Punjab Police busts drug racket in Sangrur Jail; arrest DSP Gurpreet Singh, 18 others

CHANDIGARH: In a major crackdown, Punjab Police has busted a well-organised drug smuggling racket operating from Sangrur Jail and arrested the jails Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) for his alleged involvement. Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) Gurpreet Singh, who was posted at Sangrur Jail, for his alleged involvement in a drug smuggling racket operating from within the prison. Acting on credible intelligence, a raid inside Sangrur Jail led to the recovery of 12 mobile phones, four smartwatches, 50 grams of opium, 12 grams of heroin, and other contraband items. Preliminary investigation has also revealed the involvement of a Class-IV employee, identified as Parshant, who played a role in facilitating the smuggling activities, Yadav said. He added that further investigation, tracing both backward and forward linkages, resulted in the arrest of Amritsar-based drug smuggler Manpreet Singh, an associate of inmate Gurvinder Singh, currently lodged in Sangrur Jail. Police recovered 4 kg of heroin, Rs 5.5 lakh in drug money, and a 9mm Glock pistol with two live cartridges from Manpreets possession. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests and disclosures are expected, said DGP Gaurav Yadav, reaffirming that no individual, regardless of rank or position, will be spared if found involved in illegal activities. Sharing additional details, Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sartaj Singh Chahal said the preliminary probe has revealed that DSP Gurpreet Singh was actively involved in smuggling drugs and mobile phones into the jail. The investigation also found that the accused officer had received Rs 40,000 in cash from a relative of inmate Gurchet, and Rs 26,000 was transferred to his wifes account via UPI to facilitate the entry of 25 grams of heroin and two mobile phones into the prison premises. Of the 25 grams of heroin smuggled into Sangrur Jail, 12 grams were recovered from an inmate identified as Ravi, who was allegedly selling the drugs to other prisoners under the direction of inmate Gurchet, according to SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal. He said a total of 19 individuals have been arrested so far in connection with the racket. The accused include DSP Gurpreet Singh, jail employee Parshant, drug smuggler Manpreet Singh, inmate Gurchets mother Banto alias Banso, and 15 inmates identified as Gurvinder Singh, Lovejeet Singh, Sikander Singh, Pargat Singh, Sultan Singh, Aman Kumar, Ajay, Harpreet Singh of Ludhiana, Rishipal, Harpreet Singh of Dhuri, Munna, Gur Raj Singh, Raghvir Singh, Gurchet Singh, and Rajiv Kaushal alias Gaggu. Chahal said further investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in the case and to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network. He added that more arrests and recoveries are expected in the coming days. A case has been registered under Sections 18, 21, 29, and 27A of the NDPS Act, Section 52-A of the Prisons Act, and Section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station City-1, Sangrur. Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act has also been added to the case.

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

Amritsar hooch tragedy: 2 owners of chemical factory held in Ludhiana

In connection to the Amritsar spurious liquor tragedy, two owners of Sahib Chemical Factory in Ludhiana, Pankaj Kumar and Arvind Singh, have been arrested. According to Ludhiana police commissioner Swapan Sharma, the main accused, Sahib Singh, confessed to procuring approximately 20 liters of methanol from their factory to produce the illicit liquor.

Tata Steel shares rally over 3% on Rs 15,000 cr capital expenditure plan

Tata Steel announced a capital expenditure plan of Rs 15,000 crore for FY26, with 80% allocated to Indian operations. The investment will support projects in Kalinganagar, Ludhiana, and Port Talbot, UK. In Q4FY25, Tata Steel posted a 113% YoY rise in net profit to Rs 1,301 crore. The stock has gained over 12% in the past month.

Punjab Woman Injured During Pakistani Aerial Intrusion Dies

A 50-year-old woman who was injured when debris fell on her home during a Pakistani aerial intrusion in Punjab's Ferozepur last week died at a private hospital in Ludhiana on Tuesday, officials said.

Airlines asked to resume normal operations at 32 shut airports from May 15

NEW DELHI: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday night expressed optimism that airlines would resume their normal operations to the 32 closed airports from May 15. He released a statement to this effect after holding a review meeting with top officials and representatives of all airlines in New Delhi. The Minister said, With the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) ending on 15th May, I suggested that airlines resume their normal schedules from the 15th across all 32 airports for which the NOTAM was issued. All airlines responded positively to this suggestion. A Ministry source said, At present, partial operations are taking place. The full-fledged operations will resume from May 15. This was the outcome after the meeting held on Tuesday. The NOTAM to close 32 airports in the North and Western India upto May 15 (5.29 am) was issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on May 9 as a precautionary step after the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7 . A revised NOTAM by AAI said the airports would open for commercial operations from Monday (May 12) but leading airlines like Indigo and Air India had publicly stated they would not operate flights to specific airports on Monday and Tuesday (May 13). This was on account of unconfirmed reports of drone attacks by Pakistan at a few cities. Indigo operated a flight from Delhi to Amritsar but it had to turn back due to a sudden blackout imposed in Amritsar. Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; } h2 { color: #d32f2f; /* A bold red color */ text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 12px 15px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #c62828; /* A deep red */ color: white; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #f2f2f2; } tr:nth-child(odd) { background-color: #fafafa; } tr:hover { background-color: #f1f1f1; } .bold { font-weight: bold; } Airport Closures and Flight Cancellations Airport Location Status Ambala Haryana Closed Hindon UP Closed Naliya Gujarat Closed Sarsawa UP Closed Uttarlai Rajasthan Closed Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir Closed Awantipur Jammu & Kashmir Closed Jammu Jammu & Kashmir Closed Amritsar Punjab Closed Chandigarh Punjab Closed Ludhiana Punjab Closed Patiala Punjab Closed Bhatinda Punjab Closed Adampur Punjab Closed Halwara Punjab Closed Pathankot Punjab Closed Bhuntar Himachal Pradesh Closed Shimla Himachal Pradesh Closed Kangra-Gaggal Himachal Pradesh Closed Kishangarh Rajasthan Closed Thoise Ladakh Closed Leh Ladakh Closed Mundra Gujarat Closed Jamnagar Gujarat Closed Hirasar Gujarat Closed Porbandar Gujarat Closed Keshod Gujarat Closed Kandla Gujarat Closed Bhuj Gujarat Closed Jaisalmer Rajasthan Closed Jodhpur Rajasthan Closed Bikaner Rajasthan Closed Air India Announcement: In view of the latest developments and keeping your safety in mind, flights to and from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot are cancelled for Tuesday, 13th May. Indigo Announcement: All flights to and from Amritsar, Jammu, Leh, Rajkot, Srinagar, and Chandigarh are cancelled for Tuesday (May 13). Responses from other airlines are awaited.

50-year-old woman from Punjab dies following Pak drone attack; first reported civilian death outside J&K

CHANDIGARH: 50-year-old Sukhwinder Kaur, Ferozepur resident, succumbed to burn injuries caused by a drone attack by Pakistan on India's border regions at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana. Her death is the first recorded civilian casualty outside Jammu and Kashmir. Kaur belonged to Khai Feme Ki village in Ferozepur. On May 8, at around 9.30 pm, a Pakistani drone intercepted by the Indian air defence system fell down on her house while they were seated in their open verandah. The drone debris fell on their car parked in the verandah, which then caught fire and caused severe burn injuries to Kaur, her husband Lakhwinder Singh and son Jaswant Singh. Drone sighting in Punjab triggers blackouts; one surveillance drone shot down, Amritsar airport shut again Kaur sustained 100 per cent burn injuries, while her husband suffered 70 per cent burns. They were both referred to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) in Ludhiana. Their son, Jaswant Singh, sustained injuries but remains admitted at Ferozepur hospital and his condition is stable. A family relative said Kaur died and added that the condition of both Lakhwinder and Jaswant is fine. The police will be going to DMCH in Ludhiana to bring the body of the deceased back to Ferozepur, the relative added. The state police said the cars light was on, due to which this incident might have happened. On May 9 evening, several drones were spotted in the Ferozepur cantonment and nearby areas amid the India-Pakistan tension following Operatation Sindoor.

Cricket Australia Asks Players To Decide On Return To India As IPL 2025 Is Set To Resume

Indian Premier League: With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 set to restart on May 17 and continue till June 3, just a week before the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Lord's in London, Cricket Australia have left it to the individual players to take a call on whether to return to India to rejoin the world's richest league. It will give its inputs after consultation with the Australian federal government and security agencies, but the players will have to decide on whether they would like to join IPL 2025, which was suspended for a week on May 9 because of fighting between India and Pakistan as India retaliated for the terror attack on innocent tourists by Pakistan-supported terrorists at Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not, CA said in a statement on Tuesday. We are maintaining communication with the Australian Government and BCCI around security arrangements and safety, www.cricket.com.au quoted Cricket Australia as saying in its statement. The other matter of concern for Cricket Australia is the fact that the IPL 2025 stretched into June, and some of its key players may get tied up till June 3 if their respective teams reach the final. Besides players, coaches, support staff members and former players are also involved in the IPL. Among the top players involved who could also be picked in the WTC final squad are pacer Josh Hazlewood, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are currently placed second in the points table and in a good position to qualify for the playoffs. Skipper Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad are out of contention for the playoff spots but have three more matches to play. This means he will have to be in India till after May 25, when they play their last match in Delhi against Kolkata Knight Riders. Mitchell Starc's Delhi Capitals also have three matches to play, and they too are in strong contention to qualify for the playoffs. If they go all the way, Starc will have to be with the team till June 4 and then directly go to London. The other possible Australian WTC players in IPL teams are Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad), Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings) and Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants). Though Travis Head's SRH are out of contention, Marsh's LSG still have a chance, as does Inglis' Punjab Kings. In its statement on Tuesday, Cricket Australia has made it clear that the team management will work with the players if they decide to join the IPL bandwagon. Team management will work through the preparation implications for the World Test Championship final for those players who choose to play in the remaining IPL matches, Cricket Australia said. Besides the above-mentioned players who are in contention for WTC final spots, there are other current and former players involved in various roles in the IPL 2025. Ricky Ponting is the coach of Punjab Kings and has compatriots Brad Haddin as his assistant, Justin Langer is the head coach of Lucknow Super Giants while Mike Hussey is the batting coach of Chennai Super Giants. Among other players, Nathan Ellis is with CSK, Spencer Johnson is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Xavier Bartlett are representing Punjab Kings. Besides Hazlewood, Tim David is also with RCB, while Delhi Capitals also have Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Adam Zampa is with SRH. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the resumption of the IPL 2025, which was suspended on May 9, after a ceasefire was agreed upon with Pakistan. India had launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, targeting terrorist and military installations in Pakistan while Pakistan attacked Jammu, Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. Besides Hazlewood, Tim David is also with RCB, while Delhi Capitals also have Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Adam Zampa is with SRH. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS

Punjab government equals Congress' 5-year GST collection in just 3 years, claims Harpal Singh Cheema

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the AAP government has matched the Congress government's five-year GST collection in just three years, totaling Rs 63,033 crore. The government curbed tax evasion through strict measures and exposed a Rs 163 crore fake billing scam in Ludhiana.

NIA arrests key Khalistani terrorist from Bihar

NEW DELHI, May 11: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday arrested a key Khalistani operative, associated with foreign-based Babbar Khalsa terrorist Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias Rinda, and one of the hardened criminals who had escaped during Punjabs Nabha jail break in 2016, an official statement said. The breakthrough came when the NIA nabbed Kashmir Singh Galwaddi of Punjabs Ludhiana from Motihari, Bihar in coordination with local police in connection with a Khalistani terror conspiracy case, the statement said. Since [] The post NIA arrests key Khalistani terrorist from Bihar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab: Two minor boys drowned to death at bathing ghat of sant Seechewal in Ludhiana

COMEDK UGET third shift exam postponed

BENGALURU: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) Undergraduate Entrance Test (UGET) third shift exam was postponed at selected centres across the country on Saturday. The decision, which impacted several regions, was made as a precautionary measure following government directives under Operation Sindoor to ensure the safety of candidates. While the exam was entirely (all three shifts) postponed at centres in border cities like Jamnagar, Srinagar, Jammu, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Mohali, Patiala, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Sriganganagar, the COMEDK decided to postpone the third shift (5.30 pm to 8.30 pm) at several other centres within the same cities. Affected cities included New Delhi, Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee, as well as seven centres in Rajasthan, including Ajmer, Alwar, Bhilwara, Jaipur, Kota, Sikar, and Udaipur. In an official statement, Dr S Kumar, Executive Secretary of COMEDK, said the postponement was implemented due to potential disruptions, such as blackouts or power outages, and to ensure the safety of candidates travelling back home after the exam. The precautionary protocol is adopted with the safety of our candidates in mind, he said, adding that candidates are advised to stay updated by regularly checking the COMEDK website for rescheduled dates. More than 3,000 students were expected to take the exam in these centres. The examination proceeded as scheduled for all other candidates in different cities. Some students at an advantage: Parents Some parents and students, however, argued that the government should have postponed the exam for all students across all centres, especially since the decision to defer the COMEDK third shift was made at the last minute. While they acknowledged that the move was justified for the safety of students, they pointed out that it may result as an unfair advantage - students who appear for the rescheduled third shift will face less competition compared to those in shifts one and two, possibly resulting in higher percentiles and better ranks, many said. KEA to verify docUMENTs of J&K students through video call Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) on Saturday announced special provisions for students from Jammu and Kashmir for the CET document verification process, considering the tensions along the border. The executive director of the KEA, H Prasanna, said that among the 204 students from Jammu and Kashmir who have attended CET, only 52 have been able to complete the document verification. Considering the prevailing conditions in the border region, KEA is offering an additional chance for students from the region, and there is no need to panic. If the situation does not improve within the next 1015 days, document verification will be facilitated through video conferencing to ensure that students are not inconvenienced in any way, he said. ENS

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 .

Centre extends closure of 24 airports for civilian flights till May 15

NEW DELHI: At least 24 airports in northern and western parts of the country, including Srinagar and Chandigarh, have been shut for civilian flights till May 15, sources said on Friday. Earlier, these airports were closed for civilian flights till May 10 in view of the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Airlines on Friday said that their flights have been cancelled due to the temporary closure of airports till May 15. The sources said at least 24 airports have been closed for civilian flights till 05:29 hours of May 15. The airports include Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuntar, Kishengarh, Patiala, Shimla, Dharamsala, and Bathinda. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Leh, Bikaner, Pathankot, Jammu, Jamnagar, and Bhuj are among the other airports that have been temporarily closed for civilian flights. Following a notification from aviation authorities on continued closure of multiple airports in India, Air India flights to and from the following stations -- Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Bhuj, Jamnagar and Rajkot -- are being cancelled till 0529 hrs IST on 15 May, the airline said in a post on X. Air India also said customers holding valid tickets for travel during this period will be offered a one-time waiver on rescheduling charges or a full refund for cancellations. In a post on X, IndiGo said in accordance with the latest directives from the relevant authorities, all flights to and from 10 destinations will remain cancelled until 0529 hours on May 15 due to temporary airport closures. The airports are Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Bikaner, Rajkot, Jodhpur and Kishangarh. These precautionary measures have been instituted with your safety and security as our highest priority, the airline said. The military conflict between India and Pakistan has intensified. Under Operation Sindoor, armed forces had carried out strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday in retaliation against the Pahalgam terror attack that had killed at least 26 people last month.

Drones, bursting crackers banned; hotels, marriage palaces, commercial establishments to strictly adhere to blackout: Ludhiana DC Himanshu Jain

Ludhiana's deputy commissioner, Himanshu Jain, assures residents that the situation is under control, urging calm and cooperation. The administration has banned drones and firecrackers, mandating blackout compliance with strict penalties for violations. Authorities will combat misinformation and hoarding, emphasizing reliance on verified sources and warning of legal action against offenders to maintain public safety and order

'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.

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

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

India-Pakistan Tension: 24 Airports Closed Amid Escalating Conflict

These closures include major airports such as Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Bhuntar.

Pak turbulence in Indian airspace, flights most hit

Amid heightened security concerns, Indias booming aviation sector has been hit. Closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. S Lalitha takes a look at the situation: What triggered disruption? It stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 and 8. India suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Affected airports The closure impacts airports in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR. Notable ones include: J&K & Ladakh: Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab: Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara HP: Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat: Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others: Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (MP) and Chandigarh Airlines response Major airlines have rolled out cancellations and passengers holding valid tickets have been offered full refunds: IndiGo: Suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar Air India: Cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot SpiceJet: Stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar Akasa Air: Cancelled flights from Srinagar Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with distress calls. Whats next? Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10.

NCC cadets hone tactical, life-saving skills with mock drill at Gadvasu

Schools closed on May 9, 10

MP Seechewal leads Buddha Dariya clean-up after return from Philippines

LIT urges property owners to avail of one-time settlement schemes

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.

Explained: Operation Sindoor aftermath and how it has impacted flights in India

Following Operation Sindoor and heightened security concerns, India's air travel sector has been hit. The closure of 30 airports across several states has left hundreds of flights cancelled and thousands of travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. Here's a breakdown of the current situation. What triggered the disruption? The disruption stems from the closure of operations at several civilian airports many of which double as military airfields after India conducted precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in the wee hours of May 7. Operation Sindoor: Nine strikes, 25 minutes of chaos for Pakistan Fearing potential retaliation post these strikes, the Indian government suspended operations at critical airports in the North, Northwest, and Central regions of the country. Which airports are affected? The closure impacts airports in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and the Delhi NCR region. Notable airports shut down include: J&K & Ladakh : Leh, Thoise, Srinagar, Jammu Punjab : Amritsar, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Chandigarh. Himachal Pradesh : Dharamshala, Shimla, Bhuntar, Gaggal Rajasthan : Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Bikaner Gujarat : Bhuj, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Mundra, Kandla, Keshod Others : Hindon (Delhi NCR), Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) Airlines expect the disruption to last at least until 5:29 AM on May 10, though airport sources hint it may continue longer. How are airlines responding? Major airlines have rolled out large-scale cancellations and advisories: IndiGo has suspended 165 daily flights, including those from Amritsar, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Jammu, Jodhpur, Leh, and Srinagar. Air India has cancelled flights to and from Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. SpiceJet has stopped operations in Leh, Srinagar, Jammu, Dharamshala, Kandla, and Amritsar. Akasa Air has cancelled flights from Srinagar. Passengers holding tickets for these routes have been offered full refunds. Impact on flyers Travellers are experiencing severe stress due to abrupt cancellations, particularly those with connecting flights. Entire itineraries are being disrupted when the primary leg of the journey is cancelled, as seen in multiple cases. R Sushmita, travelling from Himachal to Nagpur via Chandigarh and Delhi, had to reroute by train to Delhi due to a cancelled Air India flight. Fortunately, Air India issued a fresh ticket at no extra cost. Piyush Sawarkar, stuck in Leh with his family, tweeted for help after his Indigo flight to Mumbai was cancelled. Like many others, he received a standard airline response requesting his PNR via direct message. Social media platforms of airlines have been flooded with similar distress calls, and many passengers are still awaiting clarity and rebooking options. A necessary safety measure According to Captain CS Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots Association, while the inconvenience is considerable, the move was necessary from a national security perspective. The government wants flyers to stay safe. Closure of air force bases wont impact the public directly since civilian aircraft dont usually operate there, he said. However, international carriers are significantly affected. To avoid Pakistani airspace, flights from the Gulf to Delhi are forced to take detours. For instance, British Airways, Air France, and KLM from Delhi are heading towards Mumbai and then rerouting through Turkey, with longer flight paths and additional operational costs, he explained. Whats next? The situation remains fluid. Airlines and airport authorities are monitoring developments, but flyers should be prepared for ongoing disruptions beyond May 10. Travellers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels and plan alternate routes where possible.

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 neutralises Pakistani drone, missile attacks; targets air defence systems

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 Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, []

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

India Foils Pakistan Escalation Bid, Destroys Air Defence System In Lahore

New Delhi, May 8: Pakistans attempts to escalate tensions late last night and early this morning by targeting Indian military installations in the northern and western parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat have been negated, the government said Thursday. The government said Indian forces had targeted and neutralised Pakistani Air Defence Radars and systems in several locations, including Lahore, in response to Pak attempts to attack multiple locations, including Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, [] The post India Foils Pakistan Escalation Bid, Destroys Air Defence System In Lahore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

17 days on, bodies of Phagwara double murder victims found in Ludhiana fields

Mock drills conducted at several locations in Punjab

Punjab conducted statewide mock drills simulating fire emergencies and rescue operations across cities like Ferozepur, Ludhiana, and Mohali, prompted by national directives amid heightened tensions. These exercises, involving agencies like fire services, police, and NDRF, aimed to evaluate and enhance emergency response efficacy.

Agartala-Ludhiana cargo train launched

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

Vardhman Amrante to invest Rs 1,350 cr in next 3 years for realty projects in Punjab

NEW DELHI, May 5: Oswal Groups realty firm Vardhman Amrante Pvt Ltd on Monday said it will invest Rs 1,350 crore over the next three years to develop 3-4 projects in Ludhiana and some other cities of Punjab as part of its expansion plan. Ludhiana-based Oswal Group, which is into the textile business, entered the real estate sector in 2014. The company has developed 15 lakh sq ft area in the residential segment so far and is currently building [] The post Vardhman Amrante to invest Rs 1,350 cr in next 3 years for realty projects in Punjab appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Child rights panel calls for steps to ensure safety of school buses

Landa gang member critically injured after police encounter

Kitchlu Nagar store robbery: 3 of 4 accused held

Forgotten for years, smog guns make comeback in Ludh West

Khanna Police, Glada demolish houses of drug traffickers

AAP trying to vitiate relations between 2 states: Dhiman

Punjab cabinet minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, AAP MLAs protest aganist BJP over BBMP water issue in Ludhiana

Punjab's cabinet minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and AAP members protested in Ludhiana against the BJP's alleged attempts to divert Punjab's water resources to Haryana through the BBMB. Mundian asserted that the state government will resist this perceived injustice, accusing the BJP of conspiring to steal Punjab's water and threatening the state's agriculture and energy sectors.

Khanna police and GLADA demolish houses of drug traffickers in Dhamkot Kalan village in Ludhiana

Khanna police, collaborating with GLADA, demolished the illegally constructed houses of three drug traffickers in Dhamot Kalan village, Payal, as part of Punjab's anti-drug campaign. SSP Dr. Jyoti Yadav Bains emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, highlighting multiple cases against the involved families under IPC and the NDPS Act.

Land Acquisition Delays In Ludhiana Threaten Delhi-Katra Expressway's Progress, NHAI Raises Concerns

ESIC Ludhiana Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 75 Teaching Faculty, Super Specialists and More Posts

TheEmployees State Insurance Corporation Ludhiana (ESIC Ludhiana) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 75 Teaching Faculty, Super Specialists and More posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official ESIC Ludhiana website. The last date to submit the application form is 30-04-2025.

Kartarpur corridor remains open amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, but pilgrim numbers dip

CHANDIGARH: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists, the Kartarpur corridor remains open, though the number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, has reportedly declined. This comes even as the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari on the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar stands shut. The ICP at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjabs Gurdaspur district, which facilitates access to the Kartarpur corridor, continues to operate, allowing pilgrims to cross over. Sources in the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) confirmed that around 250 pilgrims travelled to Kartarpur on Wednesday to pay obeisance at the gurdwara and returned the same evening, as per the corridors day-return policy. Devotees continued their visit on Thursday as well, with a group of about two dozen from Machhiwara near Ludhiana and another 50 from various places crossing the border in the morning. However, the Union government has yet to clarify whether the corridor will remain open or face closure like the ICP at Attari. The shrine is of immense spiritual significance to Sikhs, as Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh guru, spent the last 18 years of his life there and passed away at the site. The fully air-conditioned terminal near Dera Baba Nanak features over 50 immigration counters. According to LPAI records, 10,025 devotees visited the gurdwara via the corridor in 2021, with the number rising to 86,097 in 2022 and 96,555 in 2023. Inaugurated on 9 November 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the corridor is a visa-free border crossing that allows Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders to visit the gurdwara, located 4.7 km from the India-Pakistan border, without requiring a visa. The corridor was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened after a gap of one and a half years in November 2021. As per the bilateral agreement, up to 5,000 pilgrims are allowed to use the corridor daily, but actual footfall remains low, averaging 200 to 400 visitors per day. Pilgrims must register online at least a week in advance with their passport details to receive an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Police verification is carried out prior to the issuance of ETA. In October 2023, both nations extended the corridor agreement for five more years until 2029, committing to uninterrupted access despite deteriorating diplomatic relations. Interestingly, Pakistan charges a USD 20 fee per pilgrim at its ICP, generating substantial revenue from the visiting devotees. In view of the continued requests of pilgrims regarding the removal of USD 20 service charge levied by Pakistan per pilgrim per visit, India has once again urged Pakistan to not levy any fee or charges on the pilgrims, read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs last year. Several Sikh delegations have also urged the Indian government to press Pakistan for a waiver. Last year, Pakistan completed the 420-metre-long bridge at the Kartarpur Corridor zero line after a delay of two and a half years. Earlier, incidents of flooding had disrupted pilgrim movement to Kartarpur Sahib.

Punjab University CET PG 2025 application window opens: Direct link to apply and other important details here

Panjab University has opened registrations for the PU CET PG 2025 entrance test for admission to postgraduate courses. Candidates can apply online at cetpg.puchd.ac.in by May 26. The exam will be held from June 17 to 19 across centres in Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Muktsar, and Hoshiarpur. The application process includes registration, fee payment, and document upload.

Punjab opposition parties accuse AAP-led govt of unleashing 'tax terrorism' on trading community

CHANDIGARH: The opposition parties in Punjab including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)- led government of unleashing ax terrorism on the trading community. The opposition alleged that the government had directed all excise and taxation officers (ETO) of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) wing to carry out at least four raids every month. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed that the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is trying its best to destroy the medium enterprises by raiding the premises. The government has issued orders to conducted 1000 raids every month, he claimed. Shiromani Akali Dal appeals to traders to oppose this government hooliganism, otherwise it will spoil the business environment in the state. We ourselves will start a public movement against these raids and demand abolition of the Inspector State and re-implementation of the 'relief' scheme initiated by the Akali government, he said. Badal added that the 'Rahat' scheme had eased the intervention of tax officers in commercial locations by allowing traders to pay tax of Rs 5,000 for a turnover of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 20,000 for a turnover of Rs 1 crore. This is essential for the safety of the trading community, who are already facing gangsterism and forced extortion. Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen said that the government has devised a plan to loot the traders to cover the expenses of its leaders from Delhi. The AAP government is now using the taxation department as a tool for extortion. There is a saying in Punjabi: Eat your own, bring ours too. Thats exactly the state of affairs under the AAP government, he said. Sareen alleged that on April 18, the AAP government issued a new directive instructing Deputy Commissioners in the taxation department to ensure that each ETO conducts four inspections every month. This would result in around 1,200 inspections across the state each month. If an average penalty of Rs 8 lakh is imposed per inspection, the monthly collection would total Rs 96 crore and annually a staggering Rs1,152 crore, he claimed. Sareen warned that if the government does not roll back this directive and stops forcibly extorting traders, the BJP will launch a statewide agitation in protest. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema had directed all 250 excise and taxation officers (ETO) of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) wing to carry out at least four raids each in a month. He added that the ETOs were asked to collect at least Rs 8 lakhs during each raid. The Ludhiana MP pointed out that this translates to 1,000 raids with Rs 80 crore in penalties every month, leading to collection of Rs 960 crore annually. He said the state government, already at the verge of bankruptcy, has now resorted to a novel way of robbing and looting the traders. Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal president Amit Kapoor also alleged that the govt has set aggressive monthly raid targets for excise and taxation officers (ETOs), under which each officer was expected to conduct multiple raids resulting in hefty penalties. With 250 ETOs in the state, nearly 1,000 raids will be carried out every month. This is nothing short of organised extortion, projected to squeeze around Rs 1,000 crore annually from the trading community, Kapoor alleged. Senior spokesperson of AAP, Punjab, Neel Garg criticized the BJP for its baseless allegations against the Punjab governments taxation policies. Garg accused the BJP of perpetuating ax terrorism nationwide while hypocritically accusing the AAP government of similar practices. Presenting comprehensive data, Garg showcased AAPs unparalleled achievements in revenue collection and public welfare. It is laughable that BJP leaders, who institutionalized tax terrorism in India, are accusing Punjabs AAP government of spreading the same, Garg said. He highlighted the BJP's imposition of GST on essential items like milk, curd, and educational materials, as well as worship materials for temples and gurdwaras. The BJP, which promised no taxes when it came to power, has instead burdened the common man with a complex GST structure that harasses small traders and shopkeepers, he added. Taking aim at SAD-BJP, Garg accused them of fostering mafia raj that siphoned public funds for personal gains. Under AAP, every rupee of tax collected is spent on public welfarenot private pockets, he said.

Punjab Food Supply Recruitment 2025 for 9000+ Vacancies under Ration Depot

Punjab Food Supply Recruitment 2025: District Controller, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Punjab is inviting applications for Depot Holder. More than 9000 vacancies are available across the state including Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Pathanko, Childrens, Bhagat Singh NagaR, Kapurthala, Painters Cotla, Tarn Taran, S.A.S.NagaR, Mansa, Amritsar, Fazilka, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Firozpur, Rupnagar, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Bathinda [] The post Punjab Food Supply Recruitment 2025 for 9000+ Vacancies under Ration Depot appeared first on Testbook Blog .

Punjab govt to provide 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds

The Punjab government is set to provide a 33% subsidy on BT cotton hybrid seeds recommended by PAU, Ludhiana, allocating 20 crore for the initiative. This move aims to alleviate financial strain on cotton farmers, discourage non-recommended hybrids, and expand cotton cultivation to 1.25 lakh hectares, promoting crop diversification and sustainable practices.

SAD announces candidate for Ludhiana (west) bypoll

SAD announced that Parupkar Singh Ghumman, he was a former president of the Ludhiana Bar Association and also served as a member of the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council

No leader bigger than party, 'indiscipline' will not be tolerated: Congress leader Bhupesh Bhagel

CHANDIGARH: Congress General Secretary and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Punjab in-charge, and Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Bhupesh Bhagel, firmly said that 'indiscipline' in the party will not be 'tolerated' at any cost. He also said that the party had already started working on strengthening the organisation across the State. Bhagel said that no matter how big a leader may be, he cannot be 'bigger' than the party. He made it categorically clear that action would be taken against any leader who tries to harm the party's interests. To another question, Bhagel said that several senior leaders from various political parties were in touch with the Congress and have expressed their keenness to join the party. He said, during his two-day visit to Punjab, he had met many leaders including the district and block presidents. He said, the AICC has already spelt out the agenda to strengthen the party right from the grassroots to the top. In this context, he added, in Punjab, the work has already begun with the meetings and other programs at the district, block and booth level. He said the party would empower the DCC chiefs as 2025 has been declared the year for strengthening the organisation. The party will be strengthened right up to the booth level, he added. On the Ludhiana West assembly by-election, he said the party would formulate a comprehensive strategy, and committees would be formed to fight the election effectively and successfully. To a question on the party's preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, he remarked that the preparations have already begun, referring to a series of meetings he held during the last two days. Bhagel said that besides strengthening the party, various issues were also discussed, particularly the ideological fight the party will be leading. To a separate question on the possibility of voter list manipulations, he said, it is very much possible in Punjab. If lakhs of votes can be added suspiciously in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Delhi, it can very much be done in Punjab also. For this, he added, the DCC and block presidents and booth level workers have been asked to keep a close watch against the voter-list manipulations. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring taunted the Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badals re-election as the president of the party. When did he resign? Warring remarked about Sukhbir when asked for his reaction on the development. He observed that Sukhbir had taken only a sabbatical for his family engagements and was very much calling the shots in the party even when he had supposedly resigned, which he actually never did. He alleged that Sukhbir had not followed the instructions of the Akal Takhat, which had given clear orders for his removal as the SAD president. Replying to another question on the NSA being withdrawn from jailed MP and radical preacher Amritpals aides by the Punjab government, Warring observed, Let the law take its course. He said the Congress party has full and firm faith in the country's judiciary and judicial process. Asked about the partys preparations for the Ludhiana West by-election, due anytime now, the PCC president said the entire rank and file will work together and ensure the victory of the party candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. He also made it clear that it is not Ashus election alone but also that of entire party. We will fight it together and we will win it, he asserted.

Customs To Pay Ludhiana Importer Rs 50 Lakh For Delayed Kiwi Consignment

The Punjab and Haryana High Court lambasted the Customs department and a private shipping company, instructing them to pay Rs 50 lakh in compensation to a Ludhiana-based fruit importer.

Statement: It's governor vs government in Karnataka too, Ludhiana poll a prestige battle after Delhi defeat and First political talks since Presidents rule

Tensions are rising between Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and the state government as he returned the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill seeking clarifications. This marks the seventh bill returned by the Governor since July 2024. Another major issue involves the RDPR University Bill, which aims to replace the Governor as Chancellor.

Punjab Congress leaders voice dissent against MP Warring, LoP Bajwa's Leadership

CHANDIGARH: With two years left for the 2027 Assembly elections, dissent is brewing within the Punjab Congress, as several senior leaders have raised concerns over the working style of state unit president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. Sources said that on Thursday, several top leaders, including state unit working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu, vice-presidents Pargat Singh, Khushaldeep Dhillon, Inderbir Bolaria, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and former Cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Bajwa, met Punjab affairs in-charge and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in New Delhi to air their grievances. The meeting, sources said, was triggered by a show-cause notice issued to former Faridkot MLA and state party vice-president Khushaldeep Dhillon for allegedly breaching party discipline by airing issues during a television interview. Former Cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who has been given a ticket by the Congress from Ludhiana (West) for the upcoming bypolls, is reportedly upset over the lack of support from the state leadership when he was arrested by the Aam Aadmi Party-led state vigilance bureau in what he called a political vendetta. Ashu is facing corruption charges in a foodgrain transportation case. The dissenting leaders told Baghel that the notice to Dhillon was unwarranted, asserting that he had not said anything against the party. They also complained of being sidelined in key decision-making by the states top leadership. Meanwhile, Jalandhar Cantonment MLA and former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh is also learnt to have voiced displeasure with Bajwa during the meeting. This comes just days after Baghel met senior Punjab Congress leaders to address internal differences. Earlier, Baghel had supported both Warring and Bajwa, urging party members to unite ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. He had also dismissed rumours of a leadership change following senior leader Rana Gurjeet Singh calling Warring a selfish leader and expressing willingness to take over the state unit. Rana Gurjeet's son, Rana Inder Partap Singh, had contested as an Independent from Sultanpur Lodhi after being denied a Congress ticket in the 2022 Assembly elections and won. Warring, however, downplayed the meeting, saying the leaders met Baghel not against him, but to strengthen the party, and termed the notice to Dhillon an internal matter of the party. There seems to be no end in sight to the infighting within the Punjab Congress. Just last month, during the partys political affairs committee meeting in Delhi, objections were raised against Warring and Bajwa for allegedly not involving all members in major decisions and placing personal interests above those of the party.

Punjab governor Kataria flags 'Pad Yatra' against drug menace from Kartarpur Corridor

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off a foot march, Pad Yatra, against drug abuse from the Kartarpur Corridor, urging people to turn it into a public movement (Jan Andolan). Until the public supports the cause, no government can eradicate the menace of drugs that has been plaguing the state, he said. The march, which began today, will conclude on April 8 at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. Kataria will walk through villages in the border districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar over six days to mobilise public awareness. Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, led a massive oath-taking ceremony in Ludhiana as part of his government's Yuddh Nashayan Viruddh (War on Drugs) campaign. Hundreds of schoolchildren participated in the yatra, which passed through various streets and markets of the border town of Dera Baba Nanak before culminating at St Francis Convent School. Kataria said his previous visits to border villages revealed the alarming rise in drug abuse and the increasing challenge of narcotics smuggling from Pakistan via drones. When I visited a border district, mothers and sisters told me that their main concern was saving their children from drugs. Their pain was clear as they watched their children suffer, he said. He called drug trafficking a ig conspiracy by Pakistan, accusing the neighbouring country of waging a arco-terror war to weaken India's youth. The Union government has provided anti-drone systems to the Border Security Force, while the Punjab government has also allocated funds for the same, he added. Through this programme, we will show Punjab and the nation how to make India free from drugs. I promise to honour and respect your efforts, he said. On the Yuddh Nashayan Viruddh campaign, he stressed the need for Punjab Police to target major figures in the illegal drug trade and deliver concrete results.

Waqf Board sees illegal encroachment of 14,000 acres in Punjab; litigations still ongoing in various courts

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Waqf Board owns a total of 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, but over 14,000 acres of this land are currently under illegal encroachment. Ongoing litigation regarding these encroachments is being heard in various courts, including the Supreme Court. According to sources, data from the Board reveals that the Punjab Waqf Board has a total of 75,965 registered properties and 25,403 registered waqf estates. The Board owns 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, with approximately 14,085.004 acres, or 38.46%, currently under illegal encroachment. The remaining 61.45% of the land is being used for its intended purposes. While 18 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 462 cases going in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, 1,157 civil suits in different courts for declaration, possession or eviction pending before the five waqf tribunals in the stare and civil courts, said sources. Talking with the TNIE, Latif Ahmed Thind, Executive Officer of Punjab Waqf Board, said, The total number of waqf board properties in Punjab is 75,965. The major problem is illegal encroachments across the state as the maximum encroachments are in Bathinda, followed by Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala. In many cases, the illegal encroachers are sitting on these properties since 1947 and in many others the lease with the board finished but they did not vacate the property or gave its procession to someone else. Both influential people and common persons have encroached upon the waqf board properties. While in Samana near Patiala many shanties are there and those people refuse to vacate. It is just of people from other religions have encroached upon also people from the same community have also done illegal encroachment of the board properties in some cases, he says. We follow the due procedure of the law and cases are going in different courts including supreme court. With the amendment coming in the process will become for cumbersome.he added.

Punjab CM Mann credits Kejriwal for 'transforming Indian politics', says AAP seeks to expand nationwide

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has fundamentally changed India's political discourse, shifting the focus to governance and public welfare. Addressing an executive summit in Ludhiana, Mann emphasised the role of AAP volunteers as the backbone of the partys success and reiterated its commitment to the people. AAP volunteers are not just political workers; they are a revolution in themselves. Whenever the party calls upon them, they respond immediately without hesitation, dedicating themselves fully to the cause of clean and people-centric politics, said Mann. He credited Kejriwal for compelling other parties to focus on governance rather than divisive agendas. Earlier, election manifestos were filled with divisive agendas based on religion and caste. It was AAP that forced all political parties to focus on real issues like education, healthcare, and free electricity. We compelled them to change their priorities because we showed that good governance is possible, he asserted. Mann praised senior AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and ex-Health Minister Satyendar Jain, for their contributions to Delhis education and healthcare sectors. Manish Sisodia revolutionised government schools, making them world-class institutions. Satyendar Jain introduced a healthcare model that became a benchmark across India. Their work has left an indelible mark on the lives of common people, he stated. Highlighting AAPs increasing representation, he noted, In 2022, we had 92 MLAs, and now we have 95. Thousands of our sarpanches, councillors, and mayors have been elected. The responsibility of Punjab has been entrusted to us, and we assure you that our AAP family will never have any greedy members. AAP Punjab in-charge and senior leader Manish Sisodia stressed that the partys vision extends beyond the state. This is not just Team Punjab; this is Team Hindustan. When I meet volunteers, I realise that our Punjab workers are everywhere from Delhi to Haryana to Gujarat working tirelessly to plant the seeds of change months before elections and ensuring AAPs victory. He recalled a conversation with a volunteer who had dedicated 12 years to the party. This volunteer did not ask me for a position or for an appointment with Arvind Kejriwal or Bhagwant Mann. He only had one request: 'Manish bhai, I have given 12 years to this party, but if Punjab is not freed from drugs, my 12 years will be wasted.' Tears welled in his eyes as he pleaded with me, not for personal gain, but for the future of Punjab. This is the spirit of AAP selfless, dedicated, and driven by a vision of a better Punjab. Sisodia urged AAP workers to remain vigilant to ensure government initiatives reach the people without corruption or inefficiency. Our battle is not just against drugs but also against corruption. The money allocated for public welfare should be spent on the people, not wasted in scams. This is the responsibility of every AAP worker. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora credited the partys grassroots workers for its success and urged them to continue their unwavering dedication. Comparing them to high-voltage power lines, he warned adversaries against underestimating their strength. Looking ahead to 2027, he called on the cadre to work relentlessly, pledging to surpass AAPs record-breaking 2022 mandate.

Trump's reciprocal tariffs: Punjab, Haryana exporters are a worried lot

CHANDIGARH: As US President Donald Trump is all set to launch reciprocal tariffs on April 2, exporters and manufacturers in Punjab and Haryana are a really worried lot. President World MSE Forum Badish Jindal said that auto parts, garments, hosiery, steel products and fasteners are likely to be hit by Trump's move. We do Rs 50 lakh crore import of which Rs 9 lakh crore worth products are imported from China. Our exports to China is worth Rs one lakh crores. Our export is to the tune of Rs 30 lakh crore. Last year's trade deficit was Rs 19.96 lakh crore. This year it is expected to rise to Rs 22 lakh crore, he noted. Badish Jindal pointed out that the countries that will benefit from Trump's reciprocal tariffs are Pakistan and Bangladesh. These neighbouring countries are India's main competitors. Instead of increasing imports, we should increase manufacturing in the country. CII Punjab President Amit Jain said that India will suffer in the short and medium terms, but there won't be long-term impact for the country since India enjoys a favourable relationship with the US. However, the industries exporting to US will suffer the consequences. Auto Parts Manufacturers Association of India President GS Kahlon who exports auto parts said that the association has 300 members in Ludhiana who manufacture auto parts, said that they were supplied to US and other countries. Already our business is affected due to countries such as Syria, Iran, Iraq and Morocco having stopped buying from us and now with US imposing tariffs, business will be further affected, he added. Former President of Federation of Indian Export origination Ashwani Kumar said that hand tool industry and sports manufacturing industry will not be hit as they do not fall under the purview of the new tariffs. Duty on steel will be set back for the time being later when markets recover as it will stabilize ass epical steel is exported to US. India is acting touch and in longer run we will be benefited, he added. The new Trump Tariff regime reflects a major protectionist policy shift for America that counters world trade flows of the past. For decades WTO and other global bodies, with US nudging, have worked towards dropping barriers for freer trade. This will start trade wars and protectionism of scales unfathomable. Punjab will not escape the negative impact of upto 25 per cent tariffs that are expected to come into play by tomorrow. Hosiery of Ludhiana, textiles of Amritsar, Engineering and other industry is expected to hit troubled waters for sure, says Gunbir Singh, past chairman, CII Punjab. Meanwhile the exporters of Panipat in Haryana have submitted their representation to Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal through Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) to resolve any issues at the earliest, said Lalit Goyal President of Panipat Exporters Association. He further that India imports machine-made carpet that invites 22 per cent tariff while the export tariff was around 0-6 per cent on handloom products. Though the import of machine-made carpet from the US was of only Rs 50 crore, the export of handloom products was to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore per annum. We have requested the government to reduce the import tariff to protect the industry, he said as there are 1000 units in Panipat alone and of these 500 exporters and 35 lakh labour working in them.

Punjab govt mulls restart of traditional bullock cart races in Ludhiana's Kila Raipur

The Punjab government is considering new rules to resume traditional bullock cart races at the Kila Raipur sports event in Ludhiana. The 2019 amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act supports this initiative, with further legal consultations underway to ensure these cultural sports comply with current laws.

Punjab BJP President Jakhar slams AAP, Congress over farmer protests, accuses CM Mann of betrayal

CHANDIGARH: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and farmer leaders, accusing them of exploiting farmers for political gains and engaging in low-level politics. He claimed that farmers genuine demands were being ignored while Punjab was being demolished. Jakhar alleged that a conspiracy was underway to defame farmers. Until now, they used farmers' names, but today, they razed farmers' tents with bulldozers. Pagri sambhal Jatta. You are being used by AAP, Congress, and even the farmer leaders for their political agendas, he said. Targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Jakhar accused him of betraying farmers after once championing their cause. It is AAP that instigated the farmer protests. Mann, who once stood with farmers, has now turned hostile. In my 70 years of life, I have never seen a lawyer turn hostile against his own client, he remarked. Jakhar also questioned the Punjab governments sudden removal of farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal from a protest site. He pointed out that in December, the state government had told the Supreme Court it could not remove Dallewal, fearing the situation would become uncontrollable. How is it that the same government was able to clear the protest site in just twenty minutes yesterday? This was only possible through careful planning by the state government, he stated. Taking a dig at AAP convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Jakhar accused him of using farmers for political mileage during the Delhi elections. Kejriwal used farmers to stage protests during the Delhi elections. Now, after more than a month, he is pleasing industrialists with his industrial policy, but there is no sign of a farmers' policy, nor will there be one. This is merely a political move ahead of the upcoming by-election in Ludhiana, he added. Jakhar further challenged the Congress to clarify its stance on the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He criticised the party for not supporting MSP when its own MLA, Rana Gurjeet Singh, proposed it for all sugarcane farmers in the state. Why doesnt Congress hold a protest where farmer leader Jagjit Dallewal has been hospitalised or at the Shambhu border, where farmers were cleared? he questioned. He also warned farmers against being misled by political leaders. Ordinary farmers are unable to see through the haze of political manoeuvring. Think about your future and decide. Farmers were also misled against the BJP after the death of protesting farmer Shubhkarman, he said.

Farmers protest: Industrialists welcome highway reopening; unions to hold nationwide dharnas

CHANDIGARH: The arrest of farmer leaders and the eviction of protesting farmers from the Shambhu and Khanauri borders has sparked mixed reactions. While farmers staged statewide protests, traders, industrialists, and commuters largely welcomed the move, citing economic losses due to prolonged road blockades. Following the eviction, Haryana Police began dismantling cemented barricades at the Shambhu border on Thursday morning. These barriers had been erected last year to prevent farmers from Punjab from marching towards Delhi as part of the 'Delhi Chalo' protest. JCB machines were deployed to remove concrete blocks and clear the Shambhu-Ambala road, which had remained closed for over a year. Temporary structures and stages set up by the protesters were also dismantled as part of the clearance operation. Meanwhile, Haryana Police issued notices to farmer leaders Jasmeet Singh and Tejveer Singh, summoning them to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday. The SIT is investigating cases registered against them last year. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in legal action. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait has called on farmer unions across the country to unite, warning that governments will continue to suppress farmer protests while favouring corporate interests. Similarly, Satnam Singh Pannu, president of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, criticised the police action, stating that instead of bringing change (badlaav), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was engaging in politics of revenge (badle ki rajniti). Industrialists expressed relief, stating that reopening highways would revive the economy and boost tourism. They claimed that the year-long blockade had caused severe economic losses and disrupted daily life. Sources indicate that the crackdown followed pressure from Ludhiana traders, who warned AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal that continued protests could impact the partys prospects in the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election. Many farmers detained from Khanauri have been held at a location in Pattran, while those arrested from Mohali and the Shambhu border were shifted to Patiala Central Jail. In Gurdaspur, farmers protesting outside the Deputy Commissioners office for three days dispersed quietly on Thursday morning after police warned of mass arrests. Meanwhile, in Bathinda, police detained farmers near Jeeda toll plaza. Internet services in Sangrur and Patiala districts remained suspended. Intensifying their agitation, farmers in Punjab and Haryana have announced plans to stage protests outside Deputy Commissioner (DC) offices across both states, aimed at pressing for their pending demands, including a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), farm loan waivers, and compensation for crop losses. Farmers' unions have announced a peaceful yet resolute demonstrations, stressing that their demands remain unfulfilled despite several rounds of talks with the government. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across various districts to prevent any untoward incidents. The protests are part of a larger agitation for long-term policy changes and financial support to secure farmers' livelihoods. Leaders have urged authorities to address their concerns promptly to avoid further escalation. The protesting farmers, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, had been camping at the Shambhu (Shambhu-Ambala) and Khanauri (Sangrur-Jind) borders since 13 February last year, when their march to Delhi was halted by security forces.

Study reveals India unprepared for growing heatwave threat; warns of rising deaths

NEW DELHI: A new report indicates India is poorly prepared to handle the increasing number of extreme heatwaves in the future. It claims the country primarily focuses on immediate responses to heatwaves while long-term strategies remain scarce. It warns that India may witness more deaths due to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves in the coming years. The report is produced by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), a non-profit based in New Delhi, and co-authored by scholars from Kings College London, Harvard University, Princeton University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Many long-term measures must be implemented now, with urgency, to have a chance of preventing significant increases in mortality and economic damage in the coming decades, says Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a researcher at Kings College London and coauthor of the study. Experts pointed out that a major problem with short-term measures is that their impact cannot be easily verified until long-term measures are implemented. Short-term measures are life-saving actions, while long-term actions look at strengthening and capacity-building health systems and environmental steps to reduce future impact. It surveys nine major metro cities and identifies short-term and long-term emergency measures to mitigate rising heatwaves. These cities Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut,Mumbai and Surat together make up over 11 percent of Indias urban population, according to Census 2011, and are some of Indias most at-risk cities for future heat. The report finds that the surveyed cities focus on immediate responses to heat waves, while long-term actions remain rare. Even where they do exist, they are poorly targetted. The report recommends urgent institutional changes to measures, including assessing vulnerability and identifying urban heat islands, building the capacity of health staff and implementers of the heat action plan, and investing in technology to provide energy-efficient cooling devices. However, the report also underlined barriers to implementing the heat wave mitigation action plan. It states that coordination problems among institutions emerged as the top barrier, followed by competing priorities limiting the focus on heat. Around 14% of surveyed people said they do not see heat as a problem. The study used different climate models to identify the nine cities with a recent rise in dangerous heat index values and a population above one million. For analysis, interviews were conducted with city, district, and state government officials responsible for implementing heat actions in these cities.

Indian cities most vulnerable to heat waves focus on short-term fixes: Report

New Delhi: Some of Indias cities most vulnerable to future heat waves focus mainly on immediate responses while long-term measures remain rare, according to a study published on Wednesday. The analysis by the Sustainable Futures Collaborative, a New Delhi-based research organisation, examines how nine major Indian cities Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, 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 .

Meet man, only Indian to own a train, not Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Narayana Murthy, he is...

A farmer from Katana village in Ludhiana, Punjab, became the owner of an entire train.

2 injured in clash over playing DJ music in Ludhiana

Ludhiana: Two groups clashed with each other over playing of DJ music during Holi celebration here on Friday evening, leaving two persons injured, police said. Seven people have been detained in connection with the incident that took place in Bihari Colony, they said. A heated argument broke out between the two groups over one of 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 .

AAP MP Sahney calls for crop diversification, agri processing for Punjab's development

CHANDIGARH: Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Punjab, who unveiled the report titled Punjab Vision - A Blueprint for Progress, discussed the importance of crop diversification, agri-processing, industrial infrastructure, and skill training for the development of Punjab. The report, a part of the Punjab Vision 2047 held in November last year, details various recommendations in the agriculture sector for crop diversification, including millets in the mid-day meal and providing millets in the 5 Kg Ration Scheme. Punjab should create and promote AI technology for sustainable crop diversification and should set up AI-driven chatbox to assist farmers, Sahney said. On agri-processing, Sahney said that there is an urgent need to set up food processing parks, preferably through multipurpose cooperative societies in a cluster of villages with storage and processing facilities, oil extraction, flour mills, processing and packing of spices, pulses, honey, mushrooms etc. He also emphasised the need for organic farming with institutions like MARKFED and Punjab Agro to provide market linkages. Sahney also proposed setting up of crop specific clusters like pulses, oil seeds, and cotton in Malva, Sugarcane in Doaba, Maize in Hoshiarpur, dairy development in Kapurthala, Floriculture in Ludhiana, Litchi in Pathankot and Chillies in Ferozpur . Regarding trade and industry, Sahney reiterated that Punjab should develop strong industrial zones and revamp key areas in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali, and Amritsar. He mentioned that the Rajpura Industrial Zone should commence operations within this year. Additionally, he highlighted that further strengthening of STPIs to establish IT hubs and BPOs could be a game changer for Punjab, as skilled IT talent from the state is currently migrating to Bangalore and Hyderabad. Sahney highlighted that skill training for the youth of Punjab is crucial to safeguard lives and livelihoods. He provided details about five world-class skill centers being established by him, along with the 10 ITIs he has adopted. He expressed deep concern over the depleting water level and the presence of Arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. He expressed concern over the declining water levels and the presence of arsenic and other harmful substances in the water. To address these issues, he suggested adopting Direct Seeded Rice along with a micro-irrigation system. He further demanded that Punjab should receive immediate funds under the Atal Bhujal Yojana for water conservation, noting that the state meets all the criteria of the scheme. While appreciating the State governments war on drugs, Sahney said that skill training for drug rehabs is very critical to bring back youth into mainstream. He also advocated the need for investing in solar energy to optimize subsidy allocation for free power.

Indian-origin drug lord wanted by FBI arrested in Ludhiana: Punjab Police

Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, had been operating under the guise of a transportation business in Canada since 2014 and allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the U.S. and Canada via Mexico, the police said

Punjab Police arrest FBI-wanted Indian-origin drug lord Shawn Bhinder

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Police on Monday arrested an Indian-origin international drug lord Shehnaz Singh alias Shawn Bhinder who is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) of United States of America (USA). Shawn Binder is the alleged kingpin in a global narcotics network and smuggled cocaine from Colombia into the United States and Canada. Bhinder belongs to Mandiala village in Batala and had been residing with his family in Brampton in Canada since 2014. The Federal Bureau of Investigations on February 26 had seized a big cache of drugs and weapons, including 391 kilograms of methamphetamine, 109 kilograms of cocaine, and four sophisticated weapons from multiple residences and vehicles linked to the syndicate. The FBI had arrested six accused in Amritpal Singh alias Amrit alias Bal, Amritpal Singh alias Cheema, Taqdeer Singh alias Romi, Sarabjit Singh Saabi, Fernando Valladares alias Franco and Gurlal Singh in the operation. Bhinder, who was living in Canada then, evaded arrest and clandestinely landed in India in March. Director General of Police, Punjab Gaurav Yadav said that Shawn Bhinder was a key player in a global narcotics syndicate, smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the USA and Canada. We successfully tracked and arrested him from the jurisdiction of Ludhiana. He was also wanted in an Arms Act case registered in December 2024, wherein Tarn Taran Police had arrested five members of the notorious Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth Gang leading to recovery of significant cache of arms and ammunition from their possession, said Yadav. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ferozepur Range Swapan Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police of Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that preliminary investigations reveal that Bhinder played a key role in transporting large consignments of drugs across international borders using trucks and trailers. Rana who was tracking Bhinder since December last year said that it was found during interrogation that Bhinder, operating under the guise of a legitimate transportation business in Canada since 2014, allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the US and Canada via Mexico. The investigations revealed that Bhinder along with his accomplices were transporting approximately 600 kgs of cocaine from Colombia every week, he added. Rana said that Bhinders network is believed to have ties with notorious drug traffickers, including Amritpal Singh alias Baath and Gurjant Singh Bholu Havelia. Further investigations are on, he added. Rana said that in the murder of sapranch last year Bhinder had provided shooters to Amritpal Batth. Meanwhile, over the past four months, the Tarn Taran police has registered 125 cases under the NDPS Act, arresting 145 individuals and recovering 34 kg heroin, 4 kg opium and Rs 2.29 lakh drug money. Additionally, 29 proclaimed offenders in the cases of NDPS Act have been apprehended during this period.

Factory Collapse in Ludhiana Leaves One Dead, Rescue Operation Ongoing

Six workers were trapped under debris, with one confirmed dead and three injured after a textile factory building collapsed in Ludhiana

Punjab factory collapse: Rescue ops continue as teams search for trapped workers

LUDHIANA: Rescue operation was underway Sunday to see if anyone was still trapped under the debris, a day after a factory building collapsed here. A worker was killed after a building of a textile factory collapsed in the Focal Point area here late Saturday evening, officials said. The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams, of which one was found dead and three sustained serious injuries. An eyewitness had earlier said a loud sound was heard before the building caved in. Sources said repair work was being taken up in the factory when a pillar gave way. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force and other teams of police, fire brigade and factories departments, the Municipal Corporation were undertaking the rescue operation.

Multi-storey factory collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana, one dead, rescue operation on

The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams. While one of them was found dead, the condition of three others is critical, officials said

Multi-storey factory collapses in Punjab's Ludhiana, 1 dead, rescue operation on

LUDHIANA: A worker died after a multi-storey building of a textile factory collapsed in the Focal Point area here late Saturday evening, officials said. The six workers trapped under the debris were brought out by the NDRF teams. While one of them was found dead, the condition of three others is critical, they said. The deceased worker is yet to be identified, they said. The rescue operation is still underway to see if anyone is still trapped under the debris, they said. According to the officials, one worker was earlier rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, they said. The incident occurred in the Focal Point Phase-8 area on Saturday evening. According to an eye witness, a loud sound was heard before the building caved in. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force and other teams of police, fire brigade and factories departments, the Municipal Corporation were undertaking the rescue operation. Initially, seven workers were trapped under the debris. Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal are personally overseeing the rescue efforts at the site. They emphasised that the top priority is to rescue the trapped workers. The deputy commissioner stated that the health department has been instructed to deploy medical teams and ambulances at the site until the operation is complete. The municipal corporation and fire safety department have also been directed to depute their additional staff there round-the-clock.

6 Workers Trapped After Portion Of Factory Collapses In Punjab's Ludhiana, Rescue Ops Underway

At least 6 workers were feared trapped after a portion of a factory collapsed in Ludhiana. Rescue operations were underway.

Six Feared Trapped As Multi-Storey Building Collapses In Ludhiana

At least six people were feared trapped after a multi-storey building in Ludhiana collapsed on Saturday, officials said.

Eyeing 2027 assembly polls, Punjab Congress kickstarts Judega Block, Jittegi Congress campaign

CHANDIGARH: With an eye on the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab Congress today launched the Judega Block, Jittegi Congress campaign from Dera Bassi and Sanaur to strengthen the partys grassroots network in the state. Addressing gatherings at Dera Bassi and Sanaur, Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring highlighted the significance of grassroots connections and on-ground efforts. The strength of any political party lies in its grassroots network, Warring said. Through this campaign, we aim to empower our workers, understand their challenges, and chart a roadmap for the future. It is not just the senior leadership that will help us form the government, but the relentless efforts of our block and booth leaders and workers. Emphasising the importance of regular block meetings, he urged all Block Presidents to hold monthly gatherings on the third Tuesday of each month to address concerns, share feedback, and ensure the partys roadmap reaches every household. We must connect with every household, understand their issues, and become their voice. This is our responsibility, and through this groundwork, we will secure victory in 2027, he asserted. Acknowledging the hard work of the partys workers in the recent Lok Sabha elections, Warring said, Our victory in the Lok Sabha elections was possible only because of the relentless efforts of our workers on the ground. Now, we must work even harder to ensure Congresss victory in the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections. Let us strive together with positivity and determination to make this vision a reality. Warring reiterated the crucial role of social media in amplifying the partys message. In todays age, social media is a powerful tool. We must use it effectively to disseminate our message and connect with people across Punjab. This campaignJudega Block, Jittegi Congressis not just a program; its a mission. If our blocks are strong, Congress will win, he said. He was accompanied by Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Patiala MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi. The campaign aims to unite and strengthen block-level leadership and workers to prepare a robust foundation for the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections. During the meeting, views and suggestions from block and booth workers and office bearers were heard, and preparations for the upcoming elections were discussed. As part of the campaign, Warring will tour all 234 blocks in Punjab to strengthen its network, understand ground-level challenges, and prepare for the 2027 elections. Warring expressed his commitment to this mission, stating, I will personally visit every block under this program because Punjab needs us, and we need to become the voice of the people. Together, we will build a stronger Punjab, one block at a time.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha to hold dharnas in front of residences of all AAP MLAs on March 10, 15

CHANDIGARH: Recalling all the ongoing dharnas across the state, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella organization of farmer unions that led the 2020-21 protests, has decided to hold demonstrations outside the residences of all Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs on March 10 and on March 15. Furthermore, the SKM has invited Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for an open debate with the farmer leaders on their demands. After an emergency meeting in Ludhiana on Thursday, attended by 22 of the 28 farmer leaders from various unions within the state unit of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), BKU (Lakhowal) president and senior SKM leader Harinder Singh Lakhowal told TNIE that it was decided farmer unions will stage dharnas in front of the residences of all AAP MLAs across the state on March 10, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Additionally, the ongoing dharnas by farmers, which had been prompted after the Punjab Police stopped them while they were heading to Chandigarh, have been called off. On March 15, SKM leaders will be holding a meeting at the Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh so we extended an invitation to the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to come and have an open debate with us on all the farmer issues. As he (Mann) had said that the demands of the farmers are not related to state government but are related with central government, he said. Lakhowal further said, It was also decided that if CM Mann is not available on March 15, he can give us any time, date and place and we will send five for our leaders to have an open debate with him. The resentment of the farmer leaders against the government has grown after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann walked out of a meeting with SKM leaders, which was called on March 4 to resolve issues with farmers unions to cancel a scheduled farmers protest on Wednesday, March 5. Punjab Police thwarted the `Chandigarh Chalo attempt of farmers on SKMs call for a week-long dharna as multiple checkpoints were set up across the state and security stepped up at all entry points of the Union Territory. This move is seen as an escalation of SKMs agitation against the state government, as it is now targeting the ruling party.

BJP's Sirsa accused AAP of portraying Kejriwal as Punjab's 'messiah'

CHANDIGARH: Delhis Food Supply, Industry, and Environment Minister and BJP National Secretary, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of attempting to portray its leader and former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, as the messiah of Punjab. Addressing a press conference at the Punjab BJP office Sirsa, accompanied by state party leaders Fateh Jung Bajwa, state party leader, and Vineet Joshi, claimed that AAP, having lost its ground in Delhi, is now shifting its focus to Punjab. He alleged that the party is exploiting Punjabs resources to sustain its political ambitions. Without directly naming Kejriwal, Sirsa mocked his recent retreat, questioning the extensive security arrangements. One person has come here and is trying to gain control over Punjab. He, who once considered himself the owner of Delhi, is now not even a tenant there. Under the guise of a 10-day Vipassana meditation session, he is travelling in a cavalcade of 50 vehicles, including a bulletproof Land Cruiser, ambulances, a fire brigade, and 100 commandos. What kind of Vipassana is this? We are unable to understand, he remarked. He further claimed that speculation was rife regarding the true purpose of Kejriwals visit. There is a lot of talk going around. Some say that on the pretext of Vipassana, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann might be removed, while others believe this is a move to secure a Rajya Sabha seat for Kejriwal, Sirsa alleged. Taking a dig at the AAP governments handling of Punjabs drug crisis, Sirsa accused the party of inaction over the last three years. I am surprised, and you should take note too, that for the past three years, the government was sleeping while the drug problem reached its peak, even infiltrating schools. Now they claim to have taken strict action against drug abuse. But where were they all these years? he asked. Sirsa also questioned the recent crackdown on drug-related activities. Bhagwant Mann, you posted a photo of a JCB yesterday. But where was it for the past three years? They started this drive only after losing the Delhi elections. By suddenly taking action against the drug menace, they want to project Kejriwal as Punjabs messiah, as if work has begun only after his arrival. This is Kejriwals game plan. I have come here to warn the people of Punjabthe people of Delhi have rejected him, now it is your turn, he said. Sirsa also urged Ludhiana voters to defeat AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora in the upcoming by-election for Ludhiana (West). Defeat Sanjeev Arora. Elect anyone else, but do not let Kejriwal take control of Punjab, he appealed. Calling Kejriwal a power-hungry person who cannot live without power, Sirsa alleged that he was planning to overthrow Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. After getting badly defeated in Delhi, he tried to convince Punjab MLAs to elect him as their leader so that he could become Chief Minister. But the MLAs flatly refused, knowing that Punjabis would oppose them if they tried such a move, he said. He accused AAP of using Punjabs resources to bolster Kejriwals image. To show Kejriwal as a messiah, Punjabs resources are being wasted. Bhagwant Mann must answerwho is the Chief Minister, Mann or Kejriwal? When AAP lost the Delhi elections, I had already warned that Kejriwal would attempt this. That is why Punjabs MLAs were summoned to Delhi, Sirsa stated. He further criticised the AAP government for its failure to tackle key issues in Punjab over the past three years. For three years, AAP ignored issues like drugs, corruption, and law and order. Now they want to act as if they have suddenly woken up. The message they are trying to send is that Mann has failed. They want to make it seem like Mann could not handle the law and order situation, the drug problem, and corruption. Now, Kejriwal and Sisodia have arrived, and only then has the work begun, Sirsa claimed. Dismissing rumours of a possible BJP alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sirsa clarified that his party would contest elections independently. We contested the 2022 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections alone in Punjab. We will continue to fight alone in the future, he asserted.

'Chandigarh Chalo': Farmers halted by police, security heightened at entry points

CANDIGARH: Amid the Chandigarh Chalo march under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), farmers were prevented from reaching Chandigarh for their week-long dharna beginning today. Multiple barricades and checkpoints were set up across Punjab, and several farmer leaders were detained. Security was also heightened at all entry points of the Union Territory, leading to long queues of vehicles. Farmers who set out for Chandigarh in tractor-trolleys and other vehicles on Wednesday morning were stopped by the Punjab Police at multiple locations. In many places, the state police had parked tippers on highways to block their movement. Farmer leaders stated that they are now trying to reach Chandigarh through rural link roads to avoid the highways. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ekta-Ugrahan, the largest farmer union in the state, was detained by Sangrur police. He was picked up near Gharachon village and taken to Chajli police station, said his associate Jagtar Kalajhar. Meanwhile, BKU Dakaunda, the second-largest farmer union in Punjab, alleged that the police roughed up their president, Manjit Singh Dhaner. As police attempted to arrest Dhaner near Bhaini Dharera village in Raikot, a number of farmers gathered and did not allow them to take him away. In the chaos, Dhaner managed to escape as police and farmers came close to a confrontation. The first batch of trolleys carrying members of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Punjab, which began its journey from Makhu block in Ferozepur on Tuesday evening, was stopped near Hedon village in Ludhiana on Wednesday morning. Another group of farmers from Patiala was prevented from moving towards Chandigarh as police placed sand tippers on the Patiala-Chandigarh road. Additionally, a convoy of about 20 vehicles from Fazilka was stopped near Jagraon. In Moga, Krantikari Kisan Union district president Jatinder Singh stated that their group was stopped at Ajitwal in Moga district by the police while heading to Chandigarh. Singh also claimed that some of their members were detained by the police. In Samrala, farmers were similarly stopped from proceeding, leading to protests against the AAP government for preventing their entry into Chandigarh. Around 50 farmers gathered at Amb Sahib Gurudwara in Mohali were also detained. The Morcha, a coalition of more than 30 farmer organisations, had called for the dharna in Chandigarh starting from 5 March in support of their various demands. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ropar Range) Harcharan Singh Bhullar stated that protesting farmers would not be allowed to reach Chandigarh under any circumstances. Wherever any farmer came out on the roads, the police of that area stopped them, he said. Meanwhile, Chandigarh Police set up barricades at the Chandigarh-Mohali border to prevent protesters from entering the city. Security was intensified at all entry points, and police personnel were checking all vehicles and verifying the identities of people they suspected. Additionally, anti-riot vehicles, ambulances, fire brigades, and sand-filled tippers were deployed at all border points. Due to these intensive security measures, long queues of vehicles formed at border crossings, causing inconvenience to commuters. Superintendent of Police Geetanjali Khandelwal stated that police personnel had been stationed at all border points. Barricading has been put up, and strict checking is being carried out. We want people to face minimal inconvenience, but wherever we suspect traffic snarls, we have directed alternative traffic routes, she said. The Chandigarh Administration had denied permission for farmers to hold their sit-in at Sector 34 in the city.

Punjab CM Mann warns striking tehsildars: Return to work or be replaced

CHANDIGARH: After a heated exchange with farmer unions yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today took on the agitating tehsildars across the state, who have been on mass casual leave since Monday in protest against vigilance inquiries. Mann issued a stern warning, telling them to return to work immediately or face replacement. The Punjab Revenue Officers Association had announced on Monday that property registrations would remain suspended until March 7 in protest against vigilance action on a sub-registrar, a nambardar, a registry clerk, and others in Ludhiana over an alleged fraudulent land deal. Mann, accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Anurag Verma, personally visited tehsil offices in Kharar and Fatehgarh Sahib to ensure that the strike was not disrupting public services. He directed Verma to present an agenda for recruiting new revenue officials at the next state cabinet meeting. They want a licence for corruption, but our government has zero tolerance for corruption and will not be blackmailed, Mann declared. We have assigned kanungos and other officials to handle property registrations. If necessary, we will even delegate these powers to school principals and headmasters. But the protesting tehsildars will not be allowed to blackmail the government and inconvenience the public. He reiterated his commitment to honesty, stating, I have never taken money, nor is there any allegation against me. I will not allow anyone to indulge in corruption. If they do not resume work immediately, the government will find replacements. There are thousands of qualified people. We will employ them. Mann also suggested that once the striking tehsildars return, the people will decide when and where they should rejoin after their holiday. Writing on X, he criticised the protesters, saying, Tehsildars are protesting in favour of their corrupt colleagues, but our government is against bribery. They can enjoy their mass casual leave, but the people will decide where they will be posted when they return. The state government has issued a warning to striking officers, demanding they return to work immediately or face suspension. In a letter to all Deputy Commissioners, the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) stated that revenue officers had gone on mass leave and suspended registration work. He cited Section 6 and Section 12 of the Registration Act, 1908, which empower the state government to appoint suitable personswhether public officers or notas registrars and sub-registrars of districts and sub-districts. Following the Chief Minister's directive, kanungos and PCS officers in the district have been assigned the duties of tehsildars. When questioned about his meeting with Samyukta Kisan Morcha leaders yesterday, Mann remarked that Punjab was turning into a 'dharna state' due to frequent protests. He expressed concern over the economic impact of daily road and rail blockades. We are suffering economically. My soft approach should not be mistaken for an inability to take action. I am the custodian of 3.5 crore people, and I have to look after everyone, he asserted. Mann said that during discussions, he asked farmer leaders about their protest plans, to which they responded that the sit-in would proceed as planned. I asked them, Why did you make me sit here for two-and-a-half hours then? Their demands are not related to the state government but to the central government. Yet, they were unwilling to call off their protest and still wanted to hold talks, he added.

Join back duties or face suspension, says Punjab govt to protesting revenue officers

Chandigarh, Mar 4: The Punjab government on Tuesday asked the protesting revenue officers to join back their duties or face suspension. The strict orders came a day after the Punjab Revenue Officers association suspended the property registration work till March 7 in protest against the vigilance bureau action against some revenue officials in Ludhiana in a fraudulent land deal. They are also protesting against the vigilance bureau action on some revenue offices, saying such actions are creating an atmosphere of [] The post Join back duties or face suspension, says Punjab govt to protesting revenue officers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Punjab Police detain several farmer union leaders ahead of Chandigarh Chalo call by SKM

CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the Chandigarh Chalo call given by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), the farmers will march towards the city on March 5. SKM had spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' protest. The talks between the farmer leaders and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann remained inconclusive on March 3. Punjab Police, in a 'midnight' operation, conducted raids at residences of several farmer union leaders across the state and detained them. Meanwhile, the opposition party leaders slammed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for detaining the farmer leaders and termed it as the anti-farmer mindset of the AAP government. However, Farmer union leaders had anticipated such a move from the government ahead of the protests. Most of the leaders were not home early in the morning when police personnel arrived to arrest them. While some of them were detained, many leaders were not present during the raids, said a farmer leader. Among the farmer leaders of Samyukt Kisan Morcha who were detained by the police are Prem Singh Bhangu, Ruldu Singh Mansa, Harinder Singh Lakhowal, Mahesh Chander Sharma and Paramdeep Singh Baidwan, sources revealed. They were rounded up from Mohali, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. Talwinder Singh Gagon, Vice President of BKU Qadian, Davinder Singh Nanangli President of Kisan Sabha CPM, Ropar, Mohan Singh Dhmana President of Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, Ropar, Bir Singh Barwa President of Kirti Kisan Morcha, Ropar, Manjeet Raj District General Secretary of Kirti Kisan Union-Barnala, Jagjeer Singh Seera Block President of BKU Dakonda-Sehna and Hardeep Singh Talewal State Organising Secretary of BKU-Ugrahan besides many other leaders including those of BKU (Krantikari) were rounded up by the police from Ropar, Anadpur Sahib, Patiala and Barnala. Allegedly, the police have also arrived at the house of Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of BKU Ekta Ugrahan, but could not locate him. Ugrahan said that the police conducted raids to scuttle the farmer's protests and our supporters are being rounded up. Let the Punjab government do whatever it wants, but I warn them the protest will go ahead despite the police crackdown, Ugrahan added. A senior police officer speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the police force was mobilised and efforts were ongoing to arrest farmer leaders. These raids were conducted following the failure of talks between the Punjab government and farmer unions. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the police crackdown, calling it an attack on freedom in a democracy. Farmers want to protest peacefully, but the Punjab government is using the police to silence us. We will oppose any efforts to suppress our voices, he said. On Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had walked out of a meeting with Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leaders. The opposition party leader slammed Punjab CM Mann for detaining the farmer leaders and termed it as the anti-farmer mindset of the AAP government. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring wrote on X, CM Sahib, Punjabs farmers are not your opponentsthey are the backbone of our economy, small traders, and entire agrarian system. When farmers prosper and Punjab thrives, our markets flourish, small shopkeepers earn, and every household benefits, he said. Yet, for over a year, they have been protesting, and one leader has even put his life at stake. The least you could do is listen. If they cant talk to their own CM, where will they go? Ignoring them weakens Punjabs future, he added. Instead of addressing their concerns, why are you arresting farmers? Is this how you treat those who feed the nation? Talk to the farmersrespect their struggle!, he stated. CM Sahib, Punjabs farmers are not your opponentsthey are the backbone of our economy, small traders, and entire agrarian system. When farmers prosper, Punjab thrivesour markets flourish, small shopkeepers earn, and every household benefits. Yet, for over a year, they have Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) March 4, 2025 Former Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote on X in Punjabi, I strongly condemn the arrogant chief minister of Punjab for raiding the homes of farmer leaders. The AAP government is choking democracy by carrying out such disgraceful actions instead of apologising for the mistreatment of farmer leaders last evening. Bhagwant Mann has started arresting them @BhagwantMan Power is not eternal- Punjabs proud people will soon teach you a lesson, he said and posted a video of police raids of farmer leaders' houses. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu wrote on X, The Bhagwant Mann led Government has made emergency like situation in Punjab. After being exposed over the issues concerning Punjabs farmers, now its resorting to police tactics on farmer leaders. As we have repeatedly stated, the chief minister has turned the state into a police state, and the Punjab polices actions against farmers are highly condemnable. This reflects the anti-farmer mindset of the AAP government in Punjab.

Punjab cabinet approves Rs 200 crore OTS schemes for industrialists

CHANDIGARH: With an eye on the 2027 assembly elections, the Punjab cabinet today approved a one-time settlement (OTS) policy to clear dues on industrial plots allotted before January 2020. This policy will provide Rs 200 crore in relief to 1,145 industrialists who were unable to pay their dues due to the increase in land costs. This is the third major initiative by the AAP government in its attempt to strengthen its position after setbacks in the recent Delhi elections. After the cabinet meeting, while providing details about the first OTS scheme, Punjab Industries Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that plot holders who had not paid their land enhancement charges would not be required to pay penal and compounding interest on their dues. They can now pay simple interest at the rate of 8 per cent to clear their dues under the OTS. The compounding and penal interest will be waived. About the second OTS scheme, he said that industrialists who were allotted industrial plots but could not pay their principal amount for any reason can now clear their dues with 8 per cent simple interest. They don't need to pay compounding and penal interest, he added. Sond said that the new policy will benefit around 1,145 industrialists. He stated that these two one-time settlement schemes will remain in effect until December 31, 2025, urging industrialists to take advantage of the scheme. The AAP government is committed to promoting the industry. The cabinet has approved two OTS schemes for industrialists. There are 52 focal points, covering 8,000 acres of land and comprising 14,000 industrial plots across the state. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora said it was a major demand of industrialists and would benefit small and medium enterprises the most. The issue had been pending for more than three decades. It will primarily benefit industrialists in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Jalandhar, he said. Sources revealed that dues worth Rs 330 crore are pending from industrialists for plots allotted by the Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC).

Punjab police arrest accused for running fake website impersonating state mining department

CHANDIGARH: The State Cyber Crime Division of Punjab Police has arrested the prime accused for running a fake website impersonating the official website of the Mining Department of the Punjab Government. The accused generated 2,000 counterfeit receipts and forms, facilitating the movement of vehicles involved in illegal mining. This resulted in a loss of around Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh to the state exchequer. Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav said on Monday that the accused, Gaurav Kumar from Kharar in SAS Nagar, had created an exact replica of the official Mining Department website minesgeologypunjab.gov.in, impersonating it as minesgeologypunjab.in. The accused created the fake website in November 2024, and it remained operational until January 2025. Yadav said the fake slips even included a Bar/QR code similar to the official mining website, allowing vehicles to pass security checks meant to curb illegal mining. The initial investigation revealed that the accused, in connivance with a person from Ferozepur, generated over 2,000 fake mining receipts, causing an estimated loss of Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh to the Punjab government exchequer, he added. He said the website backup, along with data containing details of fake receipts, images of vehicles, mining material sources and destinations, and the computer systems used in the offence, has been recovered. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full nexus, he added. Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police, Cybercrime Division, V Neeraja said the investigation began after a complaint was filed by the Chief Engineer of the Mining Department, alleging that the official website had been compromised and a fake website was being used to facilitate illegal mining activities. During the investigation, it was revealed that the fake website was registered and hosted on GoDaddy, a US-based domain provider, she said, adding that Cybercrime officials, in coordination with GoDaddys legal authorities and various Internet Service Providers, traced the websites creation to accused Gaurav Kumar. She said police teams led by DSP Cybercrime Simranjit Singh obtained information regarding the IP addresses and mobile numbers of the accused and conducted raids at different locations, leading to Kumar's arrest. Police teams have also identified another accused involved in the scam, and raids are being conducted to nab him, she added. Neeraja further revealed that records recovered during the investigation indicated that most of the fake mining forms generated were linked to Navyug, a firm based in Ludhiana.

Shah: Government unsparing in punishing drug traffickers

NEW DELHI: Noting that the government has been unsparing in punishing drug traffickers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that 29 drug traffickers had been convicted by courts in 12 different cases across India as a result of the bottom to top and top to bottom approach adopted in investigation by the agencies. Taking to his X handle, Shah said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, the government pledges to continue combating the drug menace with ruthless and meticulous investigations to build a drug-free Bharat. The Home further asserted that the successes are the testament to the bottom to top and top to bottom approach adopted by the agencies under the direction of the government. Later, in a statement the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, in pursuit of the governments zero-tolerance policy against drugs, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved this significant success. Some of the instances cited by the ministry include: the seizure of 23.859 kg charasat the Sabarmati Railway Station in Gujarats Ahmedabad in 2019, where three people were arrested and sentenced to 14 years in jail. In July 2022, the NCB in MPs Mandsaur intercepted two vehicles in Shahdol and seized 123.080 kg of ganja. Four people were arrested and sentenced to 12 years RI with a fine of Rs 2 lakh each. In July 2022, the NCB in MPs Mandsaur intercepted two vehicles in Shahdol and seized 123.080 kg of ganja. Four people were arrested and sentenced to 12 years RI with Rs 2 lakh each as fine. In the Chandigarh Zone last year, a parcel containing two hockey sticks packed with 438 grams of opium was intercepted at DHL Express, Ludhiana, which led to arrest of two accused. They were sentenced to three years of imprisonment by a Punjab court. A man was held at Chandigarh Railway Station in 2021 for possession of 390 grams of charas. He was sentenced to six months in jail. In June, 2021, a Zimbabwean woman was arrested at Cochin International Airport with 2.910 kg of heroin and was sentenced to 11 years in jail. In January 2018, the NCB seized 450 grams of charas, arrested one person in Dehradun, who was later sentenced to one year in jail. In 2021, the NCB seized 1.950 kg of charas from the possession of two accused. A court in January 2025 sentenced the accused to 10 years in jail. In February 2021, the NCB seized 681.8 kg of ganja in the Ranga Reddy district of Telangana and arrested eight accused. They are undergoing 10 years in prison.

Punjab government continues 'bulldozer action', razes houses of drug peddlers in Phillaur

CHANDIGARH: Unauthorised structures built on the encroached Panchayat land in the Khanpur and Mandi villages of Phillaur were demolished by the Jalandhar Rural Police in coordination with local authorities. The structures were unlawfully occupied by two individuals with a history of narcotics smuggling and were removed following due legal procedure. Senior Superintendent of Police Jalandhar (Rural) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that the demolition drive was carried out following the request of the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) Phillaur. He had sought police assistance for the removal of illegal encroachments. The action was directed against Jasvir Singh alias Sheera, son of Dalveer alias Bur, resident of Khanpur, and Bholi, wife of Rampal alias Rama, resident of Mandi. As per official records, Bholi is a notorious drug smuggler and has been facing multiple cases under the NDPS act, including a 1.190 kg smack recovery in 2005, a 2 kg poppy husk seizure in 2015, and a significant quantity of drugs recovered in 2022. Similarly, Jasvir Singh alias Sheera has also been named in multiple cases, including one involving a commercial quantity of charas and intoxicated injections. Khakh said that the police, along with revenue and panchayat officials, ensured that the encroachments were demolished smoothly, with adequate deployment to prevent any disruption. Authorities confirmed that the land rightfully belongs to the gram panchayat and had been unlawfully occupied by the accused. Khakh reiterated that Jalandhar Rural Police will continue its crackdown on illegal encroachments linked to criminal networks, ensuring that no individual benefits from the proceeds of crime or unauthorized occupation of public land. He further urged citizens to report such illegal activities, assuring strict and swift action against offenders He also added that the residents informed him that the two drug traffickers would often intimidate and threaten the villagers. Meanwhile, Village Sarpanch of Khanpur, Paramjit Kaur and local residents commended the action of the Punjab Government against drug smugglers. Recently houses of drug peddlers were demolished by the Punjab Police in Patiala, Ropar and in Ludhiana.

Congress rules out changing Punjab party chief, says all is not well with AAP government

CHANDIGARH: Ruling out any change in the state leadership, former Chhattisgarh chief minister and newly-appointed Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said the high command has full faith in the current Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. He added that all is not well with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab as a power struggle has started after its devastating defeat in Delhi. The defeated Delhi leaders have started taking charge and control of various government departments in Punjab, he alleged. He said the entire Congress leadership in the state was united and unanimous about exposing, cornering and throwing out the corrupt and inefficient AAP government from the state. After holding meetings with senior leaders including MPs, MLAs, contested candidates and district presidents here, Baghel also taunted the defeated AAP leaders in Delhi who have allegedly started assuming the roles of de facto ministers in the Punjab government. Replying to a question on the Ludhiana West by-election, for which the AAP has already announced a candidate although the by-election has not been announced, Bhagel said the purpose of announcing the candidate by the AAP was to create a Rajya Sabha vacancy for its leader Arvind Kejriwal after his defeat in Delhi. He said the Congress leadership in Punjab will shortlist the candidates for the by-election, while the final decision will be taken by the central leadership. To a question on the Punjab governments announcement that it will finish the drug menace in the state within three months, the former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister asked what the government was doing for three years. He said the government had completely failed on all fronts and was now trying to cover up its failures with grandiose announcements, which were high on rhetoric and low on delivery. He said that during Saturday's meeting, the party had chalked out the roadmap for the year-long programs planned by the AICC at its Belagavi session under the Nav Satyagraha mission. He said the PCC and all the frontal organizations will be involved in the Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan rallies which are being organized across the country. On the organizational front, he said the PCC will form committees from the state to the booth level and involve the entire rank and file in the partys programmes by the end of the year. He categorically denied that there was any factionalism in the Punjab Congress, adding that there was complete unity and unanimity among the leadership to strengthen the party in the state. Sources said that Baghel told state unit leaders that if they have any issues, they should bring it to the party platform to get them resolved and not go to the media and speak against each other. Those present at the meeting included PCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, CLP leader Partap Singh Bajwa, PCC Working President Bharat Bhushan Ashu, co-incharges Alok Sharma and Ravinder Uttam Rao.