Unflappables sunil puts Shivamogga on hockey map

SHIVAMOGGA : Shivamogga is renowned for its lush greenery, waterfalls, rich cultural heritage and, yes, Ninasam, the drama school. Now, the twenty-year-old wiry, swarthy and uncompromising defender Sunil PB is set to put Shivamogga on the international hockey map when he dons the India jersey in the four-nation junior tournament to be held in Berlin next month. Dribbling past poverty and hard luck, Sunil, the younger of the two sons of daily-wage labourers in Talluru in Sorab taluk, has come a long way. My father, Palakshappa, is aged and not going for work these days. Mother, Rathnamma, and elder brother, Sandeep, work either as daily agriculture labourers or as masons. No one in our village thought I would play for India one day, said a beaming Sunil when TNIE reached out to him. Sunils life-changing moment came nearly eleven years ago when talent-spotter Sundaresh set his eyes on the bright schoolboy. He was on a scouting trip to Sunils School. After putting Sunil through some routine tests, Sundaresh was impressed by the youngsters gritty attitude. Sunil recalls the turning point. He told TNIE : After taking some tests, Sundaresh sir asked me 'Are you interested in playing hockey? I said yes. Sunil joined Shivamogga Sports Hostel in 2015-16 and enrolled at Sarvodaya School in Class 6. Later he moved on to DVS High School. After completing Class 10, he moved to Coorg to join the hockey hostel and enrolled for PUC. The next year Sunil dribbled his way into Sports Authority of India hostel in Bengaluru. He later joined Surana College for his Bachelor of Arts programme. During the first year in 2022, Sunil got selected to Karnataka junior team and he continued to play for the state in 2023. In 2024, he led the Karnataka team to a creditable fourth place finish in the Junior National Championship held in Jalandhar. Now, Berlin awaits the man from Shivamogga. An elated Sunil told TNIE : It is a great moment in my life as I am all set to represent my country at an international tournament. Coming from a backward village, I never dreamt of becoming a hockey player. Captain Sunil converts a penalty stroke for Karnataka in the Junior National All credit goes to my first coach Sundaresh sir who took me from my village to Shivamogga and made me a hockey player under his guidance. I am confident that our team would put up a good show. My role is that of a defender, and I will give my best. Early this year, Sunil got his chance to play for Karnataka senior team and played for the state at the National Games in January. The team went on to win the gold medal. Sunil caught the national selectors' eyes during the National Games with his stellar show. He was soon drafted into the 10-day national camp. In February, Sunil was included in the list of probables for the national junior squad. He was asked to undergo four months training in the camp. Based on the progress he made in the national training camp, he has been picked for the four-nation tournament in Germany. Sunils elder brother, Sandeep, said: We are all happy that he is going places. Sunil is fiercely determined. Coach Sundaresh described Sunil as a gutsy player. He is very talented. I hope he would be able to represent India in Asian Games and Olympics and win many laurels for the country. Sunil said he has been guided and moulded by an array of coaches, including Ankitha BG, Kaviarasan (both from Tamil Nadu), Hariharan (Pondichery), Venkatesh (Coorg) and Vijay (Bengaluru). According to hockey watchers in Karnataka, Sunil has been endowed with the right temperament for a defenderunflappable and gritty. Surely, we are going to hear a lot more about this Shivamogga man in the coming days.

Farmers oppose proposed land acquisition for new urban estates near Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Phagwara

Jalandhar man accused of NCP leaders murder held in Canada, says Maharashtra minister

Punjab Police have named Zeeshan Akhtar, 22, as a key conspirator behind the grenade attack on senior BJP leader and former state minister Manoranjan Kalias house in the wee hours on April 7. No one ...

NCP leader Baba Siddique murder mastermind detained by Canadian authorities

MUMBAI : In a major breakthrough in the highprofile murder case of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former minister Baba Siddique , Zeeshan Akhtar alias Jassi Purewal , alleged mastermind behind the killing, has been detained by Surrey Police in Canada, according to Mumbai Police sources. Mumbai Police confirmed that Zeeshan Akhtar, a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is in custody with Surrey Police. He is accused of coordinating the shooters involved in Siddiques assassination and orchestrating the crime. Investigations indicate that Akhtar escaped India with assistance from Pakistani underworld figure Shehzad Bhatti of the Farooq Khokhar gang. A Mumbai Police source said, Three days ago, we received information about Zeeshan Akhtars detention. We waited for official confirmation, which we have now received. Formalities are underway, and authorities expect to extradite him to Mumbai, where he will stand trial. Baba Siddique was fatally shot on the night of October 12, 2024, outside the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, in Bandra, Mumbai. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility, alleging that Siddique was targeted due to his close ties with Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Subsequent investigations revealed that Zeeshan Akhtar, a native of Jalandhar, Punjab was present at the crime scene and played a central role in planning the murder. He fled India shortly afterward. Lawrence Bishnoi's gang later disowned Akhtar and reportedly issued threats against him. In early 2025, Akhtar released a video acknowledging he was wanted in connection with Siddiques murder and other criminal cases. In that video, he publicly thanked Bhatti, referring to him as a big brother. Born Mohammad Yasin Akhtar, he hails from Jalandhar and has a history of criminal cases, including a 2022 arrest by Punjab Police on unrelated charges. His name emerged prominently in the investigation launched after Siddiques murder. Police allege that Akhtar managed the three shooters, Dharmaraj Kashyap, Gurmel Baljeet Singh, and Shivkumar Gautam and arranged weapons, logistics, and accommodation. The charge sheet indicates he instrumental in targeting Siddique. Akhtar is reportedly a close associate of imprisoned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. He is said to have formed this connection while in prison, sharing space with shooter Gurmel Singh. The murder plot was reportedly hatched in May 2024, with Akhtar leaving Mumbai a month prior to the attack to avoid suspicion. After his release from prison, Akhtar traveled to Kaithal, Haryana, to coordinate with Gurmel Singh, Kashyap, and Gautam. He facilitated their journey to Mumbai and helped them establish a base before the assassination. Indian authorities are now working closely with Canadian counterparts to expedite extradition proceedings. Given the highprofile nature of the case and its potential national security implications, legal efforts to bring Akhtar back to India are a top priority. Two Baba Siddique murder case accused move plea to retract 'involuntary' confession statements

Espionage case: Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh sent to 14-days judicial custody

CHANDIGARH: A Mohali court on Monday sent Punjab YouTuber Jasbir Singh , arrested on espionage charges to fourteen days' judicial custody. Singh alias Jaan Mahal, a resident of Mahlan village in Rupnagar district, was arrested on June 4 and was sent to Ropar Jail from Mohali. He was running a YouTube channel JaanMahal Video with over 11 lakh subscribers, ostensibly posting travel and cooking vlogs. Singh was produced before the court after the completion of the two-day police remand. Speaking to the presspersons, the counsel appearing for Mr Singh said that they will file his bail application. Meanwhile, his female friend, hailing from Jalandhar, was questioned for hours at the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) of the Punjab Police. According to the police, She has told them that Singh took her to Delhi several times and once accompanied her to an invitation-only Pakistan Day event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission, despite her not having an official invite. Singh allegedly used his close ties with Pakistan operative Ehsan-ur-Rahim alias Danish to secure her entry, according to police sources. The woman also claimed that Singh had been providing her with financial assistance for some time. Her phone and social media accounts are currently being examined as part of the broader investigation into a suspected Pakistan-backed espionage network. According to investigators, Danish had been attempting to lure more young women into the network. Singh is also suspected to have been in contact with another Pakistani Intelligence Operative (PIO), Shakir alias Jutt Randhawa. Jyoti Malhotra's judicial custody extended by another 14 days Meanwhile, a court in Hisar on Monday extended the judicial custody of YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra by another 14 days. The next hearing is scheduled for June 23. Malhotra, who is also under investigation for her alleged links with Pakistani intelligence operatives, was first remanded to judicial custody on May 26. Her lawyer, Kumar Mukesh, confirmed the extension, saying, She joined court proceedings virtually. We will be filing for regular bail soon. Earlier, Hisar police spokesperson Vikas Kumar said that a forensic analysis of Jyotis three mobile phones and a laptop had yielded over 12TB of digital data. The analysis has revealed direct one-on-one chats with four individuals identified as Pakistani intelligence operatives, suspected money trails, and records of VIP treatment received during her trip to Pakistan, he said, adding that the digital evidence is being further examined.

Contract firm KNRC blames slushy soil for NH collapse

KOCHI: KNR Constructions (KNRC) said the company has made no mistake in the construction of NH 66 and attributed the collapse of the highway stretch at Kooriyad in Malappuram to unexpected subsoil conditions. According to KNRC, the company responsible for the Ramanattukara-Valanchery section of NH 66, the approach ramp with a reinforced earth (RE) wall yielded due to pockets of soft or slushy soil between the earths layers beneath the foundation. The Hyderabad-based listed company, in its latest earnings call, stated that the construction process followed proper protocols. We are very confident that we have not done any mistake... Its a completely waterlogged area... Proper approvals were taken, and thorough examination of the foundations were done during earthing, along with subsoil investigations, K Jalandhar Reddy, promoter and executive director of KNRC, said in the call. Responding to analysts questions, Reddy explained that the designs were made accordingly, and Strata Geosystems, a renowned RE Walls agency, had done the work. The design was verified and approved by the authorities concerned before execution. So, as such, we didnt see anything that would have indicated this issue. We treat this as an accident only, he said. He said the company has put forth a proposal to NHAI to construct a viaduct in the damaged area estimated to cost Rs 25-Rs 30 crore to permanently resolve the issue. Reddy said this solution would prevent similar problems in the future given the roads 15-year maintenance requirement. NH 66 collapses again at Malappuram, raising safety concerns Proposal to construct viaduct The 39.7-km NH stretch between Ramanattukara and Valanchery is being developed as a six-lane highway through the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) at an estimated cost of Rs 2,150 crore by a fully-owned subsidiary of KNRC KNR Ramanattukara Infra Pvt Ltd. Meanwhile, KNRC in a separate presentation stated that the project has achieved 95% physical progress. The concession period spans 17 years, with the company responsible for maintaining the stretch for 15 years. Under the HAM, the government provides a predetermined payment to the private developer (concessionaire) in the form of an annuity over the concession period, typically ranging from 15 to 20 years. Regarding payment for the viaduct construction, Reddy said since the original contract specified an RE wall, while the new proposal involves a viaduct, it constitutes a change in scope. I may not claim payment for what I have already done, but the new work will be treated as a separate proposal under change of scope, he explained. Reddy said KNRC will negotiate with NHAI over payment, and if necessary, may opt for arbitration if an agreement isnt reached. Our primary goal is to solve the problem and alleviate the publics inconvenience, he emphasised. Kerala Public Works minister Riyas lashes out at Opposition over NH 66 allegations

Ambedkar statue defaced again in Punjab

In Jalandhar's Nangal, a Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue was defaced with black paint and a Khalistan flag, with SFJ claiming responsibility. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released footage and called for similar acts on June 6, alleging Ambedkar's Constitution enabled Operation Blue Star.

Wheelchair-bound rape survivor moves SC seeking medical help

NEW DELHI: A wheelchair-bound neck down paralysed woman, who was brutally raped, gangraped, tortured and illegally confined for seven-months, has moved the Supreme Court seeking immediate access to medical treatment and rehabilitative support and justice. Senior lawyer Shobha Gupta, representing the petitioner, told this newspaper that the repeated acts of gruesome sexual violence inflicted by the accused on the 34-year-old bedridden neck down disabled survivor is barbaric and inhuman. The petitioner was wheelchair-bound and suffering from partial disability when she came in contact with the accused. The dehumanising sexual slavery and brutality subjected on the petitioner further aggravated her medical condition and she has become paralysed below the neck, with only minor sensation in her fingers. The acts of extreme sexual violence committed on the petitioner by the accused have left her in a state of irreversible physical disability, emotional trauma, and social destitution, said, Gupta, who was representing the petitioner along with other advocates Dhiraj Philip, Namrata Mahapatra and Achalika Ahuja. The petitioner-survivor, has been disowned by both her immediate and extended family, and is wholly without any form of familial support or care. In her plea the woman has requested for urgent medical support as well as directions to the Centre and state govt for rehabilitative support through financial assistance to enable her to live with dignity. On May 23, the HC directed admitting her in the AIIMS, New Delhi, for urgent medical treatment and care. As per the plea, the survivor has been subjected to sexual violence with unspeakable brutality, inhumanity for 7-months and was reduced to an inhumane state by the accused, a 52-year-old online-app cab driver. The accused hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, with known criminal antecedents, and is lodged in Hoshiarpur jail. He first came into contact with her through a cab ride-booking application. Following months of medical negligence, repeated rapes in illegal confinement and abandonment, the Petitioner was rescued in 2023, by One Stop Centre and an FIR was registered against the accused under Section 376 (Rape) of the IPC in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. After the completion of the trial, the accused was convicted by the Fast Track Court, Hoshiarpur in January 2025, and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The survivor stated that the accused was granted minimum punishment without taking into account the brutality of the crime. The petitioner continues to suffer physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially, while also facing continuous threats. Also in top court Plea against Assam deportation drive A plea has been filed in the SC alleging that the Assam government has reportedly launched a sweeping and indiscriminate drive to detain and deport persons suspected to be foreigners without nationality verifications. It directed Assam to initiate process of deportation of 63 declared foreigners.

NIT Jalandhar Intern Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline

The National Institute of Technology Jalandhar (NIT Jalandhar) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Intern post, and interested and eligible candidates can apply offline through the official NIT Jalandhar website by 01-06-2025, with this article providing complete details including eligibility criteria, age limit, salary structure, selection process, application steps, and direct links to the official notification and offline application form.

Chandigarh Diary | Shub din for Punjab as its puttar takes lead

At 25, Shubman Gill has scripted history by becoming the first India Test captain from Punjab since Bishan Singh Bedi (1976-78). Gill, who is used to seeing fans go gaga over him in the stadium, has now become the cynosure of all eyes in the states political circles. From Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, leaders cutting across party lines hailed him as the next big leader in the sport. Heartiest congratulations to all Punjabis on our Punjab Da Puttar @Shubmangill becoming Indias new Test cricket captain! Badal wrote on X. AAP in dock over arrest of its MLA in graft case Things looked up for AAP MLA from Jalandhar (Central) Raman Arora when he first stepped into politics. But in a dramatic fall from grace, he was recently arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in a corruption case. Far from being embarrassed by the legislators arrest, AAP is seizing the development to score brownie points with voters, suggesting that the party is so upright that it doesnt even spare its own leaders found to be tainted. However, the partys Amritsar (North) MLA, former IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, does not seem to buy it. Singh, who never shies away from pointing fingers at his own party, expressed concerns about Aroras proximity to CM Bhagwant Manns family. Cong legislature party leader not named yet The Congress high command is in no hurry to name Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in Haryana. But Haryana Congress chief Udhay Bhan is still loyal to former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. As the meeting of the Haryana assembly selection committee was delayed due to non-availability of CLP leader for the selection of the state information commissioner, the BJP-led state government asked Bhan to nominate the seniormost leader to represent the party in the meeting. Bhan nominated Hooda for the meeting. The 3-member committee comprised of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Hooda instead of leader of opposition and minister-in-charge. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

AISSF president shot dead in Punjab over parking dispute

CHANDIGARH: Parminder Singh Dhingra, president of the All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF), was today shot dead in Jalandhar in broad daylight following a heated argument with a neighbour reportedly over a car parking dispute in Grover Colony of Jalandhar. Sources said that Dhingra, who is also a lawyer, was shot in the leg and fell down the stairs, suffering a head injury. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses claim he was not taken to the hospital in time, thus resulting in fatal blood loss. When the police arrived, he was still alive after being shot; had he been taken to the hospital immediately, he might have survived, but the police were just mere spectators, alleged the locals. The incident has sparked widespread outrage in legal, social and religious circles as locals accused the police of negligence in handling the aftermath. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and his elderly parents. Jalandhar Commissioner of Police, Dhanpreet Kaur said that two alleged accused have been detained, and a case is being registered under relevant sections of the law. She further said that the cause of death was not solely the bullet injury; Dhingra also had a fatal head injury after falling from the stairs upon being shot in the leg. She further said that the incident occurred between 1.30 pm and 2 pm, but the police only got to know about it around 3.30 pm, and then a police team was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime, and forensic experts also reached after shortly to assist with the investigation.

Supreme Court directs urgent medical care for paralysed rape survivor

NEW DELHI: Hearing the plea of paralysed survivor who was brutally gangraped, tortured and illegally confined for seven months, SC on May 23, directed to admit her to the AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Trauma Centre, New Delhi, for urgent medical treatment and care. She continues to remain hopeful for justice as she fights for her life. The survivor in her plea, in the top court, has requested for urgent medical support as well as directions to the Centre and State government for rehabilitative support through financial assistance to enable her to live with dignity. Senior lawyer Shobha Gupta representing the survivor, exclusively talking to TNIE , said that the ordeal faced by the the 34-year-old woman due to the repeated acts of gruesome sexual violence, including rape, gangrape, physical abuse and torture in illegal confinement, inflicted by the accused is barbaric and inhuman. The woman was wheelchair bound and suffering from partial disability when the accused came in contact with her. The dehumanising sexual slavery and brutality subjected to the petitioner aggravated her medical condition, and she has become paralysed below the neck, with only minor sensation in her fingers. The acts of extreme sexual violence committed on the petitioner by the accused have left her in a state of irreversible physical disability, emotional trauma, and social destitution, said Gupta, representing the petitioner along with other advocates Dhiraj Philip, Namrata Mahapatra and Achalika Ahuja. The survivor has been disowned by both her immediate and extended family and does not have any form of familial support, care, or protection. The plea stated that the survivor has been subjected to sexual violence with unspeakable brutality, inhumanity for seven months and was reduced to an inhumane state by the accused, a 52-year-old online-app cab driver. The accused hails from Jalandhar, Punjab, with known criminal antecedents, and was presently lodged in Hoshiarpur Jail. He first came into contact with her through a cab ride-booking application. Following this, the accused allegedly began stalking the petitioner over several days, kept her in his illegal captivity away isolated the world and subjected her to continuous and aggravated sexual assault over a period of seven months. Owing to her physical disability, the survivor was rendered helpless and was unable to escape his illegal confinement for seven months. Trapped in an illegal confinement and sexual slavery in a condition of total physical handicap, the survivor endured repeated acts of rape, sodomy and physical torture with no opportunity for escape or any contact with the outside world. The sustained brutality inflicted upon her was both systematic and sadistic, leaving her in a state of extreme physical, emotional and psychological pain, the plea said. It is pertinent to note that after the incident of brutal rape for a continuous period of seven months of illegal confinement, the petitioner's medical condition became severely life threatening. Following months of medical negligence, repeated rapes in illegal confinement and abandonment, the petitioner was rescued in 2023, by One Stop Centre and an FIR was registered against the accused under Section 376 (Rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. After the completion of the trial, the accused was convicted by the Fast Track Court, Hoshiarpur in January 2025, and sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The survivor stated that the accused was granted minimum punishment without taking into account the brutality of crime committed on her. The petitioner continues to suffer physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially, while also facing continuous threats. She has also sought intervention from the apex court to allow the transfer of the appeal filed by the accused against the conviction, pending before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana to the HC of Delhi, in the interest of justice and physical state of the petitioner. The act of rape in illegal confinement, particularly of a physically disabled woman, strikes at the core of Article 21 of the Constitution. It is not just a violation of bodily integrity, but also of dignity, privacy, physical and psychological well-being, the plea said. The petitioner was residing in Delhi under the care of a friend who had graciously provided her temporary shelter in the absence of any medical or familial support.

AAP MLA Raman Arora sent to 5-day Vigilance Bureau remand in corruption case; his lawyer calls it 'political vendetta'

Jalandhar Central AAP MLA Raman Arora has been remanded to five days in police custody by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on corruption charges. Arora's lawyer alleges political vendetta, stating recovered items were declared in his election affidavit. The vigilance team also questioned Arora's PAs and raided the house of a local commission agent.

Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrests AAP MLA Arora on charges of corruption

CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA representing Jalandhar (Central) constituency, Raman Arora (54), was arrested on Friday by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on charges of corruption. The legislator allegedly used former assistant town planner (ATP) of the municipal corporation Sukhdev Vashisht to issue bogus notices to seal buildings and extort money from the public. Vashisht was arrested last week. Arora is the third ruling party MLA to be arrested in a corruption case since AAP came to power in the state in 2022. The sleuths of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau raided the residence of Raman Arora and arrested him on charges of demanding money in exchange for performing official duties at the Municipal Corporation, as well as issuing extortion threats. The security of Arora was already withdrawn on May 12. Sources said that Aroras name cropped up during the interrogation of Vashisht who was arrested for demanding Rs 30,000 on May 14. Vashisht had Aroras patronage. Vashisht apparently threatened owners that he would seal buildings during inspections. He also reportedly claimed that he was not afraid of any potential transfer. During interrogation, Vashisht had reportedly admitted he issued 350 notices to stakeholders from April 2022 to March 2025. He was posted in Jalandhar Central zone one-and-a-half years ago. He served in Jalandhar West zone before that for four years, said an official on condition of anonymity. It is learnt that Vashisht was arrested following complaints from commercial unit owners and others. The complainants had alleged he had been delaying file approvals and extorting money from applicants. Sources said that the officials of the bureau has confiscated files pertaining to permissions given for change of land use, notices issued to commercial and residential units to pay their dues and authorization granted to residential colonies and development of commercial hubs in Jalandhar Central and West assembly constituencies in the past two years. Arora has faced multiple complaints accusing him of accepting bribes from the public. Arora is the third AAP MLA to be arrested by the vigilance bureau in the last three years on corruption charges. His arrest comes exactly three years after the VB arrested former health minister and Mansa MLA Dr Vijay Singla for corruption on May 24, 2022 and then Bathinda Rural AAP MLAAmit Rattan Kotfatta in a corruption case on February 23, 2023. Congress MLA from Bholath, Sukhpal Singh Khaira termed it a latant eyewash and a political gimmick orchestrated by the Mann-led AAP government to mislead the public ahead of the Ludhiana West by-election. Khaira drew parallels to the arrest of former AAP Minister Dr Vijay Singla prior to the Sangrur Lok Sabha by-election in 2022, pointing out that despite serious corruption charges, no charge sheet was filed against Singla. Singla continues to enjoy the full patronage of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and the party, proving that such arrests are mere stunts to create a false narrative of accountability, Khaira alleged. Khaira asserted that if a genuine and impartial inquiry were conducted into the activities of AAP MLAs, most of them would have to be arrested, as they are neck-deep in corruption. He accused the Mann government of shielding its leaders while projecting a facade of being anti-corruption to gain electoral mileage. The arrest of Raman Arora is a repeat of the same script played out before the Sangrur by-election. The AAP government is desperate to divert attention from its failures and rampant corruption within its ranks, Khaira alleged.

Probe Agency ED Conducts Raids In Multiple Cities In Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted search operations in various cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jalandhar, Indore and Kolkata, in connection with its probe into alleged money laundering in a firm.

Punjab: Retreat Ceremony For Public Along Pak Border To Resume From May 21

AMRITSAR, May 20: The Border Security Force (BSF) has said the public flag-lowering retreat ceremony at three locations in Punjab along the Pakistan frontier will begin on Wednesday, about two weeks after it was stopped following Operation Sindoor by India in response to the Pahalgam attack. The Jalandhar headquartered Punjab frontier of the force said the ceremony will resume from Tuesday, but it will be open only for media persons. The public can participate from Wednesday, it said, adding the [] The post Punjab: Retreat Ceremony For Public Along Pak Border To Resume From May 21 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal farmers demand ban on Turkish apples

CHANDIGARH: Apple growers of Himachal Pradesh, who contribute around Rs 5,000 crore to the apple economy of the hill state, have demanded that India should stop importing Turkish apples. They also demanded that the import tariff on Washington apples should not be decreased further. The demand came following the discontent among Indians after Turkey expressed open support for Pakistan after 'Operation Sindoor'. Talking to TNIE , Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM), Himachal Pradesh, convener Harish Chauhan said that they will be meeting Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on May 20 to discuss the issue. They will be handing him a memorandum for Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the import of Turkish apples should be stopped by the Union government in India. They have also demanded that the import of apples from Iran should not be allowed, and the import tariff on Washington apples should not be decreased further. The Minimum Import Price (IMP) on apples, which were imported from various countries, should be Rs 100 per kilogram. Last year, the union government announced that it would levy Rs 50 per kg IMP on the import of apples from abroad, but that was not implemented. The apple season of Himachal Pradesh will start from mid-July, and it is expected that this year the apple crop will almost be the same as last year (2.18 crore boxes), said Harish Chauhan. He also said that the apple growers are badly impacted because of the import of apples from Turkey and Iran. Per kg of apple from Turkey costs between Rs 60 to Rs 65, and that from Iran costs anywhere between Rs 38 to Rs 40 per kg. While our (Himachal Pradesh) cost of production is approximately Rs 40 per kg and we sell our best apple in the running market anywhere approximately between Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg, he said. Chauhan further said that 1.10 metric tons of apples were imported from Turkey in 2022, and then it went up to 1.29 metric tons in 2023, but in 2024, the imports from Turkey fell to 1.11 lakh metric tons. While 79,000 metric tons of apples were imported from Iran in 2022 and 1.16 lakh MT in 2023, the imports fell to 1.07 lakh MT in 2024, he said, quoting data from DGCIS. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Himalayan Apple Growers Society met Union Commerce and Industries Minister, Piyush Goyal. Citing losses to the apple farmers of the state due to cheap and subsidised imports, the delegation sought an immediate ban on the import of apples from Turkey. A member of the delegation, Chetan Singh Bragta, who is also a BJP leader, said that demanding a ban on the import of apples from Turkey is not just a trade decision but a matter of national pride and protection of apple growers, sending a strong message to countries supporting terrorism. The hoteliers of Manali have demanded the removal of Turkish firm Yksel Proje from the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway survey, citing national security concerns and ecological threats to the fragile mountain region. Talking to the media, Ved Ram Thakur, Chief Adviser to the Hotel Association of Manali, said that the public anger was growing against Turkey, and thus, the involvement of the Turkish company with several village panchayats also voiced opposition to the ongoing survey. On the other hand, Lovely Professional University (LPU) a private university near Jalandhar in Punjab, has terminated all its Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions in Trkiye and Azerbaijan. The university has formally ended six academic collaborations, citing recent geopolitical developments that it considers to be against Indias national interest. The development follows similar decisions taken by other prominent Indian universities. Earlier this week, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) suspended its MoU with Inonu University, citing national security considerations.

Chandigarh Diary | Governor cancels Rajasthan visit amid tensions

The intensifying hostilities between India and Pakistan last week prompted Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to change his travel plans and get into immediate action. According to sources privy to the development, Kataria contacted the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police of border districts to assess the ongoing situation. Following this, the Governor convened an all-party meeting and organised a sarva dharma gathering at the Raj Bhawan on Saturday. Leaders from various political parties, including Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, were present. Leaders seek special package for Punjab In view of the challenging situation at Punjab border due to operations and counter-operations between India and Pakistan, leaders of all political parties have come together to demand a special package for the state. CM Bhagwant Mann stressed that the state is always the first to bear the brunt during wars and escalations. State Congress leader and LoP Partap Singh Bajwa also pressed for a package for the development of the six border districts. He urged the introduction of a robust economic stimulus package to foster long-term stability and growth in the areas. BJP state president Sunil Jakhar echoed the same during an all-party meeting. Locals gather around drone wreckage After being neutralised by Indias air defence system, remnants and debris from drones and a suspected missile were scattered across several villages in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, and Ferozepur. This drew large crowds of people who were eager to see the debris. Social media flooded with videos of locals taking photos and making reels with the remnants, pointing out various parts. Many people discussed what to do with the debris, touching it out of curiosity. Some even attempted to take pieces home or considered selling them to scrap dealers. In response, CM Bhagwant Mann urged the public to stay away from debris. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

NIT Jalandhar Consultancy Project staff Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline

TheNational Institute of Technology Jalandhar (NIT Jalandhar) has released an official notification for the recruitment of Consultancy Project staff posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official NIT Jalandhar website. The last date to submit the application form is 19-05-2025.

Sudanese student stabbed to death, another injured near Punjab university, six who fled to Himachal arrested

CHANDIGARH: A 25-year-old Sudanese student was stabbed to death and another injured during a violent altercation in a residential area near Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara early on Thursday. All six accused have been apprehended. The incident took place shortly before 4 am in the Green Valley locality near Law Gate, in Maheru village, a residential hub for international students, mainly those from African nations. According to the FIR registered at Satnampura Police Station, based on the statement of the injured student Ahmed Mohammad Nour Ahmed Hussen, he and Mohammad Wada Bala Yousuf Ahmed were returning from morning prayers, accompanied by two Sudanese girl students, when they were stopped by a group of youths. He alleged that they were under the influence of alcohol and started harassing the girls and demanded their phone numbers. I tried to stop them, but they started fighting with us. Two of them had knives, and they started stabbing both of us on the left side of the chest, he said in his statement to the police. He stated that, upon hearing their cries for help, a man identified as Prabhat Dubey intervened, causing the attackers to run away. Dubey then rushed them to Johal Hospital in Jalandhar, where doctors declared Mohammad Wada Bala Yousuf Ahmed dead. In his complaint, Nour named six assailants, who were identified as Abdul Ahad of Karnataka; Kunwar Amar Partap Singh, Aditya Garg, Mohammed Shoaib, Sushank Shaggy and Yash Vardhan Rajput, all of them living in PGs at Maheru Colony. A case has been registered under Sections 109 (common intention), 103(1) (murder), 190 (voluntarily causing hurt), and 191(3) (attempt to murder) of BNS. Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said all six accused have been apprehended after being tracked down in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This was a heinous crime. We apprehended them by using technical and human surveillance, he said. A police official said that the Sudan embassy and the family of the deceased were being informed.

India bypassed Chinese air defence systems, completed Operation Sindoor in 23 minutes

NEW DELHI: In an assertion of the echnological edge of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor , supported by indigenous equipment, the government on Wednesday said that Chinese-supplied systems were hoodwinked and the mission was wrapped up in just 23 minutes. The government said, The Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in just 23 minutes, demonstrating India's technological edge. Pakistan has a significant inventory of Chinese-origin weapons and systems, including air defence systems, J-10 and JF-17 fighters, submarines, and warships. Operation Sindoor, according to the government, was a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare -- one that increasingly targets unarmed civilians alongside military personnel. On 22 April, terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam , killing 26 unarmed people. India launched a joint tri-services operation on May 7, in which the Army, Air Force and Navy coordinated to destroy terrorist infrastructure without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary. Beyond tactical precision, what stood out was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence, said the government. Whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, or electronic warfare, Operation Sindoor marks a milestone in India's journey towards technological self-reliance in military operations, it said. How BrahMos missile strikes forced Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire Air defence capabilities: Tech as the first line of protection On the night of 78 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage multiple military targets in northern and western India -- including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj -- using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid and Air Defence systems. Air Defence systems detect, track, and neutralise threats using a network of radars, control centres, artillery, and both aircraft- and ground-based missiles. On the morning of 8 May, the Indian Armed Forces targeted air defence radars and systems at multiple locations in Pakistan. An air defence system at Lahore was neutralised. Battle-proven air defence systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD (low-level air defence) guns, along with indigenous systems such as Akash, demonstrated stellar performance. The Akash system Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect vulnerable areas and points from air attacks. It can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group or autonomous mode and includes built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM). The entire system is configured on mobile platforms. Indias air defence umbrella, comprising assets from the Army, Navy, and primarily the Air Force, operated with exceptional synergy. This created an impenetrable shield that foiled multiple Pakistani attempts to retaliate. The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force unified these elements, providing net-centric operational capability vital for modern warfare. Why Pakistan could never have afforded a war with India Offensive actions with pinpoint accuracy Indias offensive strikes targeted key Pakistani air bases -- Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan -- with surgical precision. Loitering munitions were used to devastating effect, destroying high-value targets such as enemy radar and missile systems. Loitering munitions, also known as suicide drones or kamikaze drones, are weapons systems that hover or circle a target area before attacking. All strikes were executed without the loss of Indian assets. The use of modern indigenous technology, from long-range drones to guided munitions, made these strikes highly effective and politically calibrated. Evidence of neutralised threats Operation Sindoor also produced tangible evidence of neutralised hostile technologies. Recovered debris included fragments of Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, Turkish-origin UAVs named Yiha or Yeehaw, long-range rockets, quadcopters, and commercial drones. Despite Pakistans use of advanced foreign-supplied weaponry, India's indigenous air defence and electronic warfare systems proved superior. Indias multi-tier defence network successfully prevented Pakistani Air Force attacks on airfields and logistical installations during the night of 910 May, the government said. ISROs strategic role ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) also contributed significantly. At an event on 11 May, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that at least 10 satellites are continuously operating round the clock for strategic purposes, ensuring national security. He noted that India must monitor its 7,000 km coastline and the entire northern region using satellite and drone technology. The making of a Saturday ceasefire: How India, Pakistan pulled back from the brink Indigenous defence industry rising Indias drone industry is on the rise, with the domestic drone market projected to reach USD 11 billion by 2030 - accounting for 12.2 per cent of the global market. This growth is attributed to years of local R&D and policy reform. Since 2021, the ban on imported drones and the introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have spurred rapid innovation. On Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that defence exports reached Rs 23,600 crore in FY 202425, up from Rs 21,083 crore the previous year. The government's goal is to raise this figure to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029 and make India the worlds largest defence exporter by 2047. According to the government, Operation Sindoor is not just a story of tactical successit is a validation of Indias defence indigenisation policies. Nuclear threat and more: Pakistan's old ruse meets India's new resolve in path to ceasefire

Bharat Ke Taraf Nazar Uthane Ka Ek Hi AnjamTabahi: PM Modis Stern Warning To Terror Elements

Jalandhar, May 13: In a resolute and fiery address to Air Force soldiers at Adampur air base, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a clear and uncompromising message to those who threaten Indias sovereignty and security. Bharat ke taraf nazar uthane ke liye ek hi anjam haitabahi (There is only one answer to raising eyes towards Indiadestruction), PM Modi declared, reinforcing the nations zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and cross-border aggression. Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister highlighted the bravery of [] The post Bharat Ke Taraf Nazar Uthane Ka Ek Hi AnjamTabahi: PM Modis Stern Warning To Terror Elements appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

One surveillance drone brought down: DC Jalandhar urges people to stay calm

I have been informed that one surveillance drone was brought down by the Armed forces at around 9.20 pm near village Mand. The expert team is looking for the debris. It is requested that please do not go near the debris. If you found them and immediately inform the nearest police station. It has also been informed that no drone activity has been seen in Jalandhar since 10 pm, the DC Jalandhar said.

Drones sighted in Jalandhar, blackout in Amritsar, airport temporarily closed

CHANDIGARH: DRONES were reportedly sighted late Monday evening over Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur in Punjab, and a surveillance drone was brought down in Jalandhar. A blackout was enforced tonight in Amritsar, Hoshiarpur and parts of Jalandhar districts. The Amritsar International Airport has been temporarily closed for civil operations. It reopened this morning. An Amritsar-bound flight from Delhi was asked to turn back. Sources claimed a drone sighting near Sura Nussa in Jalandhar, near the Indian armys ammunition depot. Another sighting was reported in Unchi Bassi, between Mukerian and Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district, on the Jammu national highway. Electricity was immediately switched off in some parts of Jalandhar city, Dasuya, and Mukerian. An air-raid siren was sounded in the border city of Amritsar, followed by a blackout. An IndiGo Delhi-Amritsar flight that was on its way to the holy city from the national capital returned to Delhi. A few other commercial flights were rerouted to avoid overflying that area. The IndiGo flight, which had taken off from Delhi at 8.26 pm, landed back in Delhi around 9.15 pm. Sources said the Amritsar airport has reportedly been closed until further notice. Jalandhar DC Himanshu Aggarwal wrote on X, I have been informed that the Armed forces brought down one surveillance drone at around 9:20 pm near village Mand. Meanwhile, Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain said, We got information around 8:30 pm that some objects were spotted in the sky, and this information is still under verification. What kind of objects were those? The armed forces are engaging with them. The blackout is in force until further orders. Amritsar DC Sakshi Sawhney, asked the people to switch off lights and move away from the windows.

Morning Digest: India wont bend to Pakistans nuclear blackmail, says Modi; Drones observed along IB in Jammus Samba, Punjabs Jalandhar, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

Drones Observed Along IB In Jammus Samba, Punjabs Jalandhar; Officials Say Situation Calm Now

Jammu/Chandigarh, May 12: Drone activity was observed for a few hours late on Monday along the International Border in Jammus Samba district as well as Punjabs Jalandhar district. However, the army said late in the night that the situation was calm and under control. No enemy drones are being reported at present. Earlier, the army had said security forces were engaging the suspected drones in Samba district. The drone activity along the border came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modis [] The post Drones Observed Along IB In Jammus Samba, Punjabs Jalandhar; Officials Say Situation Calm Now appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Drone sighting in Punjab triggers blackouts; one surveillance drone shot down, Amritsar airport shut again

CHANDIGARH: Drones were reportedly sighted late this evening over Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur districts in Punjab, with one surveillance drone brought down by Indian armed forces near Jalandhar. The incidents occurred shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modis address to the nation. In response, blackouts were imposed in Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, and parts of Jalandhar district. Civil operations at Amritsar International Airport, which had resumed only today after a temporary closure, were again suspended. An Amritsar-bound IndiGo flight from Delhi was forced to return mid-air. Sources reported that one drone was sighted near Suranassi in Jalandhar, where an Indian Army ammunition depot is located. Another drone sighting occurred at Unchi Bassi, between Mukerian and Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district along the Jammu National Highway. As a precaution, electricity supply was cut in certain areas of Jalandhar. In Dasuya and Mukerian, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) disconnected power from the grid following instructions from the local administration. An air-raid siren was sounded in Amritsar, which lies near the international border, followed by a citywide blackout. An IndiGo DelhiAmritsar flight (6E), which had taken off at 8:26 PM, returned to Delhi and landed at around 9:15 PM. Several other flights were diverted to avoid overflying the affected airspace. Amritsar airport, which had resumed operations after being shut since 7 May, has now been closed again until further notice, according to sources. Drones sighted, engaged by air defence system in J&Ks Samba Deputy Commissioner of Jalandhar, Himanshu Aggarwal, posted on X: As a precautionary measure, lights have been switched off in some areas around Suranassi due to drone sighting reports. We are verifying the sightings. There is no cause for alarm. The Armed Forces remain on regular vigil. In a follow-up message, Aggarwal confirmed: I have been informed that one surveillance drone was brought down by the Armed Forces around 9:20 PM near village Mand. An expert team is searching for the debris. Citizens are requested not to go near any suspected debris and to report it immediately to the nearest police station. No drone activity has been seen in Jalandhar since 10 PM. He further added: I urge residents to stay calm and not to burst firecrackers, as some reports have emerged. Strict police action will be taken against anyone creating panic. Light has been cut off in some areas of Jalandhar as a precaution. The situation will be reviewed shortly. There is nothing to worry about. Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain said: We received information around 8:30 PM that some unidentified objects were seen in the sky. The nature of the objects is still under verification. The Armed Forces are actively engaged. We have imposed blackouts in areas like Dasuya and Mukerian and advised residents in other parts of the district to remain alert. When asked about reports of explosions in the Unchi Bassi area of Hoshiarpur, she responded: That information is also being verified by Army authorities. The blackout remains in place until further orders. Once we receive inputs from Army and Air Force authorities, we will decide whether to extend or withdraw the blackout. The Amritsar administration also appealed for calm. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney posted on X: You will hear a siren. We are on alert and initiating a blackout. Please switch off your lights and move away from windows. Stay calm we will inform you when it is safe to restore the power supply. Do not panic. This is a precautionary step. Sources said schools in the border districts of Punjab will remain closed tomorrow, following instructions issued by the concerned district authorities.

Shortly after PM Modis address, drones sighted in J&K, Punjab

Shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modis warning to Pakistan that India will not tolerate terror in any form, reports of Pakistan military drones hovering over Jammu and Kashmirs Samba and Punjabs Jalandhar districts emerged on Monday, May 12. Visuals from the Samba district showed red trails in the sky and sounds of explosions, as Indias Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Calm prevails in Punjab after understanding between India, Pakistan to stop military actions

All is well here in Jalandhar. According to the information received, there is nothing to worry and work may resume as usual. Forces are on a constant vigil, Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said.

Calm Prevails In Punjab After Understanding Between India, Pak To Stop Military Actions

Chandigarh, May 11: Calm prevailed in Punjab, especially in the border areas of the state, on Sunday morning, following an understanding between India and Pakistan to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea. Authorities have asked people to resume their normal activities and maintain calm. At around 8:30 am, the district administration in Amritsar asked people to resume their normal routine. The Jalandhar district administration also said there was nothing to worry and work may resume [] The post Calm Prevails In Punjab After Understanding Between India, Pak To Stop Military Actions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Pakistan ceasefire breach triggers blackouts, security measures in border areas of Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH: Within hours of India and Pakistan declaring a ceasefire, the neighbouring country unilaterally broke the peace by indulging in shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Following this, blackouts were re-imposed in several districts of Punjab, as well as in Ambala, Haryana, which houses a key air force base. Sources said complete blackouts were suddenly imposed as a precautionary measure in six border districts of PunjabAmritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilkaafter local administrations were alerted about ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Blasts in Srinagar after ceasefire shock residents; all okay now, clarifies Centre Additional blackouts were also enforced in Moga, Sangrur, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Muktsar, Barnala, and Bathinda. Street lights were switched off in many parts of the state. Ambala in Haryana also faced blackout due to its strategic air force base. Sources claimed that a drone was spotted in Fazilka and Pathankot districts. Earlier in the day, the district administrations of Sangrur, Rupnagar, and Fazilka had withdrawn blackout orders, while authorities in districts like Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Patiala also cancelled restrictive orders. Local authorities in districts including Jalandhar, Pathankot, and Kapurthala had advised the closure of markets and commercial establishments and urged citizens to avoid large gatherings in the wake of the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. India agrees to a ceasefire with Pakistan after call from across the border

Markets shut in Pathankot after explosion-like sounds; air sirens ring out in Punjab districts

CHANDIGARH: Pathankot in Punjab went into alert mode on Saturday after explosion-like sounds were heard in the border district, with the local authorities ordering closure of markets in the region as a precautionary measure. After a night of bristling tension, people woke up to explosion-like sounds in Pathankot and Jalandhar districts, while air sirens rang out in Hoshiarpur, Amritsar and Ferozepur amid a sharp upturn in the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Punjab shares a 532-km border with Pakistan. The district authorities in Pathankot has set up a control room, which will function round-the-clock for the convenience of the people, officials said. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal has urged people that if any material or object falls from the sky, they should inform the nearest police station or contact the control room. It has been observed that some people pick up such items and they take them, which can prove dangerous, Uppal said, as he warned of legal action against such persons. He also asked people that if any such material is found lying on the ground, they should neither go near it nor touch it. Besides Pathankot, people also heard explosion-like sounds in Jalandhar district on Saturday morning, while air sirens rang out in Hoshiarpur, Amritsar and Ferozepur, officials said. In Haryana's Sirsa too, some locals claimed they heard blast-like sounds after midnight. A police officer from Sirsa said debris of an unidentified metallic object landed in the fields of a village shortly past midnight. We were sleeping when we heard a loud sound. In the morning, we found that a metallic object had fallen in the fields. Later, defence personnel came and collected the debris, a villager said. Border areas of Gujarat on high alert, Indian Army downs suspected Pakistani drone at Kutch The debris of an unidentified projectile which landed amid the military conflict between India and Pakistan, being taken away, in Sirsa, Haryana, Saturday, May 10, 2025. An unidentified projectile also landed in a residential area at Kanganiwal village in Jalandhar district early Saturday, officials said. The locals said a migrant labourer was injured in the incident, while a few houses in the area also sustained damages. Parts of the unidentified object were lying in the area, they said. I was standing near a window when some object hit a water tank (of a house) around 1.30 am, shattering glasses of 4-5 houses before landing, a woman from the area said. A migrant labourer who suffered injuries on his arm was taken to the hospital, she said. Satinder Kumar, a local, said, The water tank of our house was damaged, while many window panes were also shattered. There was smoke all around. Another local resident, Muskan, too said a big explosion took place at night that forced several people to come out of their homes. One car was damaged...We were all scared, she said. Sharing her experience, Surjit Kaur said a red-coloured light flashed in the sky which was followed by a big explosion. Water tanks of some other houses in the area were also damaged, she said. Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal has urged people to avoid large gatherings or crowding as part of the precautionary measures. He also urged people to avoid moving out in the open or in tall buildings, besides ordering closure of markets in Jalandhar Cantt and Adampur. Malls and high-rise commercial buildings in the rest of the district will remain closed today, Aggarwal said, asking people to stay calm. Akshita Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Phagwara, said an advisory has been issued to keep all marketplaces, barring medical stores, closed in Phagwara city on Saturday. Malls and commercial high-rises in the rest of the district will also remain closed, officials said. In Kapurthala too, all the commercial establishments remained closed on Saturday. Debris of unidentified objects were also found at some places at Beas in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, Pathankot and Tarn Taran districts, officials said. An unidentified object fell in a field between Khalyan and Sahni villages in Phagwara district early Saturday, officials said. Locals said an explosion-like sound was heard at 2.40 am from the fields of Major Singh at Khalyan village towards Sahni. The impact of the unidentified object created a crater about 7-8 feet deep and 12-14 feet wide in the field, the officials said. Similarly, an unidentified projectile fell in a field at Chhichhra village in Gurdaspur district early Saturday, leaving a crater. The strikes followed after Pakistan launched a fresh wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations in India -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- for the second night on Friday. According to officials, the security forces thwarted multiple drone attacks launched by Pakistan in Ferozepur, Pathankot, Fazilka and Amritsar districts. In Ferozepur, three members of a family were injured on Friday night after a crashing projectile from a Pakistani drone destroyed by the Indian air defence system landed at their house at Khai Pheme Ke village, setting the structure and a car on fire. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared significantly after the Indian armed forces on Wednesday conducted precision strikes targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that had cross-border linkages. Pakistan moving troops in forward areas, launched strikes at multiple locations: Indian govt

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting with defence, security officials

NEW DELHI: Amid continuing military standoff between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the second consecutive day, chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, the chiefs of the armed forces and other officials. The Prime Minister was reportedly briefed on the latest developments regarding Operation Sindoor and how the Indian armed forces are successfully foiling Pakistans attempts to target Indian locations using drones and other projectiles. PM Modi had also chaired a high-level meeting on Friday evening at his residence with the same set of officials and the defence minister to review the current situation. Sources indicated that the Prime Minister held discussions on every aspect of the situation, including reports of Pakistans armed forces mobilising towards Indias western border amid heightened tensions. The chiefs of the Armys three services are said to have provided detailed briefings and discussed future strategy. Earlier in the day, prior to the meeting with the Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to apprise him of the current scenario and reportedly discussed key issues, including the emerging situation along the LoC. India hits three Pakistan airbases in retaliatory strikes Sources said the CDS may have reviewed the progress of Operation Sindoor and Indias retaliatory measures against Pakistans provocations through drone and missile attacks, which Indian army units have successfully neutralised. On Saturday morning, the Indian Army stated, Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western borders. The military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has intensified over the past few days, with both military and civil authorities in India remaining on high alert. On Friday, Rajnath Singh conducted a comprehensive review of the security scenario with the top military leadership, a day after Indian forces repelled Pakistani attempts to target military installations. G7 countries urge India, Pakistan to de-escalate situation The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Meanwhile at a press briefing on Saturday , Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, joined by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, stated, The Pakistan military is observed to be moving their troops to the border areas. She noted that Pakistan had launched a high-speed missile into Punjab and also targeted medical facilities in Srinagar, Avantipura, and Udhampur. She added that a befitting reply had been given to Pakistani actions. Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Saturday. Missile debris found in Haryana's Sirsa, Punjab's Jalandhar; tension prevails in border districts

Unidentified Object Explodes In Jalandhar Village; Air Sirens Ring Out In Amritsar, Hoshiarpur

CHANDIGARH, May 10: After a night of bristling tension, people woke up to explosion-like sounds in Punjabs Pathankot and Jalandhar districts, while air sirens rang out in Hoshiarpur, Amritsar and Ferozepur districts, as the military conflict between India and Pakistan took a sharp upturn, officials said. In Haryanas Sirsa too, some locals claimed they heard blast-like sounds after midnight. An unidentified projectile landed in a residential area at Kanganiwal village in Punjabs Jalandhar district early Saturday, officials said. The locals [] The post Unidentified Object Explodes In Jalandhar Village; Air Sirens Ring Out In Amritsar, Hoshiarpur appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Unidentified object lands near Jalandhar; 1 hurt

Local residents said a migrant labourer was injured in the incident, while a few houses in the area also sustained damage. Parts of the unidentified object were lying in the area, they said.

India-Pakistan conflict: Projectile debris found in Haryana's Sirsa

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, a projectile fragment was found in Haryana, coinciding with a loud explosion reported in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities enforced blackouts in Akhnoor and Jalandhar following reports of explosions, sirens, and drone sightings.

India-Pakistan News LIVE Updates: Tensions Mount On Friday, Indian Army To Hold Media Briefing On Saturday

India-Pakistan News Live: G7 Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Urges Immediate De-escalation The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union, have condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The joint statement on Friday expressed concern over rising tensions and urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint. The ministers warned that further military escalation could seriously impact regional stability and expressed concern for the safety of civilians on both sides. The G7 called for immediate de-escalation and encouraged both countries to engage in direct dialogue. The group said it continues to monitor the situation and supports a diplomaticresolution. India-Pakistan News Live: What We Know From Friday Overnight Developments So Far Pakistan resumed ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Gunfire and explosions were reported overnight. Multiple explosions were heard in Jammu. Authorities enforced a blackout across the city. NDTV reported that sirens were also sounded in Srinagar. Explosions were reported in Samba district. ANI stated that Indian air defence systems intercepted Pakistani drones during the blackout. Blackouts were enforced in Srinagar and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Sirens were heard across both areas, ANI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting at his residence on Friday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the chiefs of the armed forces were present. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a review meeting in Mumbai on Friday. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed the session. Authorities enforced blackouts in multiple border regions. In Haryana, Panchkula district was affected. In Punjab, blackouts were implemented in Firozpur and Jalandhar. In Rajasthan, Jaisalmer was placed under blackout. Gujarat Chief Ministers Office reported blackouts in all villages of Suigam and Vav talukas in Banaskantha district, villages in Santalpur taluka in Patan district, and the entire Kachchh district. The Airports Authority of India and other aviation bodies issued NOTAMs announcing the temporary closure of 32 airports in northern and western India. The suspension of civil flight operations began on May 9 and remains in place until 05:29 IST on May 15. Air Traffic Service routes in the Delhi and Mumbai Flight Information Regions have also been temporarily closed due to operational reasons. India raised concerns over the Pakistani militarys role in the countrys economy. A statement said that Pakistans army continues to influence economic policy despite the presence of a civilian government. The International Monetary Fund approved a $1 billion loan for Pakistan as part of its ongoing support programme. India-Pakistan News Live Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the India-Pakistan conflict. Tensions between India and Pakistan remained high for the third day on Friday following a series of cross-border strikes and retaliatory attacks. Drone intrusions were reported on Friday night across all Indian border states, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat. Indian armed forces responded using air defence systems to intercept the aerial threats. In Punjabs Ferozepur district, three civilians were injured after a drone strike in a residential area. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert. Counter-drone systems are actively tracking and neutralising such threats, and the situation is being closely monitored, according to Indian Army sources. India had conducted Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and areas under its administration in Kashmir. These strikes followed the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. Catch all the updates that happened on Friday here . . Read more on Nation by NDTV Profit.

India deployed Barak-8 missiles, S-400 systems, Akash missiles to thwart Pak attempts to hit Indian cities

New Delhi, May 9: India deployed Barak-8 missiles, S-400 Triumph air defence systems, Akash surface-to-air missiles and indigenously developed anti-drone equipment in thwarting Pakistans attempts to hit 15 Indian cities on Wednesday night, official sources said on Friday. Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, [] The post India deployed Barak-8 missiles, S-400 systems, Akash missiles to thwart Pak attempts to hit Indian cities appeared first on Northlines .

'Bomb-like' object recovered in Jaisalmer's Kishanghat area after Thursday's cross-border firing

JAIPUR: A bomb-like object was found in the Kishanghat area of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district on Friday morning, prompting swift action by the local police and air force. According to the police, the object was found near a nursery in the colony of the Jogis, located in front of Kishanghat under the Kotwali police station area. Kotwali SHO Prem Daan said it seems to be a bomb-like object. Experts from the army are on their way Kishanghat to defuse it. It it currently not known if it is live or destroyed, he said. VIDEO | Rajasthan: Debris of unidentified object found in Jaisalmer's Kishan Ghat area. Security personnel at the spot. More details awaited. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz ) #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/aGVD2gBSIt Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 9, 2025 Arjun Nath, a local, spotted the object and immediately informed Kishanghat Sarpanch representative Kalyan Ram, who then alerted authorities. Following this, teams from the local police and the Indian Air Force arrived at the scene, they said. The area has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure and further investigation is underway. The object resembled parts of a drone that was launched by Pakistan on Jaisalmer on Thursday night around 10.30 pm. However, official confirmation is awaited. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and follow safety instructions as security measures have been intensified in the region. Notably, on Thursday night India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, including in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, after foiling its attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country. According to the defence ministry, the Pakistani military on Thursday night attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj.

X's Global Affairs account temporarily withheld in India amid government crackdown on social media

NEW DELHI: Hours after the Elon Musk-owned social media intermediary X stated that it had started blocking accounts in response to directives from the Indian government, the Global Government Affairs account of X (formerly Twitter) was temporarily withheld in India. When attempting to access the '@GlobalAffairs' account, a message appeared on screen stating, Account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand. In compliance with executive orders from the Indian government, X began blocking over 8,000 accounts in India on Thursday. The platform took action following a government warning that non-compliance could result in substantial fines and imprisonment of the companys local employees. In a post on X late Thursday evening, the Global Government Affairs team confirmed that, following the orders, it had commenced restricting access to specified accounts within India. However, it also expressed its reservations. X begins blocking of 8,000 accounts in India after Centre warns of penalties To comply with the orders, we will withhold the specified accounts in India alone, the company stated. X has received executive orders from the Indian government requiring X to block over 8,000 accounts in India, with potential penalties including significant fines and imprisonment of the companys local employees. The orders include demands to block access in India to accounts belonging to international news organisations and prominent X users. We have begun that process. However, we disagree with the Indian governments demands, the post read. The '@GlobalAffairs' account is now accessible once again in India. There was no immediate response from the government. The Centre frequently flags social media accounts to X that are allegedly engaged in spreading fake news, misinformation, and anti-India propaganda. Following ' Operation Sindoor ', the government has actively monitored social media platforms to identify users disseminating fabricated stories and false reports. A list of such accounts is then forwarded to the relevant intermediaries. The company further stated that blocking entire accounts is not only unnecessary but also amounts to censorship of both existing and future content, contradicting the fundamental right to free speech. It also claimed that the Indian government had not specified which particular posts from the flagged accounts were in violation of local laws. Explaining its decision to share details of the governments directives publicly on X, the company stated that transparency is vital. Lack of disclosure discourages accountability and can contribute to arbitrary decision-making, it said. Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to publish the executive orders at this time. X is exploring all possible legal avenues available to the company. Unlike users located in India, X is restricted by Indian law in its ability to bring legal challenges against these executive orders. However, we encourage all users who are impacted by these blocking orders to seek appropriate relief, the post further stated. According to the statement, the company has notified affected users in accordance with its policies. Affected users may also contact the Indian government at [cyberlaw@meity.gov.in](mailto:cyberlaw@meity.gov.in), it added. The '@GlobalAffairs' account is now accessible once again in India. Government debunks social media claims of attacks in Rajouri, Jalandhar as fake news

Air raid sirens in Chandigarh, residents urged to stay indoors; Mohali, Patiala issue alerts

The Chandigarh administration sounded an air raid siren on Friday, urging residents to stay indoors, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. The alert was lifted about an hour later. An air warning has been received from the air force station of a possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and stay away from balconies, the administration said in an official statement. *ALERT* An Air warning has been received from Air force station of possible attack. Sirens are being sounded. All are advised to remain indoors and away from balconies. DC Chandigarh Chandigarh Admn (@chandigarh_admn) May 9, 2025 Chandigarh serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Authorities in neighbouring districts also took precautionary measures. The Panchkula district administration sounded a similar siren and advised people to remain indoors. Meanwhile, officials in Punjab's Mohali district, which borders Chandigarh, issued an alert for nearby residents. There is an alert in some areas of Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in the bordering sectors to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes, the Mohali administration said in a message. There is an alert in some areas of UT Chandigarh. We are advising Mohali residents in bordering sectors as well to remain indoors and away from windows and glass panes. Specifically sectors 45-47. Mohali Administration DC Mohali (@dcmohali) May 9, 2025 Further south, the Patiala district administration also urged caution. Please avoid stepping out unless it is absolutely necessary. All educational institutions in the district are closed until further notice. Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors and away from balconies, rooftops, and open areas, its advisory stated, asking the public to contact the control room in case of an emergency. A similar air siren was sounded in Chandigarh on Thursday night as India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, including in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur, after foiling its attempts to target military installations in 15 cities in the northern and western parts of the country. According to the defence ministry, the Pakistani military on Thursday night attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai and Bhuj. The renewed attempts by the Pakistani forces came after the Indian armed forces on Wednesday carried out precise missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan under 'Operation Sindoor' in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Punjab orders closure of all schools, colleges for next three days amid rising border tensions

Government debunks social media claims of attacks in Rajouri, Jalandhar as fake news

The Indian government on Friday refuted widespread claims circulating on social media regarding a suicide attack on an Army brigade in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri and a drone strike in Punjabs Jalandhar, labelling them as fake news. According to the Press Information Bureaus (PIB) Fact Check Unit, there was no fidayeen or suicide attack on any Army cantonment in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, a viral video suggesting a drone attack in Jalandhar was confirmed to actually show a farm fire. This was verified by the district collector of Jalandhar, who classified the claim as disinformation. Drone Attack in Jalandhar This drone strike video from #Jalandhar is widely circulating on social media #PIBFactCheck * This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later. * Do not share this video. See the pic.twitter.com/IRBjq2KOTQ PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025 Between 10:00 p.m. on May 8 and 6:30 a.m. on May 9, the PIB fact-checked seven videos, compiling a list of each along with corresponding links. Among these was an old video falsely shared as footage of a missile attack by Pakistan on India, which was in fact from the 2020 Beirut explosion. In another instance, a video purporting the destruction of an Indian Army post by Pakistani forces was proven to be fabricated. The PIB clarified that no such unit as the 20 Raj Battalion, mentioned in the video, exists within the Indian Army. The PIB further highlighted a coordinated disinformation campaign allegedly originating from several social media accounts and mainstream media outlets in Pakistan, aimed at inciting fear among Indian citizens. Other misinformation exposed by the Fact Check Unit includes: A 2021 video of an oil tanker explosion falsely portrayed as an attack on Gujarats Hazira Port. A fake letter attributed to a fictitious Chief of Army Staff, Gen V K Narayan. A viral video claiming the Indian military launched strikes from its Ambala airbase, which was debunked with reference to an official Ministry of Defence statement. (With inputs from PTI) Akhilesh Yadav urges calm, cautions against fake news amid India-Pakistan tension

Drones, blackouts, and sirens: People spend anxious night in border Punjab districts

Residents across border districts in Punjab including Amritsar, Pathankot, and Ferozepur, spent a tense night on Thursday as authorities enforced a complete blackout in response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Blackouts were also imposed in Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and other regions, with power supply cut off in Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana for about two hours until midnight. The precautionary measures followed a fresh wave of attempted attacks by Pakistan on Thursday night. According to the Ministry of Defence, Pakistan launched a coordinated offensive using drones and missiles to target military sites in multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. The Indian armed forces swiftly intercepted the threats, successfully thwarting the strikes. The targeted locations included 15 cities across northern and western India, among them Srinagar, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. These attempted strikes came just a day after the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor , a series of precision missile attacks on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. In Pathankot, some residents reported hearing explosion-like sounds on Thursday night, although no official confirmation was issued. Air raid sirens were activated around 8:30 p.m., and a complete blackout was enforced. By Friday morning, however, the situation remained calm. Similar scenes played out in other border districts like Amritsar and Ferozepur, where residents expressed initial anxiety but praised the armed forces for their quick and effective response. In Chandigarh, despite the blackout and tense atmosphere, daily life began returning to normal on Friday. Baldev Chand, an elderly local resident, resumed his morning walk, saying, There were some anxious moments last night, but the way our forces handled the situation makes us feel secure. Authorities across Punjab urged residents to stay indoors, switch off lights, and follow blackout protocols. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal emphasized the importance of remaining calm and vigilant. In addition to the blackout in major cities, power cuts were enforced in Rupnagar, Fazilka, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, and Panchkula in Haryana as precautionary steps to ensure public safety. In light of the heightened security situation, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions for the next three days. Chandigarh authorities have also shut all schools until Saturday. (With input from PTI) Tensions soar in Jammu & Kashmir after Pak's failed drone attack, heavy shelling: Woman killed

Govt debunks claims of suicide attack on Army brigade in Rajouri, other disinformation

The government has debunked several false claims circulating on social media, including a supposed suicide attack on an Army brigade in Rajouri and a drone attack in Jalandhar. The PIB's Fact Check Unit revealed these videos and letters to be fabricated, part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at instilling fear.

Anxious night in Punjab amid India-Pakistan tensions, blackout in several places

Chandigarh: People in several districts of Punjab, including the key border areas of Amritsar, Pathankot and Ferozepur, spent an anxious night as authorities enforced a complete blackout amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan. Blackouts were also enforced in districts such as Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur. Power snapped in Chandigarh The authorities also snapped power Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PIB Fact-Checks Jalandhar Drone Strike Video, Pakistan's 'Missile Attack On India' & Strike On Hazira Port Clips

PIB urged citizens to exercise caution and rely only on official sources for accurate information.

Punjab orders closure of all schools, colleges for next three days amid rising border tensions

CHANDIGARH: Punjab government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions for the next three days in view of the escalating tensions at India-Pakistan border. In the Union Territory of Chandigarh, which is the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, authorities declared closure of all schools till Saturday. In a post on X, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, In view of the evolving situation, it is hereby ordered that all schools, colleges and universities -- government, private and aided -- across entire Punjab shall remain completely closed for the next three days. In Haryana, all educational institutions in Panchkula will remain closed on Friday and Saturday, officials said. Meanwhile, Panjab University in Chandigarh has postponed exams scheduled for May 9, 10 and 12. The new dates will be announced later, the university said in a statement. Punjab is in alert mode with schools in border districts closed and leaves of all police personnel cancelled, officials said a day after India struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. A blackout was enforced in several cities including Pathankot, Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur and Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Blackouts in Punjab, Rajasthan on 'red alert' amid Pakistani drone attack; hospitals on alert, shelters set up

All drones neutralised in Jalandhar as Pakistan attacks Indian city

All drones neutralised in Jalandhar as Pakistan attacks Indian city

Blackout In Chandigarh Till Further Orders After Desperate Pakistan Attacks India

A blackout was also enforced in several districts of Punjab including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Mohali

Blackouts in Punjab, Rajasthan on 'red alert' amid Pakistani drone attack; hospitals on alert, shelters set up

CHANDIGARH: A blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh, on Thursday evening, officials said. The move comes amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan. In Pathankot district, some locals claimed they heard an explosion-like sound. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard. Air raid warning sirens have been activated in Pathankot where the blackout was enforced around 8.30 pm. Authorities have appealed to people to keep their lights switched off and stay at home. However, the district authorities said there was no need to panic. The deputy commissioners of six border districts Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Pathankot had earlier ordered a complete ban on the use of fireworks in their respective jurisdictions. Tensions escalated after Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam . #WATCH | A complete blackout has been enforced in Amritsar in Punjab (Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/go2rsovpTr ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025 India thwarts Pakistani attack on Jammu and surrounding areas, no casualties reported Rajasthan on red alert The administrations of Rajasthan's border districts have sounded a red alert with a blackout in several cities, in view of the rising tensions along the Line of Control. In Sriganganagar, police have asked the citizens to remain inside their homes and switch off lights. There is a red alert. Everybody stay in their homes and turn off all lights, Sriganganagar Police said on microblogging site X. In a statement, District Collector Dr Manju too appealed people to switch off lights run with inverters and generators. In Barmer, siren sounded for the fifth time in the day -- at the railway station, main market and district collectorate. Sirens sounded in Jaisalmer city as well. People switched off lights as the city echoed with explosion sounds, which were possibly drone attacks by Pakistan in Jaisalmer-Pokhran, according to sources. Bikaner witnessed a complete blackout, which is set to continue until further orders. District Magistrate Namrata Vrishni issued orders for blackout in Bikaner tehsil as well. In Jodhpur too, the blackout is implemented with immediate effect on the instructions of the district collector. All citizens are requested to immediately switch off all types of light sources and ensure complete compliance with the instructions, Jodhpur District Magistrate Gaurav Agarwal said. Amid recent developments, the Phalodi administration has announced several measures to meet any emergency amid the possibilities of a cross-border strike at a local airbase. All hospitals have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power, and ensure ample provisions of water, and fuel. Shops and hotels have been ordered to shut by 10 pm. District Collector Harji Lal Atal has urged the general public to support the government orders. Leaves of all government employees have been cancelled, and they have been called back to duty. According to Atal, orders have been made to reserve around 450 beds across 26 hospitals in the district. Also, provisions have been made to secure sufficient blood stock in the district hospital's blood bank, keep the ICUs ready, ensure ambulance and oxygen cylinder readiness, and cancel all staff leave with instructions to remain stationed at the district headquarters. Hospitals have also been instructed to keep generators ready for power backup, he said. Emergency shelters have been set up in around 25 buildings in Phalodi and Bap, and several buildings on the IGNP premises.

Blackouts in Punjab, Rajasthan on 'red alert' Pakistani drone attack; hospitals on alert, shelters set up

CHANDIGARH: A blackout was enforced in several districts including Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Mohali in Punjab and Union Territory of Chandigarh, on Thursday evening, officials said. The move comes amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan. In Pathankot district, some locals claimed they heard an explosion-like sound. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard. Air raid warning sirens have been activated in Pathankot where the blackout was enforced around 8.30 pm. Authorities have appealed to people to keep their lights switched off and stay at home. However, the district authorities said there was no need to panic. The deputy commissioners of six border districts Amritsar, Taran Taran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Pathankot had earlier ordered a complete ban on the use of fireworks in their respective jurisdictions. Tensions escalated after Indian armed forces early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke, in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam . #WATCH | A complete blackout has been enforced in Amritsar in Punjab (Visuals deferred by an unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/go2rsovpTr ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025 India hits Lahore after thwarted attack on Jammu Rajasthan on red alert The administrations of Rajasthan's border districts have sounded a red alert with a blackout in several cities, in view of the rising tensions along the Line of Control. In Sriganganagar, police have asked the citizens to remain inside their homes and switch off lights. There is a red alert. Everybody stay in their homes and turn off all lights, Sriganganagar Police said on microblogging site X. In a statement, District Collector Dr Manju too appealed people to switch off lights run with inverters and generators. In Barmer, siren sounded for the fifth time in the day -- at the railway station, main market and district collectorate. Sirens sounded in Jaisalmer city as well. People switched off lights as the city echoed with explosion sounds, which were possibly drone attacks by Pakistan in Jaisalmer-Pokhran, according to sources. Bikaner witnessed a complete blackout, which is set to continue until further orders. District Magistrate Namrata Vrishni issued orders for blackout in Bikaner tehsil as well. In Jodhpur too, the blackout is implemented with immediate effect on the instructions of the district collector. All citizens are requested to immediately switch off all types of light sources and ensure complete compliance with the instructions, Jodhpur District Magistrate Gaurav Agarwal said. Amid recent developments, the Phalodi administration has announced several measures to meet any emergency amid the possibilities of a cross-border strike at a local airbase. All hospitals have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power, and ensure ample provisions of water, and fuel. Shops and hotels have been ordered to shut by 10 pm. District Collector Harji Lal Atal has urged the general public to support the government orders. Leaves of all government employees have been cancelled, and they have been called back to duty. According to Atal, orders have been made to reserve around 450 beds across 26 hospitals in the district. Also, provisions have been made to secure sufficient blood stock in the district hospital's blood bank, keep the ICUs ready, ensure ambulance and oxygen cylinder readiness, and cancel all staff leave with instructions to remain stationed at the district headquarters. Hospitals have also been instructed to keep generators ready for power backup, he said. Emergency shelters have been set up in around 25 buildings in Phalodi and Bap, and several buildings on the IGNP premises.

India-Pakistan war: Drone attack in Jalandhar foiled

India has successfully foiled a Pakistani drone attack directed at Jalandhar, Punjab.

India hits Lahore after Jammu comes under attack

India has hit Lahore a little while after a thwarted, targeted attack on Jammu airport. The attacks were carried out using drones, reports said. The Jammu airport also houses an Indian Air Force station. Jammu reportedly under drone and missile attack from Pakistan. Several explosions heard, blackout in entire Jammu City. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard Fayaz Wani (@iamfayazwani) May 8, 2025 The Press Trust of India reported that sounds resembling blasts triggered panic in Jammu. Security forces are said to have detected and neutralised Pakistani drones near the airport that is heavily guarded, officials said. As soon as the two explosions went off, electricity was cut and the city plunged into darkness. Officials in Jammu said countermeasures have been employed and the Pakistani drones were downed by the Indian anti-drone system. One eyewitness reported seeing a drone dropping outside the Jammu airport. Deeply disturbing reports are emerging from Jammu, where air strikes have reportedly hit certain areas. My heart goes out to the people of Jammu especially those living along the borders who are once again caught in the terrifying uncertainty of conflict. In this critical Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 8, 2025 Pakistan troops have also resorted to increased shelling along the Line of Control in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, it was reported. The Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district and Boniyar sector of Baramulla came under Pakistan fire. Jammu is under attack. Ive said it before, and Im saying it again today. This time under fire. Pakistan will be divided into four parts. Jai Hind. pic.twitter.com/v6PS93erDA Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) May 8, 2025 There was also a loud sound, likely of shelling, in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. Blackouts are on in Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Sriganganagar. The developments after India thwarted Pakistans overnight attempt to strike multiple military targets in northern and western India with drones and missiles. A key air defence system in Lahore was also destroyed, India's Defence Ministry said. This was in response to Pakistan's missile strikes. The Pakistani military had attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said.

Jammu comes under attack, city plunges into darkness

There is a complete blackout in Jammu with news also of a targeted attack on the airport there. The Jammu airport also houses an Indian Air Force station. Jammu reportedly under drone and missile attack from Pakistan. Several explosions heard, blackout in entire Jammu City. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard Fayaz Wani (@iamfayazwani) May 8, 2025 The Press Trust of India reported that sounds resembling blasts triggered panic in Jammu. Security forces are said to have detected and neutralised Pakistani drones near the airport that is heavily guarded, officials said. As soon as the two explosions went off, electricity was cut and the city plunged into darkness. Officials in Jammu said countermeasures have been employed and the Pakistani drones were downed by the Indian anti-drone system. One eyewitness reported seeing a drone dropping outside the Jammu airport. Pakistan troops have also resorted to increased shelling along the Line of Control in Kupwara and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, it was reported. The Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district and Boniyar sector of Baramulla came under Pakistan fire. The developments come on a day when India thwarted Pakistans overnight attempt to strike multiple military targets in northern and western India with drones and missiles. A key air defence system in Lahore was also destroyed, India's Defence Ministry said. This was in response to Pakistan's missile strikes. The Pakistani military had attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said.

Indian Military Destroys Pakistani Air Defence System In Lahore; Foils Pak Attempts To Target 15 Places In India

New Delhi, May 8: India on Thursday said it foiled Pakistan militarys attempts to attack 15 places in Northern and Western India using missiles and drones, and destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore as tensions between the two sides mounted amid fears of a wider conflict. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News The defence ministry said the Pakistani military attempted last night to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, [] The post Indian Military Destroys Pakistani Air Defence System In Lahore; Foils Pak Attempts To Target 15 Places In India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

India thwarts Paks missile strikes, neutralizes air defence system in Lahore

New Delhi, May 8: After India executed Operation Sindoor in which nine terror sites deep inside Pakistan were destroyed, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets on the night of May 7. The military targets were engaged in Northern and Western India, including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, [] The post India thwarts Paks missile strikes, neutralizes air defence system in Lahore appeared first on Northlines .

India Foils Pakistan Militarys Attempts To Engage Targets In North, West India

New Delhi, May 8: Indian Armed forces foiled attempts by the Pakistani military to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India using drones and missiles last night and destroyed a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore, officials said on Thursday. Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News The Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said. [] The post India Foils Pakistan Militarys Attempts To Engage Targets In North, West India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Operation Sindoor executed with 'unimaginable precision,' says Rajnath Singh, congratulates Army

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday congratulated the armed forces for their courage and bravery in executing the 'Operation Sindoor.' I congratulate the armed forces for the action they took yesterday and the courage and bravery they showed. Terror camps in Pakistan and PoK have been neutralised, it is a matter of pride for us... Singh said. He also stated that the precision with which the operation was executed was unimaginable. The precision with which Operation Sindoor was executed is unimaginable, very praiseworthy. Nine terrorist camps were destroyed in it and a large number of terrorists were killed. This operation was carried out without harming any innocent and with minimum collateral damage... he said. The Defence Ministry in a statement earlier today informed that the Indian armed forces had thwarted Pakistans overnight attempt to strike multiple military targets in northern and western India with drones and missiles, and destroyed a key air defence system in Lahore. The Defence Ministry said Indian forces responded to Pakistans missile strikes by targeting and destroying several of its air defence radars and systems across multiple locations. Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised, the ministry said in a statement. The Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (Grid and Air Defence systems), the defence ministry said. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks, it said. The escalation comes a day after India's armed forces on Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir , including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke. The attack killed 100 terrorists , according to the government. Meanwhile, the MoD also stated that Pakistan has increased the intensity of unprovoked firing along the LoC using mortars and heavy-calibre artillery in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri areas. Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt, the ministry said. The ministry also reiterated that the Indian Army stays committed to non-escalation with Pakistan provided it is respected by the Pakistani military. Earlier on Wedneday, the Centre had described Operation Sindoor as focused, measured and non-escalatory. It had specifically mentioned that Pakistani military establishments had not been targeted. It had reiterated that any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response Any military strike on India will be met with 'very firm' response, says EAM Jaishankar Meanhwile, the Pakistani military on Thursday claimed that it had shot down several Israeli-made attack drones launched by India, overnight and into Thursday afternoon. According to army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, India fired several Israeli-made Harop drones at Pakistan, killing one civilian and wounding five people, including a civilian and four soldiers. Pakistani forces shot down 25 drones, Sharif said. A civilian was killed and another wounded when debris from a downed drone fell in Sindh province. One drone damaged a military site near the city of Lahore and wounded four soldiers, and another fell in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the capital, according to Sharif. The armed forces are neutralizing them as we speak, Sharif said on the state-run Pakistan Television early Thursday afternoon. In Lahore, local police official Mohammad Rizwan said a drone was downed near Walton Airport, an airfield in a residential area about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the border with India that also contains military installations. Local media reported that two additional drones were shot down in other cities of Punjab province, of which Lahore is the capital. In Punjab's Chakwal district, a drone crashed into farmland. Authorities have secured the wreckage and are investigating the drones origin and purpose. (With additional inputs from PTI and AP) Operation Sindoor: Delivering a broad impact within a narrow scope

India thwarts Pakistan missile strikes, neutralises air defence system in Lahore

Indian armed forces on Thursday thwarted Pakistans overnight attempt to strike multiple military targets in northern and western India with drones and missiles, and destroyed a key air defence system in Lahore. The Defence Ministry said Indian forces responded to Pakistans missile strikes by targeting and destroying several of its air defence radars and systems across multiple locations. Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised, the ministry said in a statement. The Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, they said. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (Grid and Air Defence systems), the defence ministry said. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks, it said. The escalation comes a day after India's armed forces carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir , including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke. The attack killed 100 terrorists , according to the government. Meanwhile, the MoD also stated that Pakistan has increased the intensity of unprovoked firing along the LoC using mortars and heavy-calibre artillery in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri areas. Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing. Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt, the ministry said. The ministry also reiterated that the Indian Army stays committed to non-escalation with Pakistan provided it is respected by the Pakistani military. Earlier on Wedneday, the Centre had described Operation Sindoor as focused, measured and non-escalatory. It had specifically mentioned that Pakistani military establishments had not been targeted. It had reiterated that any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response Any military strike on India will be met with 'very firm' response, says EAM Jaishankar Meanhwile, the Pakistani military on Thursday claimed that it had shot down several Israeli-made attack drones launched by India, overnight and into Thursday afternoon. According to army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, India fired several Israeli-made Harop drones at Pakistan, killing one civilian and wounding five people, including a civilian and four soldiers. Pakistani forces shot down 25 drones, Sharif said. A civilian was killed and another wounded when debris from a downed drone fell in Sindh province. One drone damaged a military site near the city of Lahore and wounded four soldiers, and another fell in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the capital, according to Sharif. The armed forces are neutralizing them as we speak, Sharif said on the state-run Pakistan Television early Thursday afternoon. In Lahore, local police official Mohammad Rizwan said a drone was downed near Walton Airport, an airfield in a residential area about 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the border with India that also contains military installations. Local media reported that two additional drones were shot down in other cities of Punjab province, of which Lahore is the capital. In Punjab's Chakwal district, a drone crashed into farmland. Authorities have secured the wreckage and are investigating the drones origin and purpose. (With additional inputs from PTI and AP) Operation Sindoor: Delivering a broad impact within a narrow scope

IEDs, RPGs and grenades recovered in SBS Nagar district in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: In a major blow to Pakistans ISI-backed cross-border terror networks, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar of Punjab Police, in a joint operation with a central agency, recovered a large cache of terror hardware. The cache was recovered during an intelligence-led operation carried out at a secluded forested area near Tibba Nangal-Kular Road in the SBS Nagar district of the State. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said that the recovered terror hardware includes two Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), five P-86 Hand Grenades and one wireless communication set with accessories. Yadav said that the preliminary investigation has revealed that the recovered consignment was deliberately concealed by hostile operatives as part of a premeditated plan to disrupt public order in the state. Probe has also indicated a coordinated effort by Pakistans ISI and allied terror outfits, to revive dormant sleeper cells in the State, he said. Yadav said that these recoveries are part of Punjab Polices sustained crackdown on terror modules sponsored by Pakistans ISI, We remain firmly committed to neutralising these threats and safeguarding the States peace and security, he added. The development came close on the heels of SSOC Amritsar recovering a consignment comprising IEDs, hand grenades, sophisticated weapons, and ammunition from an area near the Indo-Pak border in the Ajnala Sector. Similarly, three weeks back, Counter-Intelligence (Jalandhar) had also busted a terror module with the arrest of four individuals after recovering one RPG, two IEDs, 2kg of RDX, one remote control, two hand grenades with detonators, three pistols along with six magazines and 34 cartridges. Sharing more details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that an FIR under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) Amritsar. Further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for concealing the recovered explosive material, he said. A case has been registered under sections 25 of the Arms Act, Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act and sections 111 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar.

Punjab all set for mock drills in 20 towns as nation ramps up defence preparedness

CHANDIGARH: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, civil defence mock drills will be held at 20 places in Punjab, besides several locations in Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh on Wednesday, as per instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). In Punjab, the mock drills will be held in Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Batala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Adampur, Halwara, Patiala, Pathankot, Barnala, Mohali, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Rupnagar, Bhakra Nangal, Sangrur and Abohar. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The civil defence teams and Punjab Police, along with the Home Ministry, will conduct mock drills tomorrow, adding that the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is closely monitoring the exercise to ensure the safety of citizens. Preparations are almost complete for conducting the mock drills. The objective of the drills is to create awareness among the public and take necessary precautions in the event of any attack, he added. Cheema said the directions of the Home Ministry will be followed during the mock drills. Sources said that public announcements will be made before the drills. As per the guidelines issued by MHA, the drills will include activation of air raid warning sirens, training of civilians, students and others in civil defence procedures to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, implementation of crash blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations, updating and rehearsing of evacuation plans. The ministry had asked several states to conduct mock drills on May 7 for effective civil defence. In the meeting today, the issue of sirens was raised as for many years these have not been tested thus many might be dysfunctional for that we need to first check the working of all the civil and defence siren systems and these will be tested. Thus people should not panic, said a senior functionary who took part in the meeting. MHA conducts key review meeting ahead of massive civil defence mock drill, identifies 19 'top priority' sites Meanwhile, Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma said as part of the mock drill preparations, six civil defence sirens will be sounded in the city and the Ferozepur Cantonment area from 7 to 7.15 pm on Tuesday. These sirens will be sounded for the preparation of the May 7 mock drill, she said, adding that there was no need to worry. A senior police official in Ferozepur said a blackout rehearsal will be carried out from 9 to 9.30 pm on Wednesday and police patrolling teams will be deployed. In Haryana too, mock drills will be conducted at many places, including Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Panchkula, Panipat and Rohtak. In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and administrators of Union Territories, the MHA stated that the measures to be taken during the mock drills include the operationalisation of air-raid warning sirens, training civilians on civil-defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack and cleaning bunkers and trenches. The other measures are provisions for crash-blackout measures, early camouflaging of vital plants and installations and updating and rehearsing evacuation plans. The mock drills also include the operationalisation of hotline and radio-communication links with the Indian Air Force (IAF), testing the functionality of control rooms and shadow control rooms. It said the active participation of the district controllers, various district authorities, civil-defence wardens, volunteers, home guards (active and reservists volunteers), National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), college and school students is envisaged in the exercise. Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill

Chandigarh Diary | Channi missing no more! MP puts rumours to rest

It has been around 10 months since Charanjit Singh Channi got elected as a Member of Parliament from Jalandhar. But it seems like he cant catch a break. Posters declaring the former Punjab Chief Minister missing were plastered across the city by his political detractors recently. BJP Punjabs Yuva Morcha put up such posters in localities up and down the Jalandhar Cantt Assembly segment. The controversy blew up further as former MP and saffron party leader Sushil Kumar Rinku shared similar posters on social media. Channi shrugged off the criticism, quipping, I hope that engaging in such activities helps BJP leaders get some publicity. Wow! Punjab government employees available on phone 24x7 Do you feel bugged if you get a work-related call beyond the office hours? If yes, count yourself lucky in case you dont work for the Punjab government. The state has ordered its employees to remain available on their mobile phones at all times, including on public holidays. They have been forbidden from switching off their phones. Sources say it was the Personnel Department that issued these instructions. Besides, administrative secretaries of the departments concerned have been asked to ensure compliance with the directions. The urgency of certain administrative tasks has been cited as the reason behind the move. The revolving door of Punjabs Vigilance Bureau The recent suspension of Punjab Vigilance Bureau Chief Director SPS Parmar a 1997 batch IPS officer by the AAP-led Punjab government has raised eyebrows. After all, it is the third time in just three months that the vigilance bureau chief in the state has been shown the door. Parmar had taken over from G Nageshwar Rao, an IPS officer of the 1996 batch, who was given his marching orders in just a month after assuming charge. Before that, in February, Varinder Kumar who belonged to the 1993 batch of IPS was transferred. Kumar, who was appointed as the VB chief in May 2022, is yet to get any posting, though he is set to retire on July 31. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

Terror attack aftermath: 4,000 tourists take train route to exit J&K

NEW DELHI: The non-availability of flights to their respective cities forced many tourists to opt for the train route in their mad rush to exit Jammu & Kashmir at the earliest following the terror attack at Pahalgam. In just two days, nearly 4,000 tourists chugged out of the state. Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, Himanshu S Upadhyay told TNIE, Apart from operating two special trains, Northern Railway attached additional bogies to regular trains to accommodate them. We also opened food stalls 24x7 at railway stations in Kashmir to facilitate a smooth route out for the tourists. Passengers managed to reach Shri Vaishnavo Devi Katra or Jammu railway stations by buses and taxis. We operated two specials from Katra via Jammu to New Delhi. Each of these trains carried at least 1,500 passengers, he said, adding, The first special train (Train no. 04612) was operated on April 23 while the second special train (Train no. 04625) was operated on April 24. The trains had stoppages at Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ambala, Kurukshetra and Panipat. Pahalgam aftermath: India ramps up diplomatic outreach as world leaders continue to dial PM Modi In addition to that, extra bogies were attached to a few regular trains that left the state including Shalimar Malani (Train no. 14662) and Kolkata Express (Train no. 13152). We also gave priority to the tourists and accommodated them on trains on which people did not board at the last minute, Upadhyay said. The rush had eased by Friday and hence there was no need for any special train to be operated on April 25, he added. Food stalls were opened 24x7 at the stations. A 'mini war room' managed by railway staff was set up at Jammu to co-ordinate between all the departments and to handle the situation efficiently, the CPRO said. Help desks were opened at all the stations in J&K to offer any required support to the visitors.

Railways to run second special train from Jammu's Katra to Delhi on April 24

It will start from Shri Vaishno Devi Katra, and halt at several stations such as Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Ambala, Kurukshetra and Panipat before terminating at the New Delhi Railway Station

Punjab police bust two BKI terror modules; 13 arrested

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police on Saturday arrested 13 alleged accused including one minor in two intelligence-led operations and thus busted two ISI-backed Khalistani terror modules that were being run by a proscribed terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Police also seized two rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), two IEDs (2.5 kg each) two hand grenades and two kilogram RDX, five pistols, six magazines, 44 live cartridges, one wireless and three vehicles. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said here today, The terror modules, sponsored by the Pak-based ISI, were being controlled by BKI, with two key operational nodesFrance-based Satnam Singh alias Satta and Greece-based Jaswinder Singh alias Mannu Agwan. Their role was earlier also figured in various operations, with accused Satnams role came into notice in 2010 in IED and RDX recovery case. He said that apart from recovering two RPGs including one launcher, police teams have also recovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) each weighing 2.5 kg, two hand grenades with detonator, 2 kg of RDX along with remote control device, five pistols including Beretta and Glock along with six magazines and 44 cartridges and one wireless communication set, besides impounding their three vehicles. Yadav said that with busting of these modules, Punjab Police has foiled the Pak-ISI masterminded conspiracy to disturb peace and harmony in the border state. Sharing operation details of the first module, Assistant Inspector of Police (CI Jalandhar) Navjot Singh Mahal said that in an intel-based operation, police teams have arrested Jagroop Singh of Basti Amritsarian in Hoshiarpur, Jatinder Singh alias Honey of Daburji in Kapurthala and Harpreet Singh of Dharamkot Hoshiarpur and recovered arms and explosives from their possession. He said that preliminary investigations revealed that these accused were working on the instructions of France-based Satnam Satta. Further investigations are being conducted to unearth this entire network and efforts are being made to discover the previous crimes committed by the accused, he added. Sharing operation details of second module, Senior Superintendent of Police (Batala) Suhail Qasim Mir said that in a week-long intelligence led operation, police teams have arrested nine persons including a 17-year-old juvenile. The other eight arrested persons have been identified as Pawanpreet Singh, Balbir Kumar alias Varun, Gomji alias Gotta, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi, Ajaypal Singh, Rahul alias Bhaia and Johanson, all residents of Batala and Jatinder, a resident of Kapurthala. He said that inquiry is ongoing on various leads and more arrests are expected in coming days. In this regard, two separate FIRs have been registered under the relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act at Police Stations SSOC Amritsar and Batala, respectively.

FIR against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda for 'hurting sentiments' of Christians in 'Jaat'

JALANDAR: An FIR has been lodged against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda and three others following a complaint that a scene in the movie 'Jaat' has hurt sentiments of the Christian community, police said on Friday. The complaint filed by a Christian community leader has alleged the movie, which was released on April 10, contains scenes that disrespect Jesus Christ and Christian religious practices, they said. Viklav Gold, the complainant, has also questioned the timing of the film's release around Good Friday which is being observed April 18 this year. Sanjeev Kumar, SHO of Jalandhar Cantt police station where the FIR was lodged on Wednesday evening, said actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda and Vineet Kumar, director Gopichand and producer Naveen have been named in the case. The FIR was registered under Section 299 (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the BNS, the SHO said.

FIR lodged against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda for hurting sentiments of Christians in Jaat

Jalandhar, Apr 18: An FIR has been lodged against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda and three others following a complaint that a scene in the movie Jaat has hurt sentiments of the Christian community, police said on Friday. The complaint filed by a Christian community leader has alleged the movie, which was released on April 10, contains scenes that disrespect Jesus Christ and Christian religious practices, they said. Viklav Gold, the complainant, has also questioned the timing of the films [] The post FIR lodged against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda for hurting sentiments of Christians in Jaat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

FIR against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, director Gopichand Malineni over Jaat

Mumbai: A case has been registered against Bollywood stars Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh and director Gopichand Malineni over hurting religious sentiments with a scene involving Lord Jesus Christ in their latest film Jaat. The case has been registered at Jalandhars Sadar Police station. It has been filed under Section 299 of the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda booked over 'Jaat' movie scene that allegedly hurt Christian sentiments

Bollywood actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, and Vineet Kumar Singh are facing legal trouble after a complaint was filed against their film 'Jaat'. The Jalandhar Police registered a case alleging a scene in the film hurt religious sentiments of the Christian community.

Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda booked for allegedly hurting religious sentiments in film 'Jaat'

Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Randeep Hooda, along with director Gopichand Malineni and producer Naveen Yerneni, face legal trouble. A case has been registered against them at Jalandhar's Sadar police station. The charges stem from their film 'Jaat,' accused of hurting religious sentiments.

Army jawan arrested by Punjab cops for training man who lobbed grenade at YouTuber's residence

CHANDIGARH: An Army jawan has been arrested by the Punjab Police for allegedly providing online training to the accused who lobbed a hand grenade at the residence of a Jalandhar-based YouTuber last month. He has been sent to five-day police remand by a local court. Sources said the jawan Sukhcharan Singh, 30, who hails from Muktsar had joined the Army in 2015 and was presently deployed with the 3rd Sikh Light Infantry in Jammu & Kashmir. Senior Superintendent of Police (Jalandhar Rural) Harvinder Singh Virk said that the name of Sukhcharan surfaced during the interrogation of the main accused, Hardik Kamboj, who hurled the grenade at YouTuber Rozer Sandhus residence. Both Sukhcharan and Hardik had come in touch with each other through social media. Hardik revealed that Sukhcharan had provided training on removing the grenade pin via video calls. The army has been apprised about the jawans role in the matter, as per the procedure, he said. Virk said that nine persons have been arrested in the case so far. No casualties or damage to property were reported in the incident as the grenade did not explode. On the intervening night of March 15 and 16, a hand grenade was hurled at the residence of Sandhu. Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti had claimed responsibility for the attack at the residence of the YouTuber for allegedly using derogatory language against Muslims. Bhatti had shared a video on his Instagram profile in which Kamboj was purportedly being trained to remove the pin from the grenade at the crime spot itself. But as Kamboj haphazardly hurled the grenade without removing the pin, it failed to detonate. Kamboj was arrested in Yamunanagar. He was injured in police firing after he allegedly opened fire towards cops when taken for weapon recovery on March 18. A case was registered against 18 persons under Section 109 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3,4, 5 of the Explosives Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the Maqsudan police station.

Grenade Attack On Jalandhar YouTubers Home: Army Jawan Arrested For Training Accused

Army jawan Sukhcharan Singh has been arrested for allegedly providing online training to the accused on throwing hand grenade

Army jawan held in connection with grenade attackat YouTubers house in Jalandhar

Army jawan Sukhcharan Singh, who was posted in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested for allegedly providing an online training to an accused for throwing a hand grenade.

Grenade Hurling At Punjab Youtubers Home: Army Jawan Held Training Accused

CHANDIGARH, Apr 17: An Army jawan has been arrested in connection with the grenade hurling incident at the residence of a Jalandhar-based YouTuber last month, Punjab Police said on Thursday. Army jawan Sukhcharan Singh, who was posted in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested for allegedly providing an online training to an accused for throwing a hand grenade, they said. A hand grenade was hurled at the residence of YouTuber Rozer Sandhu on the intervening night of March 15 and [] The post Grenade Hurling At Punjab Youtubers Home: Army Jawan Held Training Accused appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

ED raids AAP MLA Kulwant Singhs premises in Rs 48,000 crore PACL scam probe

CHANDIGARH: Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials began searching the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and owner of Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL) Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh on Tuesday. The searches spanned more than 15 locations, including his residential premises, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation. The searches are related to the Pearl Agro Corporation Limited (PACL) case pertaining to investor fraud involving an amount of Rs 48,000 crore. The directors of PACL had allegedly siphoned off investors funds by transferring them to shell companies in multiple locations. Sources said that the teams from the Delhi unit of ED, accompanied by the Punjab Police, reached the residence of Singh, who is reportedly the richest MLA of the state, in Mohali and started the search. Singh is not home at present, but his family members are being questioned by the agency. Also, sleuths of the agency are conducting searches at 15 other locations across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi. These funds were then withdrawn in cash and handed over to key PACL associates before being transferred to companies outside India through hawala for purchasing properties, said sources. An FIR has also been registered against associates of the late Nirmal Singh Bhangoo for illegally disposing of the properties of PACL and associate entities. Last year, Singh was questioned by the Jalandhar office of the ED in connection with a money laundering case related to alleged drug trafficking. In 2015, Singh, who reportedly has assets worth Rs 1,000 crore, for the first time became mayor of the Mohali Municipal Corporation with Congress support, and in 2017, he joined the Shiromani Akali Dal but was expelled for anti-party activities after he unsuccessfully contested the 2021 municipal elections as an independent. In December that year, he joined the AAP and was given a party ticket from Mohali, and he won the 2022 assembly elections and became a legislator.

Chandigarh Diary | Kangana being Kangana over Rs 1 lakh power bill

Bollywood actress and BJP MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut raised eyebrows recently by claiming that she had received an electricity bill of around a mind-boggling Rs 1 lakh for a single month for her unoccupied house in Manali. It is a miserable situation. I feel ashamed as to what is happening, she had said while hitting out at the Himachal Pradesh government. State Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, however, dismissed it as a case of Kangana being Kangana. He noted that the actor is known for making sensational remarks. He further remarked that Kangana, being more of an artiste than a politician, likes being dramatic on stage. BJP leaders bat for Waqf as protests continue As members of Muslim organisations and Opposition leaders across the country are up in arms over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, BJP leaders are trying hard to allay the apprehensions of the minority community about the new legislation. Union Minister of Power and Urban Development and former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar recently met with members of the Muslim community in Karnal and assured them that the amendment would ensure greater transparency and reduce land-related disputes. Khattar also said that thanks to the law, people will have the right to appeal Waqf boards decisions in court, a welcome change. Mann and Hamdard bury the hatchet after two yrs The bitterness between Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and Barjinder Singh Hamdard, the managing editor of a leading Punjabi daily, appears to be fading away. It all started after the Mann government ordered a vigilance probe into the Jang-E-Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur, in which Hamdard had played a key role. The vigilance bureau named Hamdard in an FIR registered last May. Mann and Hamdard didnt see eye to eye after that for two years... until Friday, when the two came face to face at the last rites (antim ardas) of Resham Kaur, wife of former BJP MP Hans Raj Hans, at a gurdwara in Jalandhar. Mann and Hamdard hugged each other on the occasion. Harpreet Bajwa Our correspondent in Chandigarh hsbajwa73@gmail.com

Punjab LoP Bajwa skips summons issued by Punjab Police over 'grenade' remark, seeks time till April 15

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa did not appear before the cyber crime police station in Phase 7 of Mohali on April 14 over 'grenade' remark. He had sought time till April 15 to face 'questioning' after he was booked late evening on April 13 by the Punjab Police. He was issued 'summons' for claiming that 50 hand grenades entered the State, 18 were used in blasts, while 32 remained unaccounted for. The summons issued to Bajwa by Superintendent of Police (cyber crime cell) Harbir Singh Atwal read, In pursuance of Sub Section (3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, I hereby inform you that during the investigation of FIR No. 19 dated April 13, 2025 under Sections 353(2) and 197(1) of the BNS registered at Cyber Crime police station, Phase 7, SAS Nagar, it is revealed that there are 'reasonable' grounds to question you to ascertain facts and circumstances about the present investigation. Hence, you are directed to appear before me at the police station concerned on Monday at noon. However, Bajwa, through his counsel, expressed his inability to appear before the police in Mohali on April 14 at noon and sought time till 2 pm on April 15 to do so. His lawyer met police officials and assured them that his client would present himself for questioning on April 15. A case has been registered against Bajwa at Cyber Crime police station in Mohali under Sections 197(1)(d) (false and misleading information that endangers countrys sovereignty and unity) and 353(2) (false statements intend to create enmity and hatred or ill will) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In an interview to a private television channel, Bajwa had claimed, I have come to know that 50 bombs have reached Punjab. Of them, 18 have exploded, 32 are yet to go off. Bajwa made the statement following 16 grenade attack incidents that took place across the State since September last year, targeting police establishments, religious places, and residences. The latest attack was on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias house in Jalandhar on April 8. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called for a protest at the party office on April 15 to protest against the Aam Aadmi Party governments action against Bajwa. The Mann government is misusing the police to browbeat its rivals, he had said.

Big breakthrough for Punjab Police, main accused in grenade attack on BJP leaders house arrested

CHANDIGARH, Apr 13: In a major breakthrough, Jalandhar Commissionerate Police (CP), with the support of Central Agencies and Delhi Police, successfully arrested Uttar Pradesh-based Saidul Ameen, prime accused involved in the grenade attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalias residence, said DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav here. As per the information, an explosion occurred at the residence of senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia, located in Central Town Jalandhar, on the intervening night of April 7. Preliminary investigations had revealed a larger conspiracy [] The post Big breakthrough for Punjab Police, main accused in grenade attack on BJP leaders house arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jalandhar grenade blast: Prime accused Saidul Ameen held for targeting BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's house

Punjab Police arrested Saidul Ameen, the main suspect in the Jalandhar grenade attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence. The arrest occurred in Delhi with support from central agencies and Delhi Police. Two local associates were previously arrested for providing logistical support. Investigations are ongoing to find handlers, financial supporters, and any foreign links to the attack.

Prime accused in Jalandhar grenade blast case held from Delhi: Punjab Police

Further investigations are vigorously progressing to uncover handlers, financial backers and potential foreign connections linked to the attack, says Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav

Prime Accused Arrested In Jalandhar Grenade Attack On BJP Leader's Residence | English News

In a swift operation, Jalandhar police arrested Saeedul Ameen, the prime suspect in the grenade attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence. The arrest, made within 12 hours of the incident, marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into potential motives and connections. n18oc_indiaNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

BSF To Undertake Mega IED Detection Drive Along India-Pakistan Border In Punjab

New Delhi, Apr 10: The BSF will undertake an anti-IED sweep along hundreds of kilometres of the India-Pakistan border in Punjab following the first-time recovery of such bombs leading to one jawan being injured, official sources said on Thursday. The force also recently shifted the jurisdiction of about 20.3 kilometres from the total 553 kilometres under its Punjab frontier, headquartered in Jalandhar, to the neighbouring Jammu frontier for better security coordination in the riverine areas that run along Pathankot in [] The post BSF To Undertake Mega IED Detection Drive Along India-Pakistan Border In Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab Police Nabs Key Accused In Grenade Attack On BJP Leader's House In Jalandhar; ISI Link Suspected

Grenade hit on BJP neta's Punjab house; cops claim role of ISI, Bishnoi, nab 2

A grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence, the 22nd such incident in Punjab since September, has sparked investigations into potential ISI and Lawrence Bishnoi gang links. Two suspects are arrested for the attack, allegedly orchestrated by Zeeshan Akhtar and Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti. The incident led to the removal of Punjab's intelligence chief.

Blast at Punjab BJP leaders residence; Two arrested

Chandigarh: A blast took place at the residence of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Punjabs Jalandhar district, causing panic in the area. Police arrested two persons and said it was a conspiracy of Pakistans spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), to create communal tension in Punjab. A loud sound was heard at around 1 am at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Caught On CCTV: Late-Night Grenade Attack At BJP Leader's Punjab Home

Footage from CCTV cameras outside and inside the Jalandhar home of BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia captured how the accused in an e-rickshaw lobbed a grenade inside the former minister's residence and the massive blast it led to.

Pakistan's ISI And Babbar Khalsa International Behind Grenade Attack At BJP Leader's House In Jalandhar: Punjab Police

ISI, Lawrence Bishnoi involved in blast at BJP leader's Jalandhar home: Police

Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the blast at Punjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's Jalandhar residence. Police recovered the e-rickshaw used in the crime. According to authorities, the incident, which damaged Kalia's property, was a conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI, with possible links to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and the Babbar Khalsa International.

Two held in connection with blast at BJP leader's Jalandhar home; Police suspect 'major conspiracy' by ISI, Bishnoi gang

CHANDIGARH: Two persons have been arrested in connection with a blast at Punjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's residence in Jalandhar, a senior police officer said on Tuesday. He further said the e-rickshaw used in the crime has also been recovered. Addressing the media here, Special Director General of Police (law and order) Arpit Shukla said the crime was committed to disturb communal harmony. It was a major conspiracy of Pakistan's ISI. Zeeshan Akhtar, who is an associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and (Pakistani gangster) Shahzad Bhatti, they had hatched a conspiracy, said Shukla. He further said an investigation into the possible links of the Babbar Khalsa International is also underway, adding that Punjab Police was also in touch with the central agencies. A blast at Kalia's residence in Jalandhar early Tuesday damaged an aluminum partition, shattered glass windows of his home, his SUV and a motorcycle in the courtyard. No one was hurt, police said. Kalia, a former Cabinet minister and former president of Punjab BJP, was at home when the explosion took place. He is also a member of the BJP's national executive. There have been many incidents of explosions, targeting police posts in Amritsar and Gurdaspur in the past four to five months but this is the first such incident when the house of a prominent politician was targeted. Last month, a blast occurred outside a temple in Amritsar.

Punjab Blast Accused Arrested, Cops Find A Lawrence Bishnoi Link

The grenade attack at BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia's home in Punjab's Jalandhar was masterminded by Zeeshan Akhtar, a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and a wanted accused in the murder case of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, sources said