Video of students carrying bricks in school sparks row in Punjab's Pathankot
A video from Govt High Smart School in Rajparura, Pathankot, shows students carrying bricks, stirring outrage. The DEO, Rajesh Gupta, is investigating after the footage circulated. The principal reported that students were removing bricks initially placed around flowering plants for their growth. The incident raises concerns about child labor.
Punjab police arrest drug smuggler linked to Pakistan, seizes 1.35 kg heroin
Punjab Police have arrested a drug smuggler linked to Pakistan-based operatives, seizing over one kilogram of heroin. The operation was a joint effort between Pathankot Counter Intelligence and Gurdaspur Police. The arrested individual utilized drones for smuggling drugs into India. Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Punjab farmers block roads, squat on rail tracks alleging tardy paddy procurement
CHANDIGARH: Punjab farmers blocked roads and squatted on rail tracks across the State on October 13 as a part of the protest against the alleged tardy procurement of paddy in the ongoing Kharif marketing season. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) blamed the Centre over the issue and alleged that the root cause lies with the Union Government. It has been more than twelve days since the paddy procurement began, and the commission agents and the rice millers have refused to participate in the process, despite the assurances promised by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Mann had said that he would meet the Union Consumer Affairs Minister on October 14 to flag the demands of protesting rice millers and arthiyas. He added the demands of the rice millers and commission agents were genuine and the union government must take a sympathetic view. The farmers disrupted road traffic at many places, including Samrala, Kohara, Khanna, Raikot, Doraha, Payal and Jagraon in Ludhiana. In Amritsar, farmers held road blockades at places, including Attari, and Kukrawal village near Ajnala town. They also squatted on the Wallha railway crossing and Sunam railway station in Sangrur. The Ferozepur-Ludhiana national highway was blocked near Duneke in Moga. The State rice millers and the commission agents are also supporting the farmers' protest. Senior SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said despite assurances by the State government regarding the smooth procurement of paddy, farmers are facing problems in grain markets. A senior railway official said, As many as 20 trains have been affected due to the protest. The Shatabdi express train (12046) was delayed by two hours in starting from the Chandigarh railway station. A farmer leader Parminder Singh Ugrah said the farmers have blocked the Amritsar-Pathankot rail track. The protesters also claimed that farmers' produce was not being lifted at grain markets. While commission agents (arthiyas) are pressing for a raise in their commission, the state rice millers have raked up the issue of space crunch for storing the fresh paddy crop. The millers have also expressed concern over the out-turn ratio (post-milling yield) of the PR-126 paddy variety, claiming that it will lead to huge losses. Meanwhile, AAP leader and senior spokesperson Neel Garg said that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is deliberately not emptying the grain godowns, leading to current challenges. Garg acknowledged the farmers' right to protest but also emphasized that the situation has arisen due to the Central Government's policies and its neglect of Punjab. He said that even if Punjab has contributed to the central grain reserves for many years, the FCI has not emptied the warehouses, causing losses for rice millers. This has led to a halt in the buying of new paddy, he said. He also claimed that the Chief Minister and other ministers have engaged with the Union Agriculture Minister, who assured a solution, but the progress has been slow. The AAP Punjab government is working diligently to clear the warehouses so that new grain can be stored. Garg said that while some special trains have been initiated by the Central Government for lifting grain, the process remains sluggish. He also urged the farmers' organizations not to stop the trains, as this could become an excuse for the Central Government for the slow pace of lifting.
Farmers block roads, tracks to protest tardy paddy purchase in Punjab
Punjab farmers on Sunday blocked roads and squatted on rail tracks at many places in the state as part of their protest against the alleged tardy procurement of paddy in the ongoing Kharif marketing season. While the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has given a call for a statewide road blockade from 12 to 3 pm, the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) has also given a call for 'rail roko' for three hours. Police diverted road traffic through alternative routes. In Ludhiana, farmers disrupted road traffic at many places, including Samrala, Kohara, Khanna, Raikot, Doraha, Payal and Jagraon. Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said despite assurances by the state government regarding the smooth procurement of paddy, farmers are facing problems in grain markets. In Amritsar, protesting farmers squatted on Wallha railway crossing to protest against the slow purchase of the paddy crop. Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Parminder Singh Ugrah said farmers have blocked the Amritsar-Pathankot rail track. Far
Punjab's first forest control room in Pathankot to combat illegal mining and tree felling
CHANDIGARH: To address illegal mining, forest fires, and illegal tree felling in the Pathankot forest division of Punjab, which borders Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, the state is setting up its first permanent forest control room. This facility will be equipped with solar-powered CCTV, mobile phones, television sets, and computers, along with other necessary infrastructure. A GPS camera app will also be utilized to monitor the movement of field staff within their respective jurisdictions. Sources indicate that in the first phase, thirty locations have been selected for the installation of solar-powered CCTV cameras, along with mobile phones and other equipment. Control of the cameras will be centralized at the head office, connecting senior officers to junior employees through an online network. If illegal mining or tree cutting is detected in the forest area, the entire team will be activated immediately. The GPS camera app will facilitate regular monitoring of staff across different beats, blocks, and ranges. Additionally, CCTVs will be installed in all rest houses, eco-tourism sites, and nature parks developed by the forest department to prevent any unwanted incidents. The department has identified several tourist destinations for the first phase of camera installation, including Mini Goa in Chamrod, Nature Awareness Park in Pathankot, the Chavki Darya area, and the Ravi River in Narot Jamal Singh, as well as the Mirthal belt and forest guest house. In a statement, Divisional Forest Officer of Pathankot, Dharmveer Dairu, noted that the control room will enable monitoring of illegal mining and tree felling, particularly given the limited staff available. This initiative will significantly improve the management of illegal logging and mining activities, as Pathankot has a forest cover of 22 percent (22,096 hectares), the highest in the state. We receive complaints about mining and tree cutting at night. This real-time tracking will disrupt the operations of illegal timber mafias and promote the conservation and sustainable management of forest resources. Sources further explained that the primary reason for this initiative is the shortage of staff within the forest department, making it challenging to deploy personnel at every site. Consequently, incidents of illegal mining and forest fires are frequently reported. In many cases, although the department registers complaints, the culprits are rarely apprehended. The Pathankot range faces significant challenges from illegal tree felling and mining, especially near the borders with Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, forest fires pose a severe threat to the environment, necessitating prompt detection and response strategies, an anonymous officer stated. It has been reported that seven CCTV cameras have already been installed near the Nature Awareness Camp in Chamrod, with plans to increase the number in the second phase. Sources noted that the khair mafia exploits delisted areas to conduct illegal tree cutting. The forest department regularly issues distress reports and collaborates with local police to combat this issue. Additionally, wood-based industries in Jugial are implicated, rapidly disposing of illegally harvested timber.
Quad Leaders Condemn 26/11 Mumbai And 2016 Pathankot Attacks In An Apparent Reference to Pakistan
Quad leaders condemned the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks, reaffirming their commitment to counter-terrorism and future collaborative exercises in Japan
Joint Intelligence, security conference discusses terror
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 31: A joint Intelligence and security conference to tackle Pakistan sponsored terrorism was held at Mamun Cantonment in Pathankot, bordering Kathua district of Jammu region today, which emphasized on enhancing real-time communication between Army and other civil, intelligence and police agencies to improve response time and operational efficiency during crises. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The conference comes at a time when there were reports of suspects being sighted in parts of both Kathua [] The post Joint Intelligence, security conference discusses terror appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Number of Sikhs registering for SGPC elections declines by 50% since last polls in 2011
CHANDIGARH: The number of Sikhs with unshorn hair (keshdhaari) who have registered for the upcoming elections of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-Parliament of Sikhs, has dropped by almost 50 percent since the last elections in 2011. Only around 27.87 lakh voters have registered till July 25, while in the last elections, the number was 52 lakh. Sources said that as per the data with the gurdwara commission, the highest number of voters registered was in Gurdaspur district at 3.22 lakh, followed by Ludhiana at 3.13 lakh and then Amritsar at 3.02 lakh. The lowest number of voters registered was in SBS Nagar at 25,090 and Pathankot at 26,023. This is despite the Gurdwara Election Commission thrice extending the last date for registration of voters. The process of registration started last year on 21 October and the last date was 15 November. However, it was extended to 29 February, then extended to April 30 and finally the deadline was set as July 31. The migration of Sikh youth abroad, disenchantment with SGPC, the flourishing dera culture and tedious process to get registered as a voter are among the reasons cited for this steep fall. Also, this time the Akali Dal hardly took interest in the registration unlike earlier when their workers used to facilitate the process. Former Prof of Sikh Studies at Punjabi University at Patiala Dharam Singh said, The youth have gone abroad, a separate SGPC was formed in Haryana and the SGPC could not properly preach the religion to the masses which led to people going to deras for moral and religious support. SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur says that apart from the disenchantment with the SGPC and migration of Sikh youth abroad, the tedious process to get registered as a voter for the polls is a factor in the decline. The prospective voters do not know where to go to get themselves registered. Due to the delimitation, there was no clarity on the wards they belonged to and when they go to the camps, their applications are rejected due to discrepancies in wards. Also, everyone be it elders or women is supposed to go in person to complete the voter registration formalities with identity proof. There is no publicity about the camps held to register voters, she says. The SGPC has 179 members as every Sikh in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh with unshorn hair is eligible to vote for the 159 elected members of the SGPC. Of these, 157 members are elected from Punjab and one each from Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh respectively. Other than the 159 elected members, 15 members are co-opted and another six members include the jathedars of the five holy takhts (setas of power) and the head granthi of the Golden Temple. Till 2022, the total number of elected members was 160 which included 11 from Haryana. However, following orders of the Supreme Court, Haryana has formed its own SGPC. The elections to the SGPC are to be held every five years but due to extended litigation over multiple issues, elections have not been held since 2011.
Quad Denounces Aggression in China Seas, Cross-Border Terrorism, and Gaza Crisis
New Delhi: Attacking China without naming it directly, the four-nation Quad -- comprising India, the United States, Japan and Australia -- said it was seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterated strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion. At the Quad foreign ministers meeting in Tokyo on Monday, it further expressed serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, and coercive and intimidating manoeuvres in the South China Sea as well as on the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, the increasing use of various kinds of dangerous manoeuvres, and efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation activities. The Quad also backed the international Arbitral verdict of 2016 that had ruled in favour of the Philippines against Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea. The Quad also sent a clear message to Pakistan by condemning cross-border terrorism and demanding action against the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 and the Pathankot terror attack on India, besides demanding action against (Pakistan-based) terror groups LeT and JeM. On Ukraine, the Quad joint statement refrained from any adverse mention of Russia, perhaps due to Indian sensitivities. The participants at the Quad meeting were external affairs minister S. Jaishankar, US secretary of state Antony J. Blinken, Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa and Australian foreign minister Penny Wong. The four nations reiterated that India would host the next Quad Leaders Summit later this year which is expected to be attended by the top leaders of the four nations, including US President Joe Biden. Batting for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific at the meeting, Mr Jaishankar said: It is only our collaboration that can ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains free, remains open, stable, secure and prosperous. ... It is therefore essential that our political understanding strengthens, our economic partnerships grow, our technology collaborations expand and our people-to-people comfort intensifies. Our meeting should send a clear message, that the Quad is here to stay, here to do and here to go. He added: The overall messaging is that our four countries -- all democratic, pluralistic societies and market economies -- are working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, for a rules-based order and for the global good. The EAM further said: This (Quad) is not a talk shop but a platform that generates practical outcomes. For example, our HADR conversations are reflected in understandings and SOPs between our navies. The Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness initiative that came out of the Quad today links information fusion centres. The Open-RAN network, that we have spoken about so much, is being deployed in Palau. A space-based climate warning system will be launched soon in Mauritius. The Quad further said it was working for early operationalisation of the South Asia programme through the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurgaon, India. Hailing the Quad, the EAM said: We are working from trusted telecom technology and undersea cable connectivity to humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR), ... critical and emerging technologies, cyber and health security, climate action, infrastructure, capacity building and training, STEM education, maritime domain awareness and counter terrorism. And this, by the way, is the abbreviated list! There are 16 working groups and we have just today agreed on more things to do. He added: These are not easy times. A major challenge is to ensure global economic growth, while also de-risking it. Supply chains are a particular focus for resilience, just as we push for trusted and transparent digital partnerships. ... In a sense, we are in the midst of a re-globalisation. The Quad joint statement, meanwhile, said: We emphasise the importance of adherence to international law, particularly as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order, including with respect to maritime claims, and in the South and East China Seas We reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, is a significant milestone, and the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. On terrorism, the Quad statement said: We unequivocally condemn terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. ... We strongly reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks, including the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and call for bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice without delay. We urge all countries to take immediate, sustained and irreversible action to prevent territory under their control from being used for terrorist purposes. ... We reiterate the call for concerted action against all UN-listed terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and their proxy groups. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the four nations said: We express our deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. We reiterate the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Quad also sought to strike a balance on the Israel-Gaza issue. It said: We unequivocally condemn the terror attacks on October 7, 2023. The large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable. We affirm the imperative of securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and emphasize that the deal to release hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza. We underscore the urgent need to significantly increase deliveries of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza as well as the crucial need to prevent regional escalation. We urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, as applicable.
Emily in Paris to Guns & Gulaabs: Netflix Shows to Watch This Friendship Day
Gear up for Friendship Day with Netflix's finest! Create your own Netflix havenaway from the chaos, just you and your yaars. Dive into stories that celebrate friendship, filled with laughter and warmth. Let's cherish the moments that shaped our bonds of friendship and celebrate what makes it special, all on Netflix! Kota Factory Kota Factory portrays strong friendships amidst the challenges of competitive exams, highlighting supportive bonds in Kota's pressure-filled environment. Characters like Vaibhav, Meena, and Uday stick together through thick and thin, illustrating how friends make tough times easier. This series celebrates the essence of true friendship, making it an ideal choice for this special day. The Archies The Archies brings back nostalgic memories of Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their Riverdale gang as they unite to protect their town's heritage. Their journey through ups and downs highlights the timeless bonds of friendship and the lessons they learn together. This film celebrates resilience and unity, making it a must-watch for any Friendship Day celebration. Just like Archie and his friends, we've all had moments where we stood by each other, no matter what. Kho Gaye hum Kahan Imaad, Ahana, and Neil's journey through school and adulthood tests their bond amidst personal struggles, social media, and romance. Ahana's heartbreak, Neil's ambitions, and Imaad's fear of commitment challenge them, but their friendship remains steadfast, offering laughter, tears, and unwavering support. Experience their journey and celebrate the power of true friendship with this heartwarming film! Wild Wild Punjab Enter 'Wild Wild Punjab,' where four friends, each playing a different note in life's melody, create a wild symphony of adventures. In this hilarious buddy comedy, they embark on a wild road trip to Pathankot, bringing laughter and friendship to the screen. These are the guys who know each other better than anyone. They may drive each other crazy, but they wouldn't trade their friendship for the world. Mismatched Mismatched explores how friendships can evolve into deeper connections, celebrating bonds across diverse backgrounds. Whether it's Dimple and Rishi's unexpected bond or their evolving relationship, the series authentically portrays modern romance and the power of human connections. It's like those unexpected friendships we've all had that turned into something more, just like Dimple and Rishi in 'Mismatched'! Guns & Gulaabs Looking for a laugh-out-loud series to watch with your friends? Guns and Gulabs is the perfect pick! Dive into Gangaram and his pals' hilarious letter-writing racket, where love notes fly around like paper planes in class. Nannu's attempts to win over Jo will have you in splits. It's like reliving your school days, but with extra spice. Perfect for Friendship Day, this series serves up a hearty dose of laughter and nostalgia! Emily In Paris Emily in Paris is your go-to for Friendship Day! Join Emily as she navigates new friendships in a foreign city, bonding with Mindy, an aspiring singer, and Camille, a socialite. Whether you're exploring a new place, missing home, or just craving good company, Emily's journey reminds us of the joy in making new friends wherever life takes you. Perfect for a cozy binge-watch with friends, it's like finding your own Parisian adventure right at home! Raise a toast to friendship with Netflix's lineup of heartwarming tales and hilarious adventures. Because true friends and great shows make every day feel like Friendship Day.
Quad Condemns Pathankot, 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, Stresses Need For Global Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The Quad foreign ministers condemned terrorism and violent extremism in a joint statement from Tokyo, calling for global cooperation and accountability for terrorists
Manish Tewari | Can talks, joint action take Pakistan in right direction?
The recent terror attacks in Jammu have once again focussed attention on the fraught nature of the Indo-Pakistan relationship that is weighed down by the corrosive legacy of Partition and four wars, namely 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999, respectively. Cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan since the late 1970s, first in Punjab, then Jammu and Kashmir and later across India, is the albatross around the neck of the relationship. On the other hand, Pakistan accuses India of interference in Balochistan an allegation that it has failed to substantiate with any degree of credibility or conviction. This piece explores the journey of Indo-Pak relations, highlighting significant events that have shaped the fragile ties between these two neighboring nations in the past four decades. Rajiv Gandhi and Benazir Bhutto (1989): The late 1980s witnessed a notable yet transient phase in Indo-Pak relations, marked by diplomatic engagements between Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Their efforts, while well-intentioned, were overshadowed by deep-rooted mistrust and rising violence sponsored by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. The period saw a resurgence of militancy in the vale of Kashmir, with Pakistan providing support to separatists that strained the bilateral dialogue and effectively stopped the conversations around demilitarisation of Siachen Glacier and the Sir Creek issue that were considered to be low hanging fruit within the realm of resolution then. The Gujral Doctrine (1998): In 1998, Prime Minister I.K. Gujral introduced a bold vision for South Asia through the Gujral Doctrine, advocating non-reciprocal concessions to foster regional harmony. This approach aimed to build trust and cooperation, even with Pakistan. However, the geopolitical landscape of South Asia was altered with the two nations India and Pakistan conducting nuclear tests. These tests established both nations as de facto nuclear powers, introduced a new dimension of strategic stability and instability, underpinned by the doctrine of nuclear deterrence that is predicated upon the theological concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) Post-Nuclear Tests and Kargil Conflict (1999): The nuclear tests of 1998 led to a shaky balance of power which was soon disrupted by the Kargil conflict in 1999. Pakistani troops and militants infiltrated Indian territory in the Kargil sector, leading to an intense conflict. The conflict ended with India regaining its territory, but it exposed the inherent risks of conventional warfare under a nuclear overhang. Strained Relations during Atal Behari Vajpayees Tenure (2001-2002): Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayees tenure was marked by oscillations between peace initiatives and heightened tensions. The Lahore Summit of 1999, where Vajpayee famously took a bus to Lahore to meet his counterpart Nawaz Sharif, was a high point, symbolising a commitment to dialogue. However, the optimism was short-lived, owing to the Kargil conflict and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament by Pakistan-based militants-initiated Operation Parakram, a massive military mobilisation that brought the two nations on the brink of a war. This period highlighted the fragile nature of peace efforts, easily shattered by acts of terrorism and the underlying mistrust. Ceasefire and Relative Peace, the Four-Point Formula during the Dr Manmohan Singh Years (2003-2008): A glimmer of hope appeared again in 2003 with the formal ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC). Both countries saw a relative reduction in hostilities and a series of confidence-building measures, including the resumption of cricketing ties and bus services between the two countries. An active back channel dialogue that commenced during the Vajpayee premiership was continued with an energised vigour during this period. Again, this fragile peace was violently disrupted by the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008, where terrorists from Pakistan orchestrated a devastating assault on Indias financial capital. The attacks not only left a deep scar but also highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism and the immense challenges in fostering lasting peace. Manmohan Singh and Nawaz Sharif (2008-2014): In the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, bilateral relations remained strained, with a significant trust deficit.. The election of Nawaz Sharif in 2013 brought a brief resurgence of optimism. Both leaders met on the sidelines of international summits expressing a mutual desire to improve relations. However, repeated ceasefire violations and the propensity of the deep state in Pakistan not to eschew terrorism as an instrument of state policy hindered any further advancement. Narendra Modi and the Current Scenario (2014-Present): The advent of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister in 2014 marked a new phase in Indo-Pak relations. Mr Modis approach combined initial overtures of goodwill with an asymmetrical response to security challenges. His visit to Lahore in 2015 to meet Nawaz Sharif was a notable gesture, but subsequent terror attacks, including those on the Pathankot airbase and the Uri military camp in 2016, led to a significant hardening of Indias stance. The actions across the LoC in response to these attacks signalled a new approach to taking political ownership of coercive actions. In February 2019, a suicide bombing in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir killed around 40 Indian paramilitary personnel, leading to Indian airstrikes on a terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The subsequent aerial engagement, resulting in the capture and release of an Indian pilot, emphasised on the persistent volatility and the risks of escalation in the absence of sustained dialogue.Today, Indo-Pak relations remain trapped in a cycle of sporadic engagements and prolonged periods of hostility. The Pulwama-Balakot dynamic demonstrated the portentous risk of unimpeded escalation in the absence of any institutional off-ramps. The underlying issues, primarily centred on terrorism from the Indian perspective and Jammu and Kashmir from the Pakistani standpoint, continue to impede substantial progress. As both nations grapple with domestic and international challenges, the hope for lasting peace remains elusive yet essential. A nuanced understanding of the historical context is crucial for envisioning a future where these two nuclear-armed neighbours might move towards a more stable relationship that can catalyse the progress and development of the South Asian region as a whole. Despite the challenges, pursuit of peace should remain an essential goal. A historical perspective reveals that while progress has been slow and often reversible, understanding past efforts and failures can provide valuable insights for future diplomacy. The terms and the attendant atmosphere for a dialogue are an essential sequitur for any forward movement. There, the onus is squarely on Pakistan for unless its deep state apparatus of terror is not culled or at least circumscribed, forward movement would remain only in the realm of hope. Confidence-building measures, while beneficial, often prove to be temporary and fragile. Regional cooperation on economic and environmental fronts can serve as a foundation for broader peace initiatives, fostering interdependence and mutual benefits. Ultimately, the path to a stable and peaceful coexistence will require both India and Pakistan to also understand the risk of escalation in a nuclearised environment without institutional off ramps as an ominous paradigm.
'Why Mann needs to be afraid of me', asks Punjab Governor amid spat with Punjab CM
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Friday said he will not refrain from visiting the states border districts, even if Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann feels bad. The governor, who has been at loggerheads with the CM over various issues, also asked Mann not to be afraid of him and stressed that there was no reason for the CM to be upset. Mann had hit out at Purohit, saying he should refrain from creating an atmosphere of conflict. He said the Governor holds a constitutional post and should fulfil his responsibility and we will fulfil ours. Speaking about his tours to the border districts of Pathankot, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Tarn Taran, Purohit spoke told reporters, I am not a political person. I meet every one and try to help out people. I have my achievements but I do not tell them. Why is CM scared of me? He further said, I am the chancellor of the universities in Punjab; my nature is different, I go by the merit. The CM did not like it. The situation at present is that 10 universities in the state are without regular vice chancellors. As per UGC guidelines, to appoint a vice chancellor, a search committee has to be constituted I have already appointed 27 VCs in the same method in Tamil Nadu when I was governor there. Stalin is friend of chief minister, he can ask him. Recently, President Droupadi Murmu returned the Punjab Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeking the removal of the Governor as the Chancellor of the state-run universities and making the CM as the chancellor. The President, after due diligence, sent it back, rejecting the bill as the present system should continue, Purohit said. While replying to CM Manns remarks that the governor is selected and not elected, Purohit said, Who says we are not elected? All governors are elected by the President.
Jammu on alert Army Schools, institutes operating from Cantonments along Jmu-Pkt Highway shut
2 OGW's arrested in Kathua ambush case Yogesh Jammu Tawi, Jul 25:A large number of educational institutions including Army's Public and Goodwill Schools besides Kendriya Vidyalayas operating from the military cantonments in Jammu province and on Jammu-Pathankot Highway have been shut as a precautionary measure in view of a high alert and ahead of Independence [] The post Jammu on alert Army Schools, institutes operating from Cantonments along Jmu-Pkt Highway shut appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to boycott Niti Aayog meeting
CHANDIGARH: Expressing solidarity with the INDIA bloc, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will not attend the Niti Aayog meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government took this decision yesterday, a day after the INDIA bloc on Tuesday alleged that the Union Budget for fiscal 2024-25 ignored non-NDA-ruled states and the Congress and the DMK subsequently announced to boycott the Niti Aayog meeting. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin first announced the boycott in Chennai. Following Stalin's announcement, the Congress said that the chief ministers of the grand party-ruled states which include Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh, Siddaramaiah of Karnataka and Revanth Reddy of Telangana would also skip the meeting. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the decision to boycott the meeting was taken after the Union Budget failed to allocate funds to Punjab, despite the state's significant contributions to the nation. He repeated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's jibe at the budget calling it a Kursi Bachao Budget (Save the Chair Budget) and accused the central government of political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states. Mann bemoaned that the Finance Minister's announcement of providing ration to 80 crore people did not mention Punjab, even though it is the major grain-producing state. Mann further said that Punjab shares a 532-kilometre international border and has always stood for the nation's interest. However, he said that the union government has blocked roads and imposed a burden on the state. He further pointed out his efforts to waive off the Rs. 7.5 crore imposed by the Union Government for sending military forces during the Dinanagar and Pathankot attacks. Mann assured that his government will raise its financial resources to make the state economically viable and demanded a special status for Punjab. He said that farmers of the state were ignored, and barriers were raised to curb them. Mann further slammed the union government for withholding Rs. 10,000 crores from the state and accused the Governor of raising trivial issues daily. He assured that every effort would be made to ensure law and order and appealed to the Governor not to create conflict. Mann said that the decisions regarding appointment of Vice Chancellors of Universities should be made by elected representatives, not selected ones. He appealed to the Governor to refrain from creating an atmosphere of conflict, given the constitutional nature of the post.
Punjab Police, Army Conduct Search Ops After 7 Suspicious Men Spotted In Pathankot
Pathankot, Jul 24: The Punjab Police and Army personnel on Wednesday conducted a search operation after a woman spotted seven suspicious men in a village in Pathankot district. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A sketch of one of the suspects has also been released, said a senior police official. The woman informed the police that seven suspicious men came to her house in Fangtoli village and demanded water from her and left after some time. Pathankot Senior Superintendent [] The post Punjab Police, Army Conduct Search Ops After 7 Suspicious Men Spotted In Pathankot appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K police warn against disseminating JeM video on Doda terror attack
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday warned against circulating what it said is a propaganda video made by Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) using Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khans portrait and a poster of the Phantom movie. It said that any person found disseminating the highly objectionable video will face action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1976. Phantom, directed by Kabir Khan with Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty and Rajesh Tailang in lead roles, is a 2015 political thriller in which the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's primary intelligence agency, sends an enigmatic operative on a top-secret mission to avenge the 11/26 terrorist attack on Mumbai. The J&K police in a statement alerted people that a 5.55-minute-long video made by JeM with a poster of Phantom and a photo of Saif Ali has just been released by the enemy around 2 PM today on 22 July 2024. The statement placed by the police also on its social media handles including X, said, General public is alerted that they will do the following: 1), they will not forward it in any manner to anyone; 2), they will report by a message as to who have they received this propaganda video from. It asked for mentioning the telephone number and the date and time of the receipt of the video and said that, thirdly, the police officers shall report it to their supervisory officer and civil officers should equally report it to their supervisory officers by way of a text message. The police warned that under no circumstances, this video shall be forwarded and said, It should be remembered that position and forwarding of content of this nature is an offence under section 13 and 18 of UAPA. JeM which since its inception in 2000 has carried out several deadly terror attacks in J&K and some other parts of the country including the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Russia, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. However, in J&K and Pakistan, the JeM has surfaced and is operating under other names and offshoots, the officials said. As per some media reports, the latest video released by the JeM is reportedly on a terror attack in which an Indian Army captain and three other jawans were killed in J&Ks eastern Doda district earlier this month. The video purportedly shows the terrorists and the slain soldiers-the body of one of them being desecrated - in the aftermath of the attack. It reportedly claims that the desecration of the dead body was done in retaliation to the Armys purportedly dragging a terrorist's body in a separate encounter.
Annoyed Over Unattended SUV, Man Plants Bomb Hoax To Get It Towed: Cops
Annoyed over an unattended SUV in front of his shop, a 36-year-old man planted a bomb hoax in Pathankot to get it removed, police on Sunday said.
Punjab man arrested for planting bomb hoax to remove abandoned SUV in front of his shop
PATHANKOT: Annoyed over an unattended SUV in front of his shop, a 36-year-old man planted a bomb hoax in Pathankot to get it removed, police on Sunday said. The Punjab Police arrested Nitin Mahajan, a local resident, in the matter. Police swung into action after it received information on Saturday that an abandoned SUV parked on Daki Road in Pathankot's Balaji Nagar had been vandalised with its window panes shattered. Some handwritten leaflets were found around the vehicle with threats of bomb blasts at government offices and schools in Pathankot in the next five days. 100 men had entered India with 30 of them in Pathankot, read the message, said police. Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police Suhail Qasim Mir said the leaflets, which also had 'Pakistan Zindabad' written on them, caused a panic in the area. During interrogation, Nitin told police that he had heard some suspicious noise outside his house at around 4.30 am on Saturday. From his balcony with a torch, he said, he observed four people damaging the windowpanes of the SUV and scattering leaflets around it, the officer said. Since it was a sensitive matter, police conducted a detailed investigation in the matter. Following investigation, it came to the fore that Nitin had himself broken the windowpanes of the SUV that had been parked in front of his grocery shop for the past two months, and also wrote the threatening messages, the SSP said. The car belonged to one Suresh Kumar who had left it over two months ago, police said. Nitin concocted the story to get the SUV towed by police, they said. Pathankot district borders the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. Last month, police were put on high alert after a villager claimed to have spotted two suspicious men in a village here. On June 12, two foreign terrorists were killed in a gunfight in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Punjab Police Inducts 3 Army-Trained QRTs In Pathankot To Tackle Terror Eventualities
Pathankot, Jul 16: The Punjab Police has inducted three quick response teams (QRTs), specially trained by the Army, in Pathankot district to tackle any eventuality such as terror attack or hostage situation, a senior police officer said on Tuesday. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp These highly trained QRTs, which will be deployed in three subdivisions of the border district, will be equipped with specialised vehicles which are fitted with Light Machine Gun (LMG), said Pathankot Senior Superintendent of [] The post Punjab Police Inducts 3 Army-Trained QRTs In Pathankot To Tackle Terror Eventualities appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Army officers pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Pathankot on Tuesday.
Army officers pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Pathankot on Tuesday. The post Army officers pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Pathankot on Tuesday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mistaken for terrorists, bearded BSF men in military fatigues spark scare in Pathankot
Punjab Police enhances security in Pathankot and border areas in view of Amarnath Yatra
CHANDIGARH, July 3: Special Director General of Punjab Police Arpit Shukla chaired a security review meeting in Pathankot on Wednesday on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. Police chiefs of neighbouring states and senior Army, IAF, BSF and central agency officials attended it. The annual Amarnath pilgrimage began in the neighbouring Union territory [] The post Punjab Police enhances security in Pathankot and border areas in view of Amarnath Yatra appeared first on Northlines .
Punjab Police Enhances Security In Pathankot, Border Areas In View Of Amarnath Yatra
CHANDIGARH, July 3: Special Director General of Punjab Police Arpit Shukla chaired a security review meeting in Pathankot on Wednesday on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. Police chiefs of neighbouring states and senior Army, IAF, BSF and central agency officials attended it. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The annual Amarnath pilgrimage began in the neighbouring Union territory on Saturday via the Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the Baltal route in Ganderbal. The 52-day yatra [] The post Punjab Police Enhances Security In Pathankot, Border Areas In View Of Amarnath Yatra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Electricity affected in Samba as Power House submerges in rain water
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, July 2: Samba Power House got submerged in the rain water last night due to which the electricity was affected for about 11 hours in the area. As the Power House is situated adjacent to the Jammu -Pathankot National Highway, the drains built on the side of the Highway got blocked due to heavy rainfall and the rain water entered the Power House with the result it got submerged in the water. The water level kept increasing [] The post Electricity affected in Samba as Power House submerges in rain water appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Monsoon Reaches Delhi, Says Indian Meteorological Department
NEW DELHI, June 28: The monsoon has finally arrived in Delhi after a long and severe heat spell in the city, the IMD announced on Friday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp In an official statement, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into the entire Delhi region. The Northern Limit of Monsoon passes through 26 N/65 E, Jaisalmer, Churu, Bhiwani, Delhi, Aligarh, Kanpur, Ghazipur, Gonda, Kheri, Moradabad, Dehradun, Una, Pathankot, Jammu, [] The post Monsoon Reaches Delhi, Says Indian Meteorological Department appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Pathankot on alert as 2 armed men spotted
In Pathankot, the presence of armed suspects triggered vigilance, leading to combing operations. The suspects' threat to migrant labourers escalated tension in the region, necessitating increased security measures across borders. Deputy inspector general (DIG), Border Range, Rakesh Kumar Kaushal said suspicious movement was detected Tuesday night. It is also learned that the suspected armed militants threatened the migrant labourers of dire consequences if they reported their presence to the police. In the past, armed fidayeen representing the United Jihad Council had stormed the Pathankot Air Force base on January 2, 2016.
Gurdaspur, Pathankot on edge as 2 suspected terrorists spark fear
The districts of Gurdaspur and Pathankot along the international border were placed under high security following reports that two armed individuals were spotted in the region. According to local police sources, a late-night call was received from a village near the border claiming that two masked men carrying weapons had entered their property and demanded [] The post Gurdaspur, Pathankot on edge as 2 suspected terrorists spark fear appeared first on Northlines .
Security forces on high alert after two armed men spotted in Pathankot
CHANDIGARH, Jun 26: Security forces were put on high alert after a villager claimed to have spotted two suspicious armed men in Punjab's Pathankot, officials said on Wednesday. The Punjab Police, along with the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), launched a massive search operation in Pathankot, a senior Punjab Police officer said.The search [] The post Security forces on high alert after two armed men spotted in Pathankot appeared first on Northlines .
Security forces on high alert after two armed men spotted in Punjab's Pathankot
Security forces in Punjab's Pathankot remain vigilant following recent terror attacks in Dinanagar and the Pathankot airbase, prompting a thorough search operation in the region.
Security Forces On High Alert After Two Armed Men Spotted In Punjabs Pathankot
CHANDIGARH, June 26: Security forces were put on high alert after a villager claimed to have spotted two suspicious armed men in Punjabs Pathankot, officials said on Wednesday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The Punjab Police, along with the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF), launched a massive search operation in Pathankot, a senior Punjab Police officer said. The search operation was being carried out in the Bamial area, the officer said. We are on alert, [] The post Security Forces On High Alert After Two Armed Men Spotted In Punjabs Pathankot appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Security on high alert after suspected terrorists spotted in Pathankot
Recent security alert in Pathankot due to suspicious sightings of two suspicious armed individuals moving in villages near the Pathankot district of Punjab, which borders the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The forces have assembled and initiated a combing and sanitisation operation and there is nothing to panic, as the security forces have the situation under control, he added.
Gurdaspur, Pathankot put on high alert as two suspected terrorists sighted
Gurdaspur/Pathankot, Jun 26: The border districts of Gurdaspur and Pathankot have been put on a high alert after the police claimed that they had reports that two persons, believed to be suspected terrorists, had entered Pathankot. A villager of Kot Bhathian hamlet, located near the International Border (IB), rang up the control room around midnight [] The post Gurdaspur, Pathankot put on high alert as two suspected terrorists sighted appeared first on Northlines .
