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Canada divided on the monarchy; Prince Charles unlikely to be beloved should the Queen abdicate: Forum Poll

The Queen
Photo: Twitter

IN a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll amongst 1,150 Canadian voters, almost half of Canadians (43%) are opposed to abolishing the monarchy after the death of Queen Elizabeth, while (41%) are in favour, a statistical tie.

Just over one in 10 (16%) said they do not know. When Forum Poll last tested this question it saw just over four in 10 (43%: July 11, 2016) in favour of abolishing the Monarchy and four in ten (40%: July 11, 2016) opposed.

Respondents most likely to say they are opposed to the abolition of the monarchy include those aged 65+ (56%), the most wealthy (52%), living in the Atlantic provinces (54%), Ontario (53%), or the prairies (Manitoba / Saskatchewan) (55%), supporting the Liberal party (51%), and with a college / university degree (50%).

Respondents most likely to say they are in favour of the abolition of the monarchy include those aged 35-44 (49%) or 45-54 (47%), males (46%), earning $40,000-$60,000 (54%), living in Quebéc (71%), supporting the Bloc Quebécois (89%), and with a post-graduate degree (47%).

 

Opinion split on King Charles if Queen abdicates

 

Prince Charles and Camilla
Photo: Twitter

Canadians were also split on how they would feel if Prince Charles became king following Queen Elizabeth’s abdication. Just under four in 10 (37%) said they approved of Charles becoming king if Queen Elizabeth abdicated, with (17%) saying they strongly approve.

Just over a third (34%) say they disapprove, with (17%) saying they strongly disapprove. A quarter (25%) have no strong feeling either way, saying they neither approve nor disapprove, while a small proportion (4%) reported they do not know.

Respondents most likely to approve of Prince Charles assuming the throne include males (40%), the most wealthy (44%), and supporting the Conservatives (39%) or Liberals (41%).

Respondents most likely to disapprove of Prince Charles assuming the throne include those aged 45-54 (39%) or 55-64 (40%), living in Quebéc (36%), the prairies (Manitoba / Saskatchewan) (37%), or Alberta (38%), supporting the NDP (45%), and with a post-graduate degree (41%).

 

Prince William, still most admired, but plurality still doesn’t admire royal family

 

Prince William and Kate Middleton in B.C. last year.
B.C. Government photo

Prince William, is the royal family’s most admired member, with the exception of the Queen, according to a quarter (26%) of Canadians. This support is statistically equivalent to when Forum Poll tested the question in September 2016, when he had the support of 25% of Canadians.

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is admired by just under one sixth (16%) of Canadians, which is slightly lower than her previous support of two in 10 (September 2016: 20%).

Prince Harry is admired by just over one in 10 (14%), almost the same as in 2016 (September 2016: 13%). Prince Charles (5%), Prince Phillip (4%), Prince George (2%), and Princess Charlotte (2%) were admired by a much smaller proportion of Canadians.

The plurality, however, almost a third (30%), say they do not admire the royal family, similar to the proportion seen previously (September 2016: 29%).

“Canadians have been divided on the abolition of the monarchy for some time, and while the margins shift a few points up and down with each poll, it’s remained a divisive issue, with no side gaining traction,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research. “Many Canadians continue to support Queen Elizabeth but the same might not be said for her successor, Prince Charles, considering Prince William is the most admired royal family member.”

Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1 – Seattle Sounders FC 1: Montero scores again as 10-men ‘Caps earn comeback draw vs. Seattle

VANCOUVER: Fredy Montero scored his fifth goal in as many games as 10-men Vancouver Whitecaps FC (10W-9L-5D) battled back to earn a 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC (11W-7L-8D) on Wednesday night in front of a sold-out crowd of 22,120 at BC Place.

Seattle’s Nicolas Lodeiro opened the scoring on a 19th-minute penalty, but Montero found an equalizer in the 64th minute – just a few minutes after Tony Tchani was sent off for a second yellow card. The former Sounders FC striker finished first time after a fantastic individual effort from substitute Alphonso Davies, who claimed his first career MLS point on the play.

It was Montero’s team-leading 11th goal of the season, and third against his former team, and it helped Vancouver earn a share of the spoils. Budweiser Man of the Match David Ousted also had a big part to play, making a season-high seven saves.

As Carl Robinson said this week, Wednesday’s contest was a “great test” for his team.

Seattle came to Vancouver as the hottest team in MLS and the co-Western Conference leaders, having won six of seven matches during a nine-match unbeaten run. And they looked the part early, controlling over 60 per cent of possession in the opening frame.

Newcomer Victor Rodriguez, who was making his first MLS start, was particularly dangerous for the Rave Green. And it was the Spaniard who drew the foul that led to Lodeiro’s 19th-minute penalty.

Rodriguez had a chance of his own in the 33rd minute, going for goal on a 30-yard free kick, but Ousted made a diving, near-post save to keep Vancouver within one.

Ousted’s counterpart, Stefan Frei, wasn’t busy in the first half, but he was forced to make a diving save of his own in the 39th minute, denying Montero after the ‘Caps striker picked off an errant pass from the goalkeeper outside the box.

It was Ousted’s turn again early in the second half.

The Danish keeper stopped a diving Chad Marshall header – with his head, no less – before turning away a heavy Lodeiro strike in the first 10 minutes of the second frame. Then, after Robinson brought on Davies and Bernie Ibini in a double substitution, the ‘Caps were reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute.

But that would not stop them.Just a few minutes later, Robinson’s men drew the game level thanks in large part to Davies, who closed down Marshall with a blazing run down the left, cut into the box, and fed Montero at the centre of the box. Just like that, the game was tied.

And that, despite some end to end action in the final half hour, is how it would end.

Whitecaps FC now head out east for a long trip to Orlando City SC this Saturday (4:30 p.m. PT on TSN2 and TSN 1410) before returning to BC Place for four straight home matches in the month of September (tickets available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets).

MCMILLAN ‘CAPS CORNER KICK DONATIONS
For every ‘Caps corner kick at home, McMillan donates $100 to the United Way. An additional $500 is donated for every goal scored off a corner kick. This match McMillan Corners for Kids has donated $400 for a running total of $8,800.

MATCH DETAILS
Budweiser Man of the Match: David Ousted
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Attendance: 22,120

Scoring Summary
19′ – SEA – Nicolas Lodeiro (penalty kick)
64′ – VAN – Fredy Montero (Alphonso Davies)

Statistics
Possession: Vancouver 34.2% – Seattle 65.8%
Shots: Vancouver 8 – Seattle 25
Shots on Goal: Vancouver 2 – Seattle 8
Saves: Vancouver 7 – Seattle 1
Fouls: Vancouver 13 – Seattle 7
Offsides: Vancouver 1 – Seattle 1
Corners: Vancouver 4 – Seattle 10

Cautions
31′ – SEA – Nouhou Tolo
31′ – VAN – Fredy Montero
32′ – VAN – Kendall Waston
45′ – SEA – Tony Alfaro
52′ – VAN – Tony Tchani
60′ – VAN – Tony Tchani

Ejection
60′ – VAN – Tony Tchani

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
1.David Ousted; 25.Sheanon Williams, 4.Kendall Waston ©, 26.Tim Parker, 2.Jordan Harvey; 8.Andrew Jacobson (23.Bernie Ibini 56′), 16.Tony Tchani; 7.Christian Bolaños, 29.Yordy Reyna (31.Russell Teibert 68′), 13.Cristian Techera (67.Alphonso Davies 56′); 12.Fredy Montero

Substitutes not used
24.Stefan Marinovic, 11.Nicolás Mezquida, 17.Marcel de Jong, 20.Brek Shea

Seattle Sounders FC
24.Stefan Frei; 18.Kelvin Leerdam, 14.Chad Marshall, 15.Tony Alfaro (6.Osvaldo Alonso 76′), 5.Nouhou Tolo (11.Aaron Kovar 84′); 7.Cristian Roldan, 4.Gustvav Svensson; 13.Jordan Morris (2.Clint Dempsey 68′), 10.Nicolas Lodeiro, 8.Victor Rodriguez; 17.Will Bruin

Substitutes not used
1.Tyler Miller, 16.Calum Mallace, 21.Jordy Delem, 91.Oniel Fisher

Social media posting sparks investigation by Transit Police

METRO Vancouver Transit Police have initiated an investigation after becoming aware of several videos posted on Facebook involving offensive language being used on a SkyTrain in Burnaby.
The incident being investigated occurred Monday afternoon at approximately 2 p.m. on August 21 on the Millennium Line, heading to VCC-Clark Station, between Sperling / Burnaby Lake Station and Brentwood Town Centre Station. The yellow emergency strip in the train was pressed alerting a SkyTrain attendant, at Brentwood Town Centre Station, that there was a problem on the incoming train.

Two Transit Police officers on patrol at the station were advised and boarded the train on its arrival. The officers spoke to a woman who informed them that another woman had been swearing at an elderly couple on the train and then stated that woman had left the train at Holdom Station. Officers spoke to the elderly couple who said they were fine and didn’t want any police involvement.
Once the videos were reviewed by Transit Police, it was determined that the aggressor in this situation had used profane and racially slanted language on the elderly couple and an investigation was launched.
The suspect has been identified by Transit Police as a 75-year-old New Westminster woman. She is known to police for documented anger-related issues in the past but there is nothing documented that would indicate there is a concern for public safety.
The two witnesses who posted the videos will be interviewed shortly. The suspect will then be interviewed with a discussion and warning about her behaviour and conduct when using the transit system.
“We are committed to ensuring our passengers enjoy a safe and comfortable ride when on the transit system. There is no place for offensive language, of any kind, on our buses, trains, SeaBuses or in our stations,” said Anne Drennan, Media Liaison, Metro Vancouver Transit Police.
Anyone who witnesses offensive language, or anything else that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe while using the system, is strongly encouraged to text Transit Police directly at 87 77 77 so that they can deploy their officers as quickly as possible. Passengers can also press the yellow strip on the trains or use the intercom system near the train car doors to summon assistance.
Text Transit Police directly and discreetly at 87 77 77 or call them at 604-515-8300.

Losing sleep over back-to-school season?  BC Children’s has tips to ease anxiety

CHILDREN and youth will soon say hello to a new school year. For many it’s an exciting time, but the change in routine can give some kids back-to-school jitters.

Meeting new teachers, worrying about where to sit at lunch, and wondering if they have classes with friends are common sources of anxiety for students of all ages, all the way from pre-school to high school.

“Children and youth can build up a lot of stress and anxiety about having to get back into a routine and what to expect when the new school year begins,” said Dr. Susan Baer, psychiatrist in the Mood and Anxiety Disorders clinic at BC Children’s Hospital. “These feelings are normal, and there are steps parents can take now to help ease the transition from summer break to the new school year.”

Dr. Baer recommends parents plan ahead and gradually expose kids to their environment and new schedule.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

  • ​Get into a routine one to two weeks before school starts: plan nutritious meals and snacks as well as morning / bedtime habits
  • Talk to your child about what may be worrying them: try role-playing through situations they may face at school
  • Plan for transitions, including getting to school and returning to school after vacations
  • Throughout the school year, encourage your child to share his or her fears by setting up a regular time to talk
  • Help your child develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills
  • Be mindful of your own behaviour—model confidence and comfort when your child is anxious
  • Focus on the positive and celebrate small accomplishments

Consider seeking more help if your child does the following:

  • ​Frequent attempts to remain at home or with a caregiver
  • Refuses to attend school on certain days (field trips)
  • Refuses to eat in public
  • Refuses to use public bathrooms
  • Worries constantly
  • Continually seeks comfort and reassurance
  • Shows extreme shyness, avoiding social situations or events
  • Raises physical complaints with no medical explanation (stomach aches, headaches, difficulty catching his or her breath)
  • Throws tantrums, cries or screams excessively
  • Begins to act in a way that is ‘out of character’, if a sudden and unexpected behavior change is observed

Learn more:
Resources for children, youth, young adults and parents:

  • Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre: A provincial resource centre that provides mental health and substance use information, resources, and peer support to children, youth and their families from across BC.
  • Breathr Mindfulness App: an app designed to introduce the concept of mindfulness, offering a variety of mindfulness practices, while also teaching them interesting facts about the brain science behind those practices.
  • MindShift: An interactive app designed to help youth learn how to relax, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and identify active steps that will help them take charge of their anxiety.
  • mindcheck.ca: An interactive website designed to help youth and young adults age 13-25 to check out how they’re feeling and quickly connect to mental health resources and support.
  • Stresslr is a free web app that provides a fun and engaging way for children ages 9-11 to learn about stress, understand how they react to it, and develop healthy strategies to cope with stress in their everyday lives. Stresslr can be used on any computer, tablet or iPhone, and will soon be available on Android devices as well!
  • AnxietyBC: Information on how anxiety can express itself and effective strategies to address it in children, youth and young adults.
  • BC FRIENDS Online Parent Program: An online resource for parents of children in kindergarten to grade 7. FRIENDS is an anxiety prevention and resiliency building curriculum available for use in BC classrooms.
  • The Crisis Line Association of BC provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week linkage to regional crisis and information lines. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) from anywhere in the province to be connected to the nearest available regional crisis line. Access the trained volunteers who offer emotional support, crisis and suicide assessment/intervention, and resource information.
  • The Confident Parents: Thriving Kids program, delivered through the Canadian Mental Health Association’s B.C. Division, helps parents address behavioural problems in kids aged three to 12. The free program is delivered by telephone during the day, as well as evenings and weekends, to accommodate busy work and school schedules.
  • Healthy Families BC: A provincial one-stop online resource for health and wellness information. Whether you are looking for healthy eating tips at home or dining out, programs and supports for becoming more physically active or quitting smoking, or information about healthy lifestyle initiatives where you work, live and play, HealthyFamilies BC is dedicated to helping British Columbians make healthier choices.

34 women preview the military experience, complete first ever ‘Women in Force’ Program

Photo credit: DND/CAF

THE Canadian Armed Forces Women in Force Program (CAF WFP) has wrapped up its inaugural 10-day events, which gave participants an opportunity to learn about military life before making a decision to join. The events were held simultaneously at CFB Borden, Ontario, and Saint-Jean Garrison, Quebec, from August 14 to 23.
The 34 participants were able to experience different facets of a military lifestyle, including fitness training, hands-on demonstrations of occupations, and tactical skills, as well as the opportunity to meet and talk with women CAF members.
The primary goal of this initiative is to inform and educate women on military careers, lifestyle, and the challenges and opportunities of CAF employment through a realistic job preview. By raising awareness about life in the CAF, the program aims to enable participants to make an informed decision about a career in the military.
“These 10 days provided the participants with valuable information and experience that will enable them to make an informed decision about pursuing a career with the CAF. Regardless of whether these participants have decided to join the CAF, I am confident that they are now better informed about what life is really like for women in the Forces,” said Lieutenant-General Charles Lamarre, Commander, Military Personnel Command.
“It was privilege to meet and speak with the women who are participating in this program. They wanted to experience military life and in so doing learn about the opportunities and benefits of a career in the CAF. I think the Women in Force Program has provided them an excellent preview. This program is just one of many initiatives that we are using to increase the recruitment of women in the CAF,” said Brigadier-General Virginia Tattersall, Deputy Commander, Military Personnel Generation.
Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, addressed the participants at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School on August 17. He was accompanied by Jean Rioux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, and Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.
The CAF WFP supports a commitment outlined in Canada’s new defence policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged – that seeks to capitalize on the unique talents and skill sets of the country’s varied population by focusing on diversity and gender equality.
Women currently account for 15.2 per cent of the CAF’s personnel (Regular and Primary Reserve Force as of May 19, 2017). In accordance with Canada’s Employment Equity Act and direction from the Chief of the Defence Staff, the CAF is committed to increasing the number of service women to form at least 25.1 per cent of its total personnel strength by 2026.
The three-day pilot serials will be conducted October 20-22 at CFB Borden, Ontario, in English and October 28-30 at Saint-Jean Garrison, Quebec, in French.

2017 Mini Cooper JCW Convertible

By Autoreviewman

The JCW moniker stands for John Cooper works – a legendary British tuning firm that has a long association with the iconic MINI brand. For decades JCW version of the Mini have been a revelation in terms of faster speed, better handling and a more engaging driving experience.   However, be warned! The JCW package does not come cheap. Our 2017 sleek, Midnight black tester came with a base starting price of $40,240, by the time you add   must-have options and taxes you can end up paying over $50,000 as in the case of our fully loaded tester that rang in at a final tally of $51,480.

However if you like, fast, beautifully built and incredible- handling small cars you can’t get much better than this particular JCW that arrives with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that develops a hugely impressive 231 hp.   Our tester was equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, although a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission is also available.

To be exact, the spec as on our  tester comprised  the full load of optional Equipment including most if not all of the optional extra options packages which added interior comforts, conveniences and exterior shiny bits and pieces. Far too much to list in this condensed article. The powered convertible top drops in about 15 seconds and can be operated at speeds under 30 km/h).   The top also has three preset positions it can stop at.

On the road, despite the lack of solid roof, the MINI feels bulletproof, stable and is absolute blast to drive. Excellent engineering means the chassis has no discernible flex, and handles rough roads with aplomb.   With a powerful engine and low curb weight, the MINI is simply blast to drive. The turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder mill puts out 231 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 – 4,800 rpm. There is an acceleration time of 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h in this very hot MINI.

Yes, the MINI is a very expensive for what is a small four- seater convertible. However it does deliver a beautiful marriage of performance, personality and heritage by the bucket load. Made with superb engineering and oodles of style, the JCW version is a very desirable and satisfying heritage convertible to own and drive if you like the ultimate in thrills. Keeps getting better with every generation.

2017 JCW MINI Convertible base priced   MSRP   $42,900.  

Price as tested with all options $51,480 plus delivery and taxes

 

 

 

 

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk – Stylish, Trail rated off-roader

By Autoreviewman

For 2017 the buttoned down, assertive looks of the Jeep Compass are still carried through on the outside  The 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk we tested is a top tier off-road variant of the   lineup, This cool Jeep comes with 17-inch off-road tires, a full-time 4×4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio, approx. 25 mm of extra ride height, unique to the model front and rear bumpers,   an anti-glare hood decal, black grill surround, red interior accents, a black roof, all-season floor mats, skid plates, Hill Descent Control, leather-faced seats, stiffer off-road suspension, and signature red tow hooks   front and  rear. The rear-seats fold flat, as does the front-passenger seat, allowing for a huge cargo area in the Compass. The Trailhawks equipment roster brings the price up to $32,895, plus options, delivery and taxes. Our test vehicle also came with a driver information display, Sirius satellite radio, auto-dimming interior mirror,   leather-wrapped steering wheel. Power for the Compass is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder MultiAir engine producing 180 horsepower and 175 lbs. torque. Front-wheel drive models get a 6-speed automatic, with a 6-speed manual available for select front- and all-wheel drive models. The automatic transmission on the other hand is via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

 The interior is wonderfully rugged and functional Jeep with a no-nonsense simple layout that manages to look classy, elegant and interesting. The front cabin features wonderful red accent details that really lift the cabins ambience. Big clear dials in the dash, and FCA’s simple and easy to customize touchscreen with large controls are real bonus features

The Compass has   a wide track and compact wheelbase for safe   boonie bashing. The added ground clearance from the Trailhawk with its very short approach and departure angles instills more driving confidence than any of its rivals. Rough trails and the outback are where the Trailhawk does feel capable. To sum up, the Jeep Compass is not the most refined vehicle in its class, but it has other qualities that really shine. Great value for money is on offer if you opt for the base model starting at $24,900 and choose options wisely. The Trailhawk is pricier, but I think the extra details inside and out really make for a better ownership experience. Overall, you get a Compass that will get you plenty of kudos off the beaten track with its excellent off-road credentials.  Highly recommended.

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk AWD Priced from $32,895 plus delivery and taxes.  

2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 SL: Compact fun is here

By Autoreviewman

One small sub-compact hatchback that came my way recently and left me mightily impressed was the 2017 Nissan Versa Note SL.    For 2017 there are a few changes; a new front fascia, with a Nissan family “V-Motion” grille and new halogen headlights. The S, SV and SL trims receive the sportier rear fascia previously available only on the sporty SR model. Inside, the 2017 Note now has larger, more convenient cup holders and the USB auxiliary port is moved to the front of the centre console. The Versa Note is front-wheel-drive, and powered by a 6-litre, DOHC inline four-cylinder engine developing 109 horsepower, and 107 lb/ft torque using either a five speed manual gearbox; or as on our tester a CVT transmission.

We tested the top of the line SL which features such upgrades as a 5.8” color touchscreen with mobile apps and Navigation, leather wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition, around view monitor, heated seats, USB inputs, and smart key with pushbutton start. The only option on our tester was the $135 wonderful metallic pearl paint option.

The interior of the Nissan Versa Note is neat and well finished with an all-black theme nicely set off by silver trim.  There is an open and spacious feeling inside the cabin thanks to the high roofline.   What is most impressive is the sheer amount of passenger space available, with decent headroom and legroom.

It helps that the Versa Note offers 3196L of total cabin space of which 532L is found behind the rear seat. Cargo: 532 liters with seats up, 1084 liters with seats folded – dropping the 60/40 rear bench provides 1,084 liters of space. The hatchback offers great utility with the handy split level cargo divide and hide cargo system, and folding rear seats that create a versatile adjustable height flat load area. Natural Energuide Canada rate the Versa Note’s fuel economy at (L/100 km) 6.2/7.6 highway/city.

All in all, I found the Nissan Versa in its SL form to be a hugely enjoyable car to drive with its nice road manners, smooth engine, and the superb around view monitor that makes parking a breeze. The Nissan Versa Note’s’ roomy cabin, various trim levels and options make it hard to beat on both price and quality. Highly recommended.

 2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 SL   CVT

MRSP $19,883 Freight and PDE $1600

Price as tested $21,483

Marrisa Shen homicide: IHIT narrows timeline and seeks video footage from media and public

Marrisa Shen

MEMBERS of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and the Burnaby RCMP have located video footage that has narrowed their timeline and provided investigators with the whereabouts of homicide victim Marrisa Shen of Burnaby on July 18, IHIT announced on Wednesday.
Shen was last seen on the south side of Central Boulevard walking westbound and crossing McKay Avenue at 7:38 p.m.
IHIT and the Burnaby RCMP are continuing with their combined efforts and have identified more than 90 persons of interest, and are following up on nearly 200 tips. Investigators are working tirelessly to determine what information these persons of interest may have if any. Moreover, video footage has been collected from more than 60 locations, and this adds up to thousands of hours of review that is currently underway.
Police are now asking that the media and any member of the public step forward and assist us in our investigation by providing video footage. Specifically, footage from Shen’s vigil that occurred in Burnaby’s Central Park on July 22, and from Shen’s funeral that occurred at Mountain View Cemetery in Burnaby on July 28.
Cpl. Meghan Foster of IHIT saied: “Police now believe that Miss Shen’s homicide occurred in Burnaby Central Park where she was found. It should be noted that this does not change our belief that Miss Shen’s homicide was random.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Haryana and Punjab on high alert ahead of verdict in Dera chief case

Bathinda: Administrative officials and police personnel at a flag march in Bathinda on Wednesday. Haryana and Punjab are maintaining high alert ahead of the court judgement in a sexual exploitation case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh, scheduled to be announced on August 25. PTI Photo

Chandigarh (PTI): Haryana and Punjab were on Wednesday put on high alert and prohibitory orders imposed ahead of the court verdict in a sexual exploitation case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh with authorities not ruling out taking Army’s help to maintain law and order.

The Centre has also assured all possible help to the Punjab and Haryana governments to deal with any situation.

“We are in regular touch with the governments of Punjab and Haryana. Whatever help is required, will be provided,” a home ministry spokesperson said in Delhi.

Security forces were carrying out flag marches at many sensitive places in both the states. Paramilitary forces have already reached Punjab and Haryana and many more are on way to sensitive places there.

Terming the situation dynamic, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ram Niwas said the state has got eight additional companies of paramilitary forces and an additional 2,500 police personnel from internal sources have also been mobilised for deployment in different parts of the state.

Responding to reporters’ questions, he said, “The state government would also call in the Army, if necessary, impose curfew according to time and circumstances and initiate all steps required to maintain law and order in the state.”

The state administration is continuously in touch with Dera followers for maintaining peace, Niwas said.

Dera followers have been assembling in large numbers at the sect’s Sector 23 based “Naam Charcha Ghar” (congregation/ prayer centre) in Panchkula to show their solidarity with the sect chief.

With the arrival of Dera followers, including women, in Chandigarh’s neighbouring city Panchkula, the Union Territory has been declared “sensitive”.

“One lakh ‘premis’ (dear followers) have already arrived in Panchkula,” Chandigarh DGP Tejinder Singh Luthra said and asserted that nobody will be allowed to disturb law and order.

He said elaborate security arrangements have been made with over 5,000 security personnel being deployed at sensitive and vulnerable points to maintain peace.

Gauri Prashar Joshi, the Deputy Commissioner of Panchkula, which has been declared a highly sensitive zone, said there is a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces near the routes leading to the district court complex in Panchkula.

The Haryana government has directed that Deputy Commissioners, Sub Divisional Officers (Civil) and other Haryana Civil Services officers would not avail leave till further orders.

All district administrations need to be in full strength, a spokesperson of the Haryana personnel department said, adding, “The leave, if already sanctioned, stands cancelled.”

Haryana Health Department too has cancelled leave of all its medical and para-medical staff up to August 30.

As a precautionary measure, educational institutes would remain closed in Panchkula district and its neighbouring city Chandigarh until Friday, officials said.

The Haryana government said except for offices of essential services, August 24 and 25 would be observed as gazetted holidays in government offices, boards, corporations, and banks in Sectors 4, 5 and 6 of Panchkula only.

Teaching work in all the universities and colleges in the state will remain suspended on August 25, a spokesperson of Haryana’s Higher Education department said.

According to officials, interviews to be conducted by the state’s service selection board on August 24 and 25 have been rescheduled.

In Punjab, all schools and colleges have been ordered to remain shut on Friday.

A complete ban has been issued on carrying of firearms, with orders to shut down private gun houses selling arms and ammunition to license holders, a spokesperson said after a meeting convened by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh this evening to review the state’s security arrangements.

The chief minister also ordered withdrawal of 1,000 police personnel from VVIP security for deployment on field duty to strengthen the security blanket in the state, the spokesperson said.

State-owned Punjab Roadways will not run its buses towards Sirsa, where the headquarter of Dera is located, from tomorrow, while PRTC will stop plying of buses towards Haryana on Friday.

The Haryana Roadways too have decided to suspend its bus service to Chandigarh and Panchkula depots for two days from tomorrow, a spokesperson of the transport department said.

To keep a close vigil on law and order situation, security agencies in the two states and their joint capital Chandigarh will resort to videography and aerial surveillance using drones, officials said.

The situation which is building up ahead of Friday’s verdict has also prompted several families in sensitive districts of the two states to reschedule the marriages which were slated to be solemnised on August 25.

The Haryana government is also keeping a close eye on social media to prevent spread of rumours and Ram Niwas said the DCs and the SPs have been given the authority to monitor social media wherever required.

Meanwhile, Dera Sacha Sauda sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim took to Twitter to give a message of “selfless service and meditation” to his followers.

“Selfless service, meditation and firm belief are the ornaments in spirituality,” he said in a tweet and also shared a link to a Facebook video of one of his discourses.

When asked if the Dera chief will appear before the court in Panchkula on Friday, a spokesperson of the sect said its head has always followed the law and will do so in future also.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, in Amritsar, asked Amarinder Singh to ensure law and order in Punjab.

He also asked members of the Sikh community to maintain peace and harmony and keep strict vigil on all Gurdwaras round the clock to protect those from anti-social elements, who may take advantage of the situation.

Amid reports that the Dera followers could stock petrol, ‘lathis’ and other weapons at ‘naam charcha ghars’, Punjab Police have asked all its top ranking police officials to stay alert.

Punjab DGP Suresh Arora, who yesterday made a whirlwind tour of Bathinda, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali districts, today visited Sangrur to check security arrangements.

Various hotels and guest houses in tricity area of the two states comprising Panchkula, Chandigarh and Mohali are being checked by the security personnel.

Heavy police has been deployed in Bathinda, which shares its border with Sirsa — the Dera headquarters in Haryana.

The Dera head has had a run-in in the past with Sikh radicals who had accused him of having allegedly dressed up as the tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, in 2007, following which Punjab had remained on boil for many days.

The special CBI court in Panchkula will pronounce the judgment in sexual exploitation case against the Dera chief on August 25 and he has also been asked to appear in person before the court on the same day.

The case was registered in 2002 by the CBI on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court after anonymous letters were circulated about the alleged sexual exploitation of two ‘sadhvis’ (female followers) by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

However, the Dera chief has denied these charges.