ATTAINED NEW HEIGHTS IN
GRAM SWARAJ: PM NATION
/thetribunechd /thetribunechd www.tribuneindia.com
Working on LAC peace, good ties
in interests of both nations: China
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
China and India are neigh-
bours, and maintaining a good
relationship meets the inter-
ests of both countries, Chinese
Defence Minister General Wei
Fenghe said in Singapore on
Sunday, stressing that the two
nations are working together
for peace along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC).
Addressing the Shangri-La
Dialogue, Wei also called for
peaceful means for settling
Sonia Gandhi
hospitalised
New Delhi, June 12
Congress president Sonia
Gandhi was admitted to Gan-
ga Ram Hospital today due to
Covid-related issues. Party
media chief tweeted the infor-
mation saying she was stable
and would be kept at the hos-
pital for observation. “We
thank all Congress members
and well-wishers for their con-
cern and good wish-
es,” Surjewala said.
Sonia was sum-
moned by the ED
on June 8, but she
sought time citing
Covid illness.
—TNS
IN BRIEF
Bishop Franco set to
resume pastoral duties
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vati-
can is learnt to have approved
Jalandhar ex-Bishop Franco
Mulakkal’s return to pastoral
duties post acquittal. PTI
Khattar’s residence
now ‘Sant Kabir Kutir’
CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief
Minister ML Khattar said on
Sunday that his official resi-
dence would now be known as
“Sant Kabir Kutir”. INSIDE
Despite notices, Punjab
MLAs refuse to vacate flats
Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 12
Nearly four months after their
defeat in the Punjab Vidhan
Sabha elections, a few former
legislators continue to cling on
to the MLA hostel flats allot-
ted to them during the previ-
ous Congress regime.
And that too despite the
MLAs, belonging to the
Opposition Congress and the
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD),
being served several notices.
The Vidhan Sabha Secre-
tariat is now planning to
serve a final 15-day notice on
the illegal occupants with a
strict warning to face eviction
proceedings if the premises
weren’t vacated. The flats
continued on page 8
Mid-day meals back in Haryana schools
To be served from July 1| Scheme was halted during Covid meritorious students
Ravinder Saini
Tribune News Service
Rohtak, June 12
Suspended in 2020 with the
onset of Covid, mid-day meals
are set to be cooked and served
again at all government
schools across Haryana from
July 1 when classes resume
after the summer break.
FILE PHOTO
At present, dry ration is sup-
plied to Class I-VIII students
at their houses and they are
paid cooking expenses too. A
few schools had started serv-
ing meals on their own days
before the vacation began.
CHANDIGARH | GURUGRAM | JALANDHAR | BATHINDA | VOL. 142 NO.162 | 12 PAGES | ~5.00 | REGD. NO. CHD/0006/2021-2023 ESTABLISHED IN 1881 � HARYANA
territorial disputes, includ-
ing those in the South China
Sea. “But on frictions along
the border areas, the merit of
The ‘illegally constructed’ house of alleged mastermind of Friday violence being razed in Prayagraj. PTI
Bulldozers out in Prayagraj,
house of key accused razed
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
In a massive crackdown after
the Friday violence over the
anti-Prophet remarks of two
former BJP spokespersons,
the UP Police arrested 304 peo-
ple from eight districts while
the Prayagraj Development
Authority demolished “an ille-
gal property” owned by one
Javed Shah, who the cops
alleged was the mastermind of
the violence in the city.
This was the third demoli-
tion of “illegal properties” in
Vidhan Sabha Sectt
plans ‘final action’
THOSE ON THE LIST
SHIROMANI AKALI DAL
Bikram S Majithia Gurpartap S Wadala
CONGRESS
Gurpreet Singh GP Kulbir Zira
Sukhpal Bhullar | Angad Saini
Raminder Awla | Satkar Kaur
Himachal to provide
smartphones to
There are over 15 lakh stu-
dents at more than 13,500
schools in the state who are
served mid-day meals.
13
ON BORDER CONFLICT
❝ We have had 15
rounds of talks at
commander level with
the Indians and we are
working together for
peace in this area
General Wei Fenghe, CHINESE DEF MIN
the issue is clear. I personally
experienced the start and
end of the frictions as
Defence Minister,” he added.
AKHILESH TWEETS VIDEO ARRESTS IN EIGHT UP
ON ‘BEATINGS IN LOCKUP’ DISTS POST VIOLENCE
■ SP chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted a
video of policemen thrashing some
men with sticks in a ‘lockup’, saying
questions must be raised
■ UP Deputy CM Keshav
Prasad Maurya
mocked: “Rioters are
being beaten up but
Akhilesh Yadav is
feeling the pain.”
two days in the state. On Sat-
urday, the “illegal properties”
of two others accused of vio-
People led by a Buddhist monk march from Leh to Kargil.
Buddhist monk’s march stirs
communal tension in Ladakh
Arjun Sharma
Jammu, June 12
A march by a monk has trig-
gered communal tension in
Ladakh, the northernmost
UT of the country. The
march, started from Bud-
dhist-dominated Leh on May
31, will end in Muslim-domi-
nated Kargil on June 14.
Sources said the decision to
cook the mid-day meals
again in all schools had been
taken in view of the declining
number of Covid cases. The
matter had been discussed
threadbare by the education
higher-ups with the authori-
ties concerned in the district
administration, they said.
The Directorate of Elemen-
tary Education recently direct-
ed the District Elementary Edu-
cation Officers to restore the
facility in all schools from July 1.
An Education Department
continued on page 8
FRANCE VOTES, STAKES
HIGH FOR MACRON WORLD
monday | 13 june 2022
Asserting China’s long-
standing position on Taiwan,
Wei warned: “If anyone dares
to secede Taiwan from China,
we will not hesitate to fight. We
will fight at all costs. And we
will fight to the very end. This
is the only choice for China.”
Refuting US Defence Secre-
tary Lloyd Austin’s speech at
the Dialogue a day earlier,
Zhang said the US’ strategy
was designed to destroy peace.
Austin had called the Indo-
Pacific strategy “our priority
continued on page 8
PRAYAGRAJ 91
SAHARANPUR 71
HATHRAS 51
AMBEDKAR NAGAR 34
MORADABAD 34
FIROZABAD 15
ALIGARH 6
JALAUN 2
lence in Saharanpur were
similarly brought down by
continued on page 8
ROOTS FOR MONASTERY AT
CONTROVERSIAL SITE IN KARGIL
Choskyong Palga Rinpoche
started the journey along with
his followers. He aims at lay-
ing the stone of a monastery at
a controversial site in Kargil.
Some members of the Muslim
community have already
continued on page 8
Shimla: Smartphones will be
provided to meritorious stu-
dents of Classes X and XII for
the academic session 2020-21
in Himachal Pradesh. The
procurement committee has
given its consent and the pro-
posal has been sent to the
state government. The cost
of smartphones would be
around Rs 15,000 each and
10,000 students would bene-
fit under the scheme, said
Director Higher Education
Amarjeet Sharma. INSIDE
Air surcharge: Leh and
beyond Rs 2.00
CITY
WEATHER
FORECAST
Mainly clear
SUNRISE: 5.23 am
SUNSET: 7.20 pm
TEMPERATURE
HISAR
Max: 45°C Min: 29°C
KARNAL
Max: 42°C Min: 28°C
GURUGRAM
Max: 43°C Min: 28°C
WHAT’S ON
KARNAL
Farmers to protest at UHBVN
office at Sector 12 in Karnal
at 10 am, demanding power
supply for eight hrs or more
HELPLINE
Police Assistance: 100
Women Helpline: 1091
Fire: 101
Child Helpline: 1098
Corruption: 1064
Ambulance: 102/108
Accident helpline: 1073
Railway enquiry: 139
FARIDABAD
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
0129-2438000
GURUGRAM
Police control room
0124-2316100
HISAR
Superintendent of Police
8814011300
KARNAL
Deputy Commissioner
0184-2267500
Coronavirus Helpline
8558893911
Woman held for
trying to smuggle
heroin into jail
Tribune News Service
Ambala, June 12
The police have arrested a
woman on the charges of try-
ing to smuggle heroin into
Ambala Central Jail on Satur-
day. The arrested has been
identified as Manisha, a resi-
dent of Dera Bassi, Punjab.
Manisha was visiting her
husband, who is lodged in the
jail in a theft case.
As per information, 8.23
gram heroin was recovered
from a polythene bag hidden
in the clothes that Manisha
had brought for her husband.
A case was registered under
Section 21 of the NDPS Act at
Baldev Nagar police station.
WHAT OUR READERS SAY
Is a civic issue bothering you?
Are you agitated over the lack
of concern? Is there something
heartening that you feel needs
to be highlighted? Or a picture
which in your opinion ought
to be seen by many, and not
just you?
THE TRIBUNE
invites its readers to have their
say. Please email at:
haryanacity@tribunemail.com
MUD-FILLED ROAD LEADS
TO CREMATION GROUND
T HEroads and streets in Chharora
village of Tauru block in Nuh district are
in pathetic state. But the worst condition
is of the road leading to the cremation
and burial grounds. The road is filled with
knee deep mud. As a result, the villagers
have to take out the death processions
through the fields. The administration
have been approached on several
occasion, but to no avail.
HASSAN MOHAMMAD, CHHARORA VILLAGE,
TARU BLOCK, NUH
13 candidates to fight for top post;
corruption main issue in Jind
HARYANA
MC POLL
Tribune News Service
Jind, June 12
The Jind Muncipal Council,
which was embroiled in
controversies due to alleged
corruption in development
works, will be headed by a
woman for third consecu-
tive term as the top spot has
been reserved for woman in
the upcoming urban local
bodies election.
As many as 13 women will
fight it out for the top post.
Four political parties — the
BJP, the AAP, the INLD and
the BSP — have fielded their
candidates while nine inde-
pendents are also in the fray
for the post of chairperson.
Besides, 122 candidates are in
fray to be representative of 31
wards of the council.
However, the main contest is
stated to be among the BJP
candidate Anuradha Saini,
BJP chairman aspirant hiding Lord Krishna’s statue
criminal charges: RTI activist awaits inauguration
Claims accused for extortion in honey trap case
Mukesh Tandon
Tribune News Service
Panipat, June 12
An RTI activist had alleged
that the BJP candidate for
the chairman’s post in
Samalkha Municipal Com-
mittee polls hasn’t revealed
the criminal cases against
him in the nomination form.
The activist, PP Kapoor of
Samalkha, also demanded
the cancellation of the candi-
dates nomination and an FIR
against him for the alleged
hiding of information.
In a complaint to the State
Election Commissioner
Dhanpat Singh, Deputy
Commissioner Panipat and
SDM Samalkha, Kapoor said
the police had arrested Ashok
Kuchhal for demanding
extortion in a honey trap case
on November 6, 2017. A case
was registered against him
7 booked for duping couple
Yamunanagar, June 12
The police have registered a
case of cheating against sev-
en persons of a village in Kar-
nal district, after a couple was
allegedly duped of Rs 10.90
lakh on the pretext of send-
ing them to America on work
DISPLAY PARKING
RATES
T HE staff of paid parkings in Hisar
are charging higher than the fixed
rates. The MC officials should check
this malpractice and must display
rates of parking of vehicles on sign
boards. SATISH SHARMA, HISAR
REPAIR BATTERED ROADS IMMEDIATELY
S everal roads of Sector 18 of Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran in Jagadhri city are dotted
with potholes, causing huge inconvenience to the commuters. The residents on several
times have demanded the municipal corporation to repair the roads, but to no avail. Due to
battered roads, the dust is also filled with sand and minute road particles. The MC need to pay
immediate attention toward these battered roads. SUNIL KUMAR, JAGADHRI
BJP workers campaign for chairperson candidate Anuradha Saini in Jind. TRIBUNE PHOTO
AAP candidate Rajnish Jain
and two independents
Nisha Lakhina, who is
claiming the support of the
Congress, and Savita Kun-
du who projects herself as
candidate of Kandela khap.
Interestingly, this will be the
third consecutive term when
any woman is set to head the
Municipal Council as its chair-
person in Jind. The outgoing
chairperson Poonam Saini
has served from 2016 to till the
end of her term earlier this
year. Before Saini, Mukesh
Devi was the chairperson
from January 2013 to 2015.
SEC REPORTED
❝
Following the
complaint, notice has
been issued to the BJP
candidate Ashok Kuchhal
and his reply has been
sought. After receiving
the reply, it will be sent to
the SEC with comments.
Ashwani Malik, SDM, SAMALKHA
under various Sections of the
IPC in Samalkha police sta-
tion, he added.
Around a year after the
arrest, Kuchhal was released
on bail by the High Court but
the case was still pending and
charges had been framed
against him, the complainant
said. The next hearing in the
case was scheduled on July
12, Kapoor added.
visa.
On the complaint of Major
Singh of Alahar village of
Yamunanagar district, a case
was registered against seven
persons, Balwant Singh,
Anurag, Usha, Rekha,
Rajesh, Jatin and Naresh, all
NEED FOR PROPER CARE OF
PEHOWA MAIN CHOWK
T HE main chowk in Pehowa, Kurukshetra, is suffering
from the apathy of the administration. The authorities
concerned sometimes increase its area and then on
occasions reduce it. But now it has been left in appalling
condition. The authorities concerned should take proper
care of the chowk. KARAN ARYA, PEHOWA, KURUKASHETRA
HARYANA
The local residents, howev-
er, maintained that the MC
had been at the centre of fac-
tionalism and political tussle.
“The town had seen 26 MC
Chairpersons since 1987, but
the town is yet to get a modern
urban environment and infra-
structure. With hardly any
notable industrial and com-
mercial activities, the town
wears a dusty look giving the
impression of a rural set up.
The civic infrastructure too is
not up to the mark,” Vishal
Kumar, a city resident, said.
He said caste plays a major
role in the ULB polls.
He further alleged that
Kuchhal had given a false affi-
davit along with his nomina-
tion form that there was no
case pending against him nor
has been charged by the court.
Kapoor mentioned that as
per the point 21 (M) of the
Haryana Municipal Election
Rules, 1978, no person shall
be eligible for election as
president or a member of a
municipal committee who
has been convicted or
charges have been framed
against him by a court in a
criminal case for an
offense, punishable with
the imprisonment for not
less than 10 years.
Meanwhile, Kuchhal refut-
ed the allegation and said if
he was found of any wrongdo-
ing in the nomination
process, the EC should take
the relevant decision.
residents of a village in Kar-
nal district, under Sections
420, 406, 506, 120-B of the
Indian Penal Code and 10 of
the Immigration Act at the
Jathlana police station in
Yamunanagar district on
June 10. — TNS
“Unfortunately, people give
priority to caste rather than
the qualities and abilities of
candidates in electing their
representative in the ULB
polls,” he added.
Rajkumar Goyal, who is
president of Jind Vikas
Sangthan, said poor civic
amenities, including broken
roads, sewerage and water
supply remain main issues in
the town. “Even the stadium
and parks are in bad shape.
The lack of cleanliness is a
major problem. Residents
rear cattle in posh localities
like urban estate”, he said.
Nitish Sharma
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, June 12
The 40-ft tall statue of Lord
krishan ‘Virat Swaroop,
which was installed seven-
month-ago at Jyotisar Tirtha,
is yet to be unveiled.
TRIBUNE PHOTO
The statue that cost Rs 10
crore is constructed of ‘Ash-
tadhatu’ at a workshop of
Ram Vanji Sutar in Noida. The
pieces of the statue were
brought to Jyotisar in August
last year. The assembling of
the pieces was completed by
November. The Kusukshetra
Development Board (KDB)
wanted to get the statue
unveiled during the Interna-
tional Gita Mahotsav, held in
December 2021, but due to
pending landscaping work, it
has been getting postponed.
Sources in the board said:
“Some trees near the statue
have been a major obstacle in
the landscaping work. The
matter regarding these trees
is pending with the National
Green Tribunal (NGT). The
project has already been
delayed, but now, the board is
planning to get the statue
Monsoon round the corner, cleaning of
sewers at snail’s pace in Sonepat city
Mukesh Tandon
Tribune News Service
Sonepat, June 12
Monsoon is around the cor-
ner, but the cleaning work of
storm-water drains choked
with garbage and silt by the
Municipal Corporation
(MC), Sonepat, is going on at
a slow pace. If the task is not
completed before the mon-
soon, it may lead to exten-
sive water accumulation
here in coming days.
The city gets waterlogged
during every monsoon due to
which residents are inconve-
nienced. However, the MC
authorities claim to spend
lakhs of rupees on the clean-
ing of storm-water drains and
sewerage before the mon-
soon every year but rainfall of
short duration is sufficient to
wash out their claims.
The MC authorities have
made the same claim this
year too. The work of clean-
ing the drains has started but
the slow pace of work has
raised question over the
cleaning of drains.
The MC has allotted a ten-
der for cleaning of 32 storm
drains and cleaning of sew-
erage for three months dur-
ing the monsoon.
The ground reality is that the
drains were filled with garbage
One booked
for fake loot
complaint
Faridabad, June 12
A Noida-based businessman
has been booked for getting
registered a false complaint
of a loot of Rs 10 lakh.
The accused, Navin Kumar,
runs an automobile parts
shop in Greater Noida.
He had got registered a
complaint on June 11, stating
that he was abducted on the
night of June 10 from near
Dayalpur village by two men
Jaipal and Neetu, both resi-
dents of Faridabad, who later
looted Rs 10 lakh from him.
In his complaint, he added
that his vehicle was snatched
by the two men.
However, according to
the police, the complaint
was found to be fake after
investigation as no evi-
dence was found to estab-
lish the claim. Navin con-
fessed that he had lodged
the fake complaint against
Jaipal to seek revenge.
The money mentioned in
the FIR was recovered from
Navin’s house in Noida, the
police said. A case under Sec-
tion 182 of the Indian Penal
Code has been registered
against Navin. — TNS
The covered statue of Lord
Krishna at Jyotisar.
inaugurated by organising a
small ceremony in the next
few days.” Gautam Kumar,
Executive Engineer, Tourism
Department said: “The work
for the landscaping has been
allotted for the entire cam-
pus. The issue related to
trees is with the NGT. The
local administration is also
looking into the matter. We
are making all efforts to pre-
pare the site for the inaugu-
ration by June.”
Madan Mohan Chhabra,
honorary secretary of the
board said: “ Efforts are being
made to inaugurate the statue
by June or the first week of
July. A final date will be
announced soon.”
Waterlogging is a major issue in Sonepat as garbage and silt clog the city’s drains. TRIBUNE PHOTO
and silt. The cleaning work
has not been completed so far.
Sewers at various places are
overflowing and sewage flow-
ing on the roads. The drains
and sewers have not been
cleaned so far. Even slabs are
lying broken at various places
and drains are overflowing
due to silt and garbage, said
Pramod, a resident.
Rajiv Jain, the BJP leader
and former media coordinator
to Chief Minister, also raised
questions over the slow pace of
cleaning of drains in the city.
In a letter to the Commis-
sioner, MC, he said he visited
Jiwan Vihar disposal point
where he found a motor
lying damaged while the oth-
THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
02
EDUCATION NOTES
ONLINE PARENT-TEACHER MEETING
Karnal: A parent-teacher meet was organised by KVA DAV College for
Women, Karnal, on June 7-8. The meeting was conducted in three
separate groups for science, commerce and arts streams online.
Principal Renu Mehta, initiated the meeting by addressing parents
and emphasising the role of all stakeholders in effective learning. The
parents shared their views on teaching learning process and
expressed their satisfaction regarding the cooperative nature of
teachers, measures taken for extracurricular activities, and safe and
secure environment provided by the college.
NEWSPAPER READING CONTEST
Rohtak: he English department of Government College, Meham, here
organised ‘Newspaper reading’ contest to develop reading habits
among students and hone their English speaking skills. Students of all
three streams participated in the contest and showed their talent. Anju
Rani and Sonia Malik, organiser of the contest, said Suraj of BA (Ist
year) got first position, Deepti of BSc (math) second and Fruity and
Jhanvi of BSc (math) jointly shared the third position.
NCC CADETS CLEAN GHATS OF WJC
Yamunanagar: The Puneet Sagar Abhiyan is being run by the NCC all
over the country with great enthusiasm. Giving this information, NCC
Officer and Principal of Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Dr (Major)
Harinder Singh Kang and NCC officer Lt Dr Ramneek said that under
the guidance of Commanding Officer of 14 Haryana NCC Bn Colonel
Ajay Pal Kaushish and administrative Officer Col APS Sandhu, the
NCC cadets of the college, other students and citizens of the society
together cleaned the banks and ghats of the Western Jamuna Canal
(WJC) and also cleaned the water bodies from the rest of the society.
POETRY BOOK RELEASED
Kurukshetra: A book release function was organised in Arya Kanya
Mahavidyalaya, Shahabad Markanda. The president of the
Governing Body, AKMV Ram Lal Gupta released a poetry book
“Search Sing Shine” penned by Dr Priyanka Singh, assistant
professor in English, who has recently been selected as Associate
Fellow of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Niwas,
Shimla. The book is a collection of poems that covers the entire
spectrum of human emotions and existence. The members of the
governing body congratulated Dr Priyanka Singh and the principal
praised the author for her intellectual endeavours.
71 principals to get
training in administration
Rohtak, June 12 Institute of Public Adminis-
The Department of Higher tration, Gurugram, from
Education has decided to June 13 to June 24. Experts
impart a two-week pre-induc- of different fields would
tion training to recently pro- explain technical aspects of
moted associate professors as administrative and finan-
principals at government col- cial works to trainees.
leges in order to make them In all, 71 associate profes-
proficient in administrative sors working at various gov-
and financial procedures. ernment colleges across the
The training programme
would be held at the Haryana
state were promoted as prin-
cipals recently. — TNS
er was not picking water. A
big pothole due to soil ero-
sion near the Jiwan Vihar
employees have the respon-
sibility to clean 32 storm-
water drains, due to which
turn may lead to an accident. the cleaning work is going
Besides, 10-12 ft silt is col- on at a slow pace, said a
lected near Adarsh Nagar source in the MC.
disposal point. The motor at Tenders for cleaning of sew-
the disposal point near
Sujan Singh Park on the Old
erages and storm-water drains
has been allotted after dividing
DC Road cannot be run
together as the size of the
pipe is small, he added. Jain
the city in western and eastern
zones for three months of the
monsoon season, said Dhar-
also asked the MC Commis- mender Singh, MC Commis-
sioner to pace up the clean- sioner. The tender has been
ing of storm-water drains. allotted to two separate compa-
The cleaning of sewerages nies and these will work with
is with the engineering wing machinery as well as with
while the cleaning of storm- more manpower, he said. The
water drains are with the sewerage will be clean before
sanitation wing of the MC. In the monsoon starts, claimed
the sanitation wing, only 30 the Commissioner.
THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
Won’t allow liquor
vend in village,
women protest
Sonepat, June 12
Women of Garh Shahjanpur
village, which falls in Sonepat
Municipal Corporation,
protested against the Excise
Department for opening a
liquor vend in the area. The
protestor also dismantled the
vends structure.
The protestors, led by ward
6 councillor Renu Saini, dis-
rupted the traffic on Shah-
pur-Turk Road for around 45
minutes. Sector 27 police
reached the spot and pacified
the protestors, following
which the vehicular move-
ment was restored.
The protestors said a liquor
contractor had mounted a tin
shed to open third such outlet
in the area. The village
schools and religious places
are near the upcoming vend,
they added.
“The road in the area is
used by women and girls to
travel to the school and reli-
gious places. They may be
hassled if the vend comes
up,” the protestors said,
demanding not to open the
third such outlet in the vil-
lage area. — TNS
State govt mulls cadre-wise
reservation for promotion
Chief Minister’s residence to be now known as Sant Kabir Kutir
Tribune News Service
Rohtak, June 12
Now, the Chief Minister’s
residence in Chandigarh will
be known as Sant Kabir
Kutir. Chief Minister
Manohar Lal Khattar made
this announcement at a state-
level Sant Kabir Das Jayant
Samaroh held at New Grain
Market here today.
The Chief Minister also
announced to make a provi-
sion of cadre-wise reserva-
tion during promotion to
government employees on
the pattern of the Centre,
besides providing library
facility at educational insti-
tutes and dharamshalas
across the state.
“The Education Depart-
ment will make arrange-
ments for a library in all edu-
cational institutions and
dharamshalas belonging to
any caste if a room is avail-
able there. Besides, 75 per
HARYANA
cent subsidy will also be pro-
Free rail travel to Kabir’s birthplace Varanasi vided for setting up 5 KW
solar plants in dharamshalas
of all communities,” the
Chief Minister said.
He said talks would also be
held with the Centre for
reservation in NITs and IITs.
Moreover, railway fare
would be given to everyone
who wants to travel to
Varanasi, the birthplace of
Sant Kabir, the Chief Minis-
ter said, adding that an
institution in the state
would be named after Sant
Kabir, he added.
“Sant Kabir Das was a
strong supporter of religious
CM Manohar Lal Khattar being presented Kabir literature at unity. His teachings are the
Sant Kabir Jayanti Samaroh in Rohtak on Sunday. TRIBUNE PHOTO heritage of society,” the Chief
Minister said.
SANT KABIR SUPPORTER OF RELIGIOUS UNITY Additional Principal Secre-
❝ Railway fare will be given to those who wants to travel
to Varanasi, the birthplace of Sant Kabir Das. An
tary to the CM and Director
General (Public Relations) Dr
institution will also be named after him in the state. He Amit Aggarwal presented
Kabir literature compiled by
was a strong supporter of religious unity and his teachings his department to the CM on
are the heritage of society. Manohar Lal Khattar, CHIEF MINISTER the occasion.
The car involved in the accident in Sonepat. TRIBUNE PHOTO
Car falls into canal, 4 die
Tribune News Service
Sonepat, June 12
Four members of a family
died after their car fell into
the Western Yamuna link
canal near Kalana village of
the district today.
The deceased have been
identified as Ashok (30), his
sister-in-law Manju (32), his
nephew Ayush (4) and his
niece Arushi (8). They were
residents of Matindu village
in Kharkhoda.
As per the information,
Ashok’s car collided with a
motorcycle near Kailana vil-
lage, lost control and fell into
the canal. Three youths were
taking bath in the canal at
that time and tried to help the
victims, the police said.
All four were declared dead
upon arrival at the general
hospital in the village.
03
3 labourers
die ‘inhaling’
toxic gas in
Karnal factory
Tribune News Service
Karnal, June 12
Three labourers died after
allegedly inhaling toxic gas
while cleaning a tank in the
leather factory on the New-
al-Mughal Majra road
under the Kunjpura police
station on Sunday.
Three other labourors
are battling for life in the
hospital. The police are
investigating the case.
The owner of the factory is
absconding.
The deceased have been
identified as Satish (27) of
Dabri village, Pawan (24) of
Jharkhand and Raj Kumar,
alias Raju (23) of Bha-
galpur in Bihar, were
declared dead, while Suraj
(19), Mausam (20) of Bha-
galpur Bihar, and Bheem
Singh (42) of Nepal are
undergoing treatment at a
private hospital.
As per the information,
they were hired for cleaning
the tank. They divided
themselves into two groups
and decided to work in
batch. The first batch com-
prising Pawan, Raju and

In Kartikeya’s victory, BJP finds Two more held in HSSCpaper Satish went inside the tank
for cleaning it. When they
did not come after a long

antidote to MP Arvind Sharma
Pradeep Sharma
Tribune News Service
leak case, arrests go up to 100 time, the remaining three
went inside the tank. Inside
the tank they found they
Kaithal, June 12 resident of Dhana Khurd vil- Khurd village, the SP said, found them unconscious.

Chandigarh, June 12
SEARCH FOR ‘CREDIBLE’
BRAHMIN FACE
Bishnoi may join BJP ‘very soon’ With the arrest of two more
accused in the alleged paper
leak of police constables
lage in Hisar,
Sukhwinder of Urlana in
and

Panipat district. The Kaithal

adding that the police had
arrested three persons three
days ago. They were also iden-
Meanwhile, they
inhaled the toxic gas.
Police officials
too

The bonhomie between the
BJP and former Union
Minister Venod Sharma is
growing again. Close on the
heels of the win of Shar-
ma’s son Kartikeya Shar-
ma in the recently-held
Rajya Sabha elections with
the BJP support, the for-
mer Union minister seems
to be again cosying up to
the saffron party.
BJP sources admitted
that mutual admiration
between Khattar and Ven-
od Sharma has been grow-
ing in the recent past. “In
fact, after Khattar “mas-
terminded” Kartikeya’s
win, relationship between
the two has been put on a
new pedestal which can
change political partner-
ship,” a senior BJP func-
tionary indicated.
Venod Sharma heads a
regional political outfit
Haryana Jan Chetna Party
(HJCP) and his wife Shakti
Rani Sharma is currently
Mayor of the Ambala Munici-
pal Corporation.
Venod Sharma’s dalliance
with the BJP goes back to
2014 when he had quit the
Congress. In the run-up to
the 2014 parliamentary elec-
tions, late BJP stalwart
Sushma Swaraj had
opposed Venod Sharma’s
entry into Kuldip Bishnoi’s
The BJP is also on the look-
out for a ‘credible’ Brahmin
face in the wake of Rohtak
MP Arvind Sharma’s tirade
against CM Manohar Lal
Khattar. In Venod Sharma,
who commands a sizable
influence among non-Jats,
especially Brahmins, the BJP
may find a perfect antidote
to Arvind Sharma, whose
public utterances against
the CM had put the party to a
lot of embarrassment
ENTRY AFTER
CONCRETE PROPOSAL
❝ It is true that BJP
played a pivotal role in
Kartikeya’s victory.
However, any decision
on Venod Sharma’s
entry into BJP would be
taken whenever there is
any concrete proposal.
— OP Dhankar, BJP STATE PRESIDENT
Haryana Janhit Congress
(HJC), an ally of the Nation-
al Democratic Alliance
(NDA) anchored by the BJP
due to the jailing of his son
Siddharth Vashishth, alias
Manu Sharma, in the Jessi-
ca Lal murder case. It was
widely believed that the
BJP wanted to leave the
Karnal Lok Sabha seat for
its ally HJC in the 2014 Lok
Sabha elections.
Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 12
Following his expulsion from
party posts of the Congress,
party leader Kuldeep Bish-
noi’s next move is awaited
even as sources in the
Bharatiya Janata party (BJP)
said he could join the party
“very soon”.
While Bishnoi had been
hobnobbing with the BJP
leaders and has met the
Chief Minister, Manohar Lal
Khattar, in the past, the lat-
ter openly extended him an
invitation into the party after
the Congress leader cross-
voted in favour of the Inde-
pendent candidate Kar-
tikeya Sharma in the Rajya
Sabha election. His vote was
crucial to Sharma’s win,
though he was backed by the
ruling BJP-JJP combine.
Sources said while the
“terms” of his joining are in
the final stages, Bishnoi
could continue as MLA even
if he switched parties.
Sources said if Bishnoi
chose not to resign from his
seat and continued as MLA,
a disqualification petition
could be filed with the
Speaker of the Haryana Vid-
han Sabha.
Sources said Bishnoi could
decide to resign from the
Adampur seat that he repre-
also
(male), conducted by the police nabbed them on June tified as Ravi of Budhana vil- reached the spot. They bod-
CM’S OPEN INVITATION Haryana Staff Selection 7, taking the number of total lage in Hisar, Ankit and Sum- ies have been sent for
While Bishnoi had been Commission (HSSC) on arrests to 100, said Maqsood it of Karora village. autopsy to ascertain the
hobnobbing with BJP lead- August 7, 2021, the Kaithal Ahmed, Superintendent of “These are maximum arrests cause of death. “We are
ers and has met CM police have so far arrested Police, Kaithal. in any paper leak case so far,” investigating the case. The
Manohar Lal Khattar in the 100 persons, including the The accused Parveen admit- the SP Ahmed said, adding statements of family mem-
past, the latter openly mastermind, middlemen ted that they got the paper that they had already arrested bers are being recorded
extended him invitation and others in the case, in the from Anil and Manohar, who the mastermind, middlemen and we will take action
into the party after the Con- past 10 months. had been already arrested. and those who had leaked the accordingly,” said Ganga
gress leader cross-voted in
The two arrested men have Accused Sukhwinder got paper along with those who Ram Punia, Superinten-
favour of Independent can-
didate Kartikeya Sharma in been identified as Parveen, a paper from Pardeep of Dhana had carried the reward. — TNS dent of Police (SP).
the Rajya Sabha poll
sents once he joins the BJP.
According to information, he
is keen to launch his son
Bhavya Bishnoi’s political
career. Bhavya had unsuc-
cessfully contested the 2019
Lok Sabha election from
Hisar on the Congress ticket.
Sources said Bishnoi could
step down to launch his
son’s career and could be
“accommodated” elsewhere.
The BJP, however, main-
tained that there was no
“deal” being worked out
behind the scenes and that
Bishnoi would join the par-
ty “unconditionally” due to
his faith in the party’s poli-
cies. “So far, he has not
made any representation to
the party unit about his
intention to join,” state BJP
chief OP Dhankar said.
Bishnoi, despite repeated
attempts, was not available
for comments.

Haryana Diary
leader Ashok Arora said while giving the account of devel-
BJP MP claims not invited to function opment work, the MLA should have also given the
account of the corruption prevailing in government
departments, ordeal faced by the residents of Thanesar
due to the Pipli-Kurukshetra university road project,
unauthorised constructions and poor health facilities.

Confusion over ex-councillor joining Cong

Hisar: A former Municipal Corporation (MC) member from the
Hisar MC joined the Congress recently and got his photo-
graphs clicked with Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Singh Hooda
while wearing the symbolic cloth of the Congress. When con-
tacted by mediapersons a few hours later, he refused that he
joined the Congress.

Cong leader silent over moustache issue

Rohtak: BJP MP Arvind Sharma claimed to have not been
invited to the state-level Sant Kabir Jayanti Samaroh held
here on Sunday, but he attended the function sitting among
the audience, pleading that no chair to his name was placed
on the dais. He remained seated there till the end of the pro-
gramme in which CM Manohar Lal Khattar was the chief
guest. His gesture became the subject of discussion as soon
as his pictures went viral on social media.
Oppn challenge Thanesar MLA’s claims
Kurukshetra: Days after the Thanesar MLA claimed that
his constituency had witnessed unprecedented develop-
ment over the past seven years, the opposition party
leaders have started challenging local MLA Subhash Sud-
ha to have a debate with them on an open stage to count-
er his claims. Having a dig at the BJP MLA, Congress
Yamunanagar: Local leaders of the BJP are in search of a
Congress leader of Yamunanagar these days as the latter
announced to get his moustache shaved off if Congress nomi-
nee Ajay Makan did not win the Rajya Sabha poll. As the Con-
gress has lost the elections by a close margin, the BJP lead-
ers now want the leader to keep his promise, but the
Congress leader remains silent over the issue.
Division of work attracts debate
Faridabad: The appointment or posting of two chief engi-
neers still remains an issue of debate. The issue came to the
fore again after the Faridabad Municipal Corporation Com-
missioner ordered a cut in the official duties of the Chief Engi-
neer (Civil) and announced to handover the civil works of two
divisions in the city to the Chief Engineer (Horticulture), who
had been looking after the horticulture work only since the
two posts came into being in February this year.

CONTRIBUTED BY: RAVINDER SAINI, NITISH SHARMA, DEEPENDER DESWAL, SHIV KUMAR SHARMA, BIJENDRA AHLAWAT
04
CLASSIFIEDS
SITUATION VACANT
Attri College of education for girls
Ambala- Chandigarh Road, Lalru
Mandi, Tehsil Derabassi, District
Mohali, requires Principle Lecturer-
Science, Maths, Hindi. Pay scale
according to the qualification as per the
University/ UGC norms. Apply in 21
days and copy to Dean, Punjabi
University, Patiala, Chairman. Contact:
98884-05777. (CL22028382)
Required Hostel warden for college
near Ropar. Immediate joining.
Qualification: Graduate. Contact
90419-93388. (CL22028701)
Lyallpur Khalsa College, Kapurthala
invites applications for the post of
Assistant Professor in Computer
Application on contract basis for one
year. Qualification and grade as per
UGC/ Pb. Govt./ GNDU norms.
Reservation policy will be as per
Punjab Govt. rules. Apply within 07
days under registered cover to the
President, Khalsa College Lyallpur
Education Charitable Trust, Jalandhar.
Already applied in the response
to Advt. published on 30.04.2022 in
The Tribune and 01.05.2022 in
Daily Ajit need not apply. President.
(CL22028854)
S.D. Collegiate Pt. Amrit Anand
Memorial Sr. Sec. School (S.D.
College Campus), Phagwara Road,
Hoshiarpur requires Lecturers in
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths,
Commerce, Economics, English,
Punjabi, History, Computer Science,
Political Science, Sociology, Physical
Education. Apply to the Principal
within 7 days from the date of
publication. President/ Secretary.
(CL22028853)
RGS Infra & Engineering Pvt. Ltd.,
EPC Company requires: 1. Office
Superintendent (Graduate, with min.
15 years of experience) experience in
government office correspondence,
letter drafting office administration,
experience in government EPC
tender filling, documentation/
correspondence, excellent command
on English language and use of
Microsoft Office, 2. Ticket booking
handler (Graduate min. 5 years of
experience) experience in ticket
booking of air flights, hotels, attractive
salary will be offered based on
qualification and experience. Note:
1. Preferred only Tricity candidates,
2. Only specified candidates can
apply. Interested candidates share
their CV mail: epc@rgsinfra.com
(CL22028879)
Sri Guru Angad Dev Institute of
Career & Courses, Khadur Sahib (Tarn
Taran) Requires 2 Teachers - M.Sc
(Maths), having knowledge and
capability to teach G.K., Current
Affairs, Reasoning and Maths. Salary
15100/-. Apply at nsikhi@yahoo.in
before 23 June 2022. Contact No.:
62809-08113, 94178-00020.
(CL22028888)
SVMS College of Education,
Amritsar Road, Amritsar invites
applications for the post of Assistant
Professors on regular basis Education-
2, 1 each in teaching of Social Science,
Hindi, Computer Science, Economics,
Commerce, English, Fine Art,
Performing Art. Qualifications and
grade as per UGC/ NCTE/ Pb. Govt./
GNDU norms. Reservation policy will
be as per Punjab Govt. rules. Apply
within 15 days under registered
cover to the Chairman, Shri Vishwa
Mitter Sekhri Charitable Society,
Batala. 98887-17153, 98776-60350.
(CL22028889)
C.L.S D.A.V. Centenary Public
School, Jaitu (affiliated to CBSE New
Delhi) Staff required on contractual/
regular basis (2022- 23) PGTs
(Commerce, Arts), PRTs/ TGTs
(Maths, English, Science, Punjabi,
Hindi, Social Science, Computer, Fine
Arts, Dance, Music, Librarian,
Receptionist, DPE). Candidate with
good communication skills, CTET/
PTET qualified will be given
preference. Send your resume
alongwith testimonials by email or by
hand upto 20.06.2022 (Monday).
Written test will be on 23.06.2022
(Thursday) at 10:30 a.m. 98146-
14158, 01635-510427. Email:
davjaito@rediffmail.com
(CL22028890)
PROPERTY FOR SALE
2700 sq.ft. fully furnished office
space, Elante Business Towers,
Chandigarh. Reasonable price. 98786-
04813, 98889-04160. (CL22026450)
PUBLIC NOTICES
I, Rajinder Singh Grewal s/o Late
Mukhtiar Singh Grewal r/o H.No.9,
Backside Division No.2, Guru Gobind
Singh Marg, Patiala, have changed my
minor son’s name from Sehajveer
Singh to Sehajveer Singh Grewal.
(CL22027487)
I, Anju Madhok w/o Ranjit Madhok
R/o Ismailabad, Tehsil Pehowa, Distt.
Kurukshetra (Haryana) changed my
name Anju Bala. (CL22028771)
COURT NOTICE
Proclamation requiring
attendance of Defendant
Order 5, Rule 20 of the Code
of Civil Procedure
In The Court of Ms. Upasana
Satija,
Administrative Civil Judge-
cum- Commercial Civil
Judge-cum- Additional Rent
Controller, West District,
Courts, Room No. 112, First
Floor, Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi
Case No. DR No.- 477/ 2018
M/S Lamba Traders
Versus
Satinder Pal Kaur Sandhu
To,
Smt. Satinder Pal Kaur
Sandhu D/o Dr. Bhagat
Singh Sandhu C/o Sandhu
Nursing Home, Railway
Station- Dukhniwaran
Road, Patiala, Punjab.
Whereas you are
intentionally evoiding service
of Notice/ Summons it is
hereaby notified that if you
shall not defend the case on
the 17th day of October, 2022
at 10 am the day fixed for the
final disposal, it will be heard
and determined ex-parte.
Given under my hand and
the seal of the Court, on this
23rd day of May 2022.
Sd/- ACJ/CCJ/ARC (West),
CL22028492 Delhi.
31farmersbookedfortakingback‘freed’417acres
Govt claimed to have evicted encroachers from panchayat land in May | Sirhind BDPO alleges ploughing on
Surinder Bhardwaj
Fatehgarh Sahib, June 12
A row has erupted over the
possession of 417 acres of
panchayat land at Chaleri
Kalan village, freed recent-
ly by the Punjab Govern-
ment, with the booking of
31 farmers for taking back
its possession and plough-
ing it for cultivation.
Last month, the state gov-
ernment in the presence of
Rural Development and Pan-
chayats Minister Kuldeep
Singh Dhaliwal had dispos-
sessed the farmers of the
land, claiming they had given
it up voluntarily. Days later,
the farmers had claimed they
were coerced into handing
over the land to the govern-
ment, saying they and their
ancestors had been cultivat-
ing it since 1904.
The 31 farmers have been
booked by the district police
on the complaint of Block
Coop farming
must to raise
income: Forum
Chandigarh, June 12
The Kirti Kisan Forum
emphasised that only coop-
erative farming can help
farmers and economy to
stand on its own feet.
During the meeting, it was
pointed out that new gener-
ation of farmers should
leave the race to go abroad
and should take up coopera-
tive farming and sell their
produce in the domestic
market. Swaran Singh
Boparai and Rameshinder
Singh of the forum urged
the state government to
adopt a model of coopera-
tive farming.
Col LJS Gill (retd) said
they found that cooperative
farming was the only way to
make agriculture profitable.
Davinder Sharma, an agri-
culture expert and food policy
analyst, said economic condi-
tion of 85 per cent of the mar-
ginal farmers of Punjab can
be improved by reducing cost
of farming and value addition
of foodgrains. — TNS
In May, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal had honoured
villagers for “voluntarily” giving up possession of panchayat land at Chaleri Kalan village. FILE
Development and Panchayat
Officer (BDPO), Sirhind. The
farmers, however, claimed
the Punjab and Haryana
High Court had restrained
the government from taking
possession.
The BDPO, in his com-
plaint, alleged the farmers
Court issues notice Litmus test for PSPCL as paddy season starts
toPanchayat Minister
Mohali, June 12
A Kharar court has issued a
notice to Rural Development
and Panchayat Minister
Kuldeep Dhaliwal in response
to a petition filed by former
AAP spokesperson Captain
Bikramjit Singh regarding the
“illegal” possession of 29 acres
in Abhipur village of the dis-
trict’s Majri block.
Dhaliwal has been asked
to appear before the court
with all relevant docu-
ments in support of his
claims on July 25.
On April 28, Dhaliwal had
executed the warrant of pos-
session of the land and alleged
the land was “encroached
upon by one Captain Bikramjit
Singh (retired) since 2007”.
The Abhipur gram pan-
chayat had filed a case of
encroachment in the court
of collector in 2007. On Sep-
tember 18, 2014, the case
was decided in its favour
and the warrant of posses-
sion was issued, but rural
15 hurt as bus
overturns
Muktsar, June 12
Around 15 persons suffered
injuries after their bus over-
turned near Ennakhera on
Sunday. The bus was ferrying
BJP activists to Bhangchari
village who had gone to attend
a rally in Malout. — TNS
PUNJAB
had again encroached upon
the panchayat land. As per
the FIR, the BDPO claimed
the government had taken
possession of 417 acres of
panchayat land at Chaleri
Kalan, but 31 farmers — Gur-
preet Singh, Varinder Singh,
Gurdeep Singh, Bakhsish
LAND ENCROACHMENT
■ Former AAP spokesper-
son Captain Bikramjit
Singh had allegedly
encroached upon 29
acres at Abhipur village
in Mohali district
■ On April 28, Rural Devel-
opment and Pan-
chayat Minis-
ter Kuldeep
Dhaliwal had
got the land
cleared of
encroachment
department officials failed
to get the land vacated.
Captain Singh, on the oth-
er hand, had said the case
was still pending with the
Director, Rural Develop-
ment, and the action was
motivated by political
vendetta. He had unsuccess-
fully contested the 2017 elec-
tions on the AAP ticket from
Khemkaran. — TNS
Farmers start sowing paddy in advance
Sukhmeet Bhasin
Tribune News Service
Bathinda, June 12
Not waiting for June 17
when paddy transplanta-
tion officially kicks off in
Malwa, farmers in several
villages of the region have
started transplanting paddy
in advance.
Since Punjab State Power
Corporation Limited (PSP-
CL) is not providing paddy
farmers with electricity as
of now, they have been run-
ning diesel generators to
run motors for the irriga-
tion purpose.
BKU (Ekta Ugrahan)
leader Shingara Singh
Mann said, “Farmers are
sowing long-duration pad-
dy varieties. If they wait
till June 17, the crop will
ripen late, creating prob-
lems for them.”
He demanded of the gov-
ernment to release water in
Bishop set to return to pastoral duties
Thiruvananthapuram, June 12
Decks have been cleared for for-
mer Jalandhar Bishop Franco
Mulakkal’s return to the pastoral
duties, as the Vatican has accept-
ed a Kerala court’s decision,
acquitting him of rape charges by
a nun, a church source said on
Sunday. In September 2018, the
Bishop was temporarily
relieved of his responsibilities
of the diocese by Pope Francis
after he was questioned by the
Kerala Police over rape charges
levelled by the nun.
According to the source, dur-
ing his visit to Jalandhar dio-
cese on Saturday, Archbishop
Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic
VILLAGERS COUNTER
MINISTER’S ASSERTION
■ Last month, minister
Kuldeep Dhaliwal had
announced freeing of 417
acres of panchayat land at
Chaleri Kalan, claiming farm-
ers had given it up voluntarily
■ Days later, farmers claimed
they were coerced into hand-
ing over the land to govern-
ment, saying they and their
ancestors had been cultivat-
ing it since 1904
■ The farmers took back the
possession, claiming the HC
had restrained the govern-
ment from taking over land
Singh, Jora Singh, Amar Singh, Jot Singh, Amar
Singh, Surinder Singh, Taj Singh, Nachatar Singh, Sur-
Mohamad, Tarsem Singh, jeet Singh, Gaggi, Saroop
Jagjeet Singh, Malkeet Singh, Bakhshish Singh,
Singh, Runga Singh, Karnail Lakha Singh, Majeet Singh
Singh, Bhajan Singh, Veer and Jagdeep Singh, all resi-
Singh, Satnam Singh, Bhag- dents of Chaleri Kalan village
wan Singh, Balveer Singh, — had taken back its posses-
Gurcharan Singh, Ishvar sion and started cultivation.
Aman Sood
Tribune News Service
Patiala, June 12
With the start of the first phase
of paddy transplantation on
DEMAND UP BY
Friday, the power demand in
Punjab jumped by more than
1,000 MW on Saturday and the
maximum power demand
200L UNITS
touched 11,236 MW. The pow-
er supply in the state was 2,413 2,413L units is the current
demand, 200L
units more than last year
lakh units, an increase of 75
lakh units from the start of the
staggered paddy season. 15 lakh tubewells cur-
rently functional,
against 13.66 L in 2018 season
Already reeling under finan-
cial crisis, Punjab State Power ~2,000-~2,500 cr likely to be
Corporation Limited (PSPCL) spent on power this season
will have to go through a lit-
mus test as it braces for one of phased manner, which has
the costliest paddy seasons, helped control surge in load at
with a record high demand. It the start of paddy season. The
is expected to spend Rs 2,000- paddy transplantation along
Rs 2,500 crore on power sup- the International Border start-
ply this paddy season. ed on June 10.
“This year, the power “While eight-hour power
demand and supply are 200 supply for paddy in Majha,
lakh units more than the last Doaba, Ropar and Mohali will
year. The power supply on June start from June 14, in the rest
11 was 2,202 lakh units last of the state it will begin from
year,” said a PSPCL official. June 17. The full impact of the
On the Punjab Government paddy load will come after
directive, the PSPCL is sup- June 17,” said VK Gupta,
plying power for paddy in a spokesperson, All-India Pow-
Migrant labourers transplant paddy in a field along the
Dabwali-Abohar highway in Malwa. TRIBUNE PHOTO: PAWAN SHARMA
canals and channels, which June 1 but, for the past few
were running dry. This years, the government has
would reduce the burden on been delaying the practice
groundwater, said Mann. to check the falling water
The state government had table, reduce the burden of
notified no farmer would be subsidy and improve the
allowed to transplant paddy quality of basmati.
before June 17 in Malwa. Farmers, however, seem
Earlier, transplantation of unperturbed. Paddy trans-
paddy used to begin on plantation has started in
Nun’s rape: Vatican accepts acquittal by Kerala court
nuncio to India and Asked whether
Nepal, informed the Franco would return
priests of the north Indi- to Jalandhar diocese
an diocese the Vatican to serve as its Bishop,
had accepted the court’s the source said since
decision on Bishop the Bishop was direct-
Franco. Franco Mulakkal ly under the com-
The apostolic nuncio mand of the Pope, the
said this to a group of priests authority of fixing his respon-
of Jalandhar diocese in sibilities rest with the “Holy
response to a query regarding See” itself.
the delay in Vatican accepting The Vatican’s decision to
Indian court’s decision on accept the court verdict came
rape charges against Bishop four months after the Addi-
Franco, the source said. tional District and Sessions
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
The case has been regis-
tered under sections 447
(criminal trespass), 511
(offence punishable with
imprisonment) and 149
(unlawful assembly) of
the IPC at the Mulepur
police station.
The minister, by deploying
2,500 police personnel at the
village and deputing admin-
istrator in place of the pan-
chayat, forcibly took posses-
sion of 417 acres last month,
claimed villagers.
The BKU (Ekta Sidhupur)
formed a committee and opt-
ed for legal recourse. The
farmers subsequently took
back the possession and
started ploughing the land.
They claimed the land
belonged to them as they had
been cultivating it for the
past 117 years. The BDPO,
Sirhind, had complained to
the police in this regard. The
farmers said they would fight
it out till they get justice.
FULL IMPACT
AFTER JUNE 17
❝ Full impact of
paddy load will be
felt after June 17.
However, PSPCL
will be able to draw
8,500 MW from
sources outside
Punjab. Much
depends on
monsoon as well.
VK Gupta, SPOKESPERSON,
ALL-INDIA POWER ENGINEERS FEDERATION
er Engineers Federation.
“Much depends on rain spells
too,” he stated.
“The redeeming factor is
that this year, the PSPCL will
be able to draw 8,500 MW pow-
er from sources outside Pun-
jab. To meet the power short-
age, it can go for power
purchase through exchange a
day prior or on real-time basis
as the need may arise. In the
case of power purchase, the
main problem will be the
financial health of the PSPCL
villages where farm unions
hold sway.
Farmer leader Gora Singh
Bhainibagha said, “Farm-
ers need not worry about
the the government’s
order. They should start
sowing paddy without
fear.” Farm unions’ village
units are keeping a vigil on
fields so that paddy is not
uprooted. Leaders have
threatened to gherao police
or agricultural officials if
they try to stop the work.
When contacted, Chief
Agriculture Officer, Mansa,
Manjeet Singh said: “As per
government orders, I have
launched a special cam-
paign to take action against
farmers who transplant
paddy before June 17. Pad-
dy will be uprooted and a
reported submitted to the
DC and the SSP. If required,
the police will also be
deployed in the fields.”
Court I, Kottayam, acquitted
the bishop, saying the prose-
cution failed to produce evi-
dence against the accused.
The nun, who claims to
have been raped by the Bish-
op, has moved the Kerala
High Court against his
acquittal. The 57-year-old
Bishop was accused of raping
the nun multiple times dur-
ing his visit to a convent in
Kottayam between 2014 and
2016 when he was the bishop
of the Jalandhar diocese. The
nun is a member of the Mis-
sionaries of Jesus, a diocesan
congregation under the
Jalandhar Diocese. — PTI
THE TRIBUNE
Purchase of
moong begins
Chandigarh, June 12
The state government has
started the procurement of
moong at the Minimum
Support Price (MSP) of Rs
7,275 per quintal.
With one acre expected to
yield five quintals, farmers
will possible make Rs
36,000 per acre between
wheat harvesting and pad-
dy transplantation.
This year, farmers have
sown moong over around
one lakh acres as compared
with 50,000 acres last year. A
yield of 4.75 lakh quintals is
expected this year.
As per data available with
the Punjab Mandi Board,
1,503 quintals of moong
have been brought to the
mandis across the state, of
which 878 quintals have
been procured.
Markfed has procured 663
quintals on the MSP, while
the remaining 215 quintals
have been purchased by pri-
vate agencies at a price
above the MSP. — TNS
as it is not getting full subsidy
due from the Punjab Govern-
ment in time,” said Gupta.
Around 15 lakh tubewells
will draw millions of litres of
groundwater, which is already
witnessing a depletion of 2.5
feet annually. In the 2018 sea-
son, 13.66 lakh tubewells were
functional. The early sowing
of paddy “puts an extra pres-
sure on soil” and leads to con-
sumption of excessive
groundwater. As many as 108
blocks in the state are under
the “dark zone” (where water
table has fallen drastically)
because of the increasing area
under paddy cultivation.
Experts suggest a tubewell
pumps out 30.24 lakh litre
water a week with an average
eight hours of power supply.
“The power demand in Pun-
jab is likely to cross 16,000 MW
against last year’s 15,000 MW,
which it failed to meet. In case
of delayed rains, power pangs
are expected. However, we
have done our best in terms of
arranging more power to feed
our power supply,” said a top
PSPCL official.
Data reveals
500 fewer docs
Vishav Bharti
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 12
The actual number of doc-
tors working in the Health
Department is just 3,600.
However, the successive
governments have been
claiming over the past sev-
eral years that the number
was 4,100.
The fact came to the fore
during an exercise under
which each Punjab Civil
Medical Services (PCMS)
doctor was asked to upload
his/her professional informa-
tion, including the number of
OPD and indoor patients
examined every day, on the
government’s Integrated
Human Resource Informa-
tion System. The data
uploading exercise conclud-
ed on May 31. Following that,
the data analysis was done
early this week.
While analysing the infor-
mation at the headquarters,
it was found that no data was
received from over 500 doc-
tors. These doctors were
either absent from duty or
they had left the department
without informing the high-
er authorities or many of
them have gone for their
postgraduate studies as in-
service doctors.
Ajoy Sharma, Secretary,
Health and Family Welfare,
confirmed that there was a
gap in the data. “But aim of
the exercise was to make the
actual assessment of num-
ber of doctors and allocate
them work rationally.” Data
reveals that there are
around 50 doctors, includ-
ing a large number of spe-
cialists and dentists, who
are posted in Chandigarh.
THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
Nine Mandi panchayats lose
road link after bridge collapse
Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, June 12
An old Bailey bridge on
the Balichowki-Sidhyani-
Khodathach road under
Balichowki area of Mandi
district collapsed on Sat-
urday, when a loaded car-
rier vehicle was crossing
it. The driver of the vehi-
cle sustained injuries and
he was rushed to nearby
hospital for treatment.
The collapse of this
bridge has disconnected
the nine panchayats of
Shetadhar area to Bali-
chowki from the road
facility. As a result, the
residents of the area are
now in a quandary over
transporting their crops to
market. These panchayats
are Sudhrani, Khuhan,
Khalihan, Thatta, Bung
Jahlgad, Ghat, Jufarkot,
Shivathan and Chet.
Keshav Ram, pradhan
Gram Panchayat Sudhrani
said, “This road bridge was
lifeline for the area resi-
dents. Around nine pan-
chayats of the area have
been cut off from road facil-
ity. We are worried about
transporting our agricultur-
al and horticultural pro-
duce to markets in time.”
“We urge Chief Minister
Jai Ram Thakur to direct
the PWD authorities to
ensure alternative road
connectivity to the area
residents at the earliest.
This will be a huge relief
Divers engaged to recover a body from the Beas in Mandi on Sunday.
Teen drowns in Beas
Tribune News Service
Mandi, June 12
A teenager and a native of
Pangi in Chamba district
drowned in the Beas on
Saturday evening when he
was taking bath on the
banks of river along with
his two friends. The
deceased has been identi-
fied as Rajesh Thakur (15).
Mandi SP Shalini Agni-
hotri said due to the dark-
ness the victim could not be
traced yesterday. Today
divers were engaged and his
body was fished out from the
river. The SP ruled out any
foul play into the incident.
The SP said the body was
handed over to the family
of the deceased.
Apple packaging material set to get costlier
Subhash Rajta
Tribune News Service
Shimla, June 12
For the second year running,
the packaging material of
apple is set to see a signifi-
cant hike in prices. While the
cost of cartons across various
categories is likely to
increase by up to 10 per cent,
the trays used inside the car-
tons are likely to get 25 to 30
per cent costlier.
Manufacturers are putting
most of the blame for the
hike on the increased GST
rates (from 12 per cent to 18
per cent) on corrugated box-
es and paper late last year.
“The cost of carton will
increase by five to 10 per
cent. While the major rea-
son behind the hike is the
increase in GST rates,
insufficient import of
paper, costlier paper in
domestic market, increase
in prices of glue etc are oth-
er contributing factors,”
said Hari Om Khanna from
Him Packwell, a leading
player in the manufactur-
ing of corrugated boxes.
A view of the bridge connecting Shtadhar with Bali Chowki
that collapsed on Saturday. TRIBUNE PHOTO
for us. Yesterday, some
PWD officials had visited
the site to review the situ-
ation. We are expecting
that the road connectivity
will be restored to the
region,” he remarked.
Vijay Pal Singh, a Con-
gress leader from Seraj,
said that it was a major
2 missing as car
plungesintoSutlej
Shimla, June 12
Two persons, including a con-
tractor, have gone missing
after the Bolero (HR 48-2608)
they were travelling in fell
into Sutlej and submerged
near Chaba in Sunni area of
Shimla today evening.
Ram Lal (contractor), han-
dling the ongoing road met-
alling work near Basantpur,
was returning from the site
along with Amba Lal, a labor-
er, when he lost control of the
vehicle. Both are from
Rajasthan. The NDRF team
had been called from Ram-
pur to search for the missing
persons, sources said. — TNS
SHARP HIKE WILL MAKE CULTIVATION UNVIABLE
❝ On packaging material alone, at least ~40 has
increased in just two years. Such sharp hikes will
make apple cultivation unviable. Except for the cost of
fruit, all associated expenses like that of packaging
material, pesticides, fertilisers, labour and transport
are rising. — Sanjeev Thakur, APPLE GROWER FROM ROHRU
The 10-per cent hike will
mean a grower will have to
shell out Rs 5-7 more per
carton, depending on which
carton he opts for.
HIMACHAL PRADESH
lapse on the part of PWD
authorities, who had
failed to identify the
dilapidated condition of
this road bridge. “Despite
being brought to the
notice of government offi-
cials time and again PWD
officials are hardly
inspecting and validating
Smartphones to be given to
10K meritorious students
Bhanu P Lohumi
Tribune News Service
Shimla, June 12
Smartphones would be dis-
tributed to meritorious stu-
dents of Class X and XII for
the academic session 2020-
21. The procurement com-
mittee has given its con-
sent and the proposal has
been sent to the state gov-
ernment for approval.
The cost of the smart-
phone bought in bulk would
be Rs 15,000 per piece and
the mobiles would be dis-
tributed to 10,000 students,
said Director Higher Educa-
tion Amarjeet Sharma.
The Education Department
has collected 3,000 smart-
phones under the phone
donation campaign “Digital
Saathi — Baccho ka Sahara,
Phone Humara” launched in
July last year to provide cell-
phones to poor students of
government schools who
cannot afford smartphones.
During the Covid pandem-
ic, the way of imparting edu-
Besides, the hike in the
price of trays is much
sharper. “We have been
offered a rate of Rs 745 for a
100-piece bundle. That’s an
ALTERNATIVE ROAD
BEING CONSTRUCTED
❝ It was an old bridge
structure, which collapsed
due to heavy load beyond its
capacity. Now, the PWD
authorities are constructing
an alternative road stretch
near the collapsed bridge
area for the movement of
light vehicles. A Bailey bridge
would be erected in the area
within one week to ensure
smooth traffic for light and
heavy vehicles.
KK Kaushal, SE, PWD, MANDI
critical and ageing bridge
structures. The PWD
authorities should restore
road connectivity early for
the convenience of peo-
ple,” he remarked.
When contacted, Super-
intendent of Engineer,
PWD, Mandi KK Kaushal
said it was an old bridge
structure, which collapsed
due to heavy load beyond
its capacity. Now, the PWD
authorities are construct-
ing an alternative road
stretch near the collapsed
bridge area for the move-
ment of light vehicles. A
bailey bridge would be
erected in the area within
one week to ensure
smooth traffic for light
and heavy vehicles on
Balichowki-Sidhyani-Kho-
dathach road in Mandi.
EACH PHONE TO COST ~15,000
■ These will be distributed to merito-
rious students of Class X and XII for
the academic session 2020-21.
■ The cost of the smartphone
bought in bulk would be
~15,000 per piece
■ The Education Department has collected 3,000 mobiles
under ‘Donate-a-mobile’ campaign launched in July last
year for poor students who cannot afford smartphones.
cation had changed as class-
es were running online and
mobiles or computers had
become a necessity. As per a
rough estimate, about 10% of
students of government
schools were without smart-
phones and there were about
14,000-15,000 below poverty
line (BPL) students currently
studying in Classes X and
XII, who were to be provided
smartphones on a priority.
Under the campaign, the
donors (individuals and cor-
porate) were invited to
donate a mobile phone for
poor students to ensure that
their education was not ham-
increase of nearly Rs 200
per bundle from last year,”
said Lokinder Bisht, presi-
dent of Progressive Grow-
ers Association. “It would
translate into an increase of
Rs 12-14 per box for trays
alone. Overall, the growers
will have to shell out
around Rs 20 more on pack-
aging material for every
box this year,” said Bisht.
Considering that the rates
of cartons increased by Rs 10-
15 last year, it’s quite a sub-
stantial hike. “On packaging
material alone, at least Rs 40
has increased in just two
years. Such sharp hikes will
make apple cultivation unvi-
able, especially for small and
marginal farmers,” said San-
jeev Thakur, an apple grower
from Rohru. “Except for the
cost of fruit, all associated
expenses like that of packag-
ing material, pesticides, fer-
tilisers, labour, transport are
shooting up. The growers,
however, are getting the
same rate they used to get 10-
15 years back for their pro-
duce,” he said.
Bridge to connect
three panchayats
opened in Lahaul
Tribune News Service
Mandi, June 12
Technical Education Min-
ister Ram Lal Markanda
today inaugurated a road
bridge at Gavajag pan-
chayat of the Lahaul valley
in tribal district Lahaul
and Spiti. The bridge has
been constructed at a cost
of Rs 8.5 crore.
He said with the inaugu-
ration of this bridge, three
panchayats of the Lahaul
valley — Gavajag, Kardang
and Barbog — have been
connected with a road
facility. Now, the area resi-
dents could avail better
transportation facility at
their doorstep.
He said it was a long-
pending demand of the
people in this region, which
was finally fulfilled today.
Now, the farmers of the
area will be able to trans-
port their agricultural pro-
duce to distant markets in
time to fetch better prices.
The minister said in the
past four and half years,
around 13 major road
bridges had been inaugurat-
ed, while three other under-
construction bridges would
be completed soon to ensure
better road connectivity to
the people of the district.
The minister also flagged
off an ambulance service
on Stingri and Pyukar road
in the district. He said the
state government was com-
mitted to providing better
road connectivity to the
people of the state.
pered due to lack of mobile
and contribute to a child’s
online learning, said State
Project Director of Samagra
Shiksha Virender Sharma.
The mobile phones were pro-
vided to the needy students at
the school level. Now, we are
back to the offline mode of
education and therefore the
initiative is not running in
campaign mode but people
interested in donating mobile
can visit the Digital Saathi
portal www.hpdigitalsaathi.in
to give mobile phones which
would be distributed to
needy students to help in
learning purpose, he added.
05
Fissures to forein
Cong once again
Tribune News Service Pratibha Singh, Renukaji
MLA Vinay Kumar, district
Solan, June 12 president Ajay Solanki and
Factionalism was once other leaders who were pres-
again visible in Sirmaur ent on the dais.
Congress where senior
MLA from Shillai Harsh-
In an attempt to pacify
Chauhan, PCC president
People are forced to buy water from
private tankers in Dehra Gopipur.
wardhan Chauhan chose to Pratibha Singh requested
sit amid the party workers him to come on the dais
at a function organised at
Sainwala which was chaired
with folded hands but
Chauhan said his place
Dehra Gopipur
by the Pradesh Congress was among the party work- residents facing
Committee (PCC) president ers and he continued to sit
Pratibha Singh today. there. This compelled water crisis
The party’s minority cell’s Singh to say that she Palampur, June 12
chairman, Iqbal Chawdhary, would also join him there The drinking water crisis in
had organised Bharat Joro if he wanted to continue Dehra Gopipur continued for
Sadbhawna Sammelan where sitting there which finally the fourth day today as
two-term MLA Vinay Kumar compelled Chauhan to “Nakhear khud”, water
was named as the guest of hon- come on the dais. source feeding the town, has
our while names of senior The PCC president was dried up. All localities of
MLAs Harshwardhan also welcomed separately Dehra Gopipur and the
Chauhan and GR Musafir by the two factions with adjoining satellite areas are
failed to figure on the card. With Ajay Bahadur welcoming without water. People are
no place on the dais, Chauhan her at Kala Amb while fetching water from tradi-
sat on the mat with workers. Chauhan and other leaders tional water sources like
Sidelining of Chauhan did remained present at Nahan. hand pumps, ‘bablis’ and
not go down well with his Instead of amassing public wells to meet their daily
supporters and they support, the programme was needs. There is uncertainty
indulged in sloganeering and reduced to factionalism feud about when the water supply
created an embarrassing sit- which has exposed tall claims will be restored to the town.
uation for the PCC president of the leaders being united. Dozens of private water
tankers can be seen supplying
water. Tilak Raj, Executive
Engineer, IPH, Dehra Gopipur
division, said new lift water
supply scheme for the town
was under construction, and
over 70 percent of civil works
had already been completed.
But a local resident managed
stay from court due to which
the work was delayed.
“Owing to deficient rainfall
in Kangra, water sources have
Shillai MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan (with folded hands) sitting dried up in most parts of Kan-
amid party workers at a function at Sainwala in Sirmaur district. gra district,” he said. — OC
13 hurt in
accident Organised by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt. of India
Mandi, June 12
As many as 13 persons were
injured when a Xylo hit an
Alto car at Jabal village Course Date:
under Shala panchayat in 18,19 June 2022
Mandi district on Sunday.
Mandi SP Shalini Agnihotri
said five persons sustained
serious injuries and were
admitted to medical college at
For Technical details, Contact: 77018 35887
Nerchowk. — TNS Contact: 8806614948/ 7709108634/8600869044
E-TENDER NOTICE
E-Tenders are invited through e-procurement process from eligible bidders for the following
(seperate) works at IKGPTU Main Campus, Kapurthala: -
Two Years Operation & Comprehensive Maintenance of Two Years Operation Two Years Operation
Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Indoor and Outdoor Units of & Comprehensive And Comprehensive
Air Conditioning System in Academic Block-1, Academic Maintenance of Three Maintenance of Air
Block-II, Knowledge Resource Center& Seminar Hall-II Nos. Sewage Treatment Conditioning System
AND Plants (two of 30 Kld A n d H o t Wa t e r
Comprehensive Maintenance of Variable Refrigerant Flow Capacity And One of 50 Generator (feeding
(VRF) Indoor and Outdoor Units of Air Conditioning System in Kld Capacity). G+3 And G+7
Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Auditorium Building)
E-Tender documents and other details can be downloaded and uploaded by the bidders through the
portal http://eproc.punjab.gov.in and can also be seen on http://ptu.ac.in/Tenders.aspx.
Sr. No. Description Date & Time
1. Last Date for E-Tender Submission 29-06-2022 (Wednesday) at 17:00 PM
Date & Time for Opening of Technical Bid 30-06-2022 (Thursday) at 14:00 PM
Note : Any Corrigendum/Addendum/Notice etc. with regard to this advertisement will be made available on the website www.ptu.ac.in
Advt.2022/ 06/03 Registrar
06 OPINION
India gets a spot at the table
THE TRIBUNE established in 1881
MEA team begins diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime
Unseemly exercise
RS polls are proving to be a disappointment
T
MK BHADRAKUMAR
RUE to their billing, the Rajya Sabha elections saw drama
aplenty. They were unpleasant, unseemly, tense, fiercely con- FORMER AMBASSADOR
tested and mired in controversy. Cross-voting was projected as
T
the game-changer, and the MLAs did not disappoint. The shadow of HE visit by Ministry of Exter-
big money loomed large, and no one really objected. Several new nal Affairs officials, led by
faces are now bound for the Upper House, their lack of experience in senior diplomat JP Singh, to
public life in no way a hindrance, their limited association with the Kabul on June 2 and his
states they have been chosen from of little consequence. Call it the meeting with high-ranking members
first resort or the last, the farce of huddling legislators together in of the Afghan interim government
costly closeted settings before the voting does beg the question: when signify the commencement of India’s
diplomatic engagement with the Tal-
their own parties can’t trust them, how can their constituents? The
open invitation for horse-trading and a reward system for defying the iban regime. New Delhi messaged its
party line are aberrations that are a poor advertisement for an elec- readiness to do business with the Tal-
iban. India is treading the footfalls of
toral exercise, and that too for the House of Elders.
major regional states.
Personal ambitions and proof of loyalty to the high command How Russia took this pathway is edi-
apart, the high-stakes election has a lot to do with the numbers fying. When Jamal Nasir Garval
game. It would be wrong to blame one party or the other for the mud- arrived in Moscow as the Afghan
dle, since none is above board. For the 57 seats to be filled, 41 saw no chargé d’affaires appointed by the Tal-
contest and the remaining 16 were the prize that had to be won by iban authorities and was accredited by
any means. The surprise results in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Kar- Russian foreign ministry in March,
nataka were proof of the power games, even as Haryana lived up to spokeswoman Maria Zakharova
its reputation that it ain’t over till it’s over, with a past-midnight called it ‘a step toward resuming full-
final score that had remnants of the ‘inkgate’ scandal of 2016. fledged bilateral diplomatic contacts’.
Post the elections, the political parties will see some internal She qualified that it was still too early
churning, but the larger question of bringing change to the election to talk about recognition. On April 29,
process is unlikely to be addressed in any form. Since the results Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said
the Afghan chargé d’affaires had
will not alter the House strength of any side significantly, the focus
already started work in Moscow.
will remain on forming new affiliations and garnering support by
Last Tuesday, Tass reported that Gar-
any means, till the next Rajya Sabha elections. val would attend the St Petersburg
International Economic Forum (June
15-18), an event known as ‘Russian
Davos’, usually hosted by President
Roadways to the fore Vladimir Putin, where, as in previous
years since 1997, the business pro-
gramme will focus on the global and
Punjab Government makes a move to end monopoly Russian economies, social issues, and
technological development.
I
N a much-awaited relief to thousands of Punjab’s jet-setting com- Instead of viewing the Taliban
muters, the Bhagwant Mann government has announced the through the prism of US-style excep-
start of government-run Volvo buses from Chandigarh and main tionalism, Russia began treating the
towns of Punjab to the Delhi international airport at half the cost Taliban officials as estranged natives of
charged by the private transport sector — mainly owned by the our region who returned home. Last
Badal family — which has held monopoly on this lucrative route for Wednesday, the Russian foreign min-
istry website (in Russian language) fea-
years. The transport policy, skewed in favour of the select private
tured a press note titled ‘On the cur-
players in the luxury bus domain, is believed to have cost the state
rent situation in Afghanistan’, which
nearly Rs 6,600 crore in over 14 years. Illegal extension of bus per- flagged that the Taliban Movement, as
mits, monopolisation of bus routes, outdated bus timetables, little
opportunities to young aspirants to join the transport business all
along the routes in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, besides
The boss meant business
the Delhi airport, added up to a flourishing mafia ruling the roads as
buses and illegal goods-laden trucks got the undue green signal.
The plying of government buses to the airport is another step
aimed at applying brakes on the unfair deal dealt by the ‘transport
mafia’ — an unholy politician-official nexus — to Pepsu and Punjab Chander Gupta
Roadways, reducing these public sector undertakings to loss-making
entities. Earlier, the state had said the revenue of the transport
department had nearly doubled in May following its drive against pri-
vate bus operators evading taxes or running vehicles without per-
mits. Now, the judicious mix of public and private vehicles on the
T HE office I once headed in
Shimla was housed in a her-
itage building, constructed by
the British in the 19th century on the
Mall. Shimla has always been
road across the region should lead to a healthy competitive market, thronged by tourists for its cool cli-
offering the best prices and facilities to the passengers. Last April, mate and natural splendour. My supe-
free travel for women in PRTC buses in the state got rolling. riors, sitting and sweating in the hot
However, the government has a long way to go to ensure that the plains, made a beeline for the hills
bus passengers enjoy a smooth ride. Its fleet of buses needs an with the onset of summer, ostensibly
overhaul; the sector suffers from a scarcity of drivers and conduc- for official purposes. They were greet-
tors, who, to boot, are a disgruntled lot with regard to wages and ed and feted on their arrival.
working hours. Satisfied transport employees hold the key to safe One summer day, an urgent mes-
travel. There are miles to be covered before the government can sage regarding the imminent visit
claim to have eclipsed the classic satirical number, ‘Aa gayi Road- of a general manager from the head
ways di laari, na koi sheesha, na koi baari...’ office was received. We swung into
action for welcoming the GM. The
entire staff got engrossed in prepar-
❝ ❞
thought for the day
Quiet diplomacy is far more effective than public If scared, quit politics
posturing. — Atal Bihari Vajpayee The Mann government’s decision to
withdraw the security of over 400 per-
sons was a good decision. However,
after Moosewala’s killing, the govern-
on this day...100 years ago ment has restored the security under
pressure. Those who want protection
should pay for it. Apart from this, the
Punjab CM, his Cabinet colleagues
and other stalwarts of the ruling party
should have minimum security. Doc-
lahore,tuesday, june 13, 1922
tors and technicians working in blood
banks and laboratories always have
THE REVISED RESOLUTION the risk of contracting infection.
EXCEPT in our respect, to which we shall presently refer, the resolution on Civil Those working with radiotherapy car-
Disobedience as revised at the instance of Pandit Malaviya and finally adopted by ry the risk of malignancy. If politicians
the All-India Congress Committee at its last meeting, is an improvement both are so scared that they need huge
upon the Working Committee’s draft and upon the resolution as subsequently security, they should quit politics and
placed before the Committee. Of the five parts of which the resolution consists, join another profession.
only the last is common to all three cases, and as such calls for no comment. The AJAY BAGGA, HOSHIARPUR
first is new and it fits in better with the object and the general purport to the
resolution than the preamble to either the draft resolution or the resolution as Cheaper liquor
subsequently altered. By it the Committee records its satisfaction that “although Reduction in liquor prices by the
repression in a most severe form has been resorted to by the Government in Mann government is a wrong deci-
several parts of the country, the spirit of the Congress workers has not been sion. Not only does it lure people to
daunted and the constructive programme laid down by the Committee is being buy and consume more liquor, but
royally carried out at great sacrifice in every province.’ At the outset, it might also it reduces the contribution of
appear that this was diametrically opposed to the letter and spirit of the draft excise to the state’s fund. Already
preamble, which stated that “the Committee is not satisfied with the progress excessive liquor consumption has
made in the constructive programme of the Congress so far.” But only a little had many disturbed households, with
reflection would show that the difference is only verbal and superficial. The draft broken families and traumatised
resolution emphasised the desire of the Committee that the rate of progress should childhoods. Rather, the government
be accelerated. The revised resolution, on the other hand, recorded the satisfaction could have made a liquor corporation
of the Committee that in spite of circumstances of an adverse character, the to stop liquor smuggling, ensure
workers in several Provinces have been able to do what they have done. Not only quality control as people sometimes
are the two things consistent, but everyone who is conversant with human nature die after consuming spurious alcohol,
will see that in the actual circumstances of the present case the latter is the more
effective way of accomplishing the purpose which the Committee has in view. 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@tribunemail.com
MAKING HEADWAY: Senior diplomat JP Singh met high-ranking members of the
Afghan interim government during his Kabul visit. PTI
The Taliban are sons of the soil and nobody’s proxy.
That’s why the compassion and empathy in Doval’s
remarks come as a breath of fresh air.
an organisation, is not considered a ter-
rorist organisation in the UN, and sanc-
tions only apply to certain individuals.
Referring to the recent regional
tour by US Special Representative
Tom West, during which he met
some Afghan political emigres in
New Delhi and Istanbul, the Russ-
ian commentary openly lamented
that Americans ‘lack fresh ideas on
the Afghan track’ and are still rely-
ing ‘on those who personify the fail-
ure of the 20-year US democratisa-
tion experiment in Afghanistan…
who abandoned their people during
the most difficult period of the tran-
sition of power and, as a result, lost
influence in the country’.
This plain-speaking coincides with
a furtive western campaign to tight-
en the UN sanctions further ‘to
make the Taliban hurt’ — to borrow
from Human Rights Watch. The
game plan is to corner and punish
the Taliban after having failed to lure
it as a surrogate regime serving the
West’s geopolitical interests in and
around Afghanistan and Central
Asia. The new cold war conditions
give an added sense of urgency, as
evident from the surprise visit to
Pakistan by German Foreign Minis-
ing presentations about their per-
formance and also in tidying up
their workplace and surroundings.
The office wore a fresh look on the
eve of the officer’s visit.
On D-Day, we all waited with bat-
ed breath. His sedan finally
stormed into the office estate
around 3 pm. After greeting the
guest with bouquets, we escorted
him to my office room. As soon as
the formalities and refreshments
were over, the GM briskly settled
down in the chair and started
reviewing our work. Expectedly, a
barrage of brickbats ensued as our
performance was not up to the
desired level. He launched into a
harangue, listing out strategies, pri-
orities and corporate concerns.
letters to the editor
and take strict hold of the fund man-
agement. A corporation would also
bring in more employment opportu-
nities for the youth.
HARSIMRANVIR SINGH, PATIALA
Next President
Refer to ‘Election for 16th Prez on
July 18, NDA set for comfortable
win’; most of the past Presidents
were politicians and the next one is
also likely to be a politician. Except
politics, they have had no creden-
tials. The President, as the first citi-
zen of India, should be a learned man
with great achievements in the field
of arts, science, defence, sports etc.,
and one who has served, or is serving
the country. Why not elect a person
from the defence services as the next
President to acknowledge his contri-
bution to the security of the country?
O PRASADA RAO, BY MAIL
Poor ranking
Apropos of ‘Govt rejects eco index
ranking India lowest’, we have been
taking various steps to contain pollu-
tion but we forgot to take into
account that there has been a drastic
increase in motor vehicles in the
country, building construction activ-
ities in cities and villages, construc-
tion of expressways, national and
state highways, increase in industrial
activities, and every year millions of
JALANDHAR | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
ter Annalena Baerbock in the run-up
to an upcoming UN Security Council
meeting on Taliban sanctions. Baer-
bock said the Taliban ‘brought
incredible suffering and hunger’ to
Afghan people and the country is
moving in the ‘wrong direction’,
which had consequences for the
international community.
Baerbock’s mission was to gauge
Pakistan’s receptiveness to a new
coordinated and coercive approach
to the Taliban, based on an estima-
tion that the GHQ in Rawalpindi is
looking for coercive leverage
against the Taliban in a way that it
hasn’t in the past. The western
powers count on an opening if the
Pakistani military recalibrates.
The US Institute of Peace did kite fly-
ing recently that Washington and
Islamabad can jointly press the Taliban
on a range of political issues important
to US priorities, and Pakistan can help
by ‘publicly signalling that the Tal-
iban’s recognition is off the table… It
can also downgrade the diplomatic
treatment of the Taliban and align its
messaging on counterterrorism issues
with that of the US government’.
This is where the remarks by Nation-
al Security Adviser Ajit Doval at the
After holding a meeting with the
branch management for an hour or
so, the ‘big boss’ then took a round
of the office and shook hands with
all employees. He enquired about
the names and assignments of all
staff members. The ‘operation’
stretched up to 5.30 pm.
After half-an-hour’s rest in the
guest house, the GM emerged clad
in casuals, to be taken for a round of
the Mall and the iconic Ridge,
flanked by myself and my col-
league. I presumed that the visiting
dignitary would now abandon his
official demeanour and enter the
recreational mode. But I was
proved terribly wrong. Throughout
our stroll on the Mall and the Ridge,
he was ‘discovering’ business
trees are being axed to facilitate the
construction of roads and other infra-
structure. The rise in population in
the country may also be another
cause of increased pollution.
ROOP SINGH NEGI, SOLAN
LAC buildup
Reference to ‘Chinese infra buildup’;
the recent developments along the
LAC are worrisome but not new. Chi-
na has been focusing on infrastruc-
ture for a long time because it helps in
mobility, which is one of the impor-
tant factors tactically. India too is con-
tinuously putting efforts to match
China, but more needs to be done in
an urgent manner. The world has
become unpredictable and we can’t
be dependent on other nations, as we
have seen in the case of the Ukraine
conflict. India should take more
steps, like the recent approval of Rs
76k crore by MoD for military proj-
ects, to face any threat boldly.
ISHAN HASTIR, GURDASPUR
Language of heart
Refer to the report ‘Hindi mentioned
in UN resolution for first time’; it is
more a matter of national pride than
any utilitarian purpose. But this small
step will pave way for the latter. In our
country Hindi is caught between Hin-
di-haters and Hindi-baiters. The
diehards on both sides have done a lot
THE TRIBUNE
Regional Dialogue in Dushanbe
recently, weighing in on Indian think-
ing, come into play. He choreographed
a revamped Indian policy dripping
with realism and accent on strengthen-
ing Afghanistan’s capability to count-
er terrorism and terrorist groups, while
exuding optimism that with collective
efforts of the Regional Dialogue mem-
bers, Afghanistan can be transformed
as a prosperous and vibrant nation.
Afghanistan should not be desta-
bilised again and the focus ought to be
more on humanitarian mobilisation
and other assistance. It is a veritable
rejection of the situation in the Pan-
jshir Valley and the shenanigans of
certain external actors to kickstart a
new civil war. Doval highlighted the
need for representation of all sections
of Afghan society so that the collective
energies of the largest possible pro-
portion of the population feel motivat-
ed to contribute to nation-building.
Yet, he refused to be prescriptive, and
thereby reposed India’s abiding faith
in the innate Afghan culture to seek
truth and reconciliation.
The Taliban is toying with the idea
of holding a Loya Jirga. Former
Afghan government officials who
fled Kabul are returning, to be wel-
comed by the Taliban, including in
the most recent days a former official
from the national security council, a
General who used to be the defence
ministry spokesman and a deputy
minister. Farooq Wardak, former
minister of education, who had
served under both Hamid Karzai and
Ashraf Ghani, is the highest-level for-
mer official to return to a warm wel-
come. He said, ‘Most authorities are
thinking about returning… A per-
son’s dignity is in his own country. ’
The past two decades have revealed
that the West understood neither the
Taliban nor Afghanistan. The stereo-
typical portrayal of the Taliban as
zealots was far from accurate. The
movement commanded more popu-
lar support than what western narra-
tives conceded grudgingly. The Tal-
iban are sons of the soil and nobody’s
proxy. That’s why the compassion
and empathy in Doval’s remarks
come as a breath of fresh air.
hotspots whereas I was attracted
towards the beauty of the spot. He
was drawing our attention to com-
mercial opportunities and pulling
us up for not having tapped them.
On the contrary, I was making
futile attempts to distract him by
talking about the trees laden with
fresh leaves, the iconic Gaiety The-
atre, the hill slopes, the fragrance in
the air, and finally the crescent
moon. I even enticed him with an
offer of chilling out at a trendy bar
on Scandal Point, but he evaded the
bait adroitly. He kept pontificating
about business and I could not help
raving about the scenic beauty. As
the sun was setting, it dawned upon
me that business was the only item
on the agenda of his official trip.
of harm to the propagation of Hindi,
which otherwise has nationwide
acceptance across all geographically
dispersed people. Delhi is the heart of
the nation and the language of the
heart needs no political props to sus-
tain itself, provided it is left to make its
own way in a natural manner. English
and the regional languages supple-
ment the richness of Hindi as a
national means of communication.
Hindi is finding acceptance not at the
cost of the other languages, rather the
regional languages are finding a
national platform through Hindi.
DV SHARMA, MUKERIAN
Consider rotation
Was there a rotation plan to select the
CDS from the three services (‘Ensure
no dilution of CDS’s role, charter’)?
If not, we should have one now, other-
wise the Air Force and Navy may nev-
er get a chance. There should be an
orientation/familiarisation course for
the new CDS with each force to
update him on the latest command
and control procedures and practices
of the forces. Since all officers at that
level have almost equal calibre and
competence, we should follow the
time-tested principle of seniority.
There would be no heartburn then
nor criticism from any quarter that a
‘pliable’ choice has been made.
WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR
THE TRIBUNE
JALANDHAR | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022 OPED 07

‘Conscience vote’ in RS poll hurts Congress

and Rahul. Maken, a politician from
Delhi, is considered one of the effec-
tive AICC functionaries who rose
In Maharashtra, former chief minister
from student politics, became a part Prithviraj Chavan has gone on record to say
of NSUI and Youth Congress before
becoming an MLA and MP. The rise that he has, for the past four years, been
of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in waiting to get an audience with Rahul
Delhi and successive electoral
RASHEED KIDWAI
defeats had forced Maken to look for Gandhi. These comments indicate that within
SENIOR JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR a Rajya Sabha berth. Stung by Mak-
en’s defeat, the Congress high com-
the Congress circles, getting an appointment

T with Rahul is still at a premium and Gandhis

HE outcome of the Rajya
Sabha polls has been a set-
back for the Congress due
to its failure to get Ajay
Maken elected from Haryana. The
Congress central leadership is likely
to sweep the defection and cross-
voting in Haryana under the carpet.
However, this ostrich-like approach
would not help the party’s cause.
Faulty selection of Rajya Sabha
nominees, overdependence on
regional satraps and the inability to
enforce discipline or accountability
have brought the Congress to a sor-
ry state of affairs once again.
In Haryana, the party leadership
has been experimenting a lot and
trying to strike a balance between
the pro and anti-Bhupinder Singh
Hooda factions. But in effect, it
has gained little. Things came to
such a pass that a Rajya Sabha
nominee, Randeep Singh Surjew-
ala, had to be taken away from
Haryana to get elected from
Rajasthan simply because a
regional satrap had vetoed his can-
didature from the home state.
Maken’s defeat is a personal set-
back for the Gandhis — both Sonia
mand cracked the whip, though half-
heartedly, as Kuldeep Bishnoi was
expelled from all party posts.
Many questions are bound to be
asked. If Hooda had given an assur-
ance to the Gandhis that he would
ensure Maken’s victory, how would
the Congress high command react
to him now? Dissenter Bishnoi has
gone on record over his failure to
meet Rahul Gandhi. While Bishnoi
may himself opt for “greener pas-
tures” or the Congress acts against
his reported cross-voting, Rahul
Gandhi cannot escape the responsi-
bility of keeping a section of the par-
ty dissatisfied. Bizarre as it may
sound, Bishnoi had demanded a
meeting with Rahul before the
Haryana Rajya Sabha vote.
In Maharashtra, former chief minis-
ter Prithviraj Chavan has also gone on
record to say that he has, for the past
four years, been waiting to get an audi-
ence with Rahul Gandhi. These com-
ments indicate that within the Con-
gress circles, getting an appointment
with Rahul is still at a premium and
Gandhis themselves consider giving
time to party leaders as a sign of
‘favour’. The working style of Sanjay
themselves consider giving time to party
leaders as a sign of ‘favour’. The working style
of Sanjay and Rajiv Gandhi and even Indira
Gandhi had been drastically different.
DEBACLE: The Congress failed to get Ajay Maken elected
to the Rajya Sabha from Haryana. PTI
and Rajiv Gandhi and even Indira The tardy handling of the Rajya Sab- ing that an assurance of sorts has been Measures such as giving 50 per cent
Gandhi had been drastically different. ha election would hound the Gandhis given to them that prior to the 2023 tickets to those under 50 years of
They used to relish meeting party for a while. In Rajasthan, the party Assembly polls, a change of guard age, empowerment of weaker sec-
leaders of all hue and shades and often fielded and managed to ensure win of would take place. Would Gandhis take tions, Dalits, restricting two Rajya
benefited from getting “genuine feed- three “outsiders” — Surjewala, Mukul the call to change Gehlot? If they fail terms, one family one vote and oth-
back” and divergent views about the Wasnik and Pramod Tiwari. But this to fulfil the reported promise to Pilot, er suggestions have little meaning
party/government programmes, poli- development, paradoxically, would fur- what would he do? These questions unless they get a seal of approval
cies, issues etc. Rahul’s uncle, father ther stoke factionalism in the state have no easy answers unless the from the AICC. In some instances,
and grandmother had tremendous unit. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Gandhis decide to requisition the Congress would need amend-
recall value and often themselves camp thinks it has reasons to be confi- Gehlot’s services in the organisation- ments in the party Constitution too.
asked party leaders from various dent about continuation of the chief al polls scheduled to be held in Sep- But so far, there is no talk about it.
states to visit Delhi and meet them to minister, having “delivered the task” of tember this year. Perhaps the leadership is thinking
discuss “areas of mutual interest”. In getting nominees for the Upper House The Gandhis have a heavy agenda of clubbing all these issues after
the pre-mobile phones and e-mail era, through. But supporters of aspirant to reform the Congress. Post the party polls when it becomes
Vincent George, a close Rajiv aide, was Sachin Pilot differ on grounds that the Udaipur Chintan Shivir, the party mandatory for the party to summon
famed to track down any party leader Rajya Sabha poll success was a ‘team needs to summon an AICC session the AICC. Until then, ad-hocism,
within half an hour or so. effort’. The Pilot camp has been claim- to ratify decisions taken at Udaipur. hits and misses may continue.

Targeted killings bid to derail peace process in J&K

SOMESH GOYAL
FORMER DGP, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Ethnic cleansing in the
Valley still appears to be
on the minds of the jihadi
groups operating there.
The hardliners have
now adopted a more
sophisticated modus
operandi of shoot-and-scoot,
killing one and terrorising
thousands. The recent
cold-blooded killings point
towards radicalised, highly
motivated and trained
sleeper cells ready to spring
out at the command of their
handlers across the LoC.
These are acts of perverted
Islamic jihadi elements.
T
HE targeted killings of minor-
ity Kashmiri Pandits,
migrant workers and
employees from other states
after similar attacks in October 2021
have jolted the Valley. Hundreds of
families and workers have fled to the
safety of Jammu and their home
states. In May and the first week of
June 2020, the hardened Islamist ele-
ments in the Valley, in a dastardly act,
killed unsuspecting civilians includ-
ing off duty cops at point-blank
range. One of the victims was
Amreen Bhat, a TV artiste and per-
former and a local Kashmiri woman.
The Resistance Front (TRF), a
shadow outfit of the banned
Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group and
Kashmir Freedom Fighters (KFF),
have claimed responsibility for the
multiple recent attacks. It is sur-
prising that these groups have
evaded early detection and
response after coming to light in
October 2021. Their avowed agenda
is to scuttle any attempts by the
Central government to populate the
Union Territory which they claim
will alter its demography. The outfit
threatened that “anyone involved
in Kashmir’s demographic change
will meet the same fate”.
Migrant workers from all over the
country number more than a million
in the union territory of J&K. Hail-
ing from different states in India,
they are engaged in diverse fields
from infrastructure, construction to
manufacturing, hospitality,
orchards, domestic help and so on.
These migrant workers have been
part of the union territory’s econo-
my for over four decades. Singling
them out by the illogical militant
ELUSIVE STABILITY: Killings in Kashmir are aimed at preventing restoration of normalcy,
creating panic and triggering an exodus from the Valley. PTI
groups and killing them can easily
destablise the trade and commerce
in J&K, adversely impacting its
GDP. Any large-scale exodus of
these migrant workers can bring
Kashmir to a standstill.
The number of terror incidents and
presence of militants have registered a
downward trend. Trade and tourism
are flourishing in the union territory
with nearly a million tourists having
already visited the state and another
two lakh registered for Amarnath
Yatra. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits
and local people participated in the
Kheer Bhawani mela immediately
after the killings. Return of grass-
roots democracy through elections to
the local bodies, increased trade and
tourism, reduction in violent inci-
dents and all round prosperity must
be like a thorn in the flesh of Pakistan
and its deep state. After the regime
change in Pakistan, ISI seems to have
upped its ante in Kashmir.
Ethnic cleansing in the Valley still
appears to be on the minds of the
jihadi groups operating there. If
mass murder, rape and arson were
the tools in the 1990s, the hardlin-
ers have now adopted a more
sophisticated modus operandi of
shoot-and-scoot, killing one and
terrorising thousands. The recent
methodical cold-blooded killings
point towards radicalised, highly
motivated and trained sleeper cells
ready to spring out of their cover at
the command of their handlers
across the LoC. These are acts of
perverted Islamic jihadi elements.
The callous murder of Amreen
Bhat and its message have gone
unnoticed. The militants have tried
to force, a la Taliban, the agenda of
cultural cleansing and proscribing
performing arts and music in the
Kashmir valley. Women athletes
could be the next target. Will Kash-
miriyat with its eclectic and syn-
cretic culture, music and folk
dances be trampled upon by the
ultra-puritanical jihadi agenda?
The people of Kashmir must
realise that this is the time to con-
solidate the peace dividend than
allowing the fringe radical groups
to push them again to the sordid
period of peak of militancy and
unrest hampering their day to day
lives. Another exodus, minor or
large-scale, will also definitely
raise questions about the majority
community in UT about their
acceptance of Kashmiri Pandits on
their return to their homeland.
The condemnation of the killings
has been muted and ambivalent. No
political parties joined the minority
protesters at Lal Chowk and else-
where. Most of the local and nation-
al parties have been busy finding
faults with the government of the
day rather than calling out Pakistan
and the terrorist groups for target-
ing peace and amity in J&K.
The mainline political parties of
the Valley and their leaders general-
ly transact their business from their
fortified residences in Srinagar,
Jammu or Delhi. They no longer
represent the voice of multitudes.
Their call for an all-party meet on
these happenings may be a good
idea. Better would be an all-party
protest at Lal Chowk and all district
headquarters condemning such ter-
rorist acts in unequivocal terms.
Kashmir has long prided itself on
the Sufi nature of its Islam. The
majority Muslims of the Valley are
peace loving. But their deafening
silence lends an indirect encourage-
ment to such anti-national elements
that are hell-bent on destroying the
peace and prosperity in the paradise
of Firdaus. There is need for them to
show solidarity with the minorities
that have stoically lived or returned
to the Valley, as also to protect nor-
mal trade, tourism and other activi-
ties for the overall benefit and pros-
perity of all sections of society.
The J&K police have the unenvi-
able task of maintaining continuous
surveillance on such youth, sharpen
their intelligence at the beat level
and work closely with the Central
intelligence agencies to pick up
‘chatter’ pointing to such nefarious
arrangements. No security system
in the world can watch every win-
dow and door and monitor all citi-
zens. There is a need to create a
database or likely recruits and sus-
pects and continuously upgrade it.
Support of local communities, polit-
ical parties, NGOs, women groups etc
should also be enlisted in creating
local defence and brotherhood/good-
will committees in every vulnerable
area to instil a sense of security and
build trust in the minorities.
In the last few years, thousands of
Kashmiris have returned to the
union territory. Their number is
not going to alter the demography
of the UT. The significant gains
made to strengthen the multi-cul-
tural and plural fabric of Kashmir
should not be lost in the face of the
recent dastardly militant acts.

quick crossword su do ku calendar forecast

ACROSS SUNSET: MONDAY 19:25 HRS
JUNE 13, 2022, MONDAY
1 Stumble (6)
4 University grounds (6) 7 2 6 5 ■ Vikrami Samvat 2079
SUNRISE: TUESDAY 05:21 HRS

9 Suppose to be (4,3) ■ Shaka Samvat 1944

10 Inaccuracy (5)
11 Person solitary by 1 2 ■ Jyeshtha Shaka

■ Jyeshtha Parvishte
23
31
Sunny Partly Cloudy Cloudy
CITY MAX
Rainy
MIN
Foggy

choice (5)
2 5 9
■ Hijari 1443 Chandigarh 43 29
12 Find fault pettily (7)
13 Willy-nilly (4,2,2,3) ■ Shukla Paksha Tithi 14, up to 9:03 pm New Delhi 43 33
18 Monotonous (7) ■ Siddha Yoga up to 1:42 pm Amritsar 43 28
20 Shrink back in fear (5)
22 Giver (5) 3 4 8 ■ Anuradha Nakshatra up to 9:24 pm

■ Moon in Scorpio sign

Bathinda
Jalandhar
44
43
26
28
23 Newness (7)

9 2
24 A periodical publication (6) ■ Shri Satyanarayan Vrat Ludhiana 44 29
25 Shameless (6) ■ Gandmool starts 9:24 pm Bhiwani 44 30
Hisar 45 29
SATURDAY’S SOLUTION
4 3 1
DOWN
1 Pointless (6) Sirsa 44 28
2 Compare (5)
1 9 3 6 8 4 5 2 7 Dharamsala 36 21
5 6 4 9 7 2 3 1 8
4 9 1
3 Carry out effectively (7) Manali 27 11
5 Watchful (5) 8 7 2 3 5 1 4 6 9 Shimla 27 20
6 Colonnade (7)
2 3 9 5 1 7 6 8 4 Srinagar 28 14
2 6
7 Hit forcibly (6)
8 Recall (5,2,4) 6 1 8 4 2 3 7 9 5 Jammu 44 28
14 Huge (7) Kargil 24 12
7 4 5 8 9 6 2 3 1
SATURDAY’S sOLUTION 15 Retrieve (7)
Across: 1 Diocese, 5 Abhor, 8 Get the message, 9 Adieu, 10 Seek out, 11 Wreath, 12 16 Slightest trace (6)
17 Coloured pencil (6)
1 4 5 3 9 2 6 7 4 8 1 5 3 Leh
Dehradun
21
40
08
25 1
Cheeky, 15 Inherit, 17 Aphid, 19 Hang by a thread, 20 Yield, 21 Honesty. 4 5 1 2 3 9 8 7 6
Down: 1 Dogma, 2 Outside chance, 3 Exhaust, 4 Enmesh, 5 Aisle, 6 Head over heels, 7 19 Of the countryside (5) Mussoorie 29 20
3 8 7 1 6 5 9 4 2
Re-entry, 11 Weighty, 13 Heathen, 14 Attach, 16 Rabid, 18 Daddy. 21 A ballroom dance (5) V. HARD TEMPERATURE IN OC
08
4 LeT militants killed in 2 gunfights in Valley
Among them cop killer Adil Parray
Samaan Lateef
Srinagar June 12
Four Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT)
militants were killed in two
gunfights in Pulwama and
Srinagar, taking the total
number of militants killed in
different encounters this year
to 99 so far.
One of them was involved
in the killing of policeman
Reyaz Ahmad, the police
said. “The police and security
forces have neutralised three
LeT militants in an overnight
operation in Pulwama,
including the killer of cop
Reyaz Ahmad,” said a police
statement issued here.
Acting on a specific input
about presence of militants at
Drabgam village in Pulwama,
a joint team of the police,
Army and paramilitary
CRPF launched a cordon and
search operation in the area.
As the security forces
e-governance:
J&K among
topperformers
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
Jammu and Kashmir,
assessed for the first time,
has ranked the highest
among union territories in
the national e-governance
service delivery assessment
(NeSDA) with an overall com-
pliance of nearly 90 per cent,
according to an official report.
Issued by the Department
of Personnel, Union Minis-
ter Jitendra Singh will
release on Monday the NeS-
DA 2021 Report that pro-
vides suggestions for gov-
ernments to further
enhance their e-governance
service delivery systems.
Among the UTs, J&K, as it
was assessed for the first
time in NeSDA 2021, scored
the highest in six sectors, it
is said in the statement.
Meghalaya and Nagaland
are the leading state portals
with an overall compliance
of more than 90 per cent
across all assessment param-
eters among the Northeast
and hill states, it said. Kerala,
Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Punjab,
Karnataka and Uttar
Pradesh had a compliance of
more than 85 per cent among
the “remaining states” cate-
gory, it said.
Kerala had the highest
overall compliance score
among all states and UTs.
Among the “services por-
tals” for Northeast and hill
states, the highest-ranking
states of Meghalaya and
Tripura showed improve-
ment across all six sectors
compared to NeSDA 2019,
the report added.
Despite notices, Punjab MLAs refuse... Bulldozers out in Prayagraj, Working on
are located in Sector 3 and 4
in Chandigarh.
Among those occupying
the flats illegally are Bikram
Singh Majithia and Gurpar-
tap Singh Wadala of the
SAD. The former Congress
MLAs on the list comprise
Gurpreet Singh GP, Kulbir
Zira, Sukhpal Bhullar,
Angad Saini, Raminder
Awla and Satkar Kaur.
Sources in the Vidhan
Sabha said the final notices
Mid-day...
official said the mid-day meal
programme was aimed at
addressing the issues of hunger
and malnutrition as well as
improving student enrolment,
attendance and retention rates.
The purpose of the scheme was
getting defeated by serving dry
ration, he said. Sushil Saini,
Programme executive at Jha-
jjar, said the students were
served sweet kheer, vegetable
pulao, rice-rajma, kadhi-chaw-
al, khichdi, halwa with black
chana, roti and seasonal veg-
etables before the facility was
discontinued in 2020.
JAMMU & KASHMIR/LADAKH
approached the suspected
spot, the militants fired at
them, triggering an
exchange of fire. In the ensu-
ing firefight, three local mili-
tants linked to the LeT were
killed and their bodies were
retrieved from the spot, the
police said.
They have been identified
as Junaid Ahmad Sheergojri,
Fazil Nazir Bhat and Irfan
Ahmad Malik, all residents of
Pulwama. The killed mili-
tants were part of groups
involved in several militant
activities, the police said.
Sheergojri and Abid Hus-
sain Shah, who was killed on
May 30, were involved in the
killing of police personnel
Reyaz Ahmad Thoker at his
home at Gadoora village in
Pulwama on May 13, the
police said.
He was also involved in the
killing of a non-local labour-
er at a brick-kiln at Magray-
Hate speech accused arrested in Bhaderwah
Our Correspondent
Jammu, June 12
The Bhaderwah police today
arrested a person accused of
delivering hate speech from a
mosque. He has been identi-
fied as Aadil Gafoor Ganai
and is accused of causing
communal tension in
Bhaderwah of Doda district.
While protesting from a
mosque against former
spokesperson of BJP Nupur
Officials at a conference at Dharmund Military Garrison
Meet on synergy among
civil, military agencies
Our Correspondent
Jammu, June 12
The Army organised a securi-
ty conference of civil adminis-
tration and police officials of
Ramban and Kishtwar at
Dharmund Military Garrison.
The aim was to increase syn-
ergy, interaction and coordina-
tion among civil and military
agencies for the forthcoming
Amarnath Yatra. Senior Army
officials, ADGP Mukesh
Singh among others were
present.
“The interaction provided
could be served on Monday.
Punjab Assembly Speaker
Kultar Singh Sandhwan
confirmed that final notices
were being issued. “All the
former MLAs are mature
enough to understand the
urgency of the matter. I
hope they vacate the flats
on their own,” he said.
Akali Dal leader Daljit
Cheema said the AAP gov-
ernment was making an
“issue out of a non-issue”.
Buddhist monk’s march stirs...
raised objections. The issue
holds importance as members
of both communities had, for
the first time, forged an
alliance last year to raise their
demand for the 6th Schedule
for Ladakh to safeguard the
local heritage, culture and
rights of people.
The Kargil Democratic
Alliance (KDA), an associa-
tion of social and religious
organisations, shot off a letter
to the Deputy Commissioner
stating that the march was
politically motivated and
Security personnel at the encounter site in the Kreesbal Palpora Sangam area of Srinagar. PTI
99 ULTRAS NEUTRALISED THIS YEAR SO FAR
■ 99 militants killed in differ-
ent encounters this year
■ One of the three militants
was involved in the killing of
pora village in Budgam dis-
trict on June 2. The police
have recovered two AK-47
assault rifles and a pistol
Sharma on June 9, Ganai had
spewed venom against a par-
ticular community that led to
anger and atmosphere of
communal tension after
which the authorities were
quick to impose curfew in
Doda and Kishtwar district.
While some relaxation
was given by the authori-
ties in Doda town, where
situation was somewhat
normal, restriction contin-
ued in Bhaderwah town till
opportunity for deliberations
on important issues of mutual
interest impacting security of
the region. All officials
stressed on the need for har-
monious functioning of the
government agencies to make
the event successful. In view
of the prevailing security situ-
ation, an overview of the secu-
rity was undertaken to ensure
complete synergy between
security agencies and the civil
administration for a coordinat-
ed effort towards achieving
various goals,” said Lt Col
Devender Anand, Army PRO.
“It’s nothing but politics.
When Bikram Majithia’s
wife Ganieve Kaur Majithia
has been elected an MLA,
why can’t the same flat be
allotted to her? Someone
can even have genuine rea-
sons (for not vacating the
premises). The government
can very well impose penal
rent,” said Cheema.
Punjab Congress presi-
dent Amrinder Singh Raja
Warring said he wasn’t
could disturb communal har-
mony in Ladakh.
“The KDA has held a meet-
ing with representatives of
the Ladakh Buddhist Associ-
ation (LBA) regarding the
issue of construction of a
Gompa (monastery) in
Kargil. Both bodies agreed
that the issue must be
resolved amicably,” the letter
read. Under such circum-
stances, a third person hav-
ing no stake in the matter
was trying to disrupt peace in
the region, it read. While the
policeman Reyaz Ahmad
■ Two Army personnel were
■They were part of groups
involved in several militant
activities in the Valley
from the encounter site.
Kashmir IGP Vijay Kumar
said 99 militants had been
killed in anti-militancy oper-
further orders.
Ganai was arrested from his
home in Chinar Mohalla in an
early morning raid. Several
police personnel were sent to
arrest the accused as there
were apprehensions that the
situation might turn ugly.
A case under Sections 295A
(deliberate and malicious
acts intended to outrage reli-
gious feelings of any class by
insulting its religion or reli-
gious beliefs) and 506 (pun-
Relocate us to Jammu, demand migrant staff
Our Correspondent
Srinagar June 12
Migrant Kashmiri Pandit
employees’ protest entered
into the 30th day on Sunday
even as they continued
their demand for relocation
outside Kashmir.
The protesting employ-
ees observed a hunger
strike today at several
transit camps in memory
of their colleague Rahul
Bhat, who was killed this
day last month inside his
office at Budgam.
The employees appointed
under Prime Minister’s spe-
cial job package for
migrants are protesting at
different places in Jammu
and Kashmir for the past
one month to relocate them
as they are “not safe in
Kashmir in view of the
selective killings of the
community members”,
reads a statement issued by
them today.
“The Prime Minister’s
FROM PAGE 1
aware about the issue. “But
if so, I will ask my party col-
leagues to vacate the flats
within a week,” he said.
There are 65 flats for Pun-
jab MLAs in Sector 4, which
have been proportionally
allotted to MLAs from all par-
ties, based on the strength of
each party in the Vidhan Sab-
ha. Since the AAP had won
with a thumping majority,
maximum flats have been
allotted to its MLAs.
KDA and LBA are in talks
over the matter, the Kargil
unit of the LBA has extended
support to the monk.
Its chief Skarma Dadul said
the Buddhists were not being
allowed to construct a
monastery in Kargil. “We don’t
want to create any tension, but
it is our right to have a proper
place of worship,” he said. The
administration and police are
quiet on the matter, but it is
learnt that police have been
told to deal with the situation
in Kargil if goes out of control.
TWO SOLDIERS HURT
injured on Sunday in a land-
mine explosion near LoC in
Poonch district
ations so far this year.
In another incident, the
police neutralised an LeT mili-
tant, identified as Adil Parray,
ishment for criminal intimi-
dation) of the IPC was regis-
tered against Ganai after his
hate speech went viral. Many
Hindu organisations had con-
demned the speech and
demanded the police to act
against him.
The incident had resulted
in imposition of restrictions
in other districts, including
Kishtwar and Ramban, to
avoid any untoward incident.
Meanwhile political leaders
Hold fast in memory
of colleague killed
by militants
package employment was a
way to provide jobs to address
the economic issues of the
displaced community. This
package was not linked with
rehabilitation plan of dis-
placed Kashmiri Hindu com-
munity,” reads the statement.
“The consideration of the
government was that we
will be ambassadors of
peace and bridge the gap
with the majority communi-
ty which did not happen on
the ground. We became
scapegoats,” it said.
Despite the official apathy,
they were doing their duties
regularly knowing fully that
the administration was not
working in their favour,
read the statement.
“In the last three years we
have witnessed a surge in
the killings of Kashmiri
house of key accused razed
bulldozers. Saharanpur SP
Rajesh Kumar had said the
two accused had been iden-
tified through CCTV footage
as Muzammil and Abdul
Vakir, both local residents.
Today in Prayagraj, a sen-
ior municipal officer said
Javed Ahmad’s house locat-
ed in the Kareli area of the
city was constructed without
a proper approval by the
development authority.
“The house was built with-
out getting the map
approved. A notice was issued
over the matter on May 10
and Javed was asked to be
present on May 24. But nei-
ther did he nor his lawyer
turned up. No document was
furnished, hence the demoli-
tion order,” the Prayagraj
Development Authority said.
Javed was among those
arrested today, said Praya-
graj Senior Superintendent
of Police Ajay Kumar.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath
had recently reiterated that
miscreants would face stern
in a brief chance encounter at
Kreshbal Palpora Sangam
area of Srinagar.
Based on an input regard-
ing his movement on the out-
skirts of Srinagar at the
Kreshbal Palpora area, a spe-
cial team of the Srinagar
Police launched a search
operation. The militant fired
upon them, triggering a brief
chance encounter.
Adil Parray, alias Abu Bakr,
of Ganderbal was killed in the
encounter. The IGP said the
slain militant along with Abid
Khan had joined the militant
ranks in September 2021.
Both were involved in terror
attacks on civilians and out-
siders in downtown area of
Srinagar last year. Abid was
neutralised in an encounter
in March in Ganderbal.
The police said Parray
attacked two policemen who
were killed. A nine-year-old
daughter of policeman Sai-
fulla Qadri was injured in the
incident.
appealed for communal har-
mony in Jammu.
BJP chief of J&K Ravinder
Raina said peace and harmo-
ny were important for
progress of any country. He
appealed for peace in Jammu
division. Apni Party state
coordinator Madan Lal
Chalotra also appealed for
communal harmony in Jam-
mu and Kashmir and criti-
cised those trying to create a
division in the society.
Pandits and Hindus who
have always been the flag-
bearers of nationalism and
have openly supported the
Government of India,” the
statement read.
“We are under direct
attack of terrorists and are
not safe even at a high secu-
rity like tehsil office where
our one brother Rahul Bhat
was gunned down in broad
daylight last month,” said
one of the protesting
employees.
“We have completed 30
days of protest today, but
the government seems to be
least bothered about our
concerns. The PM package
employees still have hope in
the Modi-led government
and have urged Lieutenant
Governor Manoj Sinha to
relocate all Hindu employ-
ees of the valley until the
situation becomes normal
in the valley. We all wish to
live in the Valley, but the sit-
uation this time is not in our
favour,” he said.
MEDIA ADVISER HAD
HINTED AT ACTION
In a tweet on Saturday, Mri-
tyunjay Kumar, media advis-
er to the CM, had warned:
“Unruly elements remem-
ber, every Friday is followed
by a Saturday”, posting a
photo of a bulldozer demol-
ishing a building.
action in case they disturbed
law and order.
CM’s media adviser Mri-
tyunjay Kumar on Saturday
tweeted a photo of the demoli-
tion drive in Saharanpur and
said, “Unruly elements
remember, there is a Saturday
after every Friday”. The Friday
mayhem saw protesters throw-
ing stones at police personnel
in Prayagraj and Saharanpur
after prayers in mosques.
In Prayagraj, protesters also
set a few motorcycles and carts
ablaze while also attempting to
torch a police vehicle. The
police foiled the bid by using
teargas and batons.
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
Dr Jitendra Singh during the BJP meeting in Udhampur.
UT seeing phenomenal
development: Minister
Our Correspondent
Jammu, June 12
Union Minister Jitendra
Singh today said Jammu
and Kashmir was witnessing
phenomenal development in
terms of infrastructure,
transportation and power.
He said the Udhampur
Lok Sabha constituency
witnessed the initiation of
national-level projects like
the Devika river project and
Pakal Dul hydropower proj-
ect, and several stalled proj-
ects like the Shahpur-Kan-
di project and Ratle projects
had also been introduced.
“At the same time, North
India's first Industrial
Biotech Park and the first
express corridor from Katra
to Delhi were initiated in a
single constituency. It even
got three government med-
ical colleges,” he said at a
BJP meeting in Udhampur.
Pamphlets were distrib-
uted highlighting 75 major
development projects initi-
ated in the Udhampur Lok
Minister meets Pandits
Jammu, June 12
Union Minister Prahlad
Patel today met Kashmiri
Pandit delegations in Jam-
mu and heard their griev-
ances over the situation
where targeted killings had
taken place in the recent
past in Kashmir valley.
Prahlad, who is on a three-
day visit to the UT, took part
in the party’s programme
where Kashmiri Pandits
were also invited. The BJP’s
Kashmir Displaced District
(KDD) unit for Kashmiri
migrants organised the pub-
lic outreach programme in
Akhnoor on the completion of
eight years of the Modi gov-
ernment in which Prahlad
Patel also took part.
Chand Jee Bhat, Kashmiri
Pandit and Jammu district
president of KDD, explained
its working to the minister.
He talked about various prob-
lems being faced by dis-
State Additional Director
General of Police (Law and
Order) Prashant Kumar in a
statement today said, “As
many as 304 persons have
been arrested from eight dis-
tricts of the state, and 13 cas-
es have been registered in
this connection in nine dis-
tricts of the state. Of these 91
have been arrested in Praya-
graj, 71 in Saharanpur, 51 in
Hathras, 34 each in Ambed-
kar Nagar and Moradabad, 15
in Firozabad, six in Aligarh
and two in Jalaun.”
He said of the 13 cases, three
each were registered at police
stations in Prayagraj and
Saharanpur, one each in Firoz-
abad, Ambedkar Nagar,
Moradabad, Hathras, Aligarh,
Lakhimpur Kheri and Jalaun.
A local train in West Bengal's
Nadia district was attacked and
damaged on Sunday evening.
Nearly 100 were arrested in
Howrah and Murshidabad dis-
tricts, while the Ranchi police
filed 25 FIRs against "thou-
sands" of people for the clashes.
THE TRIBUNE
Sabha constituency in the
last eight years.
Singh said Prime Minister
Narendra Modi personified
the true essence of democ-
racy, “wherein a common
man from a humble back-
ground can rise to the high-
est echelons simply on the
basis of merit and people’s
support”.
He noted that the public
welfare schemes and pro-
grammes introduced by
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi during the last eight
years for the benefit of
deprived sections of socie-
ty “are in fact redemption
of six decades of struggle
by the BJP for establishing
a governance system
based on the principle of
justice for all, appease-
ment to none”.
“The benefits like the
Ujjawala scheme and PM
Awas Yojana reached the
needy regardless of caste,
creed, religion, political
affiliation or vote bank con-
siderations,” he said.
Union Minister Prahlad Patel
being felicitated in Jammu.
placed Kashmiri Pandits and
urged for their redressal.
Bhat said most of the Central
welfare schemes are not appli-
cable in the UT and requested
the minister to take up the
matter with the authorities
concerned so that these could
be extended to displaced com-
munity members. He said the
cash assistance to Kashmiri
migrants living in Jammu
should also be enhanced.
LAC peace,
good ties...
theater of operations” and “at
the heart of American grand
strategy”.
From India’s point of
view, Austin had said, “Bei-
jing continues to harden its
position along the border
that it shares with India.”
This is the second such
observation about the Line
of Actual Control (LAC) by a
senior US official within a
week. On June 8, US
Army’s Pacific Command-
ing General Charles Flynn
said Chinese infrastructure
build-up near its border
with India in Ladakh was
“alarming”.
On the other hand, Zhang
Zhenzhong, a senior mem-
ber of the Chinese Defence
Minister’s delegation, criti-
cised the US’ Indo-Pacific
Strategy.
“The United States has
already turned the Middle
East and Europe into a
mess, does it want to mess
up Asia-Pacific next?”
Zhang asked.
THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
Blueprint on BSF’s extended
powers ready, MHA nod next
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
To implement the enhanced
jurisdictional powers of the
Border Security Force (BSF),
a blueprint on its logistical
requirements with regard to
various frontier states has
been finalised and would
soon be submitted to the
Union Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) for its consid-
eration, officials said.
The BSF, mandated to
guard India’s western
(with Pakistan) and eastern
(with Bangladesh) frontiers
having a length of over
6,300 km, has now been
mandated to take action
within 50 km inside the
borders. The Union Gov-
ernment had, in October
2021, issued a notification,
amending a July 2014
enabling provision for the
BSF personnel and officers.
Shah: Rural development must to
achieve $5-trillion economy target
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
Noting that the country cannot
prosper unless India’s villages
are developed, Union Home
Minister Amit Shah today said,
“This is the prerequisite to
achieve the target of being a
US $5 trillion economy.”
Addressing the 41st convoca-
tion ceremony of the Institute
of Rural Management (IRMA)
at Anand in Gujarat, Shah
said, “I am of the firm belief
that development of the coun-
try is not possible without the
development of its villages.”
During the event, the Home
Minister felicitated over 250
students, who received their
management degrees in
rural management.
“Mahatma Gandhi had said
the soul of the country is in
our villages and I firmly
believe in that,” Shah said.
“If villages are prosperous,
self-reliant and with good
FATF to decide
Pakistan’s fate
this week
New Delhi, June 12
The Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) will this week
decide whether to retain Pak-
istan on the Grey List. The
FATF hybrid plenary meet-
ing to be held in Berlin will
be the final one under the
two-year Germany presiden-
cy of Marcus Pleyer.
A major topic that will be dis-
cussed is updates to the juris-
dictions under Increased Mon-
itoring list (often referred to as
the grey list). In addition, it will
consider a report that will help
the real estate sector to better
detect and prevent money laun-
dering and terror financing.
At the previous FATF plenary
in March, FATF had retained
Pakistan and included the
UAE, with which India signed a
free trade agreement less than a
month back, in the list of juris-
dictions requiring increased
monitoring or the Grey List.
FATF has now appointed T
Raja Kumar of Singapore as
the next President for a two-
year term from July 1. — TNS
Mission to explore heritage linking Arunachal to mainland
Shubhadeep Choudhury
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
National Monument Authority
(NMA) chairperson Tarun
Vijay is trying to revive the
ancient Indian practice of unit-
ing diverse geographical areas
with the help of mythology.
NMA team led by Vijay will
visit Arunachal Pradesh for
four days starting June 14
and meet local tribal leaders
to find out places of indige-
LOGISTICAL NEEDS IDENTIFIED
■ BSF’s jurisdiction ■ Halting points,
enhanced from 15 km to
50 km in Punjab, West
Bengal and Assam,
reduced from 80 km to
50 km in Gujarat
The BSF’s jurisdiction
was enhanced from 15 km to
50 km in Punjab, West Ben-
Home Minister Amit Shah in
Gandhinagar on Sunday. PTI
DEVELOP VILLAGES
❝ I am of the firm belief
that development of the
country is not possible
without the development
of its villages. If villages are
prosperous and self-
reliant, the country will be
prosperous.
Amit Shah, UNION HOME MINISTER
Delhi HC says no to plea accusing
AFP of racial discrimination
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
Maintaining that newspapers
and news agencies are not
amenable to writ jurisdiction
under Article 226 of the Con-
stitution as they don’t per-
form public function, the Del-
hi High Court has refused to
act on allegations of racial dis-
crimination against French
news agency Agence France-
Presse (AFP).
“While it may be true that
the second respondent (AFP)
had been constituted by an
Act by the Parliament of
France, it becomes relevant to
note that the newspaper or an
agency engaged in the dis-
semination of news cannot be
viewed as performing a pub-
lic function,” Justice Yash-
want Varma said in an order
passed earlier this month.
Claiming to be a victim of
racial discrimination, petition-
er Arun Singh had contended
that AFP performed a public
NMA TEAM TO VISIT STATE FROM JUNE 14
■ National Monument Authority team to visit Arunachal from June 14
■ Will meet local tribal leaders to find places of indigenous faith
■ Aim is to find cultural tourism sites strengthening national unity
nous faith, which connect the
state with other parts of the
nation through legends and
oral history.
“The NMA team will meet
village elders and leaders of
various tribes. Each of them
■ Once approved
posts and other by MHA,
logistical needs communication,
to undertake logistics and if
operations
identified
required, posts
would be created
gal and Assam, reduced
from 80 km to 50 km in
Gujarat and kept unchanged
facilities, the country will be
prosperous. It will help
achieve the dream of
Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-
reliant India) and making
India a $5 trillion economy,”
he noted, adding that he is
excited to see so many stu-
dents are passing out from
the IRMA and will work in
the field of rural develop-
ment and management.
“You will help in achieving
the dreams of Mahatma
Gandhi. You can work for
your personal development,
but you will also have to take
an oath today that you will
also work for the develop-
ment of our rural areas,” the
minister said while listing out
the works done by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s
government in rural areas.
“The Modi government
established the cooperation
ministry, which will help
achieve rural develop-
ment,” he said.
NEWS AGENCIES DON’T PERFORM PUBLIC FUNCTION
❝
Newspapers, news agencies not amenable to
writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of Constitution
as they don’t perform public function.
function and since allegations
of racial discrimination had
been levelled, the writ petition
was maintainable.
He said AFP had been con-
stituted by a law enacted by
the French Parliament and its
essential functions would
indicate that it was an
autonomous civil entity con-
stituted for obtaining in
France and abroad, complete
and objective information
and for placing that informa-
tion at the disposal of users in
exchange for payment.
However, the high court
found the argument unsus-
tainable.
“Regard must be had to the
fact that the expression ‘pub-
lic function’ and ‘public
have fascinating stories about
cultural connect with main-
land India through ancient
monuments. A report will be
submitted to Minister of Cul-
ture and the Prime Minister
suggesting new additions in
NATION
at 50 km in Rajasthan.
To make the changes oper-
ational, the BSF undertook
an exercise along with other
agencies to identify and
mark the new jurisdiction
and its alignment on ground
as per the notification, the
officials said, adding that
this was part of the step-by-
step implementation of the
government order.
The requirement for hav-
ing some halting points,
posts and other logistical
requirements for troops
undertaking operations
against cross-border crimes
have been identified and will
be placed before the Union
Home Ministry in due time
for approval, they said.
Once the proposal is
approved by the MHA, the
new communication, logis-
tics and if required, posts for
jawans would be created
gradually, the officials said.
Grenade found in
Yamuna, defused
New Delhi, June 12
A group of local boys playing
in the Yamuna near the Del-
hi-Noida Direct (DND) flyway
found an old and rusted hand
grenade inside an earthen
pot from the riverbed, the
police said on Sunday.
Teams of the Special Cell and
National Security Guard (NSG)
were called to the spot, which
then defused the grenade and
cordoned off the area.
A senior police official said,
“Some children were looking
for coins and other objects in
the river when they found the
pot. The grenade was wrapped
in a cloth. They informed their
parents, who then called the
police. We suspect that some-
one threw the pot into the river
from the bridge.”
Delhi Police Additional PRO
Abhishek Kumar said an FIR
had been registered under the
Explosives Substances Act.
“The police have launched a
probe and analysed footage
from the area, but have not yet
found anything suspicious,”
he said. — TNS
Justice Yashwant Varma
duty’ have been understood
to be those which are akin to
functions performed by the
state in its sovereign capaci-
ty,” it said, adding the contract
of service between Singh and
AFP was not imbued with any
statutory flavour.
It explained that the expres-
sions “public function” and
“public duty” had to be
understood as being akin to
functions performed by the
state in its sovereign capacity.
Citing the Supreme Court’s
verdicts, the HC said a writ of
mandamus or the remedy
under Article 226 was pre-
eminently a public law reme-
dy and was not generally
available as a remedy against
private wrongs.
the list of centrally protected
monuments and identifying
cultural tourism sites that
strengthen national unity,” an
NMA spokesperson said.
Nanda Kumar, historian and
former fellow of Nehru Memo-
rial Museum and Library, said
traditionally, new areas had
been brought under the ambit
of the cultural map of Hin-
duism with the help of myths.
“The 51 Shakti Peethas can be
cited as an example of this
WHO: Pandemic not over yet,
new virus variants can emerge
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
The World Health Organisation
has warned nations against low-
ering their guard on Covid-19,
saying even though cases and
deaths are declining globally, the
pandemic is not over and a new,
more dangerous variant can sur-
face anytime as vast global pop-
ulations remain unvaccinated.
WHO Director General
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreye-
sus said today, “The percep-
tion that the pandemic is over
is understandable, but mis-
guided….More than 7,000
persons lost their lives to this
virus last week. A new and
even more dangerous variant
can emerge any time and vast
number of people remains
unprotected.”
He said globally the number
of reported Covid-19 cases and
deaths continued to decline
yet caution was necessary.
“This is clearly a very encour-
aging trend — increasing vacci-
nation rates are saving lives —
but WHO continues to urge
caution. Globally, there is not
enough testing, and not enough
vaccination. On average, about
three-quarter of health workers
and people aged over 60 global-
ly have been vaccinated. But
these rates are much lower in
low-income countries. Almost
18 months since the first vac-
cine was administered, 68 coun-
tries have still not achieved 40
per cent coverage,” the WHO
chief said.
Noting that the vaccine
supply is now sufficient but
India attained new milestones in gram swaraj: PM
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
Giving further push to his
vision to strengthen the
socio-economic condition of
villages along with their polit-
ical empowerment, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has
asked his Union Ministers to
make the elected representa-
tives of Panchayati Raj Insti-
tutions (PRIs) aware of the
steps taken by the Centre
towards this end during eight
Rijiju to leave for
Mongolia with
Buddha’s relics
New Delhi, June 12
New Delhi will seek to re-
emphasise its religio-cultural
linkages with Mongolia with
Union Law Minister Kiren
Rijiju leaving for Ulan Bator
on Monday by a special Indi-
an Air Force C-17 flight along
with the holy relics of the
Buddha contained in a cli-
mate control case.
Two bulletproof casings as
well as two ceremonial cas-
kets are being carried by the
Indian delegation for the
relics which as per guidelines
should not be taken out of the
country. “But a special excep-
tion has been made in this
case,” said Minister of State
for Home G Kishan Reddy.
The holy relics of Buddha are
being taken for an 11-day expo-
sition as part of celebrations of
Mongolian Buddh Purnima
on June 14. The relics will be
displayed at Batsagaan Tem-
ple within the premises of
Gandan Monastery which
was visited by PM Narendra
Modi in 2015. — TNS
strategy. Several places have
been incorporated in the cul-
tural map by linking these
places with the travel by the
Pandavas (of the epic Mahab-
harata),” Nanda said.
Harvard University profes-
sor Diana L Eck’s book
“India: A Sacred Geography”
was one of the important
recent works on the subject,
said Ujjayan Bhattacharya, a
faculty member at West Ben-
gal’s Vidyasagar University.
A health worker administers a dose of Covid-19 vaccine to a
beneficiary at a district hospital in Noida. PTI
8,582 FRESH CASES
TOTAL DEATHS ACTIVE CASES
5,24,761 44,513
4 DEATHS IN 24 HOURS
1,000 MONKEYPOX
CASES SINCE MAY 13
Since May 13, over 1,000
confirmed cases of mon-
keypox have now been
reported to WHO from 29
countries that are not
endemic for the disease.
So far, no deaths have
been reported in these
countries. Some countries
are beginning to report
apparent community trans-
mission. The WHO DG said
the risk of monkeypox in
non-endemic countries is
real, but the disease is pre-
ventable with surveillance
and quick isolation.
demand in many countries
with the lowest vaccination
rates is lacking, the WHO
said it was working with
countries to drive uptake by
Make Yoga Day special, sarpanches told
years of its governance.
Sources say the thrust of
the purported message,
which the ministers are to
purvey among the elected
representatives of local rural
bodies are the measures tak-
en to empower the PRIs - the
stepping block of democracy.
Asserting that India has
attained new milestones in
Massive fire in Delhi shoe market
Firefighters at the site after fire broke out at Gaffar market, Karol Bagh, in New Delhi on
Sunday. There have been no injuries in the incident. TRIBUNE PHOTO: MANAS RANJAN BHUI
Over 1,600 Left-wing extremists
surrendered in 2019-21:Report
NewDelhi, June 12
The Public Policy Research
Centre (PPRC) has claimed in a
report that around 1,651 Left-
wing extremists surrendered
and joined the mainstream dur-
ing 2019-21. The report is titled:
“Atmavishwas se Atmanirbhar-
ta: Defending India’s Might”.
Highlighting the achieve-
ments of “Modi Government
@ 8”, the report, which was
prepared under the guidance
of Director, PPRC Dr Sumeet
Bhasin, claimed there had
been a sharp decline in cases
of Naxal violence from 2,258 in
2009 to 349 in 2021 (till August).
“This resulted in decline in
WHO MONITORING
HEPATITIS IN KIDS
The WHO said it was closely
monitoring reports of hepa-
titis of unknown cause in
children. More than 700
probable cases have now
been reported to WHO from
34 countries, and a further
112 cases are under investi-
gation. At least 38 of these
children have needed liver
transplants and 10 have
died. So far, the five viruses
that commonly cause hep-
atitis have not been detect-
ed in any of these cases.
The majority of reported
cases of acute hepatitis
and liver inflammation are
from the European Region,
the UK and the US. Leading
liver specialist SK Sarin
says experts in India must
stay alert too.
getting vaccines to where
people are, through mobile
units, door-to-door cam-
paigns and by mobilising
community leaders.
“gram swaraj” and demo-
cratic empowerment of pan-
chayats in the last eight
years, Prime Minister Modi
has urged sarpanches to
make efforts for saturation
coverage of welfare
schemes, conserving water
and making the upcoming
Yoga Day special.
In addendum, the Prime
GREATEST THREAT
❝ Naxal violence was
considered to be the
single greatest threat to
India’s internal security.
Dr Sumeet Bhasin,
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH CENTRE
deaths (civilians and security
forces) by 85 per cent from all-
time high of 1,005 in 2010 to
147 in 2021,” it said.
Commenting on the situation
as regards Naxal violence
before 2014, Dr Bhasin said, “.
Immediate use of all available
resources was required, but the
administration and the forces
09
IN BRIEF
3 die during religious
fair in West Bengal
NEW DELHI: Three elderly peo-
ple died due to heat and
humidity at an annual reli-
gious fair in Panihati in
North 24 Parganas district,
West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee said on
Sunday. The deceased have
been identified as Subhash
Pal (70), Shukla Pal (60) and
Chhaya Das (74). TNS
Expedite dam work,
Haryana & HP told
NEW DELHI: The Union Jal Shak-
ti Ministry has asked Haryana
and Himachal Pradesh to expe-
dite the construction of Adi
Badri dam on the Somb river in
Himachal Pradesh. The dam is
aimed at reviving the now-
extinct Saraswati river. TNS
HC quashes case
against Himanta
GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High
Court has quashed a case in a tri-
al court relating to the alleged
violation of the model code of
conduct by Assam Chief Minis-
ter Himanta Biswa Sarma dur-
ing the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. PTI
Assault case: BJP MLA
appears before police
KOTA: BJP MLA Chandrakan-
ta Meghwal appeared in
Mahaveer Nagar police station
of Rajasthan on Sunday in
compliance of two notices
served to her in connection
with a five-year-old assault
incident, police said. PTI
Minister Office (PMO) is
understood to have sent a
missive directly to sarpanch-
es seeking their cooperation
for successful implementa-
tion of the government’s pro-
grammes in line with the
mission of “Aatmnirbhar
Bharat” campaign and
strengthening rural India.
The sarpanches’ attention
has been drawn to the realisa-
tion of self-sufficiency and self-
rule of the villages due to steps
of the government.
were then rendered powerless
due to lack of political resolve.”
Soon after assuming power in
2014, the Modi government
launched the National Policy
and Action Plan (NPAP 2015)
against Naxalism, which has
been a multi-pronged strategy
that includes security measures,
development initiatives and
guaranteeing rights and entitle-
ments to people living in the
LWE-affected areas, he said.
The government also took ini-
tiatives to reinforce the legal
and institutional framework for
combating the menace by
amending the UAPA, Bhasin
noted. — TNS
10
Francevotes,MacronbattlesforParlmajority
Paris, June 12
French voters cast their ballots
on Sunday in the first of the
two rounds that will decide
whether President
Emmanuel Macron gets a
working majority in Parlia-
ment or ends up without the
support needed to drive
through his reform agenda.
Less than two months after
re-election, Macron faces a
strong challenge from a unit-
ed left-wing bloc that polls
show could deprive the Presi-
dent of an outright majority
even if it does not take control
of Parliament.
Government insiders
expect a relatively poor
showing in Sunday's first
round for Macron's coalition
"Ensemble", with record
numbers of voters seen
abstaining. Hard-left fire-
brand Jean-Luc Melen-
chon's bloc hopes to capi-
talise on anger over the
rising cost of living.
"I voted for hope... so not
for our current President,"
said Michel Giboz, 71, after
voting for Melechon's
NUPES bloc at the poll sta-
GLOBE TROT
Birth anniv of Tagore, Nazrul celebrated
BEIJING: The poetry and music of Nobel laureate Rabindranath
Tagore and Bangladesh's national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam res-
onated the Indian embassy in Beijing as fans and followers of
the renowned poets celebrated their works at a joint get-
together organised by the missions of both the countries. PTI
Volcano in Philippines spews ash again
MANILA: A volcano in Philippines' Sorsogon province spewed ash
on Sunday, a week after a phreatic eruption that prompted
authorities to raise the alert level and evacuate residents to safe-
ty. The event lasted 18 minutes based on the seismic record. IANS
UK’s Queen 2nd-longest reigning monarch
LONDON: Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday over-
took Thailand's King to become the world's second-
longest reigning monarch in history, after
France's Louis XIV. Louis XIV of France ruled for
72 years and 110 days from 1643 until 1715. PTI
INF CUS AGRICULTURE
Interplay of fertiliser
type, rate and time,
crop rotation,
irrigation and soil
texture largely
controls downward
movement of
nutrients in soils
and emission of
greenhouse gases.
Integration of the
use of fertilisers and
on-farm-generated
nutrient resources
(such as green
manure, farmyard
manure or crop
residue) is a
sustainable way to
improve soil health,
crop production
and food safety.
Excessive and
inappropriate use of
fertilisers lowers
farmers’ income
and also impacts
the ecosystem.
La France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Melenchon casts his vote at a polling station in Marseille; ■ 11 deputies will represent the
and (right) President Emmanuel Macron meets a child at Le Touquet, France, on Sunday. AP
WHAT'S MACRON GOT TO LOSE?
■ If Macron's coalition, Ensem-
ble, keeps control, the Presi-
dent will be able to carry out
his agenda, which includes
tax cuts, welfare reform and
raising the retirement age
tion located in the 18th
Parisian district's town hall.
At risk is Macron’s ability to
FERTILISER USE
Farmers must tread warily to avoid setbacks
Milkha Singh Aulakh
and Kabal Singh Gill
C
ROPS need essential
nutrients for seed, fruit or
fodder production. Under
natural ecosystems such
as forests, nutrients absorbed by
crops are recycled by soil micro-
organisms, establishing a sustain-
able equilibrium. In traditional
agriculture, returning crop residue
and animal faeces to the soil used
to replenish nutrients removed by
crops. Since the Green Revolution,
however, the application of fertilis-
ers, mainly nitrogen (N), phospho-
rus (P) and potassium (K), has
become essential for high crop
yields, especially under irrigation.
Fertiliser (NPK) application in
India averages 161 kg per hectare
per year (kg/ha/yr), which widely
differs from one area to another.
Furthermore, 7-9% fertiliser use
and 9-16% agricultural production
in India happens in Punjab, which
accounts for only 1.53% of the
country’s geographical area.
Punjab Agricultural University’s
(PAU) fertiliser recommendations
for field crops are: apply N in two
splits (at seeding and a few weeks
later), P at seeding to winter-grown
crops (summer crops make use of
leftover P), and sulphur (S) to spec-
ified crops only. Excessive and
inappropriate fertiliser use has led
to a large buildup of N, P and S in
soils, making them susceptible to
leaching into groundwater and ero-
sion into surface water bodies.
Nitrogen: A PAU study revealed
that fertiliser N’s use in an inten-
sively cultivated and irrigated
region often exceeds the recom-
mended quantity. Leaching of
nitrate-N below the root zone was
observed after heavily-fertilised
shallow-rooted maize, rice, potato
and several vegetables. With the
■ A government with a large
260 and 320 seats, accord-
but not absolute majority
will still be able to rule, but
only by bargaining with MPs
ing to latest polls
■ Macron will have substan-
tial powers over foreign
■ Macron and his allies are policy whatever the out-
expected to win between come of this election
pass his reform agenda,
including a pension reform he
says is essential to restore pub-
Mandaviya to
visit Russia
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
In the first ministerial visit to
Russia after it began special
military operations in Ukraine
in February, Union Health and
Fertilisers Minister Mansukh
Mandaviya will attend the St
Petersburg International Eco-
nomic Forum (SPIEF) from
June 15 to 18.
The SPIEF, its lustre dimin-
ished this year because of
western sanctions, is being
held since 1997 but the Modi
Government has paid special
attention to it since 2014. In
2017, Prime Minister Naren-
dra Modi was the chief guest
at the SPIEF.
Highest and lowest NPK fertiliser use (kg/hectare)
State Highest-use district
PUNJAB JALANDHAR
306
HARYANA KURUKSHETRA
385
UP SHAHJAHANPUR
435
INDIA PURNIA (BIHAR)
534
SOURCE: FERTILISER STATISTICS 2020-21, FERTILISER ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, NEW DELHI
application of 120 kg N/ha (recom-
mended dose) to each crop in rice-
wheat rotation, 19 kg nitrate-N/ha
was found in 60-cm soil after rice but
59% of it was used by subsequent
wheat having a deeper and exten-
sive rooting system. The application
of 120 kg N/ha to each crop for four
years resulted in 35-kg nitrate-
N/ha in 150-cm soil profile, where-
as 20-tonne green manure (GM)
plus 60-kg N/ha (50% less fertiliser
N) left only 19-kg residual nitrate-
N/ha (decreased potential for
groundwater contamination) and
produced greater crop yields. Sim-
ilarly, the use of farmyard manure
(FYM) and compost have been
found to reduce fertiliser N need
without sacrificing production.
A survey (3,200 samples)
revealed 13% of groundwater of
Ludhiana district and 7% of Fer-
WORLD
2 counting on the second round
ROUNDS
289
SEATS NEEDED
577
FOR ABSOLUTE
MAJORITY
6,293
CANDIDATES
■ Each deputy is elected in a
constituency, of which Metro-
politan France (the area of the
country that is geographically
in Europe) has 539 and the
overseas territories 27
French nationals living abroad
■ A candidate requires over
50% of the day's vote to be
elected outright on June 12
■ Failing, the top two con-
tenders, alongside anyone
who won more than 12.5%
of the registered vote, go for-
ward to a second round
lic finances. His opponents on spending drive.
the left are pushing to cut the "We expect a difficult first
pension age and launch a big round. Voters will want to
Bipartisan US Senate group unveils
framework on gun safety reforms
WASHINGTON, June 12
A bipartisan group of US
senators announced on Sun-
day that it has agreed on a
framework for potential leg-
islation on gun safety,
including support for state
"red flag" laws, tougher back-
ground checks for firearms
buyers under 21 and a crack-
down on a practice called
"straw purchases."
"Our plan saves lives while
also protecting the constitu-
A boy during the ‘March for Our
tional rights of law-abiding
Lives’ protest in Washington. FILE
Americans," the group, led
by Democrat Chris Murphy "We look forward to earning
and Republican John broad, bipartisan support
Cornyn, said in a statement. and passing our common-
Lowest-use district Average
PATHANKOT
149 247
BHIWANI/DADRI
118 231
MAHOBA
44 202
AGAR MALWA (MP)
0.1 161
ozepur district exceeded the
drinking water safe limit of 10
milligram nitrate-N per litre.
Phosphorus: Contrary to PAU rec-
ommendations, several farmers
apply P to summer crops. A 25-year
long-term study showed 33% more
P application than recommended
caused up to 480 kg P/ha accumu-
lation in 150-cm soil, with 43-58%
below 60-cm and unlikely to be
recovered by crops. More P accu-
mulation occurred when applied to
summer than winter crops. Anoth-
er study showed higher P accumu-
lation in 0-30 cm (70-80%) than in
30-50 cm (20-30%) of a loamy soil,
and the opposite in more perme-
able soil (36-41% in 0-30 cm and 59-
64% in 30-150 cm). Thus, there is
enormous deeper movement of P
in a porous sandy soil having low
nutrient retention capacity, espe-
THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
send a signal," government
sources said. "But we're
to show that Melenchon's pro-
gramme is fantasy.”
Initial projections after the
presidential election showed
NATIONAL Macron was on course to get a
ASSEMBLY'S
SEATS majority in Parliament. But
the President has kept a low
20
PARTIES
profile since the vote, taking
two weeks to form a govern-
IN CONTEST ment and only rarely making People outside a fuel station in Colombo on Sunday. AP
appearances.
Open to Russian
Meanwhile, Melenchon has
successfully forged an
alliance between his France
Unbowed movement, the
oil, says Lanka PM
Socialists and the Greens.
Projections now show Macron
and his allies, including the
new party of his former Prime Colombo, June 12
Minister Edouard Philippe, Sri Lanka may be compelled WILL TRY FOR OTHER
could fall short of a majority of to buy more oil from Russia as SOURCES TOO
289 by as many as 40 seats. the island nation hunts des-
Some 14 of Macron's minis-
ters are competing in local
perately for fuel amid an
unprecedented economic cri-
❝ If we can get from
any other sources, we
races and could lose their jobs sis, newly appointed Prime will. Otherwise we may
if they fail to win a seat. One Minister Ranil Wick- have to go to
cabinet member most at risk remesinghe said.
is Clement Beaune, Macron's Wickremesinghe said he
Russia again.
R Wickremesinghe,
Europe minister, who is cam- would first look to other
LANKA PM
paigning in an eastern Paris sources, but would be open
constituency. —Reuters to buying more crude from
Moscow.
Western nations largely
have cut off energy imports
from Russia in line with sanc-
tions over its war on Ukraine.
In an interview, Wick- WEEKLY FUEL QUOTA AT
remesinghe also indicated he
would be willing to accept
FILLING STATIONS SOON
Colombo: The Sri Lankan Gov-
more financial help from Chi- ernment plans to introduce a
sense proposal into law." The na, despite his country's fuel rationing scheme from
talks followed a series of mounting debt. next month, under which reg-
high-profile mass shootings And while he acknowledged istered consumers at filling
in the United States, includ- that Sri Lanka's current stations would be guaranteed
ing one at a school in Uvalde, predicament is of “its own a weekly quota, a senior min-
Texas, last month that killed making”, he said the war in ister said on Sunday. PTI
19 young children and one Ukraine was making it even
also in May in a Buffalo, New worse — and that dire food sor, Rajapaksa's brother
York, supermarket that shortages could continue until Mahinda Rajapaksa, to step
killed 10 Black victims. 2024. He said Russia had also down and seek safety from
The agreement was offered wheat to Sri Lanka. angry crowds at a naval base.
announced a day after tens Appointed by President The crushing debt has left
of thousands in Washington Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resolve the country with no money
and at hundreds of other an economic crisis that has for basic imports, which
places across the United nearly emptied the country's means citizens are struggling
States rallied to demand that foreign exchange reserves, to access basic necessities
lawmakers pass legislation Wickremesinghe was sworn in such as food, fuel, medicine
aimed at curbing gun vio- after days of violent protests — even toilet paper and
lence. — Reuters last month forced his predeces- matches. — PTI
the soil test shows need or may
be in alkaline soils having exces-
Phosphorus accumulation in soil after 25 years of sive salts. Avoiding excessive P
fertiliser application to summer and winter crops
Fertiliser Total fertiliser Accumulation in Accumulation
fertiliser and applying S fertilis-
er to specified crops only could
applied to applied (kg/ha) soil (kg/ha) in soil (%) help reduce leaching of S to
groundwater and water bodies.
Summer crop 387 215 55.6 Using appropriate amounts,
564 327 58 times and methods to apply fer-
tilisers in combination with GM,
Winter crop 426 187 43.9
621 269 43.3
FYM, compost, crop residue, cat-
tle urine, etc. can minimise the
SOURCE: FIELD CROPS RESEARCH movement of nutrients to deeper
soil and water bodies.
Farmers should be encouraged
to use fertilisers with experts’
guidance, as done in most devel-
oped countries. In the USA, farm-
ers have to consult/engage profes-
sionals to purchase and apply
fertilisers using appropriate prac-
tices. In Canada, farmers are
assisted by the government and
industry to develop Environmen-
tal Farm Management Plans, and
follow soil test-based fertiliser rec-
ommendations to optimise inputs,
ISTOCK
minimise environmental impact
cially when applied at higher than
recommended rates.
foodchain in several ways. It also
causes unwanted greenhouse
and get benefits. The Fertiliser
Institute of Canada holds confer-
Sulphur: Fertiliser S is recom-
mended only for oilseeds (sarson,
gas fluxes and global warming. ences, provides guidance and
encourages farmers to go for the
rapeseed, etc.), pulses and some Mitigation options 4Rs — right source, right rate,
other crops, which have better Researchers have identified right time, and right place.
ability to absorb S, respond and appropriate fertiliser types, rates The interplay of fertiliser type,
reduce leaching. Deficiency of S
appears widespread in soils of
and times to minimise harms
and enhance efficiency. Nutrient
rate and time, crop rotation, irriga-
tion and soil texture largely con-
Punjab, Haryana and some other supply synchronised with crop trols the downward movement of
states. Reasons for S deficiency needs, early to middle growing nutrients in soils and emission of
include fertiliser P-induced period when rapid nutrient greenhouse gases. Integration of
detachment of soluble sulphate-
S from the colloidal soil surfaces
uptake happens, can minimise
losses. Rooting patterns of plants
the use of fertilisers and on-farm-
generated nutrient resources
(because phosphate has higher influence nutrient mobility in (GM, FYM, animal urine, crop
attachment strength) and leach- the root zone and leaching to residue, etc.) is the sustainable
ing to subsoil. Sandy soils have deeper soil. Deep-rooted crops way forward to improve soil
greater potential for leaching.
Excessive and inappropriate
should follow shallow-rooted
crops; rice should not be grown
health, crop production, food
safety and the ecosystem.
use of fertilisers lowers the farm- on highly permeable sandy soils;
ers’ income and impacts the and heavy irrigation should be Aulakh is ex-Dean (Agriculture),
ecosystem through soil-water- avoided. Don’t apply P fertiliser PAU; Gill is former Research
plant-animal-and/or human to summer crops, except when Scientist, ICRISAT
Send your feedback to letters@tribunemail.com
THE TRIBUNE
JALANDHAR | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022
BRIEFLY
NEW DELHI
Two silver for Indian lifters in
Youth World Championships
India's Akansha Kishor
Vyavhare won the silver
medal in the 40kg category,
while Vijay Prajapati finished
second in the 49kg event in
the IWF Youth World
Weightlifting Championships
in Leon, Mexico. The two
medals were won on Satur-
day, the opening day of the
event. Akansha lifted a total
of 127kg (59kg + 68kg), while
Vijay managed to lift 175kg
(78kg + 97kg).
CHENNAI
Long jumper Aishwarya
leaps to 6.73m
Karnataka's B Aishwarya pro-
duced the second-best long
jump effort by any Indian
woman as she cleared 6.73m
in the qualification round on
the third day of the National
Inter-State Senior Athletics
Championships.
PANCHKULA
KIYG: Maharashtra hold on
to lead over Haryana
Defending champions Maha-
rashtra held on to their slender
lead over hosts Haryana at the
top of the medals table after
the penultimate day of the Khe-
lo India Youth Games. Maha-
rashtra have 38 gold, along
with 35 silver and 29 bronze,
while Haryana have 37 gold,
34 silver and 39 bronze.
NEW DELHI
Niraj beats Punjab's Sartaj
to win 50m rifle 3P gold
Niraj claimed the men's 50m
rifle 3 positions gold ahead of
Punjab's Sartaj Singh Tiwana at
the 20th Kumar Surendra
Singh Memorial shooting com-
petition here. Niraj beat Sartaj
17-9 in the final but the Punjab
youngster won the junior event.
JAKARTA
Indonesia Masters: Axelsen,
Yufei clinch singles titles
Olympics champions Viktor
Axelsen and Chen Yufei
clinched the respective men's
and women's singles titles at
the BWF Indonesia Masters.
Denmark's Axelsen needed
just 41 minutes to secure a 21-
10 21-12 victory over third seed
Chou Tien-chen of Chinese
Taipei. China's Chen beat Thai-
land's Ratchanok Intanon 21-
16 18-21 21-15.
LAS VEGAS
US judge dismisses Ronaldo
rape lawsuit in Vegas
A Nevada woman has lost her
bid in a US court to force inter-
national soccer star Cristiano
Ronaldo to pay millions of dol-
lars more than the $375,000
in hush money she received
after claiming he raped her in
Las Vegas in 2009.
Men lose to Belgium, miss chance to climb to top; Women hammered 0-5
FIH PRO LEAGUE
Antwerp, June 12
Alexander Hendrickx struck
a brace as Belgium notched
up a thrilling 3-2 victory over
India in the second match of
the two-leg FIH Pro Hockey
League tournament here on
Sunday.
Hendrickx (49th, 59th) pro-
duced two goals in the fourth
quarter to go with a 33rd
minute goal from Nicolas de
Kerpel as the Olympic cham-
pions fought back from a 0-1
deficit to get the better off
India, a day after being
stunned by the visitors 4-5 in
a shootout. For India,
Abhishek (25th) had put
India ahead, while Mandeep
Singh (60) scored another
goal just moments before the
hooter. With this win, world
champions moved up to 2nd
spot on the points table, while
India were at the third.
India will now take on
Netherlands next week.
Belgium controlled the
game early on with better ball
possession and also earned
the first penalty corner when
Sreejesh saved one with his
foot but in the process ended
up pushing the ball into one
of the Indian defender's foot.
However, Belgium squan-
dered the opportunity.
India had a chance at the
5th minute when Jarman-
preet sent a cross from the
right but Sukhjeet ended up
sending it over the bar.
India enjoyed better pos-
session during the final
stages of the first quarter and
Jugraj had created an oppor-
tunity with a long ball
through the center but the
Chhetri counting on home advantage vs Hong Kong Schwartzel wins richest
ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS
Kolkata, June 12
Their tails up after two suc-
cessive wins in front of a
strong home crowd, India
captain Sunil Chhetri has
backed his team to beat
Honk Kong in the last quali-
fying game and secure a
berth in next year's AFC
Asian Cup. The 40,000 spec-
tators at the Salt Lake Stadi-
um were in for a treat as
India prevailed over
Afghanistan 2-1 in a thrilling
match that saw three quick
goals being scored near the
end of the game after both
teams denied each other
for 86 minutes.
The day coincided with tal-
ismanic skipper Chhetri
completing 17 years in inter-
national football. "It feels
Double negative
India’s Sharmila Devi vies for the ball with Belgium’s Emma Puvrez; BELOW: Indian goalkeeper PR
Sreejesh defends against Belgium’s John-John Dohmen. HOCKEY INDIA
visitors faltered with the fin-
ish as Belgium defence was
up to the job.
great to celebrate my 17th
year in international football
in this fashion," said Chhetri,
who scored his 83rd interna-
tional goal in the match.
"I felt that maybe we would
be splitting the points after
Afghanistan equalised. But
the boys did what they did.
But at the same time, such
milestones don't mean
much to me. I am honoured
and privileged to wear the
national team jersey for so
long," he added.
Chhetri laughed when
reminded about him sprint-
ing to celebrate Abdul Sahal
Samad's decisive strike in
injury time. "The GPS will
say that that was my fastest
sprint of the night. We will
rest, recover, and have a
look at the videos. Hong
Kong are a good side, but we
SPORT
Women struggle
The Indian women's team
had a forgettable day in
India captain Sunil Chhetri scored his 83rd international goal in
the match against Afghanistan. AIFF
office as it received a sound
0-5 thrashing at the hands
of Belgium earlier today.
Barbara Nelen (2nd
minute), Charlotte Englebert
(4th), Abi Raye (19th),
Stephanie Vanden Borre
(23rd) and Ambre Bal-
lenghien (36th) scored the
goals for the hosts. Belgium's
Barbara Nelen gave the hosts
an early lead in the second
minute as India were caught
off-guard with the counterat-
tack, leaving the right flank
completely open for her to
comfortably find the back of
the net. — PTI
11
South Africa take 2-0 lead
Cuttack, June 12
South Africa outclassed India
by four wickets in a one-sided
second T20 International on
Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in
the five-match series.
Batting first, India man-
aged only 148/6 in 20 overs
with Dinesh Karthik's
unbeaten 30 off 21 balls help-
ing the hosts reach a
respectable total and Shreyas
Iyer's sedate 40 off 35 balls
being the saving grace at the
top-order.
Anrich Nortje took two
wickets while Wayne Parnell Heinrich Klaasen struck a superb 81 off 46 balls. PTI
and Kagiso Rabada were eco-
nomical with a wicket each.
In reply, Heinrich Klaasen's
superb 81 off 46 balls laced
with seven fours and five six-
es, made it a walk in the park
for the Proteas as they
knocked off the runs in 18.2
overs despite Bhuvneshwar
Kumar's fantastic figures of 4
for 13. — PTI
Brief scores: India 148/6
(Shreyas 40, Karthik 30*;
Nortje 2/36, Rabada 1/15); SA
149/2 in 18.2 overs (Klaasen
81, Bhuvneshwar 4/13). KHS Wayne Parnell celebrates the wicket of Hardik Pandya. PTI
Pope, Root hit centuries to lead England fightback
NOTTINGHAM: Ollie Pope scored a superb 142 2020 and first on home soil — as he cut
not out and Joe Root struck his fastest Test Matt Henry for four before pushing him
ton as England advanced to 331/2 at tea on through the covers for two to draw loud
the third day of the second Test against New cheers from the crowd. Root, whose unbeat-
Zealand. Resuming on 90/1 in the morning en 115 guided England to a five-wicket win in
after the touring side posted a massive first- the opening Test, endured nervy moments
innings total of 553, England excelled on a and was lucky to survive after flashing at a
good batting wicket at a sunny Trent Bridge ball from Southee who also dropped him in
to trail by 222 runs at the interval. Pope, the slip cordon. But the 31-year-old regained
dropped early in his innings, looked in sub- his composure to bring up his half-century
lime form with former captain Root unbeat- off 56 balls before frustrating New Zealand's
en on 109, after opener Alex Lees fell for 67. bowlers who struggled to contain the batters
It did not take long after lunch for Pope to as they took their team past the 300-run
make his hundred — his first since January mark in the 75th over. REUTERS
golf event amid outcry
are at home, and will be
backing ourselves. All of the
fans will be there too," the St. Albans (England), June 12 the three-day, 54-hole event
37-year-old said. Former Masters champion than he had from the last
India and Hong Kong have Charl Schwartzel banked four years combined. It came
six points each but the hosts $4.75 million on Saturday by at a cost, though, having
are currently second in the winning the richest tourna- resigned his membership of
table due to an inferior goal ment in golf history, while the the PGA Tour to play on the
difference. Only a win will event's Saudi backers faced unsanctioned series without
help India finish on the top renewed backlash after a 9/11 a waiver. "Never in my
while Hong Kong will only victims' group called for wildest dreams did I think
need a draw. "We were Blue American players to with- we could play for that much
Tigers in the match against draw from the rebel series. money in golf," Schwartzel,
Afghanistan, and that's what Schwartzel held on for a who had not won a PGA or
they need to be on the pitch. one-shot victory at the inau- European tour event since
That's our intent, keeping the gural LIV Golf event outside 2016, told the crowd.
pride intact," India's head London to secure the $4 mil- Pressed in the news confer-
coach Igor Stimac said. "We lion prize for the individual ence, he dismissed criticism
showed character, resilience, victory — along with another of the windfall coming from
willingness and a good spirit $750,000 from his share of the the Saudi sovereign wealth
on the pitch. Everyone was $3 million purse earned by fund. "Where the money
wonderful. They now have his four-man Stinger team for comes from is not something
enough experience of win- topping the team rankings. ... that I've ever looked at
ning games, and that's our Schwartzel collected more playing in my 20 years
treasure," he added. — PTI prize money from winning career," he said. — AP/PTI

LONDON
England, Italy draw 0-0 in
Nations League
It was a night of stalemates for
the big teams in the Nations
League on Saturday, including a
drab scoreless draw in the
rematch of last year's European
Championship final. England
were held 0-0 by Italy to leave
Gareth Southgate's side without
a win in three matches in the
top-tier Group 3. Hungary drew
1-1 with Germany, while Nether-
lands came from two goals
down against Turkey to draw 2-
2. Belgium were held 1-1 Wales.
LONDON
Dutch wildcard upsets
Medvedev to win title
Dutch wildcard Tim van
Rijthoven capped a dream run
at the Libema Open by beating
top seed Daniil Medvedev 6-4
6-1 in the final in 's-Hertogen-
bosch. Meanwhile, Matteo
Berrettini won the Stuttgart
Open for a second time after he
beat Andy Murray 6-4 5-7 6-3 to
deny the Scot what would have
been his first title on grass in six
years. AGENCIES
TODAY ON TV
KHELO INDIA YOUTH GAMES
STAR SPORTS 10AM
2ND TEST
ENGLAND VS NEW ZEALAND
SONY TEN 3:30PM
NATIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL
FRANCE VS CROATIA
DENMARK VS AUSTRIA
SONY TEN 00:15AM (TUE)
Verstappen rides luck
as Ferrari implode
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium. AP/PTI
BAKU, June 12
Max Verstappen rode his
luck to an unchallenged first
Baku win, opening up a
commanding championship
lead after Ferrari's challenge
imploded at the Azerbaijan
Formula One Grand Prix.
The Dutchman eased
across the line 20.8 seconds
clear of Sergio Perez who,
ordered not to fight Ver-
stappen, completed a one-
two for Red Bull.
George Russell kept his
record of finishing every
race this season in the top-
five with third for Mercedes.
Ferrari's miserable after-
noon ended after 20 of the
race's 51 laps.
Charles Leclerc, who is
leading the team's chal-
lenge and had started from
pole, pulled into the pits
from the lead with his Fer-
rari spewing smoke to chalk
up his second retirement
from three races.
His teammate Carlos
Sainz had pulled to the side
of the track 10 laps earlier
with a hydraulic failure.
"Today we had incredible
pace in the car, we could look
after the tyres and chip away
at it," said Verstappen, all too
familiar with the heartbreak
of retiring from the lead, hav-
ing crashed out while run-
ning first in Baku last year.
"A tiny bit lucky with the
retirement but the car was
quick today." — Reuters
Beating adversity, Haryana girls rule on
Daman Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 12
Though captain Sonam dis-
misses the very notion of jit-
ters before the Khelo India
Youth Games hockey final,
her coach Gurbaj Singh con-
firms that the memories of
the pool game loss to Odisha
had made a place in the
minds of the players.
But Gurbaj’s pep talk and
the raucous support from the
stands at the Tau Devi Lal
Stadium provided the lever-
age as they went on to claim
gold with a 4-1 win over
Odisha. “There was a tinge of
nervousness as we had lost to
them before but I told them
to dig deep and give their all.
We just couldn’t afford to
miss gold, and that too at our
home… No way!” Gurbaj
says. “They play a seamless
game, especially in the cen-
tre, so we suffocated them
there and that is where half
the battle was won.”
This was the Haryana
girls’ fourth gold in Khelo
India, after wins in Delhi,
Goa and Guwahati in the
earlier editions.
Fine record
Four Khelo India titles to go
with this year’s junior
National title is no mean feat
and is a potent testament to
the fact that the Haryana
State-driven hockey team overcame odds for 4th title in row
Haryana beat Odisha 4-1 in the Khelo India Youth Games hockey final. TRIBUNE PHOTO
girls have been taking rapid
strides in the game.
Shahbad Markanda is one
town that has churned out
numerous players for the
national team. From
Sandeep Kaur to Surinder
Kaur to today’s poster girl
Rani Rampal, the numbers
continue to rise. The Tokyo
Olympics team, which fin-
ished fourth, had nine play-
ers from Haryana.
Over 13 astroturfs have
sprouted in Haryana’s 22 dis-
tricts till date. Things like a
nutritious diet, equipment
and other needs are also
attended to. Recently, a reha-
❝ Many of the players
come from a humble
background. So, facilities
like turfs and fulfilment
of needs like good
diet attract budding
players to continue
with the game❞
Gurbaj Singh, HARYANA COACH
bilitation centre was also
inaugurated. “They plan to
set up three to four centres
like this,” the coach reveals.
The progress can be attrib-
uted to the initiatives made
by the state government to
develop and popularise the
game. “Many of the players
come from a humble back-
ground. So, facilities like
turfs and fulfilment of needs
like good diet attract budding
players to continue with the
game,” the Shahbad-based
Gurbaj shares.
Overcoming stereotypes
Sonam, whose father works
as a labourer, is one such
player. She describes how
she had to overcome gender
stereotyping and other hard-
ships. “I was ridiculed at
first by my family and socie-
ty. As I began to taste suc-
cess, my support system
also grew stronger,” the cap-
tain says. “Coach sir took
care of me, whatever I need-
ed was provided. He has
done a lot for us,” Sonam,
who scored two goals in the
final, adds. With seven goals,
she was also Haryana’s top-
scorer at the event.
Gurmail Kaur, luckily, was
spared the society’s taunts as
hockey runs in the family.
“My aunts, Harjinder Kaur
and Lakhwinder Kaur, are
former India players. So,
picking up this sport came
naturally to me,” she says.
But shuttling 20km
between Madipur village and
Shahbad daily for training
was a thorn in the flesh. “I
and my siblings had to travel
20km daily for training. It
began to affect my educa-
tion,” the dragflicker, who
has been part of the Indian
junior team’s core group for
two years, shares.
Parneet Kaur, her partner
in defence and in the India
camp, explains how her
father, who’s a farmhand,
was overwhelmed with joy
with the success of the
team. “He had come to
watch the match. Words
can’t explain the twinkle in
his eyes,” she says, adding:
“I idolise Sandeep Singh
and want to play for India
one day and hope to make
him prouder than ever.”
12 BACK PAGE THE TRIBUNE
GURUGRAM | MONDAY | 13 JUNE 2022

Rahul to appear before ED today

amid show of strength by Cong
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 12
Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s
appearance before the
Enforcement Directorate in
the National Herald money
laundering case on Monday,
the Congress today alleged
political vendetta saying Rahul
will answer the summons and
has nothing to hide or fear.
He will go to the ED office
tomorrow accompanied by
several party MPs and gener-
al sectaries apart from CWC
members.
Many MPs confirmed to
The Tribune that they had
received phone calls to be
political vendetta and malice.
HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE OR FEAR: KHERA “But we are not going to be
deterred. We have nothing to
❝
We have nothing to fear and our leader fear and our leader will go to
will go to the ED office today with his head the ED office tomorrow with
held high since he has nothing to hide. This his head held high since he has
case is a BJP’s way of muzzling our voice. nothing to hide. This case is a
BJP’s way of muzzling our
Pawan Khera, CONGRESS SPOKESPERSON
voice but we will continue to
speak for the people. They
present at the AICC head- newly elected Rajya Sabha have nothing on Rahul Gand-
quarters at 9.30 am tomorrow. MP Ranjeet Ranjan in hi, who is the only leader that
Meanwhile, Congress press Chandigarh, party takes on PM Narendra Modi
conferences were held today spokespersons Pawan Khera and so they are slapping false
by former Rajasthan Deputy in Ahmedabad and Alka cases on him,” Khera said. The
Chief Minister Sachin Pilot Lamba in Dehradun to ques- summons have been issued in
in Lucknow, Rajya Sabha MP tion the case and summons. the National Herald money
Vivek Tankha in Raipur, for- The leaders alleged that there laundering case linked to a
mer Mumbai Congress chief was no money laundering in 2012 complaint by BJP leader
Sanjay Nirupam in Shimla, the case and it was a matter of Subramanian Swamy.

PM’s first visit to WAsia Nadda, Rajnath to hold

after hate remark row talks with NDA, UPA on
New Delhi, June 12
presidential candidate
In the wake of the row over
remarks on Prophet, PM
Narendra Modi’s first visit New Delhi, June 12
to a West Asian country will The BJP today authorised par- Mamata sends invite to 22,
take place towards the end of ty president JP Nadda and including Mann, Sukhbir
the month, said sources. The Defence Minister Rajnath
PM will visit the UAE on his Singh to engage with the NDA West Bengal CM Mamata
TO VISIT UAE BY MONTH-END
way to attend the G7 summit and UPA constituents in discus- Banerjee, meanwhile, has
in Germany from June 26-28. mer UAE President and Ruler sions on the candidate for the sent out invites for the June
The UAE was among 15 of Abu Dhabi. July 18 Presidential elections. 15 meeting to 22 leaders,
nations that flayed the com- PM Modi’s stated purpose A party statement said the including eight CMs. They
ments by former BJP office- is primarily to offer condo- two leaders “will soon begin are Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi),
bearers on Prophet lences to the new ruler their parleys”. Singh will first Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala),
Muhammed. Before the row Mohammed bin Zayed with meet Nadda, most likely on Naveen Patnaik (Odisha), K
erupted, Vice-President M whom he has struck a person- Monday, to deliberate on the Chandrashekhar Rao (Telan-
Venkaiah Naidu had visited al rapport, the sources said. structure of the talks. The gana), MK Stalin (Tamil
the UAE to offer condolences The PM’s planned visit to the attempt is to build a consen- Nadu), Uddhav Thackeray
on the demise of Sheikh Khal- UAE was cancelled twice ear- sus on the candidate for elec- (Maharashtra), Hemant
ifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for- lier due to Covid. — TNS tion to the highest constitu- Soren (Jharkhand) and
tional office of India. Bhagwant Mann (Punjab).
Printed and Published by Rajesh Ramachandran for The Tribune Trust In 2017, the BJP had similar- The TMC chief’s letter has
Printed at The Tribune Press, Plot No. 123, Sector 37, Pace City-1, Gurugram. ly authorised veteran M also gone to opposition stal-
Published at The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chandigarh. Venkaiah Naidu and Rajnath warts, including ex-PM HD
RNI No. CHAENG/2017/72605. Singh to hold deliberations Dewe Gowda, Congress presi-
Copyright © The Tribune Trust. All rights reserved. with all parties. Naidu had lat- dent Sonia Gandhi, NCP’s
Telephones: 0124-2210033, 2210044 er gone on to become the Vice- Sharad Pawar, RJD’s Lalu
Circulation: 0172-2670419, Advertisement: 0172-2670256, 257 President. Sources were Yadav, SP’s Akhilesh Yadav,
Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Ramachandran*
tightlipped about any proba- PDP chief Mehbooba and SAD
*Editor for purpose of PRB Act, 1867
ble names on the BJP’s mind. chief Sukhbir Badal. — TNS