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."
Restrictions imposed in Jammu had been completely lifted but curbs would continue in some places in Kashmir for a while longer, a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer said on Wednesday.
Fourteen appeals have been filed in the top court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land in Ayodhya be partitioned equally among the three parties - Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Waqf Board.
According to an immigration official, Faesal was stopped at the Indira Gandhi International Airport as he was about to go abroad. He was sent back to Srinagar on another flight and detained there.
She is the first woman in the India’s military history to be awarded the YSM, a medal that recognises distinguished service of a high order during war, conflict or hostilities. YSM is not a gallantry award.
Abhinandan, from the Indian Air Force, brought down the F-16 near the Line of Control (LoC) during a dogfight in February, resulting in his capture and later release by Islamabad.
In the video, shot in 2018 at Aligarh Muslim University, Professor Nayeem can be heard speaking about the history of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India and the nature of the special status granted to the region.
