Chandigarh, Aug 25 (IANS) Ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls, the Sanjha-Sunehra Punjab Manch, comprising individuals from diverse fields, was launched here on Wednesday.
Its convenor and founder K.C. Singh, a former envoy to the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, said the manch wants to focus on challenges facing Punjab today and take the people's views.
"The aim is to solicit the reaction of residents, both in urban and rural areas. This platform will work towards finding solutions to the pressing issues facing the people. We will offer our solutions, but more importantly go to the people and seek their advice. We wish to become the voice of all Punjabis," he said.
The critical issues facing Punjab include farmers' agitation against farm laws, agrarian crisis due to dependence on rice-wheat cycle and its impact on water table and environment, low agricultural growth and deficient investment in industry.
He said there are also issues like poor education facilities, healthcare facilities and housing facilities.
"Equally challenging are issues affecting youth, especially jobs and above all, there is a need for systematic change and ways to check mafias controlling sand extraction, liquor trade, and drugs. Systematic reforms are not possible without Punjab deciding what kind of political leadership it elects. Our aim is to spread awareness about these challenges, possible solutions and a roadmap for a golden future," he added.
Col L.J.S. Gill, who has served in the Indian Army for 24 years and also held senior positions in the corporate world, said: "People who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt those who are doing it."
K.S. Aulakh, former Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, said: "Punjab which used to be the number one state on per capita GDP basis 40 years ago has slipped down to the 16th position, fifth most corrupt and most indebted state of India. There is desperation and chaos all around."
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday hailed the victory of his party in the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) elections as "a forceful referendum of the Khalsa Panth in favour of the panthic identity and religious commitment of the party".
Ranjit Singh, a former follower of Ram Rahim, was shot dead by four assailants on July 10, 2002, in Kurukshetra after he allegedly "raised his voice" against the self-styled godman, who is currently lodged at the high-security Sunaria jail in Rohtak, 250 kms from state capital Chandigarh.
Bharatiya Janata Party chief J P Nadda on Tuesday asked the Congress national leadership to clarify their stand on whether they support the remarks on Kashmir and Pakistan made by party leaders in Punjab. Nadda said that the silence of the Congress leadership will be seen as being implicit to such objectionable remarks.
The farmers union leaders had earlier pointed out that Punjab had failed to hike sugarcane SAP in proportion to Haryana over this period, causing fiscal losses to them.
The Punjab Congress leaders who have distanced themselves from the so-called festering revolt in the party are: Kuldeep Vaid, Dalvir Singh Goldie, Santokh Singh, Angad Singh, Raja Warring and Gurkirat Singh Kotli, all MLAs, and Bhalaipur Ajit Singh Mofar, a former MLA.
Gurbachan Singh (55) was a relieved man after he welcomed his three sons at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport here. They were among the 78 Afghan- Indians who were evacuated from Kabul to Tajikistan on Monday and to Delhi on Tuesday afternoon.
