Briefly Region: HC dismisses petition seeking stay on Balwant Singh’s hanging

Sangrur: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Baljeet Singh Sandhu held a surprise inspection at government schools here on Thursday. Sandhu expressed his dissatisfaction over hygiene levels where mid-day meals were cooked. Sandhu warned schools that this could create health problems for the students. Schools authorities cited lack of staff,which Sandhu said that authorities had ‘taken note’ of.

Nathpa Jhakri awarded for performance

SHIMLA: India’s largest hydro-power station,the 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power project,has been awarded “gold shield” by the union ministry of power for its ‘meritorious performance’ during the year 2010-11. The 6×66 MW Pong power house of Bhakra Beas Management Board was conferred with bronze shield for the same year.

Hussainiwala Setu open in Ferozepur district

LUDHIANA: The General Officer Commanding Golden Arrow Division inaugurated the Hussainiwala Setu at Bareke in Ferozepur District on Thursday morning. The existing bridges on twin canals were removed in August 2011 and were planned to be replaced by concrete bridges. The Army constructed a diversion in April 2011,prior to the de-launching of bridges,to facilitate smooth traffic across the twin canals. This diversion resulted in long traffic jams.

Lathicharge by police during demolition drive

JALANDHAR: Police resorted to lathicharge after a huge protest by the slumdwellers during the demolition drive by the Muncipal Corporation (MC) officials on Thursday morning. Slumdwellers alleged that MC did not issue any notices to vacate the place. The encroachments had almost blocked old GT Road towards Gujral Nagar in Vijay Nagar area. MC officials said that they had been asked to shift earlier too,but to no avail. Today when the MC officials reached the spot,slumdwellers started pelting stones and bricks on the MC team and its vehicles. One person even tried to immolate himself but was controlled by police.

Gikki murder: 3 accused withdraw bail pleas

CHANDIGARH: Three co-accused involved in the murder of Gurkirat Sekhon alias Gikki today withdrew their bail applications. These accused are Jasdeep Singh,Amarpreet Singh and Amardeep Singh. Their bail pleas were dismissed as withdrawn in the Punjab and Haryana High Court today. A hotelier’s young son,Gikki was allegedly murdered by SAD councillor Ram Simran Singh Makkar.

Gurlal Saila is new BSP state president

JALANDHAR: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has appointed Gurlal Saila as its new Punjab state President after the resignation of its former president Avtar Singh Karimpuri. Karimpuri had resigned from his post on moral grounds following the abysmal performance of the BSP in the recently concluded Vidhan Sabha elections. The new president has been appointed on the directions of BSP Supremo Mayawati,who also announced a 21-member team.