘Primary task at Cong
plenary’ by Harish Khare (State-
craft, March 2); the BJP has grown
and replaced the Congress as the
dominant political party. Economi-
cally, the Congress has the same
class character as BJP, as it also rep-
resents the interests of the rich class.
The Congress professes to be secular,
but it has proved to be incapable of
consistently fighting the communal
forces. Right now, it is necessary to
oppose the BJP’s anti-people poli-
cies. These fundamental tasks can-
not be carried out by the Congress
alone, but by a determined Opposi-
tion, leaving aside their minor differ-
ences to protect the Constitution
which is under erosion.
SK KHOSLA, CHANDIGARH
Offer better alternative
Apropos ‘Primary task at Cong plena-
ry’ by Harish Khare (March 2), both
the ruling and opposition parties are
key pillars of ‘good’ governance. A
sensible Opposition should be capable
of raising its voice courageously, hon-
estly and effectively. Application of
Kautilya’s doctrine of saam, daam,
dand, bhed for silencing the voice of
the people to gain power is not new.
Congressmen should analyse the
present situation minutely and offer
better options for the welfare and the
development of the country.
VIJAY JATAIN, JIND
What ails Congress
The fortunes of the grand old party
have been on a decline since 2014,
losing state after state. After every
poll debacle, assurance of a serious
introspection for the defeat is given
by the party, but with no tangible
positive results. The poll results of
three states in the Northeast are
demoralising not only for the party
cadre, but also party sympathisers.
Most sychophants in the party
attribute the losses to extraneous
factors whereas the real reasons lie
within the party. Well-meaning lead-
ers of the party should now serious-
ly debate the leadership issue
before it is too late.
COL SS HORA (RETD), JALANDHAR
Politician vs babu
Refer to the middle ‘A Chief Secre-
tary is chastised...’ (March 2); politi-
cians and bureaucrats rule the coun-
try and relations between them affect
the nation. Never before has such an
incident taken place, as it occurred in
Delhi. Bad blood between these two
pillars of the executive is increasing
and gets reflected in the social and
print media from time to time. The
politician’s pride and highhanded-
ness can never meet the ends of jus-
tice. Perhaps, it is time for politicians
and bureaucrats to have an induction
programme, especially in the wide
area of relationship, not only between
themselves, but also in their dealings
with the public.
S KUMAR, PANCHKULA
Premature euphoria?
Reference to the March 2 editorial
‘Statistical illusion’; GDP figures
affirm an upward trend, but the gov-
ernment must not lose sight of chal-
lenges, like the mess in the banking
sector. The release of the latest eco-
nomic data by the Central Statistics
Office may help dispel some of the
gloom for now. It needs to be remem-
bered that growth rate was at 8.2 per
cent in the year that preceded the
demonetisation debacle. Let us hope
that the next quarter is better, given
the low-base effect and with a pick-
up in exports, and perhaps the fact
that industry has shrugged off/
warded the lingering ill-effects of
demonetisation and GST. The Eco-
nomic Survey had well indicated
that the economic management
would be challenging in the coming
year. How quickly the Modi govern-
ment gets down to addressing this
will make all the difference.
PL SINGH, BY MAIL
Go for 3-language formula
Apropos the article ‘A little less Indi-
an’ (February 28), there was a time
when we were vishav-guru in knowl-
edge. Our universities in Nalanda
and Taxila were world famous and
had disciples from around the world.
However since Independence, our
education system has been cursed
and younger minds have been made
to believe that our system is outdat-
ed and does not keep pace with the
world, creating inferiority complex.
Every system has its merits and
demerits. The need is to minimise
the demerits. English alone cannot
work. The three-language formula is
the best for the holistic development
of the country. Exchange pro-
grammes should be introduced in
the North and South, East and West.
Every state must have a curriculam
that promotes an inter-state lan-
guage exchange programme. This
way we will not lose what we were
once proud of, and can also keep up
with the world.
SHASHI BALA, MANDI DABWALI

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribuneindia.com
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018 OPED 09

Number-game at the apex court

Courts try to insulate themselves from external political influences. Yet, the institutions seem to be limited by the
proclivity of the persons who sit in them, and even the SC faces an internal political strife. Not long ago, the highlight
was the moral stand-off of the four collegium judges; this time it is a number-game of precedents.
Shreenath A. Khemka Bench has the ability to overrule. The can be argued that in order to protect the
King’s Law Scholar, University three-judge Bench has now stayed the design of numerical superiority, a lower
of Cambridge operation of the February 8 order, consid- Bench should not be given the mandate
ering that a co-extensive Bench may not to declare the decision of a higher bench

A
three-judge Bench of Justices
MB Lokur, K Joseph and D
Gupta stayed the operation of
the February 8 order delivered
by the three-judge Bench of
Justices A Mishra, AK, Goel and MM
Shantanagoudar. The impugned Febru-
ary 8 order had declared (by a 2:1 split)
the 2014 judgment of another three-
judge Bench of Justices RM Lodha, K
Joseph and MB Lokur as per incuriam. A
judicial roulette of a Bench being over-
ruled and the overruling being overruled
again, where two judges vindicated their
judgement from 2014. While the legal
matter in these cases involve the opera-
tion of S 24(2) of the Land Acquisition Act
2013, the flutter in the legal circles is on
the question of adjudicative mores.
Common law courts work on the Latin
doctrine of stare decisis, or precedent-on
the same facts, the same reasoning must
be used to arrive at the same conclusion.
This is a systemic limitation that brings
predictability, coherency, and stability in
cognitive application. A court binds itself
and its lower courts by the judgment and
its reasoning therein. A subsequent ver-
dict that disregards a laid-down precedent
is thrown out as per incuriam which trans-
lates into 'without consideration of the
law'. The matter complicates itself when
the same court overrules itself. The judi-
cial praxis dictates three essential rules
that must be followed within the courts.
First, a higher court verdict is always to
be followed by the lower courts. The only
escape is the clever judicial tool of estab-
lishing divergence of facts which results
in the precedent being inoperative.
Second, within the same court, the deci-
sion of the larger Bench trumps a con-
flicting judgment of the smaller Bench.
This is disregarding the actual split that
persists in the Benches. So, a seven-
judge Bench of the split 4:3 will overrule
a unanimous five-judge Bench (5:0) even
though the concurring judges in the lat-
ter are greater than the former.
Third, between Benches of the same
strength, the latter in time takes prece-
dence over the former. The assumption is
that the recently laid down judgment is
the latest legal position which would
have considered all past laws. But how
the earlier decision (of the same Bench
strength) was overruled remains unclear
in many cases. This non-clarity has
resulted in the present controversy.
While it is clear that a lower Bench is
bound by the dictum of a higher Bench,
what is unclear is whether a co-extensive
have the power to overrule. The problem
complicates itself when courts engage in
the practice of referring such conflicts to a
higher Bench. This creates a paradox of
numerical strength-the co-extensive
Bench is bound by what came first in time,
even though it has the same constituency
(strength). Therefore, precedent applies on
co-equals and subordinates, while only the
superior has the ability to alter. However
true this proposition may be, it does not
appreciate the subtle difference between
'overruling' and 'per incuriam'.
A judgement is 'overruled' when on the
merits of weighing legal arguments, it is
decided that the former was a poorer legal
exposition. The exercise is a cognitive re-
evaluation of a legal question. Such
should require a superior (both authority-
wise and numerically) body to reconsider
the past decision. However, when a judg-
ment is adjudged as 'per incuriam', it is
merely made inoperable. The doctrine is
a technical limitation to the adherence of
a legal decision which is made without
considering certain laws. It does not re-
evaluate an established legal position, but
merely declares the same to be bad as all
relevant factors were not considered
while making it. Therefore, 'per incuriam'
should not suffer from the numerical lim-
itation that 'overruling' requires. While it
as per incuriam, such a limitation does
not exist for a co-extensive Bench.
Insulating the courts from political
institutions does not mean that courts are
insulated from politics within. The fact
that two judges have potentially restored
their 2014 judgment is being hushed
away as a political step. This is no novelty
for the apex court. In Shayarao Bano v.
UOI (Triple Talaq judgement), Justice RF
Nariman as the sole author had declared
the three-judge Bench decision in State of
AP v. McDowell as per incuriam, in which
he himself was the arguing counsel. The
resultant verdict was a restoration by Jus-
tice Nariman of what advocate Nariman
had previously contended before the
court, but lost. However seemingly politi-
cal these decisions might appear; such
occurrences are mere modalities of the
profession and should not dispel confi-
dence in the merits therein.
While the apex court should deliberate
in greater nuance the distinction between
'overruling' and 'per incuriam' in the pres-
ent context, the game remains the same.
Numbers do matter. The very fact that the
three-judge Bench of Justices MB Lokur,
K Joseph and D Gupta are contemplating
referring the matter to a five-judge Bench
speaks unequivocally of the number-
game that operates within the courts.

Jagdeep S. Chhokar
Encounters as state policy?
not, it is subsequently discovered that the
Former Director, IIM, Ahmedabad person was indeed a dreaded "criminal",
had several cases registered against him
the person accused of an offence punish- things, that "the police had encounters with
able with death or imprisonment for life. 1032 criminals" in the state till January 16,
Thus, it is evident that death caused in an 2018, presumably since March 19, 2017,

A
news item on February 16, 2018,
said: "'Police encounters won't
stop,' says Yogi Adityanath" .
Since it was a PTI story, most
newspapers reported it.
A dictionary describes an 'encounter' as
"a meeting with a person or thing, especial-
ly a casual, unexpected, or brief meeting".
While technically, encounters can also be
simple meetings, in this context, 'unex-
pectedness' seems to be an essential ingre-
When a CM says: dient. It, therefore, follows that encounters
happen, that there is an element of chance.
“Police encounters However, when the executive head of a
state says: "Police encounters won't stop",
won't stop”, it the implications seem to be that the police
will keep running into suspected criminals
implies that the unexpectedly. The moot question is: Will
these chance meetings continue to happen,
Police will keep or will they continue to be made to happen?
running into The anatomy of encounters
An encounter takes place when the
suspected criminals police, by chance, happen to run into
someone who is armed, and when chal-
unexpectedly. The lenged, fires at the police, and the police
question is: Will have no other recourse but to open fire,
and end up shooting the person who dies.
these chance In our make-believe world, the narration
of most encounters runs like this: The
meetings continue police get information about the move-
ment of a seemingly undesirable person
to happen, or will who is planning to conduct some danger-
ous and undesirable, often criminal, act.
they continue to be The police reach the site with great
alacrity and confront this person, he
made to happen? shoots at the police, the police "return" the
fire, and the person dies. More often than
(or her), and carried a reward for capture.
It seems such chance events started hap-
pening very frequently, resulting in some
police officers being referred to, as
'encounter specialists'. The phenomenon
came to be recognised in the 1990s, origi-
nating from Mumbai where these special-
ists took on various underworld gangs.
Such specialists acquired a larger-than-life
image which was even lionised in films.
The legal situation
The phenomenon seemed to have become
so widespread that the National Human
Rights Commission (NRHC) recommend-
ed "a procedure to be followed in the cases
of encounter death by all the States/UTs in
the country." This procedure was circulat-
ed to all the states and UTs in March 1997.
It was revised in December 2003.
However, in May 2010, the NHRC wrote,
"The Commission finds that most of the
states are not following the recommenda-
tions issued by it in the true spirit." It
added: "The National Human Rights Com-
mission is concerned about the death dur-
ing the course of a police action. The police
does not have a right to take away life of a
person. Under the scheme of law prevail-
ing in India, it would not be an offence if
the death is caused in the exercise of right
of private defence. Another provision
under which the police officer can justify
causing the death of a person, is Section 46
of the Criminal Procedure Code. This pro-
vision authorizes the police to use reason-
able force, even extending up to the caus-
ing of death, if found necessary to arrest
encounter if not justified would amount to
an offence of culpable homicide."
This issue has come up before the SC
repeatedly. In a landmark case in 2012(Om
Prakash and Ors. Vs. State of Jharkhand), it
observed: "It is not the duty of the police offi-
cers to kill the accused merely because he is
a dreaded criminal. Undoubtedly, the police
have to arrest the accused and put them up
for trial. This Court has repeatedly admon-
ished trigger-happy police personnel, who
liquidate criminals and project the incident
as an encounter. Such killings must be dep-
recated. They are not recognised as legal by
our criminal justice administration system.
They amount to State sponsored terrorism."
Three years after the NHRC recommen-
dations of 2010, the SC made the following
observations in a case (Rohtash Kumar vs.
State of Haryana, 2013): "What disturbs us
is the fact that the police have refused to fol-
low the guidelines dated 2/12/2003 issued by
the National Human Rights Commission.
The two crucial guidelines which have been
completely ignored by the police are that
the investigation into the encounter death
must be done by an independent investiga-
tion agency and that whenever a complaint
is made against the police making out a
case of culpable homicide, an FIR must be
registered. In the instant case, the police
have refused to even register the FIR on the
complaint made by the appellant alleging
that his son Sunil was killed by the police."
What is happening in a state?
The UP Government released a poster in
January 2018 which said, among other
when the current government assumed
office. This works out to 103 encounters
every month on an average, which seems a
rather high number for what, by definition,
is a "chance" event. The same poster said
that 32 criminals were killed during these
encounters and 236 were injured.
It was reported that the “Uttar Pradesh
Police conducted 420 encounters with
alleged criminals, killing 15, in less than
six months since the Yogi Adityanath
government came to power, according to
official statistics released." The same
report added that "ten of the alleged
criminals were killed in just 48 days
leading up to September 14."
The Inspector-General (Law and
Order), Hari Ram Sharma, was reported
to have said that these encounters were
part of the police's efforts to "control
crime". The report also said, "On Septem-
ber 2, a day after wanted criminal Sunil
Sharma succumbed to injuries sus-
tained in an encounter on the outskirts
of Lucknow, Srivastav (Rahul Srivastav,
public relations officer at the DGP head-
quarters) posted: '#uppolice encounter
express halts in the capital… miles to
go…' The tweet was accompanied by a
news clipping of the encounter."
When (a) the Chief Minister says "Police
encounters won't stop"; (b) an IG says
"encounters were part of police's efforts to
"control crime"; and (c) the Public Rela-
tions Office at the DGP's office tweets
about the "UP Police encounter express",
what are encounters if not state policy?
(Views are personal)

on this day... 100 years ago quick crossword su do ku forecast

FRIDAY’S V. EASY
SOLUTION SUNSET: MONDAY 18:24 HRS
SUNRISE: TUESDAY 06:44 HRS
Across
1 Aristotle, 8 Floor,
2 5 4 3
Lahore,Tuesday, March 5, 1918.
9 Gnarled, 10
Literature and the Press Weight, 11 9 6 7 5 8 Sunny Partly Cloudy Cloudy
CITY MAX
Rainy
MIN
Foggy

Swanky, 12 Once-
THE section of the Administration report dealing with Literature and Chandigarh 27 14
the Press is as usual, one of its most interesting features. We learn
over, 15 Eloquent,
18 Squall, 20 3 8 7 6 New Delhi 31 16
from it that inspite of the shortage of paper the output of books and Rebuke, 21 PUNJAB
periodicals slightly increased during the year but that there were few
works of any particular merit and the general literary standard was
Doughty, 22
Curse, 23
5 3 2 1 Amritsar
Bathinda
25
26
13
13
not high. This is in the main true, and deserves serious attention of Prototype.
Jalandhar 25 13
leaders of thought and opinion in the Province. Year after year there
Down
7 3 Ludhiana 26 13
should be the same story of dull mediocrity to tell, that while other Patiala 26 15
2 Renew, 3 Strand,
Provinces such as Bengal, for instance, are making rapid progress, we
in the Punjab should have practically no literary output of a high
4 One by one, 5
Effete, 6 Forgive, 7
2 8 4 6 HARYANA
Ambala 27 14 18
order. As regards newspapers we learn that there was again a fall in Fraternal, 11 Bhiwani 28 13
number and in circulation, the decrease in the latter being attributed Sidetrack, 13 Cut 1 8 2 5 Hisar 27 12
to the increased cost of paper and printing materials. short, 14
Karnal 25 11
Bombard, 16
Protest Against Internment. Upkeep, 17 1 7 2 9 8 Sirsa
HIMACHAL PRADESH
25 17
WE are glad to learn from the Calcutta papers that there is going Budget, 19 Let up.
Dharamsala 17 07
to be a public meeting in the Calcutta Town Hall tomorrow to
protest against the policy of internment. We hope, with our con-
4 9 7 3 Manali 15 -01
Nahan 22 10
temporaries, that the demonstration will be a united demonstra- ACROSS 20Rashly impetuous person festival (7,5) Shimla 16 04
tion of the entire Bengali nation. No part of the country has suf- 1 Representative (8) (7) 4 Away from the coast (6) Friday’s solution calendar Solan 22 07
fered more from the existence of the policy of internment than March 5, 2018, Monday
5 Large branch of tree (4) 21Glowing fragment (5) 6 Eskimo snow house (5) 9 1 6 3 7 8 2 4 5 JAMMU & KASHMIR
Bengal, and the recent case of the Sindhubalas shows that the ■ Vikrami Samvat 2074
Jammu 22 11
9 Smelling stale (5) 22Feign (4) 7 Platitude (8) 8 2 5 1 6 4 3 9 7 ■ Shaka Samvat 1939
policy, indefensible in itself, is sometimes carried out in a manner ■ Phalgun Shaka 14 Leh 09 00
10Wool grease (7) 23Belgian capital (8) 8 Partiality (3-9) 4 3 7 5 2 9 6 8 1
which even the Executive Government is unable to defend. The ■ Phalgun Parvishte 22
Srinagar 13 04
11 Remain self-possessed 12Protective overshoes (8) 6 8 3 2 5 7 4 1 9 ■ Hijari 1439
most wonderful part of the whole thing is that on the top of all this 7 5 1 4 9 3 8 2 6 ■ Krishan Paksha Tithi 4, up to UTTARAKHAND
it is actually proposed to have more special legislation. It is to be (4,4,4) DOWN 15Base (7) 2 4 9 6 8 1 5 7 3
12.40 pm
Dehradun 28 11
■ Vridhi Yog up to 6.50 pm
hoped that the Town Hall meeting will be the beginning of the 13Cite as evidence (6) 1 Identical (4) 16Malicious homicide (6) 3 7 2 8 1 5 9 6 4 ■ Chitra Nakshatra up to 8.18 pm Mussoorie 18 07
end and will sound the death-knell of this policy. 14Loose from moorings (6) 2 Crime (7) 18Additional (5) 5 9 8 7 4 6 1 3 2 ■ Moon enters Libra sign at 8.12 am
Nainital 19 11
■ Shri Ganesh Chaturthi Vart
17 Supplied in excess (12) 3 Ancient Panhellenic 19Weapons (4) 1 6 4 9 3 2 7 5 8 ■ Moonrise at 9.55 pm TEMPERATURE IN OC

10
Use research for social welfare: Guv Af talks: Pak must shun
Tribune News Service
Jammu, March 4
Governor NN Vohra, who is
the Chancellor of the Uni-
versity of Jammu, today
asked the faculty and schol-
ars in the institutions of
higher learning to get
meaningfully involved in
research and finding prag-
matic solutions to major
problems of society.
He was speaking at the
17th convocation of the Uni-
versity of Jammu. “Institu-
tions of higher learning
assume relevance only when
their faculty and scholars get
involved in research and
find solutions to major prob-
lems being faced by people,”
the Governor said.
He said the passing-out
scholars should use their
knowledge and skills for the
welfare of the less privileged
segments of society. He
exhorted them to devote their
time and resources in spread-
ing literacy and undertake
any task, no matter how
small, to alleviate poverty.
“For members of the fac-
ulty, convocation is an occa-
sion when they feel rightly
proud and satisfied that
their sustained endeavours
At Army meet, youth
regret throwing stones
Srinagar: The Army on Sunday
interacted with a group of
stone throwers in Anantnag
district. The interaction with
individuals who were arrested
earlier on the charges of stone-
throwing was held at Bander-
pora, Kanelwan. “The meet
was aimed at analysing the
pulse of the youth and the pre-
vailing situation. The individu-
als shared their future aspira-
tions to succeed in life by
working hard and regretted
their immature and unethical
act of throwing stones at the
security forces,” an Army
spokesman said. TNS
40% work on Solan four-laning done
Deadline over on March 31 | Executing firm had sought 15-month extension in Oct
Ambika Sharma
Tribune News Service
Solan, March 4
The National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI) is
yet to grant extension to the
four-laning work being exe-
cuted on the 39-km stretch
between Parwanoo and
Solan by the GR Infra Pro-
jects (GRI) though the 30-
month project period will
expire on March 31.
With about 40 per cent
work having been executed,
GRI officials had sought a
15-month extension from
the NHAI in October last
year. The NHAI officials
who had assessed the work
after a thorough field sur-
vey are yet to take a deci-
sion about the extension of
the project period.
The execution of the
work was far from smooth
and several impediments
were delaying its comple-
Thakur hints at tweaking
Section 118 of land Act
Bhanu P Lohumi
Tribune News Service
Shimla, March 4
Chief Minister Jai Ram
Thakur has stirred up a hor-
net’s nest by indicating
changes in Section 118 of
the Tenancy and Land
Reforms Act (1972).
He said today that the sec-
tion would not be scrapped,
only rules would be simpli-
fied and the issue was open
for a debate. The Congress
government had amended
and diluted the Act six
times, he added.
Non-agriculturist bona
fide Himachalis are suffer-
ing due to the provisions of
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Governor NN Vohra and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during
the 17th convocation of the University of Jammu on Sunday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: INDERJEET SINGH
to impart knowledge to
their pupils have borne
fruit,” Vohra added.
Lauding the achievements
of the university, he noted
that in the area of sciences,
particularly physics, electron-
ics and biotechnology, the
university had earned inter-
national recognition. He
appreciated the biotechnolo-
Kathua incident being given
communal colour: Mehbooba
Tribune News Service
Jammu, March 4
Chief Minister Mehbooba
Mufti attended a youth con-
vention of the PDP here today.
As some political parties
and fringe groups are politi-
cising the rape and murder
of an eight-year-old girl in
Kathua, Mehbooba, in a
veiled attack on her coali-
tion partner BJP, said the
gruesome act was being giv-
en a communal colour.
IMPEDIMENTS DELAYING COMPLETION
■ The 30-month project period will expire on March 31
■ With about 40 per cent work having been executed,
GRI officials had sought a 15-month extension from
the NHAI in October last year
■ The execution of the work was far from smooth and sever-
al impediments were delaying its completion
■ Unavailability of adequate dumping spots to dispose of
muck was among the biggest handicaps
tion. The unavailability of
adequate dumping spots to
dispose of muck was
among the biggest handi-
caps and excavation activi-
ty was leading to the depo-
sition of huge quantities of
muck on a daily basis.
Though a part of this muck
was used in the filling
process, a large quantity
was supposed to be dis-
posed of scientifically so
that the onset of rains
doesn’t inundate the nul-
Section 118 which has
snatched their right to buy
land and made them the
“second class” subjects in
their own state.
For long, the successive
governments had been mis-
guiding the people by
asserting that the Act was
meant to protect farm land
and only outsiders are
barred from purchasing it
without permission of the
government while no such
condition has been imposed
on Himachalis.
The section is discrimina-
tory as it violates the Right
to Equality and vocation
right as no non-agricultur-
gy department of the univer-
sity for undertaking a
research work on certain
problems being faced by hor-
ticulturists of J&K and other
states where apples were
grown. He observed that the
culmination of the ongoing
research project would
engender a revolutionary out-
come in increasing the pro-
‘PDP playing politics’
■ Deputy Chief Minister Nir-
mal Singh on Sunday made
a veiled attack on coalition
partner PDP for playing ‘pol-
itics’ in the Kathua incident
■ Nirmal defended his two
party colleagues in the
government who had
addressed a meeting of
locals agitating for the past
month demanding handing
over the case to the CBI
for a free and fair trial
lahs and the arable land.
Project in charge, GRI,
Devasis Patra, said two
major dumping grounds
to dispose of 3 lakh cubic
meter to 4 lakh cubic
meter muck was the need
of the hour as the entire
lot could not be used in
the filling process. He said
a request had been made
to the district administra-
tion to make available
suitable sites for this
process at the earliest.
ist can do farming under
the Act even if he has adopt-
ed it as the main source of
livelihood. The agricultur-
ists have vested interest in
retaining this section as
they can purchase land to
any extent, develop plots
and construct flats and sell
these for high profit. The
CLU is not being applied
and agriculture lands are
squeezing, defeating the
purpose of the Act. Ironical-
ly, Himuda is acquiring the
land and selling plots and
flats to outsiders and
builders are also demand-
ing parity with Himuda for
selling the flats.
J&K/HP
Youths’ resilience will
lead to peace: Jaitley
■ Finance Minister Arun Jait-
ley on Sunday said the
state youth had demon-
strated unprecedented
resilience amid disturbed
and geographically disad-
vantaged environment.
■ Addressing
the convoca-
tion, the minister said J&K
was a challenging state to
govern as it required deter-
mination and statesman-
ship to face criticism while
making a stable and
peaceful society.
■ “Students have been
demonstrating unprece-
dented resilience amid tur-
bulence. Despite all odds,
they are excelling in aca-
demics. It’s quite likely this
will end up bringing peace
in the state,” said Jaitley.
ductivity of apple cultivation 59 gold medals, cash awards
across the country. “Every and medals.
good scholar must strive to be Earlier, Prof RD Sharma,
a good human and must work Vice Chancellor, highlight-
to build a prosperous India,” ed the achievements of the
the Governor said. university and its future
He awarded 214 degrees, plan of action. He thanked
including 155 PhD degrees, the Governor for taking
while Union Finance Minis- keen interest in the
ter Arun Jaitley, who was growth and development
the chief guest, gave away of the university.
Two prisoners shifted
from Srinagar jail
Srinagar: Following the escape
of a dreaded Pakistani
Lashkar-e-Toiba militant, the
“In Kathua, a big incident J&K Government has shifted
happened when an eight- two top prisoners Qasim Fak-
year-old was raped and too and Mohammad Shafi
killed. However, unfortu- Khan, alias Shafi Shariati, who
nately today it is being given are serving life sentences, from
a religious colour,” Mehboo- the Srinagar Central Jail. Over
ba said. She asked the youth 40 prisoners, including mili-
to defeat the nefarious tants, have been shifted from
designs of the people who jails after the dramatic escape
were hell bent upon hurting of Naveed Jutt from SMHS Hos-
the peace in Jammu. pital in February. DGP SP Vaid
“I am hopeful that the said two prisoners had been
people of Jammu will con- shifted. “The two have been
tinue to maintain the shifted on the Home Depart-
peace,” Mehbooba added. ment’s directions,” he said. TNS
site permission from the
NHAI has been sought.
Though four railway over
bridges (ROBs) are sup-
posed to be constructed on
this stretch, apart from the
ROB at Sanawara other
three were awaiting certifi-
cation of the design from
the Railway authorities.
In order to achieve the req-
uisite 45-m width, an addi-
tional enumeration of trees
With owners of some along the road was also sup-
plots yet to receive their posed to be undertaken by
award the GRI staff had the forest staff and this work
failed to get unhindered too was yet to be completed.
land for executing the The district administration
work in a continuous man- had recently convened a
ner and at places like meeting of the NHAI, GRI
Dharampur work was pro- and officials concerned from
ceeding in bits and pieces. various departments to
Other impediments like speed up the pending issues
removal of high-tension and project officials were
power line towers was also hopeful that issues like avail-
yet to be initiated by HP ability of dumping sites and
State Electricity Board removal of HT towers would
Limited though the requi- be undertaken soon.
Snowfall, rain bring chill back in Manali
Hoteliers expect a rise in tourist inflow | Apple growers rejoice
Tourists enjoy amid snow in the Solang valley on Sunday. PHOTO: MC THAKUR
terrorism everywhere
A
FGHAN President
Ashraf Ghani’s talks
offer to the Taliban to
bring about a negotiated
settlement in his trouble-
torn country is a typical
paradox of pragmatism and
compulsion. The problem
in Afghanistan is that the
government is not in con-
trol of more than 56 per cent
of its territory, and the Pak-
istan-backed Taliban can-
not take Kabul. It is very
difficult to find the middle
ground, but optimists are
looking for a bright spot in
the initiative.
The outcome of the talks,
if held at all — so far the Tal-
iban has not responded, will
depend much on Pakistan.
This time around Pakistan
has a reason to welcome the
talks for three reasons. One,
it wants to avert getting
blacklisted by Finance
Action Task Force, as it
already is set to figure in its
“grey list” from June. Sec-
ond, it wants to mend its
ties with the Trump admin-
istration that doesn’t trust
it. Third, it wants to main-
tain peace and order on its
border with Afghanistan to
fulfil its obligations to Chi-
na that has invested $56 bil-
lion in the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor.
But, Pakistan is unable to
shake off its frozen mindset
that has invested in terrorism
to have strategic depth in
Afghanistan. It will never
allow its leverage to go unless
pushed to the wall but what
no one can change is the
strategic geographical loca-
tion that it enjoys. Had it not
been the transit route for the
American troops and sup-
plies to the landlocked
Afghanistan, the internation-
al community would have
declared it enabler and incu-
bator of terrorism long ago.
It is for Pakistan to make
Nadda likely to be RS nominee
Notification for the poll to be done today
Tribune News Service
Shimla, March 4
The Election Committee
of the Himachal BJP will
meet here tomorrow to
discuss the candidate for
the lone Rajya Sabha seat
falling vacant on
April 2 following the
expiry of the term of
Union Health and Family
Welfare Minister JP Nad-
da, who was elected
in 2012.
The BJP has a strength
of 44 in the 68-member
Assembly and the victory
of the party candidate
is certain.
Nadda is likely to be re-
nominated as no other
name is under considera-
tion, party sources said.
The Congress is yet to
decide on contesting the
seat but if past
precedents are any indi-
cation, Nadda may go to
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018
ON THE FRONTLINE
ARUN JOSHI
Pakistan should be made
to take back its terror
machines not only from
Afghanistan but also
from India, particularly
J&K. Pakistan continues
to provide “safe haven and
sanctuaries to terrorists”.
That is the real threat to
the peace in region.
the Taliban talk. Its intent
would be tested soon.
India will have to watch
each and every move on this
front very carefully, while
mounting a high-pitched
diplomatic offensive to
ensure that Pakistan doesn’t
dictate its agenda in Afghan
talks through the Taliban.
India needs to take care of its
interests in Afghanistan for
Pakistan has targeted these
in Kabul and elsewhere
through the Taliban.
The international commu-
nity may think that the dis-
mantling of the Haqqani
network and making the
Taliban behave form suffi-
cient grounds to look at
Pakistan in a positive way.
But unless Pakistan dis-
mantles all terror networks,
including the Jaish-e-
Mohammad and Lashkar-e-
Toiba, and stops exporting
terrorism to India, particu-
larly in J&K, it should not
be let off the hook.
Even if peace is restored
in Afghanistan, the stability
will not dawn in South Asia.
For overall peace in the
the House unopposed to
the Rajya Sabha for the
second time.
The notification for the
election will be done
tomorrow, the last date of
filing the nomination is
March 12, scrutiny will
take place on March 13,
the last date of withdraw-
al is March 15 and elec-
tion, if necessary, will
take place on March 23,
according to a programme
released by the Vidhan
Sabha Secretariat.
There are three Rajya
Sabha members from
Himachal and at present
senior Congress leader
Viplov Thakur and
Deputy Leader of the
Congress in the Rajya
Sabha Anand Sharma
represents the state.
The term of Viplov and
Anand Sharma will expire
in April 2020 and
April 2022.
MANALI, MARCH 4
Weather conditions wors-
ened last evening as the
upper Manali region experi-
enced a fresh spell of snow,
while the lower parts were
lashed by rain today.
The lower area also had
snow, but it was so mild that it
melted within a few hours.
Dark clouds remained hover-
ing over the region which
resulted in the snowfall in
higher reaches this after-
noon. The Rohtang Pass
also received a heavy snow-
fall. The entire higher
reaches, including the Pir
Panjal ranges, Marhi, Gula-
ba, Kothi, Dhundi, Bhrighu
slopes, Hamta ski slopes,
THE TRIBUNE
region where Pakistan
often threatens to use its
nuclear weapons against
India, Islamabad must
eliminate all sources and
promotion of terrorism.
Kashmir is bleeding
because of the terrorism
emanating from Pakistani
soil. It has invested a lot in
the misinformation cam-
paign through the social
media and other communi-
cation channels that it will
take years to bring J&K
back on the path of normal-
cy. At the moment because
of Pakistan’s continuation
with its pro-terrorism policy
in Kashmir, as it is doing in
Kabul, the return of nor-
malcy appears to be a diffi-
cult goal to accomplish.
India and Pakistan must
hold talks and resolve their
issues. However, Delhi
should not be expected to
pay a premium on the Pak-
istan-sponsored terrorism.
This should be made clear to
the world community and to
the loud-mouthed politi-
cians within the country.
Pakistan should be made
to take back its terror
machines not only from
Afghanistan but also from
India, particularly J&K.
Pakistan continues to pro-
vide “safe haven and sanc-
tuaries to terrorists”. That is
the real threat to the peace
in region. With regard to
India, it justifies its terror
and murderous campaign
by claiming that the “unre-
solved” Kashmir issue is at
the root of the conflict. That
is what makes it justify ter-
rorists unleashing atrocities
on the innocent.
The problem needs to be
dealt with in a holistic man-
ner, Afghan-centric meas-
ures will not help in obtain-
ing peace and order in
South Asia. Kabul initiative
is just half a step.
STRONG CONTENDER
The BJP has a strength
of 44 in the 68-mem-
ber Assembly and the
victory of the party can-
didate is certain. Union
Health and Family Wel-
fare Minister JP Nadda
(pic) is likely to be re-
nominated as no other
name is under
consideration. The
Congress is yet to
decide on contesting
the seat
the Chanderkhani Pass,
also received a moderate to
heavy snow.
The famous ski slopes of
the Solang valley also expe-
rienced a fresh spell of
snow. Hundreds of tourists
rushed to the valley where a
festival-like atmosphere
prevailed as tourists were
seen enjoying snow-related
activities such as skiing, rid-
ing yaks, zorbing, throwing
snowballs on each others
and clicking photographs.
People in the tourism
industry are happy with the
snow as they are expecting
a rise in the tourist inflow to
Manali. Apple growers are
also happy. — OC
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018
TEACHER’S POSTS
Why no Urdu
option: HC
Lucknow, March 4
The Allahabad High Court
has asked the Uttar
Pradesh Government to
explain why Urdu has not
been included as a lan-
guage option for the March
12 recruitment test for
65,500 assistant teachers.
Responding to a petition
filed by one of the aspirants
Mohammad Muntasim, Jus-
tice Ajay Bhanot directed
the state counsel to provide
information by March 7.
The petitioner’s counsel
alleged the notification was
arbitrary and violative of
the petitioner’s right to
equality, so either Urdu be
included as an option or
the exam be cancelled alto-
gether. — TNS
Deodhar: RSS pracharak who
SSC for CBI probe into paper leaks
New Delhi, March 4
The Staff Selection Com-
mission (SSC), which con-
ducts examination for sub-
ordinate services, today
decided to recommend a
CBI inquiry into the alleged
paper leaks in one of its
tests held on February 21.
In a statement, SSC chair-
man Ashim Khurana said a
delegation of candidates,
who were protesting against
the alleged paper leaks, met
him along with BJP Delhi
MP Manoj Tiwari and hand-
ed over a memorandum.
They demanded a CBI
enquiry into the allegations
of leak of questions of the
Combined Graduate Level
(Tier-II) Examination 2017
held from February 17 to 22.
“The commission agreed
recommending to the Depart-
Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare with youth protesting against the alleged Staff Selection
Commission paper leak, in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI
ment of Personnel and Train-
ing to request the govern-
ment to conduct a CBI
NATION
enquiry into the allegations of
leak of questions of Paper-I on
February 21, and other related
BJP ally IPFT seeks CM frontrunner Deb North-East rejected
‘fair share’ in govt had humble beginning ‘politics of hate’: PM
issues,” the statement said.
Earlier Tiwari, along with
the protesting students, met
Union Home minister Raj-
nath Singh and apprised him
about the concerns raised by
the protesting SSC aspirants.
The students have been
protesting outside the SSC
office at CGO complex here
since February 27, seeking a
CBI probe into the alleged
paper leak in the Combined
Graduate-Level (CGL) exam.
The SSC conducts exami-
nations for recruitment to
lower categories of posts in
the Central Government.
Meanwhile, social activist
Anna Hazare met students
protesting outside the Staff
Selection Commission's
office at Lodhi Road, and
supported their demand for
a CBI probe. Hazare said
though the protest was jus-
tified, it should be held
peacefully. — PTI
Support pours in for
KCR’s third front plan
Suresh Dharur
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, March 4
Widely regarded as the archi-
tect of Telangana statehood
movement, Chief Minister K
Chandrashekhar Rao is gear-
ing up for a new role in
national politics — to forge a
third front as an alternative
to the Congress and the BJP.
KCR, as the Chief Minis-
ter is known, gave a call for
building a non-Congress,
non-BJP alternative, claim-
ing the people were yearn-
ing for a qualitative change
in governance. Significant-
ly, the Telangana Rashtra
Samithi (TRS) founder
president said he was will-
ing to lead the efforts to
stitch an alliance of region-
al and like-minded parties.
Support has begun pouring
in from several regional play-
ers, from West Bengal CM
Mamata Banerjee to MIM
president and Hyderabad MP
11
Mamata dials T’gana
CM; former J’khand
CM Soren, Owaisi in
and his AP counterpart N
Chandrababu Naidu have
aired their displeasure over
the "raw deal" being meted
out by the NDA government,
alleging that several key
promises made in the AP
Reorganisation Act, 2014,
had not been met so far.
Naidu, whose Telugu Desam
Party (TDP) is the biggest
southern ally of the BJP, has
even hinted at ending the
alliance over the "injustice" to
the state, grappling with the
bifurcation blues. There is
speculation that KCR and
Naidu could come together to
play a key role forging an
alliance of regional parties
ahead of the General Election.
“In the last 70 years, the politi-
cal system, whether ruled by
the Congress or the BJP, has

crushed Left’s citadel in Tripura Agartala: The Indigenous Peo-

Bijay Sankar Bora
Tribune News Service
Guwahati, March 4
It has been a hectic and
enormously learning two-
year stint in the border
state of Tripura in north-
east for the former RSS
“prahari” from Maharash-
tra Sunil Deodhar, the man
who has been termed the
chief architect of the saf-
fron assault at Left’s bas-
tion and put an end to its
25-year rule.
Three years and three
months ago, Deodhar came
to Tripura to do the ground-
work for 2018 Assembly
election, after he had suc-
cessfully coordinated Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s
campaign in Varanasi dur-
ing 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Hailing from Maharash-
Sunil Deodhar
tra, Deodhar adjusted his
lifestyle and food habit
besides learning Bengali
and the local Kokborok
language in order to con-
verse effectively
with both the Bengali-
speaking and indigenous
tribal population.
He reached out to the peo-
ple through his NGO, “My
Home India”, which assists
in the rehabilitation of
migrant kids.
Deodhar ensured that
Union ministers visited the
state frequently and even
the PM Modi and party
president Amit Shah too
made several trips to infuse
trust and confidence among
the party workers.
As an RSS pracharak,
Deodhar had worked exten-
sively in northeast, espe-
cially in Meghalaya, for
eight years in 90s.
In 2013 Assembly elec-
tion, the BJP’s vote share
was just 1.5 per cent while
49 out of the 50 BJP candi-
dates had lost their securi-
ty deposits. And in 2019
just concluded Assembly
poll, the BJP and its ally
IPFT have won 43 seats out
of the 59 seats.
ple's Front of Tripura (IPFT)
on Sunday demanded a
respectable representation
of its MLAs in the new state
government, a day after the
party and its ally BJP swept
the Assembly polls. IPFT
president NC Debbarma also
asked the BJP to select the
Chief Minister from among
the tribal MLAs. The tribal
party won eight of the nine
seats it had contested. The
BJP won 35 seats on its own,
giving it a majority in the 60-
member Tripura Assembly.
"We demand a respectable
representation of IPFT MLAs
in the new Cabinet," Debbar-
ma told a press conference.
He, however, did not clarify
what he meant by
"respectable position". The
BJP-IPFT combine won 17 out
of the 20 seats reserved for
Scheduled Tribes in the Feb-
ruary 18 elections. PTI
Agartala: Tripura BJP president
Biplab Deb, considered a fron-
trunner for the Chief Minister's
post following his party's victo-
ry in the state, had humble
beginnings. Born in a middle
class family at Rajdhar Nagar
village in Gomati district on
November 25, 1971, Biplab
Deb completed his graduation
from Udaipur College in the
state in 1999. His father Harad-
han Deb was a local leader of
the Jan Sangh. Biplab Deb left
for Delhi soon after his gradua-
tion to join the RSS. The 48-
year-old leader served the
right-wing organisation for
around 16 years, under the
guidance of Gobinda Acharya
and Krishnagopal Sharma, two
prominent Sangh leaders. In
2015, he returned to Tripura
and assumed the charge of
Central Jan Sampark Pramukh
for the BJP. Biplab Deb was
declared the state president of
the BJP on January 6, 2016. PTI
Bengaluru: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said on Sun-
day that the people of the
Northeast have rejected the
"politics of hate" by "unani-
mously" voting the BJP to
power. Modi, while address-
ing a youth convention in
Tumakuru, about 70 km from
here, via video-conferencing,
said the poll results of Tripura
had given him immense joy.
"The brothers and sisters of
the Northeast have rejected
the politics of hate by unani-
mously voting the BJP to pow-
er," he said. The convention is
being organised to mark the
silver jubilee celebrations of
the Ramakrishna Vivekanan-
da Ashram in Tumakuru and
celebrate the 150th birth
anniversary of Sister Nivedita,
a social worker and a disciple
of Swami Vivekananda. Modi
said a fitting reply to radicali-
sation could only be given by
the resolve for integration. PTI
Asaduddin Owaisi. Mamata
called up KCR today. Accord-
ing to official sources, the Tri-
namool Congress leader said
she would work with KCR in
forging an alternative front.
Former CM of Jharkhand
Hemanth Soren also
expressed solidarity with
KCR. Popular Telugu filmstar
and Janasena chief Pawan
Kalyan welcomed the idea too.
KCR’s surprise move
comes against the backdrop
of growing resentment in the
Telugu states of Telangana
and Andhra Pradesh over
inadequate flow of funds
from the Centre. Both KCR
failed miserably to bring a qual-
itative change in the lives of the
people. There is a need to bring
in qualitative change in gover-
nance,” KCR said on the side-
lines of the TRS parliamentary
committee meeting here.
“I have nothing against the
BJP, but it has failed to deliv-
er and that is why a third front
is needed to unite like-mind-
ed people. I am against the
slow progress that this coun-
try is making. For how long
will we keep giving examples
of the US and China? This
third front I am talking about
will be minus the Congress
and the BJP,’’ he said.

SCD GOVT. COLLEGE, LUDHIANA HARYANA STATE TECHNICAL

HIMACHAL PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
To keep LoP post, ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATES
EDUCATION SOCIETY (HSTES)
Tender for Printing of Multi Colour Pamphlet
ADVERTISEMENT No. 5/ 2018
Dated: 05th March, 2018

Cong dithers action SAHIR LUDHIANAVI’S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

In its ANNUAL MEET ON 8th March, 2018 (Thursday) at
A4 Size (300 GSM) Glossy Paper
(Single Page Both Side Printing)
Haryana State Technical Education Society (HSTES), Panchkula invites
sealed bid for printing of Multi Colour Pamphlet A4 Size (300 GSM) Glossy
Online Recruitment Applications (ORA) are invited from desirous
and eligible candidates for recruitment to various posts in different
departments of Himachal Pradesh Government. Online Recruitment

on 2 ‘inactive’ MLAs
Mumbai, March 4
The Congress in Maharash-
tra is avoiding taking disci-
plinary action against its
two MLAs over their con-
duct in the Assembly for
fear of losing the post of
Leader of Opposition in the
Lower House.
The main Opposition par-
ty is caught in a dilemma in
dealing with the two MLAs -
Nitesh Rane, son of former
Congress leader Narayan
Rane, and Kalidas Kolam-
bkar, a staunch supporter of
the senior Rane.
According to the party,
Nitish Rane and Kolambkar
became “inactive” in the
Assembly, which is current-
ly having its Budget Ses-
sion, after Nitish Rane
claimed the BJP offered
him a Rajya Sabha berth.
“If the Congress suspends
AI’s all-women
10.30 a.m. in the college campus. All old students are
cordially invited.
Prof. Kamal Kishore Principal Dr. Dharam Singh Sandhu
Paper (Single Page both Side Printing). The firm will have to deposit
Rs.10,000/- (Rs.Ten Thousand Only) as Earnest Money and Security Deposit
(Refundable) for this work. The detailed information regarding terms &
conditions and scope of work along with the proforma to be filled by the firm
Applications (ORA) can be filled up to 24th March, 2018 till 11:59 p.m. (IST),
thereafter link will be disabled. The detail of posts is as under:-
Item
No.
Name of the posts/Departments No. of post(s)
their membership, it will be left
Gen. Secretary (94171-60423) President (0161-2448899) TRC-40519 for submission to HSTES can be seen on the website of HSTES: I Department of Industries, H.P.
with only 40 MLAs, one less www.hstes.org.in. Programmer, Class-I (Gazetted) (on 01 post (General)
than the NCP. Any such action The bid along with the duly filled proforma should reach to the Joint Contract basis)
will be followed by the NCP Director, HSTES, Bays 7-12, Sector- 4, Panchkula up to 12th March, 2018 II Department of Town & Country Planning, H.P.
by 5.00 p.m. Any bid with incomplete information, which does not meet the
claiming the post of Leader of above criteria, or received after the closing date, will be rejected straightway. Assistant Town Planner, Class-I 01 post (General)
(Gazetted) (on Contract basis)
Opposition in the Assembly Joint Director, III Department of Irrigation & Public Health, H.P.
with 41 MLAs and the Con- PRDH/62052 HSTES, Panchkula. a) Assistant Engineer (Civil) Class-I 09 posts {General Ex-
gress will lose all privileges,” a (Gazetted) (on Contract basis) SM=05 (including 03
senior Congress leader said. backlog posts), S.C.=01,
S.C. Ex-SM=01, OBC=01
The Cabinet minister-level ������������� and Persons with Disability
post is currently held by It is hereby informed to the allottees of Sector-30, Pinjore-Kalka Urban (General) (O.H.)=01}
Complex that offer of possession of the plots allotted in Sector-30, b) Assistant Engineer (Mechanical) 01 post (General)
Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, a Pinjore Kalka Urban Complex has been generated with digital Class-I (Gazetted) (on Contract basis)
senior Congress MLA. There signatures and the same are available online in the "UserlDs" of the IV Department of Technical Education, Vocational & Industrial
are enough indications that respective allottees on H.S.V.P. website i.e. www.huda.org.in. The Training, H.P.
Nitish Rane and Kolambkar offer of possession letters have been sent through their email also. a) Professor (Mechanical Engineering) 01 post (UR)
Those allottee who have not been provided with the "User ID" can Class-I (Gazetted) (on regular basis)
are keeping a distance from obtain their "UserlD" on any working day from Estate office, H.S.V.P., b) Professor (Civil Engineering) Class-I 01 post (UR)
party affairs and have Panchkula. No separate letters have been sent through post. (Gazetted) (on regular basis)
refrained from joining Estate Officer, c) Professor (Electronics & Communication 02 posts (UR)
protests inside the House. Engineering) Class-I (Gazetted) (on
PRDH/62071 H.S.V.P., Panchkula. regular basis)
When Congress MLAs
d) Assistant Professor (Architecture) 08 posts (UR=06, SC=01
protest in the Assembly Class-I (Gazetted) (on Contract basis) and UR Ex-SM=01)
over issues of public inter- HARYANA IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT e) Lecturer (Computer Engineering) 04 posts (UR Ex-SM)
est or rush to the Well of the (Polytechnic) Class-I (Gazetted) (on (backlog posts)
NOTICE INVITING e-tenders Contract basis)
House, Nitish Rane and Sr. Name of work Tentative f) Lecturer (Mechanical Engineering) 03 posts (UR Ex-SM)
Kolambkar are often seen No. Cost Rs. (Polytechnic) Class-I (Gazetted) (on (backlog posts)
glued to their seats. —PTI in Lac Contract basis)
1 Laying pipeline at RD 38000-L Khundan Disty to fill the g) Lecturer (Civil Engineering) (Polytechnic) 03 posts (UR Ex-SM=01,
dry pond of village Khundan (Block Ratia). 1.93
Class-I (Gazetted) (on Contract basis) SC=01 & ST=01)
2 Laying pipeline at RD 17200-L New Ding Minor to fill the (backlog posts)
dry pond of village Mehuwala (Block Bhattu). 17.65 h) Lecturer (Electronics & Communication 03 posts (UR Ex-SM)
3 Laying pipeline at RD 50290-L Sukhchain Disty to fill the
dry pond of village Hanspur (Block Ratia). 17.93
Engineering) (Polytechnic) Class-I (backlog posts)
(Gazetted) (on Contract basis)

crew flight 4 Laying pipeline at RD 102000-L Kheri Disty to fill the dry
pond of village Dayyer (Block Nathusari Chopta). 1.70
i) Lecturer (Electrical Engineering) 04 posts (UR Ex-SM)
(Polytechnic) Class-I (Gazetted) (on (backlog posts)
Contract basis)
from Kolkata The last date of submission of online tenders 12.03.2018. The Date
of submission of Physical documents on 14.03.2018. The tender will
j) Lecturer, Applied Sciences & Humanities 01 post (UR Ex-SM)
(Polytechnic) (English), Class-I (backlog post)
Kolkata, March 4 however be opened on 16.03.2018. (Gazetted) (on Contract basis)
National carrier Air India has For further details visit website www.e-tenders.hry.nic.in. k) Lecturer, Applied Sciences & Humanities 01 post (UR Ex-SM)
said it operated a flight on the The Corrigendum, if any, will be published on website. (Polytechnic) (Mathematics), Class-I (backlog post)
(Gazetted) (on Contract basis)
Kolkata-Dimapur-Kolkata sec- Sd/- Executive Engineer,
l) Lecturer, Applied Sciences & Humanities 02 posts (UR Ex-SM=01
tor today with an all-women Fatehabad W/S Division, (Polytechnic) (Chemistry), Class-I and OBC=01) (backlog
cockpit and cabin crew as part PRDH-62050 Fatehabad. (Gazetted) (on Contract basis) posts)
of its celebration of Interna- m) Lecturer, Applied Sciences & Humanities 04 posts (UR Ex-SM=02,
(Polytechnic) (Physics), Class-I SC=01 and OBC=01)
tional Women’s Day. (Gazetted) (on Contract basis) (backlog posts)
The flight AI709, an Airbus n) Workshop Superintendent (Polytechnic) 01 post (UR Ex-SM)
319, was operated by Captain Class-I (Gazetted) (on contract basis) (backlog post)
Akanksha Verma and Captain The desirous/eligible candidates can apply online through
Commission’s website www.hp.gov.in/hppsc. Applications received
Satovisa Banerjee in the cock- through any other mode will not be accepted and will be rejected
pit while the cabin crew com- straightway. Essential qualification(s), eligibility conditions and examination
fees etc., have been mentioned in the detailed advertisement and
prised D Bhutia, MG Mohan- instructions for filling up online recruitment applications are available on
raj, T Ghosh and Yatili Kath. the above referred website.
The flight was flagged off by Note: 1. The desirous/eligible candidates are advised to apply well in time
without waiting for the closing date for submission of online
Air India’s General Manager, recruitment applications (ORA) in order to avoid any inconvenience
Personnel, Navneet Sidhu due to congestion on the above referred website on the last date.
along with other senior offi- 2. Provisionally admitted candidates will have to submit a printout/hard
copy of online recruitment application(s) (ORA) along with self
cials at the city airport— attested/attested copies of required certificates/ documents in
rolling out the events planned support of their eligibility as per essential qualifications for the
concerned post(s) on the day of Screening Test.
by Air India Eastern Region
For more details, please visit website of H.P. Public Service
to commemorate the Interna- Commission www.hp.gov.in/hppsc.
tional Women’s Day on Sd/- (Sanjiv Pathania) IAS,
March 8, it said. — PTI Secretary,
H.P. Public Service Commission,
TRC-40358 Ph. No. 0177-2624313/2629739
12| INF CUS HEALTH
Silent thief of sight
As many as 60 million people suffer from glaucoma. This number is expected to increase to 80 million in the next two years
mainly due to increase in the ageing population. One-sixth of them will be in India, say Surinder Pandav & Jagat Ram
G
LAUCOMA is a common
eye ailment that can lead to
severe loss of vision and
blindness. Because of its
potential to take away sight
and leading to darkness in afflicted per-
son's life, it is also referred to as ‘kala
motia’ in local population.
In reality glaucoma is not one entity; it
is a group of many conditions that result
in causing blindness through a common
pathway. Vision is usually lost due to
slow and progressive damage to the optic
nerve. Optic nerve is the connection
between the eye and the brain. Eyes cap-
ture the image and send it to the brain for
recognition and further interpretation,
through the optic nerve. If the optic
nerve is damaged, the brain will not
receive any image and one will not see
anything even if rest of the eye is normal.
The optic nerve damage in glaucoma
can be due to many reasons. But mostly
it happens due to increased pressure
inside the eyes. Eyes are like a ball. It
needs to be inflated with some pressure
to maintain its shape otherwise it will
collapse. But when this pressure
becomes too high then it damages the
eye. So, like blood pressure, eye pres-
sure also needs to remain normal.
Glaucoma is a silent disease, as
patients show no symptoms until the
disease is quite advanced. For this rea-
son it is also known as ‘silent thief of
sight’. If left undetected and untreated,
it can lead to irreversible blindness due
Patients need to be aware of technological advances in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment
to forestall glaucoma (kala motia) blindness, says Ramanjit Sihota
O
NE in 20 Indians over the age
of 40 either has glaucoma or is
in danger of developing glau-
coma in the future. Left unde-
tected or poorly treated, it can result in
irreversible loss of vision in patients.
The diagnosis is based on clinical
examination - looking at the optic nerve,
measuring the intraocular pressure and
perimetry, all of which are easy to do and
routinely available.
A better understanding of risk factors
and causes of glaucoma-related visual
loss over the past two decades has led to
more appropriate treatment algorithms
and a resultant ability to slow down fur-
ther loss or preserve remaining vision,
preventing blindness due to glaucoma.
Today, there is improved knowledge
about the level of fluid pressure in the
eye best suited for a particular degree of
glaucomatous optic nerve damage.
Achieving such a lowering of pressure
GLAUCOMA AWARENESS
to permanent damage to the optic nerve.
As glaucoma has no symptoms, it
remains undetected until it is too late. It
is estimated that 90 per cent of glaucoma
patients in our country remain undiag-
nosed. This puts a large population at
risk of going blind.
According to World Health Organisa-
tion (WHO) estimates, about 314 million
people around the world have impaired
vision, due either to eye diseases or need
for glasses (uncorrected refractive
errors). Of these, 45 million are blind.
More than 82 per cent of all blind are 50
years of age or older and more than 90
per cent of these visually impaired live
in developing countries like India. Top
five causes of blindness are cataract,
refractive errors, glaucoma, age-related
macular degeneration and diabetic
retinopathy. These account for 75 per
cent of all visual impairment.
Glaucoma is the third major cause of
blindness after cataract and uncorrected
refractory errors. However, blindness
due to cataract and refractive errors is
reversible; in contrast, blindness due to
glaucoma is irreversible. Glaucoma can-
not be cured but blindness due to glau-
coma can be prevented in majority by
timely diagnosis and treatment.
Currently, around 60 million people
suffer from glaucoma. This number is
expected to increase to 80 million by
2020 mainly due to increase in the age-
ing population. And India will be home
to about one sixth of these patients.
The silver lining
has been shown to preserve vision over
the long term in a very large percentage
of glaucoma patients, in many large and
small studies.
There are many effective medications
available to lower the eye pressure, and
Indian pharmaceutical companies have
Since awareness is the key to early
detection of glaucoma, the
Advanced Eye Centre in association
with the Eye Research Foundation
and Glaucoma Support Group,
Chandigarh, organises regular
awareness programmes for the pub-
lic. The Centre will be observing the
Glaucoma Awareness Week from
March 11 to March 17, 2018.
Who is at risk of developing glaucoma?
Glaucoma can occur at any age but gen-
erally it affects people above 40 years of
age and the risk increases with advance-
ment of age. People over 60 years of age
are six times more at risk than popula-
tion at large. People with high ‘eye pres-
sure’ and with a family history are par-
ticularly at risk of developing glaucoma.
Certain ethnic groups and people with
diabetes are also prone to glaucoma.
Can it be prevented?
All glaucomas cannot be prevented, but
visual impairment and blindness can be
prevented by early detection and treat-
ment. Since glaucoma may not have any
symptoms, periodic eye check-up is of
utmost importance for early detection.
Some people may see coloured halos
around lights and have mild blurring of
vision in the evening. Such people should
consult an eye doctor without delay other-
wise, whenever you visit your eye doctor
for reading glasses, you must insist on
made these available at much lower
costs than obtainable elsewhere in the
world. In many cases, one to three eye
drops, in one or two bottles are sufficient
to lower the pressure to the right level.
These need to be used extremely regu-
larly, so that fluctuations of the pressure
are prevented.
In case eye drops cannot control the
eye pressure to the required level, a
glaucoma surgery can be done. During
such a surgery, a new channel is created
to permit fluid within the eye to flow out
where it can be easily absorbed.
Improvements in the gold standard, tra-
beculectomy, now permit a much safer
way of lowering pressure appropriately,
without significant complications.
India has many special socio-econom-
ic problems and patients find it difficult
to pay for life-long tests, medicines, sur-
gery etc and travel to tertiary centres for
review. Early surgery may help reduce
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018
KALA MOTIA
GLAUCOMA
■ Global cases 64.3 million (2013), expected 111.8
million (2040)
■ The second leading cause of blindness
■ In India 12 million affected by it and 12 million blind
■ More than 90% cases of glaucoma remain undetected
WHAT IS IT?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases generally caused by
an increase in the fluid pressure within the eyeball
that damages the nerve of the eye.
TYPES
■ Open-angle glaucoma is the most common,
happens silently
■ Angle-closure occurs when exit of aqueous humor
fluid is blocked
WARNING SIGNS
■ Frequent change of reading glasses
■ Poor sight in dim light
■ Bumping into things in unfamiliar places
■ Angle closure glaucoma is extremely painful
■ Colored rings around lights with blurred vision
■ One sided headache
■ Poor sight in dim light, tunnel vision
RISK GROUP
■ If you are over 40
■ Have a family history of glaucoma, diabetes or
thyroid disorder
DETECTION
■ Fundus examination : Whether nerve of your eye
is damaged
■ Field charting : Your field of view is complete
■ Intraocular pressure (IOP): Pressure inside your eye
TREATMENT
■ Prevent further sight loss by medications, laser or
check-up for glaucoma, which includes surgery
measuring ‘eye pressure’, examining
MEDICINES
the optic disc for any damage and evalua-
■ Eye-drops to reduce pressure within the eye
tion of drainage angles of the eye. This
check-up should be done by an eye spe- ■ Caution if suffering from asthma, bronchitis or
cialist. Opticians who make glasses for heart problems
you are generally not trained to do this. LASER
■ Forangle-closure glaucoma laser takes a short
How is glaucoma treated?
The aim of treatment is to prevent fur- time, totally painless
ther damage and preserve the remaining ■ Inopen-angle, laser can be used to reopen the
visual function. This is best achieved by drainage channels partially
reducing ‘eye pressure’. In most cases SURGERY
‘eye pressure’ can be reduced by using
■ Needed if pressure not controlled with
eye drops. As glaucoma is a chronic dis-
ease, the treatment is life-long. The medication or laser
number and nature of eye medication is ■ Usually done under local anaesthesia
likely to change over a period of time, SELF-CARE
therefore, regular periodic checkups are
■ Visual field examination every 6 months, if defective
important. Some people need lasers or
surgery to control the disease. ■ Take drop strictly as prescribed without a gap
Glaucoma not only increases burden ■ If multiple drops required, wait 10 minutes
of blindness in society, it also causes between drops
enormous difficulties due to direct as
■ Must remember names of your medicines and doses
well as indirect cost of treatment.
Research conducted a few years ago at ■ Moderate exercise, walking or jogging three or
the Advanced Eye Centre at PGI more times a week
revealed that families of glaucoma ■ Benefitsfrom exercise last only as long as you
patients incur significant burden of care continue exercising
and loss of quality of life.
■ Yogais beneficial. Avoid inverted positions that
may increase IOP
— Prof Jagat Ram is Director of
Post Graduate Institute of SOURCE: AIIMS, WWW.WGWEEK.NET, INTERNET
Medical Education & Research,
Chandigarh, and Prof Surinder
Pandav is the Chief of Glaucoma Ser-
vice at the Advanced Eye Centre, PGI
this burden by decreasing the need for
medications and frequent reviews.
To provide free glaucoma care to
patients, the government provides a BLINDNESS
reimbursement of Rs 1,500 for diagnosis
and medical treatment of both eyes or
laser/surgical treatment of every patient
51% Cataract
treated by NGOs and private hospitals. 8% Glaucoma
The Ministry of Health has also set up
a national task force for glaucoma man- 5% Age-related macular degeneration
agement to address the need for early
detection of glaucoma before signifi- 4% Corneal Opacities
cant loss of vision. Under this scheme,
district ophthalmologists, who are the
4% Childhood blindness
first point of contact for most of the 3% Trachoma
patients are given training in the diag-
nosis and appropriate management of 3% Uncorrected refractive error
various types of glaucoma commonly
seen in India.
1% Diabetic retinopathy
21% Other causes
— Prof Ramanjit Sihota is Head, (SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.WHO.INT)
Glaucoma Research Facility and
Services, AIIMS, New Delhi
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018 WORLD 13

Social Democrats clear path for Merkel 4th term

Two-thirds of SPD members back deal with conservatives; breaks deadlock following Sept election
Berlin, March 4
Germany’s Social Democrats
THE DEAL THAT ENDED POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
(SPD) voted decisively for Economy Fund under parliamentary ■ Immediately stop arms

President for life?
Trump says US
may try someday
Washington, March 4
Praising his Chinese counter-
part Xi Jinping for moving to
abolish limits on his term in
office, US President Donald
Trump today suggested his
country might try the same
someday, a media report said.
Trump said this during a
close-door meeting with top
Republican fundraisers, accord-
ing to CNN, which obtained a
copy of his remarks.
“He's (Xi) now president for
life. President for life. No, he’s
another coalition with Chan-
cellor Angela Merkel’s conser-
vatives on Sunday, clearing
the way for a new government
in Europe’s largest economy
and ending months of political
uncertainty.
Two thirds of the member-
ship voted “yes” to the deal, a
party official said-a wider
margin than many had
expected-meaning Merkel
could be sworn in for a fourth
term by mid-March, in a
repeat of the grand coalition
that has governed since 2013.
The challenges are piling up
for Merkel, who has been act-
ing Chancellor for more than
five months since an incon-
clusive election, with Europe
looking to its largest country
for leadership on a host of eco-
nomic and security issues.
Addressing party activists
lining the balconies around
the atrium of the party’s
■ Invest 5.95 billion euros in
■ Strengthen European Parlia-
education, research and
digitalisation by 2021.
■ Invest 12 billion euros in
family, child and social
measures such as nursery
centres and boosting child
benefit.
■ Invest 4.0 billion euros in
■ Stabilise pensions at 48 per
building social housing and
in tax incentives to encour-
age home ownership.
■ Stick to goal of balanced
budget with no new debt.
■ Ensure all regions have fast
internet by 2025. Expect
that to cost up to 12 billion
euros in public funds.
Tax
Dietmar Nietan (L), treasurer of Social Democrats (SPD) party, and SPD members look on as Olaf ■ Gradually abolish solidarity
Scholz (R), interim leader of the SPD, comments on the results of the referendum in Berlin. REUTERS tax introduced after reunifi-
cation in 1990 to support
COLLABORATION WILL BE ‘FOR THE GOOD OF GERMANY’ poorer eastern states,
which currently provides 10
Chancellor Angela Merkel today hailed the Social Democrats for voting in billion euros ($12 billion) of
control, anchored in EU law.
ment and boost European
Union finances - Germany
would be prepared to pay
more into the EU budget.
Pensions
cent of the average wage by
2025 and ensure that con-
tributions do not rise above
20 per cent of gross wages.
Health
exports to countries directly
involved in the Yemen con-
flict, and coordinate similar
approach with partners in
joint European projects.
■ Push for joint European
arms export policies.
Environment/climate
■ Recognise Germany’s exist-
ing 2020, 2030 and 2050
climate goals. Take meas-
ures to reach 2020 climate
goal as soon as possible
(after 2020). Definitely
reach 2030 climate goal on
time and pass law to guar-
antee this.
■Devise programme to grad-
ually reduce coal-fired pow-
er generation.
■Continue with plans to
phase out nuclear power
generation.
Migration
■ Manage and limit migration

great. And look, he was able to
do that. I think it’s great.
Maybe we’ll have to give that
a shot someday,” Trump said.
According to CNN, Trump's
address to his fund raisers
and supporters was full of
jokes and was delivered in a
lighthearted manner.
His remarks, likely made in
jest, come days after the rul-
ing Communist Party of Chi-
na said it would abolish term
limits on the presidency thus
paving the way for Xi to possi-
bly remain president for life.
In the US, a president can
serve for a maximum of two
four-year terms. — PTI
Berlin headquarters early on
Sunday, acting SPD leader
Olaf Scholz said: “We now
have clarity: the SPD will join
the next German govern-
ment.” Merkel took to her
party’s Twitter feed to con-
gratulate the SPD. “I look for-
ward to working with the
SPD again for the good of our
country,” she said.
European Commissioner
for Economic and Financial
Affairs Pierre Moscovici con-
gratulated the SPD for “their
responsible and decisive vote”
on Twitter and said Germany
was now “ready to engage for
a stronger Europe”.
favour of joining her conservatives in a new coalition, saying the collaboration tax relief. ■ From January 1, 2019, to Germany and Europe to
will be “for the good of Germany”. “I congratulate the SPD for the clear result employers and employees prevent a repeat of the
and look forward to further cooperation for the good of Germany,” according Europe 2015 refugee influx.
to pay the same contribu-
to a tweet attributed to her on her CDU party’s Twitter account. ■ Support devoting specific tions to health insurance. ■ Do not expect migration
budget funds to economic ■ Set up commission to (excluding labour migra-
stabilisation, social conver- tion) to rise above the
French Finance Minister party against the radical the price for its support, the examine whether a joint fee
gence and structural reform range of 180,000 to
Bruno Le Maire wrote on youth wing, which wanted SPD will take the helm at key in euro zone. Those funds structure for private and
public patients is feasible. 220,000 per year.
Twitter that he had spoken to the SPD to rebuild in opposi- ministries, including the could form the basis for a
Scholz and acting finance tion after a disastrous elec- finance ministry. ■ Cap at 1,000 a month the
future “investment budget” Arms exports
minister Peter Altmaier, a tion showing. “I’m happy it The outcome means the for the euro zone. number of people who will
Merkel ally, by telephone on worked out this way,” Andrea far-right Alternative for ■ Further reduce arms be allowed to join family
■ Strengthen and reform euro
Sunday morning to discuss Nahles, the SPD’s likely next Germany (AfD) will be the exports, tighten arms members now living in Ger-
zone in close partnership with export guidelines in 2018, many as migrants enjoying
giving the euro zone new leader, told Reuters. largest parliamentary oppo- France so that the euro is and ban sales of assault a lesser degree of protec-
impetus after the SPD’s vote, Scholz declined to comment sition party. In a tweet, they more resistant to global crises. rifles and other small arms tion than full refugee status.
adding: “Resolved to work on reports that he would be labelled the SPD’s decision
closely together!” SPD MIN- finance minister, saying only a “catastrophe” for Ger-
■ Turn the euro zone bailout to countries that are not ■ Make it more attractive for
fund, called the European members of the European skilled labourers to come to
ISTERS that the SPD would appoint many, promising fierce
Stability Mechanism (ESM), Union or NATO or have simi- Germany in an orderly way.
The SPD ballot pitted the three men and three women to opposition over the coming into a European Monetary lar status.
leadership of the centre-left the federal cabinet. As part of four years. — Reuters

Angry Italians queue up to vote
Hung Parliament likely outcome | Berlo’s centre-right set to gain
Rome, March 4
Italians waited in long
queues at polling booths on
Sunday to vote in an election
that could bring political
gridlock after a campaign
marked by anger over the
listless economy, high unem-
ployment and immigration.
Pollsters have predicted
that former Prime Minister
Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-
right party and his far-right
allies will emerge as the
largest bloc in Parliament but
fall short of a majority.
The anti-establishment 5-
Star Movement looks set to
be the biggest single party,
feeding off discontent over
entrenched corruption and
growing poverty, while the
ruling centre-left bloc led by
the Democratic Party (PD) is
seen in third place.
Berlusconi and 5-Star
leader Luigi Di Maio both had
to wait in queues to cast their
votes as new election proce-
dures slowed the process at
several polling stations.
BACK IN RECKONING: Forza Italia party leader Silvio Berlusconi
holds his ballot as he prepares to cast his vote in Milan. REUTERS
At Berlusconi’s voting sta-
tion in Milan, a Femen
activist bared her chest in
front of the former premier
and shouted, “time’s up”
before being hauled away.
“She passed so quickly I
didn’t get a chance to see
her,” quipped Berlusconi,
who has a history of being
caught up in sex scandals.
Berlusconi also said he was
concerned about the queues.
“There will be queues as well
this evening. I am worried that
there might be some situations
in which some people will not
be able to vote,” he said.
The turnout by noon was a
little more than 19 per cent.
That was higher than five
years ago, when Italians vot-
Worshipping alligators
ed over two days, but slightly
lower than a 2016 referen-
dum in which the final
turnout exceeded 68 percent.
The vote is being held
under a complex new elec-
toral law that could mean the
final result will not be clear
until late on Monday.
The campaign has marked
the return to frontline politics
of 81-year-old Berlusconi,
who was forced to quit as
prime minister in 2011 at the
height of a sovereign debt cri-
sis and was widely written off
after sex scandals, legal woes
and ill health.
A 2013 conviction for tax
fraud means he cannot hold
public office and he has put
forward Antonio Tajani, pres-
ident of the European Parlia-
ment, as his candidate for PM.
Tajani’s moderate profile is
aimed at allaying fears in Ethnic Pakistani Sheedi devotees offer The yearly festival attended by Sheedis, Some archaeologists have claimed to
Europe about his populist allies, garlands to alligator during the alligator whose ancestors are believed to have have found fossilised remains of
notably the League, whose festival at the shrine of Saint Khawaja been brought to the subcontinent as crocodiles here that are thousands of
leader Matteo Salvini has prom- Hasan in Manghopir, a suburb of Karachi, slaves from Africa, is performed to pay years old and some British colonial
ised to deport the 600,000 boat on Sunday. They believe the crocodiles homage to alligators who they believe writers also suggested that they have
migrants. — Reuters are manifestations of the Sufi saint. hold mystical powers. been here for ‘thousands of years.’ AP/PTI

Florida lawmakers debate school safety Bill at rare session
Tallahassee, March 4
The Florida Senate agreed to
advance a Bill that would increase
school safety and restrict gun pur-
chases during a rare session today
that often turned into a debate on
gun control and arming teachers
in the aftermath of last month’s
Parkland school shootings.
The Senate spent nearly eight
hours debating dozens of amend-
ments to the 100-page Bill before
finally approving the legislation
for a final vote on Monday.
Democratic proposals to ban
assault rifles and large-capacity
magazines were rejected, as was a
Democratic proposal to strip lan-
guage from the Bill that would cre-
ate a programme to arm teachers
who have gone through law-
enforcement training if school dis-
tricts choose to take part in the so-
called marshal plan.
The Senate began the session at
10 am and was originally supposed
to wrap up discussion by 1 pm. But
senators extended the session and
didn’t wrap up until after 6 pm.
It was clear that senators were
divided on the Bill, and not just on
party lines. While crafted by Repub-
licans, some GOP senators still
opposed it because they don’t agree
with raising the minimum age to
guy a rifle from 18 to 21 or requiring
a waiting period to buy the weapons.
Democrats believe the legisla-
tion doesn’t go far enough in some
ways and too far in others. And
while some oppose the bill, others
believe it’s at least a first step
toward gun safety.
Democrats want to ban weapons
such as the AR-15 assault-style rifle,
which was used to kill 17 persons at
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
School on February 14. Many also
S Africa listeriosis
outbreak toll 180
Johannesburg: South African
violate the Second Amendment health officials said on Sun-
MAN FATALLY SHOOTS HIMSELF NEAR WHITE HOUSE right to bear arms. day that listeriosis has killed
“Our founding fathers weren’t 180 persons since the start of
■ A white man fatally shot himself in the head on the crowded
talking about hunting, and they last year and originated at a
pedestrian directly in front of the White House, the Secret Service weren’t talking about protecting food factory in the country’s
said on Sunday, sparking panic and sending the parts of the US themselves from the thief down northeast. Listeriosis is
capital into lockdown
the street who might break in,” caused by a bacteria found in
■ President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in said Republican Sen. David Sim- soil, water, vegetation and ani-
Florida at the time of the incident which took place yesterday mons. Simmons said people need mal faeces, and can contami-
when the man, standing in a crowd of more than 100 people guns to protect themselves from a nate food, especially fresh
near the White House, shot himself tyrannical government. meat, dairy, seafood. It is pre-
■ The man approached the fence line, removed a concealed hand- “Adolf Hitler confiscated all the vented by basic hygiene. AFP
gun and fired several rounds, none of which appear to have been weapons-took all the weapons, had a
aimed at the White House, a Secret Service spokesperson said. registry of everybody-and then on
■ The shooter shot his phone before shooting himself. No suicide the night of June 30, 1934, sent out Iran crash: Black
his secret police and murdered all of
note was found, but incoherent sentences were found in a book
recovered on the scene, CNN reported his political opponents,” Simmons
boxes recovered
said. “You think it doesn’t happen Tehran: Rescue teams have
<< A woman holds a sign as the motorcade of US President Donald in a free society? It does.” The Leg- recovered the black boxes of a
Trump passes in West Palm Beach, Florida. REUTERS islature wraps up its annual session plane that crashed last month
on Friday. Lawmakers are scram- in the mountains of southwest-
oppose arming teachers. The bill also right to own an assault rifle. bling to take some kind of action ern Iran leaving 66 persons
includes provisions to boost school “Every constitutional right that before then. The full House has yet dead. “The box that recorded
security, establish new mental health we hold dear has a limitation,” said to take up its version of the Bill. flight parameters and the one
programs in schools, and improve Democratic Sen. Gary Farmer. Republican Governor Rick Scott with conversations in the cock-
communication between schools, “These are just military-style has been lobbying lawmakers to pit have been handed over to
law enforcement and state agencies. killing machines and the right of pass his plan to assign at least one judicial authorities,” Reza
But much of the debate today self-defense and the ability to hunt law-enforcement officer for every Jafarzadeh, the public relations
revolved around gun control and will go on.” Republicans argued 1,000 students at a school. Scott is director of Iran’s civil aviation
whether people should have a that banning such weapons would opposed to arming teachers. — AP organisation said. AFP
 THE TRIBUNE
14 SPORT CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018

AZLAN SHAH CUP

BRIEFLY
COFFS HARBOUR (AUSTRALIA)
Amandeep Drall finishes
T-27 in NSW Open
India’s Amandeep Drall shot a 2-
under 69 to finish a creditable
tied-27 at the women’s New
South Wales Open here today.
Amandeep saved her best for
the last to finish at a 2-over 286.
Sharmila Nicollet (72) finished
tied-44th, while Gaurika Bishnoi
(70) was tied-49th. England’s
Meghan MacLaren held her
overnight lead to claim her first
Ladies European Tour title in
Australia. Meghan, 23, carded
an even-par final round in hot
and humid conditions to finish
at 10-under.
JAMSHEDPUR
FC Goa seal last semifinal
spot as keepers see red
Spanish forward Ferran Coromi-
nas struck twice as FC Goa
blanked Jamshedpur FC 3-0 to
seal a last-four spot in an event-
ful Indian Super League match
that saw both the rival goalkeep-
ers being red-carded here today.
FC Goa needed at least a draw to
seal a semifinal spot, and the
win took them to third in the
points table. Goa will take on
Chennaiyin FC, while table-top-
pers Bengaluru FC will face FC
Pune City in the semifinals.
NEW YORK
Wilder improves to 40-0
with 10th round TKO of Ortiz
American
Deontay
Wilder recov-
ered from a
seventh-round
scare to retain
Deontay Wilder his World Box-
ing Council
heavyweight title on Saturday
and keep intact his record of
knocking out every opponent he
has faced. Wilder knocked
down Cuba’s Luis Ortiz three
times in the fight, finishing off
the previously unbeaten chal-
lenger with a right uppercut as
the referee stopped the fight
with 55 seconds left in the 10th
round. — Agencies
TODAY ON TV
1ST TEST
SOUTH AFRICA VS AUSTRALIA
SONY SIX, 1:30PM
I-LEAGUE
SHILLONG VS EAST BENGAL
STAR SPORTS, 5:30PM
Sharma on
cusp of history
Two clear of charging pack after three
rounds with 13-under 200; Mickelson,
Garcia in hot pursuit 2 strokes back
IF SHUBHANKAR SHARMA WINS TOMORROW, HE WILL BECOME THE FIRST PLAYER IN 30 YEARS TO WIN IN HIS FIRST PGA TOUR START. AFP
Mexico City, March 4
Shubhankar Sharma contin-
ued his sensational run of
form at the WGC-Mexico
Championship to retain a
two-stroke lead after the third
round on Saturday, but the
Indian was still not ready to
contemplate the possibility of
winning. The 21-year-old,
playing in his maiden PGA
Tour event and the first World
Golf Championships tourna-
ment, remained the man to
beat after a 2-under 69 at Club
de Golf Chapultepec in Mexi-
co City.
If he showed a few nerves
with some loose shots down
the stretch on Saturday, that
will be nothing compared to
what he is likely to experi-
ence on Sunday when he
attempts to pull off one of
the greatest upsets in recent
golf history. “I don’t really
want to think about it,” Shar-
ma said after posting a 13-
under 200 total for the tour-
nament.
India waste 9 PCs,
settle for 1-1 draw
against England
Ipoh, March 4
India wasted chances galore to settle for a 1-1 draw
against England in their second match at the Sultan
Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today. The draw
gave India their first point in the tournament after hav-
ing lost 2-3 to Olympics champions Argentina in their
tournament opener on Saturday. By virtue of this draw,
last year’s bronze medallist India are placed fourth in the
points tally of the six-team tournament.
Shilanand Lakra (14th minute) scored his first internation-
al goal in the dying minutes of the first quarter to give India
the lead, which the Men in Blue maintained until Mark
I don’t really Gleghorne converted a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute.
❝ want to think
about it (win). That
would put too
The young and inexperienced India had only them-
selves to blame for not winning the game as they wasted
as many as nine penalty corners and a few field goals.
They were slow to get off the blocks as England put pres-
much pressure on sure on their citadel with continuous raids upfront. The
me. I just want to Sardar Singh-led side took the lead against the run of
play a minute before the end of the first quarter when
go ahead and Lakra pounced on a rebound after Talwinder Singh’s
enjoy myself. shot was saved by England goalkeeper Harry Gibson.
Tomorrow will be a The Indians, however, were on top in the second quarter
lot of fun with a lot and earned as many as eight penalty corners, but
dragflickers Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas failed to
of good players in breach the England defence, led by goalkeeper George
the mix Pinner, who replaced Gibson after the first goal.
Shubhankar Sharma The third quarter witnessed a midfield slugfest as Eng-
land pressed hard for the equaliser. In the process, they con-
ceded another penalty corner, but India failed to make use
of this too. The Indians secured their ninth and final penal-
Leaderboard ty corner in the 48th minute but failed to utilise the oppor-
How Mickelson mistook Shubhankar for a journalist tunity yet again. Seven minutes from the final hooter, Eng-
1. Shubhankar Sharma (-13)
land were awarded a penalty stroke for a stick infringement
Mexico City: Shubhankar Sharma has were media’. He said hi, and I said hi. And
taken the golfing world by such a huge then he made a few putts and then he T2. Tyrrell Hatton (-11) inside the Indian circle and Gleghorne stepped up to con-
surprise because he’s a completely came back to me and said, ‘Have a good vert the chance with ease. Thereafter, both the teams tried
T2. Phil Mickelson hard to find a winner but to no avail. — PTI
unknown commodity. He’s such a sur- day’,” Sharma added. “It was nice.” Shar-
prise that his fellow competitors do not ma is so young that Tiger Woods is too T2. Pat Perez
quite know him by face, for he’s never old to be his idol. Rather, he was inspired
played in the USA. When Sharma went to by staying up all night to watch Rory McIl- T2. Sergio Garcia
say hello to Phil Mickelson, the five-time roy win the 2011 US Open. “It went on T2. Rafa Cabrera Bello
Major winner, Mickelson thought Sharma until six in the morning back home,”
was a journalist. “He thought we were Sharma recalled. “I remember I was so T7. Dustin Johnson (-10)
media and he said, ‘not right now, after inspired that I didn’t sleep, I just went
the round’,” Sharma said. “Then he just straight to the range and hit balls for two T7. Justin Thomas
realised (and said) ‘so sorry, I thought you hours.” — Agencies
T7. Brian Harman
“That would put too much Mickelson, who has not won birdies in the first six holes done a fairly good job of the
pressure. I just want to go since the 2013 British Open, but was a mediocre one-over distances and the yardages.”
ahead, enjoy myself. Tomor- will be paired with Sharma in the rest of the way. Just The Asian Tour regular was
row will be a lot of fun with a the final round. Defending when the wheels looked like referring to the difficulty
lot of good players in the mix.” champion Dustin Johnson falling off at the par-four gauging the distance the ball
A highly-credentialled (68) is also in contention, three 18th, however, he got up- flies in the thin air at more
group of four players is sure strokes behind, while Justin and-down from a greenside than 8,000 feet (2,438 metres)
to be breathing down his Thomas trails by four after bunker, reading a 13-foot above sea level. Sharma, who
neck in the final round with surging into contention with a par-saving putt perfectly and would become the first player
American Phil Mickelson 62, the day’s best score. coaxing the ball into the in 30 years to win in his first
(65), Spaniards Sergio Garcia middle of the cup. PGA Tour start if he prevails
(69) and Rafa Cabrera Bello Strong start “I got off to a great start,” on Sunday, is already a twice
(69) and Briton Tyrrell Hatton Sharma started the third said Sharma. “Made a few winner on the European Tour Shilanand Lakra is congratulated by his teammates after he
(64) all on 11-under. round solidly with three mistakes coming in, but I’ve this year. — Reuters put India 1-0 ahead against England on Sunday. PTI

Fiorentina captain Astori, Abbott bouncer fells batsman

Australia’s bowler Mitchell Marsh (Left) celebrates after taking the wicket of South Africa’s
opener Aiden Markram during the fourth day of the first Test match in Durban on Sunday. AFP
Markram hits fighting ton but Oz
just one wicket away from victory
Durban, March 4
Australia were one wicket
away from victory in the first
Test against South Africa after
Mitchell Starc's swing bowling
decimated the hosts' lower
order and dampened their
hopes of an unlikely recovery
here today. South Africa were
293/9 at the close of the fourth
day, still 123 runs adrift of Aus-
tralia, who will return on Mon-
day to wrap up what appears
an inevitable victory and a 1-0
lead in the four-match series.
South Africa's opener Aiden
Markram provided some stout
resistance, scoring 143 runs,
while Quinton de Kock's
unbeaten 81 also helped frus-
trate the visitors as South
Africa recovered from a horrid
start to their second innings.
Australia looked to be head-
ing to an easy win when they
set South Africa 417 for victory
before taking four key home
wickets for just 49 runs before
lunch as they devastated the
home team's top order.
Dean Elgar was the first to
go for nine before Josh
Hazlewood claimed the wick-
et of Hashim Amla -- the
sixth time he has done so in
the last four Tests between
the two countries. AB de Vil-
liers was run out after facing
a single ball and then captain
Faf du Plessis scored only
four before having his
stumps knocked out of the
ground by Pat Cummins.
Markram stands tall
The 23-year-old Markram's
knock belied his inexperience
and gave the home fans a tan-
talising glimmer of an improb-
able victory. He was the main-
stay in an 87-run partnership
with Theunis de Bruyn, who
scored 36, and added 147 more
runs with De Kock for the
sixth wicket. South Africa
were 135 runs off their victory
target when a tired Markram
tried to guide the ball down to
third man and was caught
behind by Tim Paine off
Mitchell Marsh.
Starc then returned to the
attack, deciding to forego
the second new ball in
favour of swinging old one,
and had immediate success
by claiming three wickets in
a single over. Vernon Philan-
der (6) was caught behind,
followed by the wickets of
Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso
Rabada. — Reuters
Brief scores: Australia 351 &
227 (Bancroft 53; Maharaj
4/102, Morkel 3/47); South
Africa 162 and 293/9
(Markram 143, de Kock 81*,
Starc 4/74)
31, dies of sudden illness
MILAN, March 4
Fiorentina captain and defender
Davide Astori died of a sudden ill-
ness on Sunday morning at the age
of 31, the Serie A club said, leaving
Italian soccer in a
state of shock.
“Fiorentina is deeply
upset to have to
announce that its cap-
tain Davide Astori has
passed away, a victim
of a sudden illness,”
said Fiorentina’s
statement. “Due to the
terrible and delicate
situation, and above
all for the respect of
his family, an appeal is
made to everyone’s sensibility.”
Italian media said Astori was
found dead in his hotel room in
Udine, where Fiorentina had been
due to face Udinese at the Dacia
Arena later on Sunday. The Fiorenti-
na staff became worried when Astori
did not join his teammates for
breakfast, local media reported.
Astori, who was in his 10th season
as a Serie A player and made 289
top-flight appearances, joined
No medals on last day
ASIAN WRESTLING
Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), March 4
India drew a blank on the last
day of the Senior Asian
Wrestling Championships
here today even as the coun-
try finished the tournament
with a rich haul of eight
medals. India bagged one
gold, one silver and six bronze
medals in the competition.
In the 61kg freestyle cate-
gory, India’s Shravan lost 0-
10 against Japan’s Kazuya
Koyanagi in the quarterfi-
nals. He, however, got a
in chilling Hughes reminder
Fiorentina on loan in August 2015 Melbourne, March 4
and the club signed him outright Australian cricketer Sean Abbott,
one year later. He previously spent who bowled the bouncer that struck
six seasons at Cagliari and one on and killed Phillip Hughes, was
loan at AS Roma. involved in another chilling inci-
He made 14 appear- dent that felled a batsman in the
ances for Italy between Sheffield Shield today. Fast bowler
2012 and 2017 and was Abbott, playing for New South
in the squad at the Wales, bowled a short ball that
Confederations Cup in struck the helmet of Will Pucovski,
2013 where Italy fin- forcing the Victorian batsman to
ished third. retire at Melbourne’s Junction
“It seems impossible. Oval. It took Pucovski several min- A doctor checks on Will Pucovski after
I’m in a state of disbe- utes to get to his feet after treat- he was hit on the head by a bouncer
lief and I cry with his ment before he was helped off the from Sean Abbott. TWITTER
family and all for ground by medical and physio staff,
Fiorentina. Goodbye seemingly struggling to keep his tory of concussion-related incidents.
captain,” said former balance, reports said. In his first-class debut last season,
Italy Prime Minister It was a harrowing moment for Pucovski’s match ended early when
Matteo Renzi. Abbott, who bowled the bouncer he was struck in the head, forcing
In announcing the postponement that struck former Australia Test him to miss three months of cricket
of Sunday’s games, Serie A said:
“Shocked by the tragic news, the
whole family of the Serie A unites
batsman Hughes on his neck at the
Sydney Cricket Ground in Novem-
ber 2014, which tragically led to his
as a result of the blow.
The death of the popular Hughes
at 25 had stunned Australia and the
around the family of Davide Astori
and Fiorentina FC.”
death. An emotional Abbott took
time to regain his composure after
world cricket community, sparking
an outpouring of grief. A coronial
Fans applauded when Astori’s the sickening incident before inquest in 2016 found that Hughes
picture was shown on the stadium resuming his bowling spell. had made a “minuscule misjudge-
screen and left in silence when it Pucovski is regarded as one of Aus- ment” before he was fatally struck
was announced that the game tralia’s most promising young bats- and no blame was attached to
would not go ahead. — Reuters men. At just 20 years old, he has a his- Abbott. — AFP
chance to feature in the
Vihari stars in India B win
bronze medal playoff after Bhui’s valiant effort, howev- The clinical batting per-
DEODHAR TROPHY
his rival made it to the final. er, did not prove enough as formance from India B came
But he lost the opportunity Dharamsala, March 4 India B chased down the after an all-round bowling
to win the bronze when his Hanuma Vihari hammered revised target of 175 in just show. Pacers Umesh Yadav
opponent, Abbos an unbeaten 95 off 76 balls as 26.2 overs. (2/28) and Siddarth Kaul
Rakhmonov of Uzbekistan, India B beat India A by eight Vihari was in fine form and (2/39) provided the break-
won the all-important final wickets in the rain-curtailed got good support from cap- throughs upfront before left-
point even though the keen- opening match of the Deod- tain Shreyas Iyer (28 not out) arm spinner Dharmendras-
ly-contested bout ended in a har Trophy here today. India and Abhimanyu Easwaran inh Jadeja (4/36) inflicted
6-6 tie. In the 74kg category, B made full use of the condi- (43). Vihari smashed 16 fours more damage.
Parveen Rana lost 0-5 to tions after opting to field, dis- and a six. He was unlucky to Brief scores: India A: 178 in
Mostafa Hosseinkhani of Iran missing the A side for 178 in miss out on a deserving hun- 41.2 overs (R Bhui 78; D Jade-
in the opening round. Deepak 41.2 overs. Had it not been for dred by five runs. ja 4/36, J Yadav 2/25) India B:
Punia (86kg) also finished on Ricky Bhui’s 78, India A Mohammed Shami, playing 175 in 26.2 overs (Hanuma
the losing side in the bronze would have struggled to go for India A, leaked 49 runs in Vihari 95*, Abhimanyu
medal clash. —PTI past the 150-run mark. six overs for one wicket. Easwaran 43). — PTI
THE TRIBUNE
CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018 SPORT 15
BRIEFLY
BARCELONA
Messi’s 600th lifts Barca
Rizvi rocks at World Cup Last chance for top athletes
8 points clear of Atletico
Barcelona beat nearest chal-
lengers Atletico Madrid 1-0
On debut, Rizvi wins gold, breaks world record; Jitu, Mehuli win bronze to book CWG berths
thanks to an outstanding free New Delhi, March 4 FEDERATION CUP
kick from Lionel Messi on Sun- Unheralded Indian shooter
day to move eight points clear Shahzar Rizvi clinched the Karam Prakash
at the top of La Liga and closer gold medal with a world Tribune News Service

to a 25th Spanish title. Barca’s record score in a memo- Patiala, March 4

all-time top scorer Messi
wrapped his left foot around
the ball to send it flying over
the wall and inside the top cor-
ner in the 26th minute to regis-
ter his 600th career goal.
BRIGHTON
Brighton pile the pressure
on Wenger as Arsenal lose
Arsenal lost 2-1 at Brighton and
Hove Albion, a fourth succes-
sive defeat in all competitions
for the London club which inten-
sified the pressure on manager
Arsene Wenger. Meanwhile,
runaway Premier League lead-
ers Manchester City beat cham-
pions Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad
Stadium to extend their lead to
18 points and leave the London
side further adrift from the
Champions League qualifica-
tion spots. Chelsea have lost
four of their last five EPL games
and are in fifth place.
BIRMINGHAM
Coleman wins 60m in
world indoors record time
World record holder Christian
Coleman added the champi-
onship record to his growing list
of achievements in winning the
60 meters at the world athlet-
ics indoors. Coleman smashed
Maurice Greene’s 20-year-old
world record last month by
clocking 6.34 seconds and he
came within 0.03 seconds of
that at Arena Birmingham.
ACAPULCO
Del Potro, Tsurenko win
Mexican Open titles
Juan Martin del Potro won the
Mexican Open for his 21st ATP
Tour title, beating Kevin Ander-
son 6-4 6-4. Lesia Tsurenko
defended her women’s title
with a 5-7 7-6(2) 6-2 victory over
Stefanie Voegele. — Agencies
rable maiden ISSF World
Cup appearance, while Jitu
Rai and Mehuli Ghosh
bagged a bronze each in
Guadalajara, Mexico.
Meerut-based Rizvi shot a
world record 242.3 in the
10m air pistol event’s final
to beat reigning Olympics
champion Christian Reitz
(239.7) of Germany to win
the top prize in the season’s
first World Cup.
Pistol ace Rai won the
bronze in the event with a
score of 219, as three Indi-
ans made it to the finals.
Om Prakash Mitharval
finished fourth with a score
of 198.4 points.
Mehuli, also a World Cup
debutant, added to India’s
medal tally as she shot a
world junior record of
228.4 to win the bronze
medal in the women’s
10m air rifle event.
‘Miffed’ with federation, squash coach
flies home to leave CWG squad in lurch
New Delhi, March 4
India’s foreign squash coach
Achraf El Karargui has flown
back home in mysterious cir-
cumstances, raising doubts
over his return with less than
a month to go for the Com-
monwealth Games.
The Sports Authority of
India (SAI) had extended
Karargui’s contract till July
2019 but his move has left
medal contenders Joshna
Chinappa, Saurav Ghosal
and Dipika Pallikal in a spot
ahead of next month’s
Shahzar Rizvi, gold medallist in the 10m air pistol event, with Jitu Rai and silver medal winner
Christian Reitz; (right) Mehuli Ghosh with her bronze in the 10m air rifle event.
Three Indian shooters
progressed to the final.
Anjum Moudgil finished
fourth with 208.6 points,
while Apurvi Chandela was
seventh in the standings
with 144.1 points.
Rizvi finished second in
qualifying with 579 points,
while Reitz had 588 points
after 60 shots.
Rai was third with 578,
CWG. Joshna and Dipika
had won a historic gold in
the women’s doubles at the
last edition in Glasgow.
A SAI official confirmed
that the Egyptian had left
for his country. “It was 10
days ago that he wished to
resign due to personal rea-
sons. However, he is expect-
ed to continue till the
CWG,” the official said.
It has been learnt that the
Alexandria-based coach may
not even return to guide the
team in Gold Coast.
while Mitharval shot 576 to
qualify in fourth place.
Rizvi turned the tables on
Reitz, staying ahead of the
German throughout the 24-
shot final.
In the women’s 10m air
rifle final, Mehuli and
Anjum were in medal con-
tention from the beginning.
After a sea-saw battle
between the two, a 9.9 in the
The Egyptian communi-
cated to SAI that he was
quitting due to “personal
reasons” but his growing
differences with the
Squash Rackets Federation
of India (SRFI) played a big
role in his decision.
The final straw was SRFI
not allowing Karargui to fly
home after attending the
Windy City Open in Chica-
go last month. SRFI wanted
the coach to return to India
instead of flying to his
hometown from Chicago.
17th round meant Anjum
ended fourth.
Mehuli won the bronze
while China’s Hong Xu
won the silver with 251.0.
Romania’s Laura Georgeta
Coman, who won the gold
in the Munich World Cup
last year and the silver at
the World Cup Finals, led
throughout to win the gold
medal with 251.5. — PTI
Upset with the federation’s
plan, the coach left for
Egypt and chose not to trav-
el to Chicago. Joshna, Ghos-
al and Dipika had taken
part in the Chicago event.
While SRFI office-bearers
were unavailable for a com-
ment, a source said Karar-
gui was not allowed to work
freely. “His resignation was
very much on the cards as
he developed serious differ-
ences with SRFI over the
past six months,” the SRFI
source claimed. — PTI
India’s top track and field
athletes will look to take
advantage of “favourable con-
ditions” and seal berths for
the Commonwealth Games
as the 22nd Federation Cup
kicks off at the National Insti-
tute of Sports (NIS) here on
Monday. More than 700 ath-
letes are going to take part in
the Federation Cup, which is
the last qualifying event for
next month’s CWG.
On March 8, a day after the
event ends, the Athletics Fed-
eration of India’s selection
committee will pick the team
for the Gold Coast CWG.
As per the AFI guidelines,
athletes — including national
record holders — who do not
take part in the Federation
Cup will not be picked for the
CWG even if they achieve the
qualifying mark.
“Since there are favourable
conditions at NIS, athletes
will have a good chance,”
Bahadur Singh, chief nation-
al coach said. “I think a big
number of athletes are
expected to qualify for the
CWG. I hope that around 15-
20 athletes will achieve the
qualifying marks,” he added.
At last week’s Indian
Grand Prix-1, javelin thrower
Neeraj Chopra, long jumper
Nayana James and discus
thrower Navjeet Dhillon had
booked spots for the CWG.
Four 20km race walkers —
two men and two women —
were picked in the team after
last month’s National Cham-
pionships.
Chopra will also be partici-
pating in the Federation Cup.
“For me, it is just another
competition and not a quali-
fying event, but I thought I
should get competition prac-
Triple jumper Arpinder
Singh won the silver in
the Indian Grand Prix-1
last week with a jump of
16.45m. The qualifying
mark is 16.60m. FILE
Reigning champion
Gowda absent
Discus thrower Vikas Gowda,
long distance runner Lalita
Babar and 400m runner Jis-
na Mathew are the notable
absentees from the Federa-
tion Cup. By giving a miss to
the event, these athletes will
not be considered for selec-
tion for the CWG. In the last
edition, Gowda had clinched
the gold medal with 63.64m.
tice to build up for the CWG,”
Chopra said.
Some of the athletes to
watch out will be long jumper
Ankit Sharma, discus throw-
er Seema Punia, sprinter
Amiya Kumar Mallick and
triple jumper Arpinder
Singh. Sharma, who made a
name for himself after quali-
fying for the Rio Olympics, is
one of the favourtites to qual-
ify for the CWG.
The 24-year-old, who holds
the national record with a
jump of 8.17 metres, was con-
sistent with his performances
in 2017. If Sharma makes the
team, he will be one of
India’s best bets for a medal
at the Gold Coast CWG.
Mallick holds the national
record in 100m with a timing
of 10.26 seconds which he
achieved at the 2016 Federa-
tion Cup in New Delhi.
However, despite being the
best sprinter in the country,
Mallick has not been able to
achieve success at major
events. At last year’s Asian
Athletics Championships in
Bhubaneswar, Mallick was
disqualified in the semifinals
after a false start.
Arpinder won the bronze
medal at the 2014 Glasglow
CWG. Last year, he won the
gold at the Asian Indoor
Games in Turkmenistan
with a jump of 16.12m.
Arpinder won the silver in
the Indian Grand Prix-1
here last week with a jump
of 16.45m. The qualifying
mark is 16.60m.
 THE TRIBUNE
16 BACK PAGE CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 5 MARCH 2018

By the way... Pak gets first Dalit woman senator
Human rights activist Kirshna Kolhi wins election from minority seat in Sindh province
Karachi, March 4
Kirshna Kumari Kolhi from
Pakistan’s Sindh province
has become the first-ever
Hindu Dalit woman senator
in the Muslim-majority
country, the Pakistan Peo-
ple’s Party (PPP) has said.
Kolhi, 39, who belongs to
the remote Dhana Gam vil-
lage in Nagarparkar in the
NIGHT DAZZLE: A person watches northern lights (Aurora
interior Sindh province, is a
borealis) in Unstad, in the arctic circle, in northern Norway. AFP
member of Bilawal Bhutto
■ AIIMS names laboratory after nurse Zardari-led PPP.
Bhutto said Kolhi’s elec-
New Delhi: For the first time, a laboratory at AIIMS has been tion on a minority seat from
named after a nurse who died due to alleged medical negli- Sindh showed minorities
gence. The bronchoscopy laboratory was named after Rajbir had rights in Pakistan and
Kaur, who was admitted for a normal delivery on January 16. that she could play an effec-
As some complications developed, doctors decided to per-
form a cesarean section. However, both the baby and Rajbir tive role in country’s politics.
died. A probe revealed that no anaesthesiologist was pres- Kolhi said she was happy
ent and the procedure was performed by a junior resident that the PPP had reposed
who didn’t have enough training. PTI faith in her and in her work.
Known as Kishoo Bai by
■ Tea sale benchmark: ~12 lakh per month her parents and friends for
her fiery temper and
Pune: A tea seller here has set a benchmark for competitors activism, Kolhi said a lot of
by earning ~12 lakh per month. Yewle Tea House has become work needed to be done for
one of the famous stalls in the city. Navnath Yewle, co-founder, the oppressed and poor in
says he is going to make it an international brand. Currently,
Yewle Tea House has got three centres in the city and every
centre has about 12 employees working in it. ANI
Wedding bells
for Ambani’s
son this year?
New Delhi, March 4
in Pakistan. Earlier, the also actively participated Is Shloka Mehta, the youngest
BONDED LABOURER TO LAWMAKER PPP had elected first Hindu and worked for the rights of daughter of diamantaire Rus-
woman Ratna Bhagwandas the marginalised communi- sell Mehta, the girl Akash
❝I, my family and relatives were in bonded labour in a
private jail owned by an influential landlord
Chawla as a senator. ties living in Thar district Ambani, the scion of India’s
While Chawla belonged to and other areas. richest family, slated to marry
in Umerkot district and we were only a well-known Hindu family Pakistan’s ruling PML-N later this year? The answer is
freed during a police raid. This in Sindh, Kolhi is the first of ousted Prime Minister yes if sources are to be believed.
prompted me to fight for the rights of lower caste woman to come Nawaz Sharif yesterday While the two families have
women and children… I have tried to to the senate. won 15 seats in senate and refused to comment on the
highlight the problems faced by the Born to a poor peasant became the largest party in wedding, sources say an
minorities, especially Hindus. The Jugno Kolhi in February the upper house of Parlia- announcement of engage-
PPP could have nominated any other 1979, Kolhi and her family ment, according to the pro- ment can be made in the next
woman for the seat but they spent nearly three years in visional results. few weeks with wedding being
showed they have regard for
minorities as well❞
a private jail owned by the Provincial and federal planned for early December.
landlord of Kunri of lawmakers voted to elect Akash is the eldest son of
Kirshna Kumari Kolhi, PPP SENATOR Umerkot district. She was a 52 senators in the senate India’s richest man Mukesh
grade 3 student at the time. elections, according to the Ambani, and Shloka Mehta is the
the interior areas. of women and children She was married to Lalc- Election Commission of daughter of Russell Mehta, who
“I, my family and relatives belonging to the minority hand at the age of 16, when Pakistan (ECP). More heads Rosy Blue Diamonds.
were in bonded labour in a communities. she was studying in grade 9. than 130 candidates, The Ambanis and Mehtas
private jail owned by an “My husband and family However, she pursued her including those nominat- know each other well and even
influential landlord in supported me a lot in my studies and in 2013 did her ed by political parties and Akash and Shloka studied
Umerkot district and we studies and work and it Master’s in Sociology from independent candidates together at Dhirubhai Ambani
were only freed during a allowed me to get required the Sindh University. were in the contest. International School. Shloka
police raid,” she said. education despite my Dalit Kolhi had joined the PPP Hindus makeup just two is the youngest of three chil-
Noting that she was a little background,” she said. as a social activist along per cent of the total popula- dren of Russell and Mona
girl when the incident took Kolhi’s election repre- with her brother, who was tion of Pakistan and have Mehta. Mona is said to be a rel-
place, Kolhi said it prompt- sents a major milestone for later elected as chairman of long complained of victimi- ative of fugitive diamond jew-
ed her to fight for the rights women and minority rights Union Council Berano. She sation. — PTI eller Nirav Modi. — PTI

■ Panel suggests ‘service captain’ in trains

New Delhi: Passengers may soon have access to one-man
Army questions MoD official’s Indian twist to Brazilian carnival
complaint redressal cells on-board trains, if a set of recom-
mendations is approved by the Railway Board. The sugges-
tion of deputing in a train a ‘service captain’ identifiable by his
uniform to address problems of passengers was made in a
authority to decide JCO status
report of a committee of senior officers formed by Railway Had said they’re not covered under definition of officer
Minister Piyush Goyal after a meeting with all zonal heads Ajay Banerjee its latest letter pointed out
last December. PTI Tribune News Service
‘No locus standi to
comment on Act’ that JCOs were accorded
New Delhi, March 4 “Group-B” gazetted officer
■ India loses 106 leopards in two months The Indian Army has given a
strongly-worded reply to a
❝ The CAO officials have
no competence or locus
status. The Army Act, 1950,
accords status of Group-B
New Delhi: A staggering 106 leopards have died in the first
two months of this year in forest areas across the country — letter written by an official of standi to comment/ equivalent gazetted officers to
a number that conservationists and officials said was alarm- the Ministry of Defence question the provisions JCOs. Section 151 of the
ingly high. According to the Wildlife Protection Society of India (MoD) who had stated that of an Act of Parliament or Defence Service Regulations
(WPSI), the maximum number of deaths was due to poach- Junior Commissioned Offi- the Defence Services 1987 states JCOs are granted
ing. Only 12 of the big cats died of natural causes. Uttarak- cers (JCOs) are “not gazetted Regulations❞ An Army letter commission by the President.
hand tops the list with 24 leopard deaths, followed by Maha- officers”. . There are some 64,000 per-
rashtra (18) and Rajasthan (11). IANS The official, a Joint Secre- the CAO to stop issuing com- sonnel of JCO rank or equiv-
tary-cum-Chief Administra- munications that do not form alent in the Indian Air Force
tive Officer (JS & CAO) in the its charter. “Office of CAO is and the Indian Navy. The
MoD, had said since “JCOs not mandated by govern- JCOs are promoted from

AFT:Outing with are not covered under the

definition of officer”, they do
not merit such a status while
being posted in the Army
ment to deal with any person-
nel aspects involving combat-
ants (the armed forces).”
The JS & CAO is the cadre-
among jawans. In the forces,
they hold pivotal positions.
In January, the issue relating
to rank parity — wrong equa-
A coffee table book captures the mood of Holi and carnival celebrations. COURTESY: NATASHA HEMARAJANI

permission to be Headquarters at South

Block, New Delhi.
controlling officer for Armed
Forces Civilian Employees who
tion of forces with civilian staff
— was settled after Defence
KV Prasad Ambassador Tovar Da Sil-
va Nunes hit upon the idea
sand kilometres away, these
cities find architectural simi-

I
The Army, in its reply to the number over 12,000. Sources Minister Nirmala Sitharaman s it common knowledge to explore similarities larities in interplay of space

consideredonduty JS & CAO, questioned his

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 4
Ruling that a person who
has gone to watch a movie
after duty with due permis-
sion of the authorities will
be considered as being on
Relief to airman’s kin
AFT’s Chandigarh Bench
allowed special family
pension to the mother of
an airman from
Pathankot who died after
sustaining injuries in an
authority to decide on the status
of JCOs. It has said: “The CAO
officials have no competence or
locus standi to comment/ques-
tion the provisions of an Act of
Parliament or the Defence Ser-
vices Regulations.”
In the letter, the Army, on a
separate matter, has asked
point out that the civilian-
employee cadre was set up for
administrative management,
not to issue policy letters on
personnel matters of the forces.
The Tribune had reported
on February 26 how the JS &
CAO had rejected the move to
give “gazetted officer” status.
On JCO issue, the Army in
corrected the anomaly. The
MoD had said: “The letter dat-
ed October 18, 2016, on the
issue of equivalence between
that emerging economies between the spirit of Holi
India and Brazil form and festivities associated
important engines of with the carnival, the most
growth the world is looking popular festival back home,
and shade. Le Corbusier cre-
ated the City Beautiful
almost a decade prior
inspired by his work Brazil-
armed forces’ officers and to. Yet, how do these coun- as a tribute to mark the 70th ian architect Oscar Niemey-
Armed Forces Headquarters tries separated physically by anniversary of diplomatic er and Lucio Costa planned
Civil Services (AFHQ) officers continents find similarities ties with India. the capital city for Brazil.
is withdrawn.” The matter of between its people? Colour, music and dance In a tribute to Niemeyer a
JCO's getting their status was Most Indians know of the shape the landscape of the Brazilian writer observed
not linked to this. two most vibrant two celebrations more that both cities were “a way
forms of Brazilian than 12,000 km of shaking off the albatross
soft power — sam- apart and yet it is of colonialism and instating

duty for the purpose of
benefits in case of any
mishap, if he meets with
an accident, the Armed
Forces Tribunal (AFT) has
granted special family pen-
sion to the mother of an
airman almost a decade
after his death.
Corporal Vishal Raj, who
belonged to Pathankot,
had died in a road accident
in 2009 when the motorcy-
CORPS
accident during his post-
ing at Kalaikunda Air
Force Station in West
Prez, V-P, Guv cars to have number plates, HC told ba and soccer —
that has its afi-
O MA TIQUE
time for tradition,
transformation,
a native, democratic govern-
ment. And modern notions
Bengal. The victim was cionados spell- DIPL transfiguration of urban planning and
returning after watching bound. Now imag- and transcen- architecture were central to
a film in a nearby town ine garnishing the dence in India and both new capitals... Fifty
. annual carnival with Brazil. years into existence, the two
guard room. The ministry, some Indian twist, the result: The frames in the book cities have evolved into
on the other hand, argued “The Aesthetics of Joy: Holi capture the mood of Holi and examples of how grand
that based upon the court of and Carnival.” carnival celebrations, whose utopian projects can both
inquiry proceedings, he was The coffee table book is a nuances are described inspire and disappoint.”
not performing any military creative project to “promote cheekily, as similar in terms There is more Brazil in
duty at the time of the acci- dialogue between the two of their “indulgent approval India now than before,
dent and consequently his countries that does not of merry bad behaviour”. shares the Ambassador stat-
MANAS RANJAN BHUI

cle on which he was travel- family was not entitled to assume uniform treatment ing that among the products
ling along with another air- the special pension. or a complete correspon- Chandigarh-Brasilia — finding greater acceptance
man met with an accident Drawing inference from dence of the phenomena separated at birth? include henna and cow ghee.
while they were returning past judgments on the issue observed in each of ours cul- Ambassador Nunes travels And then there is an ashram
to Kalaikunda Air Force by the high courts, the AFT tures”, explored by photog- across India and is fascinat- in Rishikesh of Brazilian
Station in West Bengal and the relevant provisions ■ The vehicles of top constitutional authorities — ■ It filed an affidavit after a PIL said “the prac- raphers Ailton Silva from ed by Chandigarh, describ- Guru Prem Baba, a place
after watching a film in a of law, the tribunal’s the President, Vice-President, Governors and tice of replacing registration mark with the Brazil and Natasha Hemara- ing it as the sister city of that receives from distant
nearby town. Chandigarh Bench com- Lieut Governors — will have to display registra- State Emblem of India is arbitrary and symp- jani from India, who spent Brasilia. Built from scratch lands those seeking spiritual
The Ministry of Defence, prising Justice Mohammad tion numbers, the Centre has told Delhi HC tomatic of desire to rule rather than to serve” time in each other’s country. and separated several thou- rejuvenation in India.
however, refused to sanc- Tahir and Lt Gen Munish
tion special family pension Sibal held that in view of
that is applicable for armed the facts and circumstances
forces personnel who die
on duty on the grounds
that his death was not
attributable to military
of the case, Vishal had sus-
tained injuries while he was
on duty and the injuries
because of which he died,
Who let the ghosts out: Spectres haunt lawmakers
New Delhi, March 4 explain it in terms of black
service. His mother, Tripta can be attributable to mili- An opera of phantoms is play- Netas’ uncanny tales surrounding buildings magic or a bad curse,” she
Devi, was sanctioned only tary service. ing out across the country. ■ Bihar ex-minister Tej Pratap Yadav vacated his govt bunga- said. Some legislators made
ordinary pension. The tribunal had directed And in the audience are sec- low in Patna after claiming ghosts had been let loose there such statements because
Thereafter, she the Ministry of Defence to tions of spooked out lawmak- they lacked a scientific tem-
■ A BJP legislator claims Rajasthan Assembly is unholy as
approached the AFT, claim- calculate the special family ers. A spectre seems to be a part of the land on which it stands was previously a perament, she said.
ing that her son was on pension and release it to haunting legislators in the cremation ground Efforts have often been
active military service and Tripta Devi within three states — from Bihar and made to eradicate what is
was not on leave at the time months. The arrears of the Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh
■ Arunachal Government recently decided to convert CM’s called the evil eye. In Decem-
official bungalow into a state guest house following sui-
of accident. In her petition, pension, however, have and Arunachal Pradesh. And cide by former CM Kalikho Pul ber, some members of the
she contended that before been restricted to three they are looking at ways of Madhya Pradesh Assembly,
going for the movie, he had years preceding the date of dealing with spooks with the
■ There was demand to make MP Assembly ‘Vaastu compli- while questioning the untime-
made the necessary entries filing the petition as she help of purification rituals or Arunachal CM’s bungalow that has been turned into guest house. ant’ after the untimely demise of nine MLAs in four years ly demise of nine MLAs in
in the records of his had moved the AFT after a by simply steering clear of four years, demanded a puja.
squadron and had properly lapse of seven years from what they believe are ghost- the building was haunted. made some alterations to the Assembly fear the worst, too. Rationalists said they were They claimed the building
booked-out of the sub- the incident. filled houses. “I decided to vacate the bun- bungalow to bring in elements BJP legislator Habibur Rah- worried about the trend. was not “Vaastu compliant”.
While RJD leader Lalu galow because (Chief Minister) of Vaastu Shastra — traditional man believes that a part of Mukta Dabholkar, daughter The Arunachal Pradesh Gov-
Prasad Yadav’s son and for- Nitish (Kumar) and deputy CM architectural beliefs — and the land on which the of slain rationalist Narendra ernment recently decided to
Editor-in-Chief, Publisher & Printer: Harish Khare * mer Bihar minister Tej Pratap Sushil Kumar Modi had also used the rear exit instead Assembly building stands Dabholkar, said it was dis- convert the official bungalow of
Printed and published by Harish Khare for The Tribune Trust Yadav recently vacated his released ghosts in it. The of the main entrance to ward was previously a cremation heartening that lawmakers the Chief Minister into a state
Printed at The Tribune Press, Sector 29-C, Chandigarh. government-provided bunga- ghosts were haunting me,” the off evil spirits. But Yadav ground and thus unholy. had no “scientific temper” or guest house. The bungalow in
Published at The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chandigarh. low in Patna because he said 28-year-old Rashtriya Janata found the changes did little to Panic spread after two “spirit of inquiry”. the state capital was thought to
RNI No. 15/57. ghosts had been let loose Dal leader, whose father is in deter the stubborn ghosts. MLAs died within six months. “If something is not going be haunted after former chief
Copyright © The Tribune Trust. All rights reserved. there, BJP MLAs in the jail, told the media. The MLA finally moved out. A “purification ritual” is now right it has to have some minister Kalikho Pul commit-
Telephones: 0172-2655066-72 Fax: 0172-2657149 Rajasthan Assembly feared The politician had earlier MLAs in the Rajasthan on the cards, reports said. explanation. You cannot ted suicide on August 9. — PTI
Circulation: 0172-3050419, Advertisement: 0172-3050256, 257
*Editor for purpose of PRB Act, 1867