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Amarinder Singh warns Akalis

Staff Correspondent

`Against exploiting sentiments of the jobless'

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has warned the Akalis against instigating the unemployed youth in the State to sabotage public rallies of the Congress party to provide direct expression to their frustration and dejection by throwing all ethics of democratic system to the winds.

According to an official release here, Capt. Amarinder Singh addressing a rally organised in the grain market of Makhu town in Ferozepur district appealed to the youth who tried to create trouble at the rally venue "not to play into the hands of the Akalis as it would not help them in any way to achieve their motives".

"Akalis are exploiting the sentiments of the unemployed youth for their own political advantage and vested interests," the Chief Minister remarked. He urged the youth to shun the path of agitation.

According to witnesses, about a hundred youth owing allegiance to the Zira Co-operative Sugar Mill, the Berozgar Linesmen Union and the Unemployed B.Ed. teachers' Association started raising slogans when the Chief Minister and before him the Ministers were speaking. The police used `mild' force and removed them from the venue.

While about half-a-dozen of the protesters, accompanied by their family members, sustained minor injuries, one person identified as Bhola Singh of Sangrur district was referred to the CMC Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana as he reportedly sustained serious injuries. Some of the protesters later denied association with any political party.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister said that his government had so far given jobs to 66,000 persons, while 6,600 B. Ed. teachers would be recruited soon. He also announced plans to start operation of the Zira Cooperative Sugar Mill in the current season, urging the local farmers to grow enough sugarcane for continuous operations of the mill.

Capt. Singh said that the proposed road show of the Congress party, which previously was scheduled to be launched from October 24, had been postponed by about ten days due to the proposed visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 27 and 28 and Id on October 25.

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Amarinder Singh warns Akalis

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