BSF solider found hanged in rented accommodation at Paloura
NL Correspondent Jammu Tawi: A Border Security Force soldier was found dead on Monday under suspicious circumstances at his rented accommodation, officials said. Nitish Kumar(33 years), a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Paloura locality in the outskirts of the city, they said. The officials [] The post BSF solider found hanged in rented accommodation at Paloura appeared first on Northlines .
BSF Jawan Found Dead In Rented Accommodation In Jammu
JAMMU, Nov 4: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his rented accommodation here on Monday, officials said. Nitish Kumar (33), a resident of Pathankot in Punjab, was found hanging from the ceiling in his room at the Paloura locality in the outskirts of the city, they said. The officials said Kumar, posted at the Jammu headquarters of the BSF, was putting up at the private accommodation, along with his wife and their minor [] The post BSF Jawan Found Dead In Rented Accommodation In Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Karate team wins 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze medals
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: J&K Karate team participated in North India Invitational Karate Championship at SDRSDN College Pathankot and won 13 Gold, 10 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. The Championship was organized by Punjab Karate Association. The winners of gold medals were Aditya Rajput, Ayaan Bhagat, Divam, Sahil, Varun Kumar, Suffyan Khan, Shiv Pratap Manhas, Raunika Mahajan, Aadya Mahajan, Khushali Gupta, Riya Gupa, Abhigya Pathania and Abhudhay Singh Manhas. Winners of silver medals were Shubam Kumar, Ibrahim, Dhruv [] The post J&K Karate team wins 13 Gold, 10 Silver, 6 Bronze medals appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
DPS students win Gold in Karate-Do Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Students of Delhi Public School (DPS) Jammu have won Gold medals in 5th Invitational North India Open Karate-Do Championship 2024 organized by Sports Karate-Do Association of Pathankot at Pathankot. The winner students are Riya Gupta (IX-F) and she won Gold medal in Under 50 kg category; Khushali Gupta (IV-G), won Gold medal in Under 30 kg category and Pragnay (I-C), won Gold medal in Under 20 kg category. The management of DPS Jammu including [] The post DPS students win Gold in Karate-Do Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Happy Diwali: HRTC Adds 155 Extra Buses for Diwali Travel in Himachal Pradesh
In a recent announcement, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has rolled out 155 additional buses to cater to the rising travel demand during the Diwali festival. This service, which begins on Tuesday, aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers during this busy season. Tickets can be booked online, allowing travelers to secure their seats in advance and avoid the last-minute rush. Additional Services HRTC's extra services primarily target the popular routes between Delhi and various locations in Himachal Pradesh, which often see heavy traffic during Diwali. On October 30, the corporation will deploy 60 extra buses from Delhi to key districts, including Palampur, Baijnath, Jogendranagar, Pathankot, and Dharamshala. Passengers can choose from both standard and luxury buses for routes to Dharamshala, ensuring comfort during their journey. From Chandigarh, HRTC will operate 70 extra buses on October 29 and 30, covering several destinations within Himachal Pradesh. On the first day, two buses will serve Chamba and Dharamshala. The following day, four additional buses are scheduled for Bilaspur, providing ample options for travelers heading home or visiting family during the holiday. Furthermore, 25 extra buses will be added for the town of Baddi on both days, improving travel convenience in that area. Regular Bus Services These additional services are set to run outside HRTCs regular bus schedules, helping to ease congestion on usual routes and improving travel for the Diwali rush. With these extra options, HRTC aims to make holiday travel more efficient and safer for everyone. In addition to increasing bus services, HRTC has also revised its fare structure, which will affect both passenger fares and luggage charges. Some ticket prices may see significant hikes, with certain fares potentially doubling. Recently, a proposed toilet tax has sparked political debate in Himachal Pradesh, prompting the Chief Minister to address concerns raised by the BJP and provide clarifications. HRTC's addition of 155 extra buses highlights its commitment to ensuring that families can travel conveniently to celebrate Diwali together. This initiative underscores the important role of public transportation in facilitating festive gatherings and maintaining connections among people during significant occasions like Diwali. Through these efforts, HRTC plays a crucial part in fostering the spirit of celebration and togetherness in the region. Diwali, Chhath Puja 2024: Indian Railways Runs 200 More Special Trains, Check List Here Diwali Delights: A Culinary Journey Through India's Diverse Festive Flavors Ayodhya's Deepotsav: A Dazzling Display of 28 Lakh Diyas and 18 Colorful Tableaux To Show
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.
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
Suresh Raina's uncle was murdered in August 2020 at his Pathankot residence during a robbery incident.
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
'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 .
Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that the incident was on expected lines and the matter was reported fast as the people in Punjab are cautious about terror incidents
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 .
