Boycott Australian Goods/ Services- Especially Cricket and Higher Education

The racial violence in Australia against Indians has deeply upset people here. Worst sort of physical attacks have been made on Indians in Australia ,especially students of Indian origin.

Here, people are advocating boycott of every thing Australian. Especially in cricket .Australian players have made huge sums of money in India related cricket fixtures and IPL teams. Shane Warne had made quite a pile captaining Rajasthan Royals.IPL teams never discriminated against Australian players.

Violence on ground of colour is very ironical for people who , not very long ago ,themselves had come from very distant lands and occupied by ,sheer force, a foreign land by displacing the original inhabitants to whom this island truly belongs.

Jalandhar Situation Improves- Curfew only at Night (11 pm-5 am)

Situation in Jalandhar is near normal. Trains and buses are running. Examinations of Guru Nanak Dev University were held ,to-day, as per schedule. The traffic on roads is some what below normal. But it would be normal soon .

The district administration has removed day time curfew. There is night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am in the morning.

Photos of Vienna Gurudwara Attack- Exclusive Photo of Attacker

Gurudwara Attacked Situated at 15 th district ( Rudolfsheim Funfhaus ) Vienna ( Austria )



Photos Credit : Wiener Rettung

Appoint Commission of Enquiry to Investigate Jalandhar Riots

A high level Enquiry Commission should immediately be appointed by the Government to sincerely and impartially investigate the recent " Jalandhar Riots " and fix responsibility. It is very important that such sad incidents do not ever repeat. With any delay in conducting the investigation crucial evidence tends to gets lost.

All public members should be allowed and , in fact encouraged ,to give evidence. A large amount of evidence is with people, especially riot victims , in the form of video / CCTV recordings, photographs and mobile phone pictures.All evidence should be properly acknowledged ( as per judicial process ).Cases against arsonists should be tried in a fast track court and punishments given according to the law of the land.

There should be no interference on political expediency or communal lines. Arson and mob violence are law and order issues. The message that no body is above law should go out loud and clear.

Compensate Jalandhar Riot Victims on Gujarat Riots Pattern

The intensity and ferocity of mob violence in and around Jalandhar has been mind boggling. The damage done to private and public property exceeds 100 crores in Jalandhar alone. More than 50 trucks laden with expensive cargo were torched. Many other vehicles including buses were destroyed. Extensive damage was done to premium showrooms ,especially those situated on the GT Road between Rama Mandi and Chehru. Municipal property worth around Rs. 50 lakh was damaged.

Govt.should ,immediately , conduct a survey and assess the loss like insurance surveyors do. For farmers Govt. conducts, without loss of time a special " Girdawari ". For Govt. every body is equal whether a farmer or non farmer. There should be no delay in assessing damages otherwise evidence gets lost. Hotel industry , transport and bus / taxi service and other affected businesses should be given liberal concessions in taxes so that they can cope with their loss of business due to riots.

Every affected victim of " Jalandhar Riots " should be compensated on the pattern and scale of compensation given in the case of Gujarat riots.

Sant Baba Ramanand's Cremation on 03-06-09 or 04-06-09

There has been some delay in conducting the last rites of Sant Baba Ramanand of Dera Sachkhand, Ballan ( Jalandhar ). Monday ( 01-06-09 )is a public holiday in Austria which would delay the formalities regarding the release of the body by the hospital in Austria. The body would be brought by plane to Delhi and from there by a helicopter straight to the Dera compound. A makeshift helipad is already functional at the Dera as it is the safest mode of travel for VIPs.

Tsunami From Austria - Is it History Repeating ?

When an under sea earthquake happened in 2004 near Indonesia it went all the way to South Indian Coast to wreck havoc on the coast lines there. Now, in 2009, violence in Vienna causes a catastrophe thousands of miles away in Jalandhar-Punjab-India.

History students associate Vienna ( Austria ) with the renowned 19 th century Machiavellian Austrian Chancellor Metternich, the "Coachman of Europe " . Well, Vienna was ,also , the home town of the most famous or infamous " German " of 20 th century - Adolf Hitler .

The closest historical incident to the present Jalandhar situation is the assassination on 28 th June 1914 in Sarajevo ( Balkans Yugoslavia , then under Austria - Hungary Empire ) of Austria Hungary's Archduke Franz Ferdinand ( heir apparent ) and his family members by Princip and other extremists. Well the Tsunami then unleashed was World War I ( 1914- 1918 ).

In 2009, it is Jalandhar which started burning from a trigger in Austria.

All India Truck Union- Punjab- Demands Compensation For Destroyed Trucks

More than 50 commercial trucks laden with precious cargo were destroyed in the recent wave of arson and violence in and around Jalandhar.

A meeting of the All India Trucks Union , Punjab Chapter was held under the chairman ship of its president, Happy Sandhu. At the on set they condemned the attack of Gurudwara in Vienna and sad demise of Sant Baba Ramanand. They prayed for full and early recovery of Sant Baba Nirajan Dass, Gaddi Nashin, Dera Sachkhand , Ballan , Jalandhar.

The Trucks Union has demanded that survey of trucks damaged by arsonists be done and Government pay compensation.

This meeting was attended by Ravinder Dhaliwal; Babbu Khalsa,; Rajinder Sharma; Gurmeet Singh Phillaur; Sewa Singh Phagwara; Jasbir Singh; Harvinder Singh; Inderpal Singh Bhatia and many other prominent personalities.

All the affected parties should be granted compensation. When ever there is a damage to the crops of farmers , Govt. carries out a special "Girdawari'. A similar exercise, now, should be taken up for the victims of the recent violence and compensation paid. For Govt. every body is equal whether a farmer or non farmer.

Book Jalandhar arsonists under NSA

The tragic incident of attack in a Gurudwara in Vienna ( Austria ) is most deplorable. The injury of Sant Baba Niranjan Dass , Gaddi Nashin Dera Sachkhand, Ballan ( Jalandhar ) and the death of a great saint ,Sant Baba Ramanand is being condemned in the strongest possible way. There should be a proper and quick police investigation by Austrian police and stringent judicial sentences awarded to the culprits. Assassination of a Saint is an action replay of assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

The intensity of backlash in Jalandhar took every body, including law enforcement agencies , by surprise. Private and public property worth more than Rs. 100 crore was destroyed in Jalandhar alone . ( Railway property valued over Rs. 50 crore damaged at Jalandhar Cantt.) Crucial railway signalling equipment was destroyed. Worse still , new communal and caste divides have been created. So, there are strong suspicions of a wider conspiracy , may be with inter-national ramifications, which certainly require a proper and thorough investigation by agencies like I. B.

It may be possible that among the arsonists there may have been " Agents Provocateurs " who deliberately wanted to create a communal disharmony. Every incident and every mobster / arsonist should be identified and made to face the process of law. It found proper, they should be booked under the National Security Act ( NSA ) and tried in a fast track court. This would ,also, act as a deterrent for any mob action / arson in future. No body is above law.

Recent Jalandhar Violence-Conspiracy Theory Possible ?

Intellectuals are analysing the forces behind the recent terrible and widespread violence that held the peaceful city of Jalandhar to ransom for at least threats.Public and private property worth more than Rs. 100 crore was destroyed in Jalandhar alone. Question being asked foremost is that whether the ensuing violence was preplanned ( under some sort of an international conspiracy ) or was it it merely spontaneous .

The supporters of conspiracy theory argue:-

That there may be some erstwhile separatists ( Khalistanis ) living underground in Austria and the attackers in Vienna may have come from such group of extremists. They may have acted independently or in co-ordination with other anti India elements ( both state or non- State actors ). After all the ensuing economic damage and communal disharmony created in Jalandhar and Punjab is more than what a massive suicide bombing could have resulted in. Surely, anti India agencies must be having a " thousand " smiles over Punjab violence.

How come the arsonists were able to act with such precision co-ordination that left the law enforcement agencies completely unprepared and baffled ?

How come " High Value " targets were so easily selected by the arsonists ?. Were the targets pre selected ?

Were all the mobsters / arsonists from a particular aggrieved communists ?

The so called " lumpens " should be properly identified and investigated by agencies like I.B.If found proper, these anti - nationals be booked under National Security Act ( NSA )

Helipad Built at Dera Sachkhand Ballan ( Jalandhar )- Last Rites of Sant Baba Ramanand

A makeshift helipad has been built at Dera Sachkhand Ballan so that the body of Late Sant Baba Ramanand can be be brought straight to the Dera where his last rites would be performed. Use of roads may not be desirable from security point of view. It is expected that the Dera Chief ( Gaddi Nashin ) Sant Baba Niranjan Dass would accompany, from Vienna ( Austria ) the mortal remains of late Sant Baba Ramanand . Sant Baba Niranjan Dass would conduct the last rites for which a suitable site has been identified near the Samadhis of earlier Sants in the Dera compound.

The cremation is expected to take place on Monday ( 01-06-09 ) under elaborate security arrangements. A separate route for VIPs is being earmarked.

Avoidable Damage to Public and Private Property

A couple of days ago while moving on the GT Road from Rama Mandi to Phagwara there was the terrible sight of burnt numerous buses and other vehicles at regular intervals. On the Jalandhar Cantt railway station a full burnt train ( probably of Jammu Tawi- Kanyakumari Express) stands on a siding. Nearly all the car showrooms etc.along this route were targets of this widespread arson.

This senseless damage of public and private property serves absolutely no purpose.Lumpen elements come out and exploit the situation Strict action should be taken against the arsonists.

There should a rapid reaction and preventive emergency security measures put into place by the District Administration to nip in the initial stage the mob violence. Law enforcing agencies should not wait for the situation to deteriorate to justify stricter measures or calling out of the paramilitary / army.

Sant Baba Ramanand's Last Rites in Jalandhar to be Conducted by Sant Baba Niranjan Dass

Sant Baba Niranjan Das , who is recovering in a Vienna Hospital, has expressed the desire to accompany the body of Late Sant Ramanand and conduct his the last rites. The cremation would take place in the Dera compound in Ballan ( Jalandhar ). Samadhis of earlier Sants are , also, there.

The cremation may take place on forthcoming Monday - Tuesday ( 01-06-09 - 02-06-09 ). Elaborate security measures would be put in place. There is a talk of using a helicopter for taking the body of Sant Baba Ramanand directly to the Dera.

Jalandhar Stiuation -Fast Reurning to Normal- Curfew Relaxation from 7 to 10 AM

Situation in Jalandhar is fast returning to normal. There is relaxation in curfew from 7 to 10 AM. Trains have started running. Hihgways are open.

Sant Baba Niranjan Dass Out of Danger in Austria

Sant Baba Niranjan Dass, Chief ( Gaddi Nashin )of Dera Sachkhand Jalandhar is, now, out of danger. He was seriously wounded in an attack at Gurudwara in Vienna ( Austria) , His colleague Sant Baba Ramanand succumbed to his injuries. This incident had led to unprecedented violence and arson in Jalandhar and other parts of Punjab.

This news of safety of Sant Baba Niranjan Dass in Austria has greatly helped in pacifying the agitated people and devotees.

Train Service Resumes on Nakodar Branch Line

Passengers were the worst affected in the recent violence in Jalandhar. There has been senseless and widespread damage of Railway property .Thousands are stranded at railway stations

It is very gratifying to note that after a gap of two days trains have started plying again on the Jalandhar- Nakodar Branch line. Things are returning to normal.

Dera Sachkhand Sants and Punjab CM Appeal For Peace

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal called an all party meeting at Chandigarh. They condemned the assassination of Sant Ramanand and called for maintaining peace and harmony.

Similar appeal was issued in Jalandhar by Dera Sachkhand Sants, Sant Surinder Dass ( Kathar )and Sant Surinder Dass Bawa. They asked the all people and devotees in particular not to harm public property or cause any inconvenience to general public.

Jalandhar Curfew Relaxation From 4 to 6 PM ( 26-05-09 )

District Administration has announced for Tuesday ( 26-05-09 ) relaxation in Curfew from 4 PM to 6 PM.

Dera Sachkhand Ballan, Jalandhar

Maghi Celebrations on 13-01-2009

Darshni Gate on Main Road


Approach to Dera

Grand Langar Hall

photo of Guru Ravi Dass Ji

Langar Hall ( Sewadar Beli Ram, Incharge Langar Hall Sewadar Bhagat Ram Bhandari, Sewadar Lekh Raj )

Staning Cycle Stand Incharge Sewadar Karam Chand, Music Instructor Om Parkash Nagpal R/o Neela Mahal



Devotees sitting in the Compound



Sant Baba Niranjan Dass ji Blessing the Sangat
Front Side

Sarai

History of Dera











Entrance To Dera

New Compound

Jalandhar Violence Under Control- Relaxation In Curfew

Law and order situation has visibly improved in Jalandhar. Police, Para Military and Army have things under their control. Widespread arson and violent mob protests are over. The news that Sant Baba Niranjan Dass of Dera Sachkhand Ballan is out of danger in Vienna ( Austria ) has helped cool tempers. The current officiating Chief at Jalandhar Dera, Sant Baba Surinder Dass Ji Bawa has appealed to the people at large and Dera followers in particular, to remain calm and non-violent. The law enforcement agencies are also doing their job well.

Highways and roads to Jalandhar are open. Relaxation has been given in curfew.

It is the railways which have been worst affected.Due to large scale arson yesterday, railways are not taking any chance.Many trains have been cancelled. It is reported that more than 15000 passengers ( many of them Vaishno Devi pilgrims )are stranded at Jammu station due to non plyingof trains. No trains can be seen running on the Jalandhar- Nakodar branch line.

Vienna Bloody Attack in Gurudwara-Immediate Aftermath- Exclusive Photos

Photos Credit : Wiener Rettung

Guru Nanak Dev University Exams Deferred ?

There have been unconfirmed reports that Exams of Guru Nanak Dev University scheduled for 25-05-09 to 27-05-09 have been postponed. This is because of te ongoing violence and curfews. (Earlier they were rescheduled beacause of elections. )

THIS IS A UNCONFIRMED REPORT WHICH IS BEING GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH .PLEASE RE-CHECK FROM EXAM CENTRE / COLLEGE ETC. NO RESPONSIBILITY BY THIS BLOG.

Undercurrent Causes of Violence in Jalandhar- The Clash of Great Social Tectonic Plates

Why is Jalandhar burning so savagely ? What are the smoldering causes to which the immediate detonator has been the sad and tragic attack on the Sants at Vienna ( Austria )

Sant Niranjan Dass and late Sant Ramanand who were attacked in Vienna were senior Chiefs of DERA SACHKHAND, Ballan ( Jalandhar ). This Dera is situated 10 km from Jalandhar on the main Jalandhar- Pathankot Highway.The Dera is dedicated to Guru Ravi Dass , a great social reformer of 15 century. He is revered like God by the Dalit Sect of those engaged in the industry of leather and shoe making ( charam-kaars ),Meera and the King of Benares were among Guru Ravi Dass's followers.The religious writings of the Guru were incorporated in Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs.So, Ravidasia sect held Guru Granth Sahib and Sikh religion in great esteem. Marriages among them were solemnised with " Anand Karaj" around the Holy Book.

But over a period of time many important and very significant undercurrent social developments took place among Ravidasia community.

They established themselves as very successful industrialists and businessmen, particularly, in the field of leather based around Boota Mandi,Jalandhar. There are thriving exports. They did well in education and politics as well.

Many Ravidasias migrated to foreign lands , particularly Europe. Due to their hard work they did very well there.

Caste system rigidities among Orthodox Hindus either vanished or were significantly diluted.

Due to these social and economic factors ( in play mainly in the last 25-30 years ) Ravidasias felt that time had come to take their due and equal social position. When they felt any difficulty in the orthodox Sikh religious organisations, they moved towards the cult of Deras, The Dera culture is not looked upon favourably by orthodox Sikhs who maintain that the only living Guru is Guru Granth Sahib. Ravidasias tended to move away from orthodox Sikh practices. Now, they were also not receiving the discrimination from Hindus to the extent as earlier.

Dera Sachkhand was established by Sant Sarwan Dass.Keeping in tandem with the upward social and economic mobility of its followers the Dera became a very strong institution. It runs a 150 bedded hospital Adda Kathar and a teaching block at ITI, Phagwara among other social and religious activities.The Dera organises annually on the occasion of Ravi Dass Jayanti, a special train of devotees to the Janam Asthan of the Guru at Kashi ( Benares ).This is a grand occasion in Jalandhar.

This confrontation of the social tectonic plates were earlier manifested in the control of Gurudwara at Talhan ( Jalandhar )where this economic, social , political and educational empowerment first came into play in Jalandhar. Doaba ( area between Sutlej and Beas rivers ) has the largest concentration of Ravidasia comminity.

Now, the stage has become bigger , more vicious and , indeed,international.

Violence Escalates in Jalandhar- Other Parts of Punjab

Today ( 25-05-09 )is a traumatic day for Jalandhar. Arson and violent protests are continuing, Purposeless damage to Govt. property is being caused. Particularly senseless is burning of trains and public transport buses. People have taken to the streets wielding lathis and naked swords. Curfew has been imposed. Para military outfits like BSF and some army infantry units have been called out.Police vans including those of very senior IPS officers have been attacked. If the situation deteriorates further there may be Shoot at Sight orders.

Many anti social and lumpen elements masquerading as protesters have taken over. All these actions are causing great inconvenience to the common man and bringing a very bad name to the perpetrators.

There is no traffic moving on roads . All entries roads to Jalandhar, including GT Road , are blocked. Lahore - Delhi bus has , also, been stopped by the police as a precautionary measure and taken to a safe place.

A meeting of Guru Ravi Dass followers is being held at 1 PM at Dera Sachkhand Ballan whose Sants were victims at the Guru Ravi Dass Gurudwara in Vienna ( Austria ).The Dera chief Sant Baba Niranjan Dass is undergoing treatment in Vienna. Sant Ramanand has succumbed to his injuries.

Followers of the Dera are agitated over the attack in Vienna and the death of Sant Ramanand. Yesterday evening cable TV channels had reported that both the Sants were out of danger.When news of death of Sant Ramanand was reported , his followers took to violent protests.

Gurudwara Clash in Vienna ( Austria )- Heavy Tension in Jalandhar

Heavy tension has emerged in Jalandhar over the sad incident of Gurudwara clash in Vienna ( Austria ) where , according to unconfirmed reports , Babaji Maharaj of Dera Ballan ( Jalandhar ) has been hurt. There is great danger of communal clashes and riots. It is reported that traffic on GT Road between Jalandhar and Phagwara has been affected.There is tension in Boota Mandi area. People are advised to stay at home.

Karan Jain-Head Boy; Shikha Verma -Head Girl- Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar

Principal Ranjana Sud and chief guest Kuldeep Singh DIG administered oath of office to the student office bearers for the current academic year 2009-10. Karan Jain was appointed Head Boy and Shikha Verma - Head Girl.

Abhisar Shrma became Chairman- Students Council and Abhipsa deputy. Apeejay has four Houses, Aravali, Nilgiri, Shivalik and Vindhaya. Office beares for all these Houses were , also, administered Oath.

Legendary Freedom Fighter ( Gadar Movement ) Baba Bilga Dies

The last of the surviving heroes of the glorious Gadar Movement against British Imperialism, Baba Bhagat Singh Bilga expired in England. He hailed from Bilga ( Jalandhar ).

Bilga was the main guiding spirit in construction of Desh Bhagat Hall in Jalandhar and museum of Gadar Heroes situated therein. Bilga was a close associate of Sardar Ajit Singh, uncle of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. They all espoused socialist principles.Bilga successfully lobbied for recognition as freedom fighters for martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Imams Clash-Friday Namaz in Jalandhar Under Police Protection

There was tension in Idgah mosque in Jalandhar where two groups of Namazis clashed with each other. In Idgah mosque Jalandhar prayers are led by a " Bareillvi " Imam where as in all other Jalandhar mosques there are " Deobandi" Imams. Their differences had turned violent. Police had to intervene so that the devout could offer prayers peacefully.

"Centrum Jyoti "-Jalandhar's Premium Mall Opens

Jalandhar's latest Mall at the site of landmark Jyoti Cinema ( Jyoti Chowk ) opened on 20-05-09. It has been built by 3S Infrastructures and has been a dream project..

Website :

www.3sinfrastructures.com
www.jyotimall.com

Nurmahal Railway Crossing to Be Made Manned

The loss of precious young lives at the unmanned railway crossing near Nurmahal was very sad. Steps are being taken to make the crossing manned. Jalandhar administration is paying for the expenditure of those children undergoing treatment at DMC Ludhiana.

There has been manifold increase in fast moving traffic at many unmanned railway crossing. Due to increased construction vehicle drivers do not get a clear view of the approaching trains.They are in a hurry. Statutory warnings are ignored.

Railways should put hooters and beacons at unmanned crossing as is done in the USA.These get activated whenever there is a train approaching.

( Doppler Radar / Transmitter detects approaching trains and gives aural / visual warnings to motorists. Reference : USA Patent Device No. 7196636 )

Heat Wave in Jalandhar

Day temperature has risen considerably in Jalandhar and around. Those who can have access to are running air conditioners. But the paddy sowing season in expected to start after 15-20 days. If there are no rains around then people would face long power cuts.

Hans Raj Hans Does Well in Nakodar & Shahkot

Renowned Punjabi singer,Hans Raj Hans,who was the Akali Dal- BJP candidate from Jalandhar did well in Nakodar and Shahkot where he got a lead of 22,000 votes.

It was the sheer stature and popularity of Congress' Mohinder Singh Kaypee which enabled them to defeat Hans Raj Hans. Any other Congress candidate would have conceded this seat to Hans Raj Hans.

Kaypee's political and administrative experience in Congress organisation ( as Punjab's Congress President ) gives him a very good chance of being included in Dr. Manmohan Singh's Union Cabinet.

Mohinder Singh Kaypee Wins Jalandhar Lok Sabha Seat- Set to Become Minister

Mohinder Singh Kaypee of Congress Party has won the prestigious Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat. He defeated the renowned Punjabi singer, Hans Raj Hans of the Akali Dal- BJP combine by a margin of 35,000 votes. Hans Raj Hans put up a tough fight in the rural areas. But Kaypee got significant and decisive lead in urban areas.

There was jubilation and celebrations in the Congress camp. Congress supporters performed Bhangra to the beats of the Punjabi Dhol.

Considering the stature and political / administrative experience of Mohinder Singh Kaypee, it is widely expected that he would be included in the Union Cabinet.

Uncertainity in Govt Formation-" Invest " in High Denomination Notes

On the counting day (16-05-09 ),every body agrees that barring surprises ,there would be a hung parliament with no party getting a clear majority. Investors and punters in the share markets are having a tough time taking investment decisions . Following is the transcript of a discussion among investors :

First Investor :
" Do you think it is advisable to take long position in Banking shares.? What if Congress has to rely on Left support ? "

Second Investor
:" Yaar , you worry so much . We all know that no party would get a clear majority. Considering the rates at which Horse trading would take place there is bound to be a shortage of High Denomination notes. Why don't you invest in them ? "

Exit Polls Give Congress a Massive Lead in Punjab

Till the trends / results are declared on 16-05-09, political analysts are having a field day making predictions. According to them , Congress is going to do very well in Punjab. It is expected to get 9 to 11 seats ( out of a total of 13 ) . Every body agrees that Mohinder Singh Kaypee is sure to win the prestigious Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat.

Anmol Khurana Wins Gold Medal in " Decoration Day" at Dayanand Model School Jalandhar

Principal Raj Kumar Sehgal , Dayanand Model Senior Secondary School, Dayanand Nagar, Jaslandhar chaired a colourful "Decoration Day" celebrations and competition. Anmol Khurana of X-A bagged the gold medal. Parul Sohi won the special prize. Other winners were Ketan, Jasmeet, Hridyapal , Harshpreet, Mahul, Vijay, Uday, Anubhan, Charvi, Tanu Chawla and Sahil .

Judges were RC Sharma, Balbir Kaur and Sudhir Mishra.

Vipul Chaudhary- Head Boy ; Atma Singh- Head Girl MGN Public School Adarsh Nagar Jalandhar

Principal Satwant Gokhal and Vice Principal Barinder Badwal of the prestigious MGN Public School, Adarsh Nagar , Jalandhar administered oath of office to student office bearers for the academic session 2009- 10.

XII std students, Vipul Chaudhari ( Head Boy ) and Atma Singh ( Head Girl received their badges. MGN School has four Houses :- Ajit Singh House, Jujhar Singh House, Zorawar Singh House and Fateh Singh House. A total of 24 office bearers including Captains, Vice Captains and Prefects were appointed.

Sutlej Bridge ( G.T. Road ) Toll Tax- Citizens Resent Massive Hike

Vehicle users travelling between Jalandhar and Ludhiana, especially users of Jalandhar are extremely upset over the massive rise in the Toll Tax rates being levied at Sutlej Bridge on the G.T. Road, at Phillaur ( Jalandhar ). Ostensibly this is to raise finances for lane expansion. But a vehicle user already pays the following dues ( all under the garb of road construction / maintenance ):-

(1 ) VAT ( central exice, State Sales Tax etc ) on vehicles

( 2 ) Octroi ( is some states )

( 3 ) Road Tax at the time of Registration ( 10- 15 years , in advance )

( 4 ) Road tax cess on petrol / diesel

Still, Govt. levies massive Toll Tax on ordinary Non-VIP Indians.

People ask the following questions:-

Why are so called "VIPs" exempted ?

Blaring hooters and red beacons, these "VIPs" treat other vehicle owners with contempt at the Toll barriers and attempt a priority and quick passage at the expense of ordinary peace loving citizens. This would not be so if every vehicle is treated at par and pays toll tax.

No ambulances or pick up vans are provided on the Toll roads for the vehicle users .

Whereas handicapped and senior citizens have to pay toll taxes, VIP pay nothing.

This discriminatory and exploitative mindset of the authorities is as bad as Taliban imposing Jazia on Sikhs in Pakistan.

People demand that this discrimination between VIPs and Non-VIPs end and "Handicapped / Senior Citizens " be exempted from paying Toll Tax.

Toll Tax rate hike be rolled back

Proper facilities be provided.

Accounts of income / expenditure be published

Private Contractorship be ended.
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Another Massive Hike Toll Plaza ( Sutlej Bridge ) Phillaur - From 01-09-12

It is adding insult to injury for the common  man in Punjab . Already Punjabis are paying nearly Rs. 8 Per Litre extra for Petrol than the rate in neighbouring Haryana. When Punjabis were demanding relief from high Petrol prices , what they have instead got is a massive increase in Toll Tax rate ( to Rs. 102 for cars - one side ), at Toll Plaza at ( Sutlej Bridge ) Phillaur ( Jalandhar - Ludhiana ) GT Road.

Few years ago the Toll Plaza was Rs. 5

This is the fifth times rates have been increased by Toll Plaza  ;

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Toll Plazas on Punjab Highways- To Be Election Issue

Jalandhar citizens wish to support those political candidates in the forthcoming Assembly elections who would check the highway loot at Punjab's numerous toll plazas .

Motorists of Jalandhar and rest of Punjab want :

Toll taxes should be reduced on Main Highways and completely abolished on side Highways.

Total Transparency i.e. Daily Collections and up to date collections be displayed  at every toll plaza.

There should be absolutely no exempted category or VIP passage.

 Vehicles like Maruti 800 and Tata Nano should be treated at par with two wheelers and be exempted.

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Highway Toll Plazas - End The Cult of VIP ism

In Independent India there are no VIP Indians or Non VIP Indians but only one Category i.e. INDIANS.

No where is this pernicious Cult of VIP ism more in play  than at Toll Tax Plazas where they have a separate VIP Passage where so called the privileged take a QUICK AND FREE passage where as the under privileged are made to wait and pay.

  Every one deeply regrets the incident at Shambhu ( Ambala - Rajpura GT Road ) barrier. After all employees do only what they are told to do.

But the Mushrooming Toll Plazas have made the ordinary motorists extremely unhappy.

The VIP passage should be open only for Police / Army and ambulances. The rest should join the.queues and feel proud to be with the Common Indians and not a Class above them.

The long lists of those Exempted should be cut drastically. It is stated that President of India is exempted. Well Presidents have and rightly so special planes and they do not use Highways.

In the Long Exempted List why are Physically Handicapped Car Travelers not included ? Why So. ?

Small cars like Maruti 800 and Nano cars should be exempted from paying Toll Tax .

Presently a Nano car is made to pay the same amount as a BMW

Mohinder Singh Kaypee ( Congress ) Set to Win Jalandhar Lok Sabha Seat

Polling has ended for all Lok Sabha seats. According to information gathered from political experts following are the calculations regarding the prestigious Jalandhar seat :

Turnout around 70%

Mohinder Singh Kaypee to get around 5 lakh votes and emerge the winner

Apart from the Congress and Akali Dal- BJP combine candidates , all other candidates to lose their security deposits.

Keep Your Fingers Crossed. Counting begins on 16--05-09 ( Saturday ) morning.

Congress Leader Gurkanwal Kaur at Urban Estate Phase One Jalandhar

Great Enthusiasm Among Congress Supporters in Urban Estate Phase One, Jalandhar