NIA charge sheets two key aides of Arsh Dala

NEW DELHI, Feb 21: The National Investigation Agency has charge sheeted two key aides of Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Dala in a terror-gangster syndicate case, the probe agency said today. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The charge sheet filed on Thursday before the NIA special court at Patiala House Court here named absconder Neeraj Pandit alias Neeraj Faridpuria and Anil Singh in the case, it said. NIA investigations have revealed that Arsh Dala, a member [] The post NIA charge sheets two key aides of Arsh Dala appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

NIA Chargesheets 2 Aides Of Canada-Based Khalistani Terrorist Arsh Dala In Terror-Gangster Case

The chargesheet filed on Thursday before the NIA special court at Patiala House Court here named absconder Neeraj Pandit alias Neeraj Faridpuria and Anil Singh in the case, it said.

Patiala police bust target killing module, arrest two shooters linked to Goldy Dhillon gang

Patiala Police dismantled a target killing module linked to gangster Goldy Dhillon by arresting two of his operatives in Rajpura. The duo was involved in previous crimes and were tasked with killings in Mohali and Rajpura. Police recovered firearms from the suspects. The Punjab DGP stressed the need to combat organized crime to ensure public safety.

PUP Result 2024 Released at punjabiuniversity.ac.in Direct Link to Download UG and PG Marksheet

PUP Result 2024: Punjabi University Patiala has released the 2024 results for BA, PG Diploma in Hindi (Journalism), Diploma in Agriculture, MA, BCom, BEd, and Others Exams semester exams on Students can check their PUP results on the official website @ punjabiuniversity.ac.in by accessing the designated results link.

Over 3,200 FIRs filed against travel agents in Punjab in last three years

CHANDIGARH: In recent years, an increasing number of young individuals from Punjab have fallen prey to unscrupulous travel agents exploiting their desire to migrate abroad. Whether through the so-called Dunky Route, student visas, or fraudulent marriages, these agents have capitalised on the desperation of youth. Over the past three years, Punjab has seen the registration of 3,225 First Information Reports (FIRs) against travel agents. Of these, more than 1,100 cases have been filed under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012. A closer look at the data reveals that the highest number of cases was registered by the SAS Nagar Police (398), followed by the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate (375), Hoshiarpur Police (293), and Patiala Police (235). Other notable police stations include the Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (228), the NRI Wing of the Punjab Police (190), Amritsar Police Commissionerate (188), Jalandhar (Rural) Police (141), and SBS Nagar Police (127). An analysis of these cases further highlights that 1,117 were registered under the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, 783 under the Emigration Act, and 1,325 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate recorded the highest number of cases under the Human Smuggling Act (294), followed by Amritsar Police Commissionerate (141) and Hoshiarpur Police (110). Under the Emigration Act, the SAS Nagar Police registered 287 cases, followed by Ludhiana Police Commissionerate (161) and the NRI Wing (75). Under IPC sections, Patiala Police topped the list with 198 cases, followed by the NRI Wing (115) and Hoshiarpur Police (111). Dilemma of desperate deportees Talking to this newspaper, Additional DGP (NRI Wing) Parveen Sinha said, Punjab is the only state in the country where the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, is enforced. We take stringent action against travel agents upon receiving complaints. In the past three years, over 3,000 cases have been registered across the state. Speaking on the issue, Capt. SP Singh, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Immigration and Education Consultants (ALIEC), said, As per the Act, travel agents are required to display their license number prominently outside their offices and in advertisements. However, illegal agents are predominantly active on social media platforms, making it difficult to trace their backgrounds. This makes it easier for them to deceive vulnerable individuals. We urge that advertisements on social media be regulated under this Act and be subject to scrutiny. From snakes, crocodiles to trimming beard, US deportee from Punjab recalls perilous 'donkey route' The situation calls for an understanding of these agents' modus operandi. The Act must be amended to keep pace with evolving tactics. Currently, there are approximately 5,000 to 7,000 registered agents, but the number of illegal agents remains uncertain, Singh added. Jatinder Benipal, President of ALIEC, said that the majority of deported individuals linked to illegal migration were victims of unregistered agents. These agents evade the regulatory oversight set by the Punjab Travel Professionals Regulation Rules, 2013. Illegal migration is primarily facilitated by unregistered agents, not by licensed professionals who comply with the legal framework, Benipal said. Sources revealed that three flights landing in Amritsar on February 5, 15, and 16 were carrying a significant number of deportees from Punjab. A total of 333 illegal immigrants were deported, of whom 126 (37.8%) were from Punjab. Other deportees included 110 from Haryana (33%), 74 from Gujarat (22.2%), and smaller numbers from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Among the deportees, 262 were men, 42 were women, and 29 were children (18 boys and 11 girls) returning from the United States with their families. Why Amritsar chosen? Political slugfest erupts over US planes carrying Indian deportees

PLPB joins hands with Singapore-based Surbana Jurong to develop industrial park in Punjab

Chandigarh, Feb 18: PLPB, a real estate and infrastructure development company, has announced a strategic collaboration with Singapore-based Surbana Jurong to develop PLPB IndusPark, an industrial park in Punjabs Patiala. The agreement was signed in Singapore on Monday in the presence of the real estate delegation under CII Learning Mission, PLPB said in a statement []

Two US deportees arrested for murder in Patiala

CHANDIGARH: Two youths among the 117 Indian illegal immigrants deported from the US have been arrested by Punjab Police for their involvement in a murder case. Cousins Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh were wanted in connection with a murder case filed in 2023 in Rajpura, Patiala. During the investigation, their names were added to the First Information Report. A team from Patiala Police arrested them at Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport in Amritsar. Sources said that the accused hail from Rajpura and had been declared proclaimed offenders in the murder case. They have been booked under sections 302, 307, 323, 506, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code for the case registered on June 26, 2023. However, police officials stated that they had not issued a Look Out Circular for the two. Reacting to their arrest, the family members said that they spent a whopping Rs 1.20 crore to facilitate their travel to the US. A team led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Rajpura police station was sent to Amritsar airport on Saturday to apprehend the two. Confirming their arrest, Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh stated that they were taken into custody at the Amritsar airport. Later that day, both were presented in the local court in Rajpura. Their families requested that they be allowed to meet their children. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the youth of the state to learn from the recent deportation of illegal migrants from the United States. He appealed to them to abandon the notion of seeking to go abroad through improper means and instead work hard to develop their home state, making it a leader in the country. Speaking at a gathering in Ghungrali, Ludhiana, during a sports tournament, CM Mann stated, We are fortunate to have been born on this sacred land, known for having the most fertile soil in the world. However, he lamented that due to the failures of successive governments, many young people felt compelled to migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. PM didnt inform his good friend The Congress accused PM Narendra Modi of not conveying to his good friend Donald Trump about the outrage over the shackling of Indians being deported. Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said, It is clear that the PM did not convey to his good friend our countrys outrage at the manner in which Indian citizens are being deported.

Bike rally held to mark Patiala military lit fest

Two deportees who arrived in second US plane arrested in murder case

CHANDIGARH: 117 Indians deported from the United States arrived on a US Air Force plane, C-17 Globemaster III late Saturday night at Amritsar International Airport. The men had their hands cuffed and legs chained, women and the two children were not. Additionally, Sikh youth were returned without turbans. Meanwhile, Punjab Police arrested two deportees in connection with a murder case. The US Air Force plane, C-17 Globemaster, with 117 Indian deportees, landed at Amritsar International Airport at 11:40 pm. Of these, 65 are from Punjab, 33 are from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The deported illegal immigrants included four women and two minors, including a six-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, and 112 men. Most of the deportees are in the age group of 18 to 30 years. Sources added that this time the difference was that the women were not handcuffed and chained, unlike the last time when women were also in shackles. Sources said that after security clearance, immigration, and background checks, the deportees were given food. The illegal immigrants who hailed from Punjab were then taken to their homes by Punjab Police at around 4:30 am on Sunday. The Haryana government also made transportation arrangements for the deportees from the state by sending police buses. As a few families had come to the airport to receive their children, they were not handed over to their kin and were told to go back. While those from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa were sent early this morning on flights from Amritsar, coordinated by the Union government, said an officer. Daljit Singh of Kurala Kalan village in Hoshiarpur, who was among the deportees, claimed that they were handcuffed with their legs chained during the journey. Our legs were chained and hands were also cuffed, he said. Singh said he was taken through the 'dunki route'. Saurabh of Chandiwala village in Ferozepur said, We were handcuffed and chained, put in the plane and sent back. They treated us very badly and humiliated us. Two cousin brothers from Gurdaspur district, who were deported back, said that they were threatened by the US army personnel while being deported and tortured. We crossed the US border on January 27, and the authorities put us in the camp for 18 days and never listened to us. Then we were put on the plane, handcuffed, and sent back, never allowed even to speak, said one of them. The C-17 aircraft that landed around 11:35 pm on Saturday was the second batch of Indians to be deported by the Donald Trump administration as part of its crackdown on illegal immigrants. The two deportees, Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh, are cousin brothers and were wanted in a murder case filed in 2023 in Rajpura, Patiala. A team of Patiala Police arrested them at Sri Guru Ramdas International Airport in Amritsar. Sources said that both the accused hailed from Rajpura and had already been declared proclaimed offenders in the murder case. Both the accused were booked under sections 302, 307, 323, 506, 148, and 149 of the Indian Penal Code by Patiala Police in a murder case registered on June 26, 2023. However, police officials said they hadn't issued a 'Look Out Circular' against the two. The family members said that they spent Rs 1.20 crore to send them to the US. Confirming their arrest, Senior Superintendent of Police of Patiala Nanak Singh said that they were arrested from the Amritsar airport. Another controversy has arisen: the Sikh youth were deported and were not allowed to tie their turbans, returning with open hair. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia said, Bhagwant Mann and his ministers are playing to the gallery on the deportation of youth from the USA, but shockingly and shamelessly, they are silent on bringing Sikh youth bare-headed without turbans. Not a single word on this major issue. Why Bhagwant Mann? Is it because you don't use the word Singh in your name? Shame on you for such dirty politics. I strongly condemn this action of US authorities for bringing Sikh youth without turbans. I also urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately take up the matter with US authorities so that such an incident is never repeated in the future. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) Member Gurcharan Singh also raised this issue and condemned the kind of treatment meted out to the Sikh youth. He said that the SGPC would write to the US authorities in this regard. We gave the turbans to the youth once they landed at the airport after we came to know about this, he said. US deportation: Punjab police arrests travel agent in case related to illegal migration

Wanted in murder case, 2 deportees from US arrested after landing in Amritsar

Two youths from Rajpura in Patiala district, deported by the US among 116 individuals, were arrested at Amritsar airport for their involvement in a 2023 murder case. The suspects, Sandeep Singh alias Sunny and Pradeep Singh, were immediately taken into custody upon arrival on Saturday night.

Wanted in murder case, two deportees from US arrested in Amritsar

Patiala: Two youths from Rajpura in Patiala district, who were among 116 individuals deported by the US in a C-17 aircraft that landed at the Amritsar airport on Saturday night, have been arrested in connection with a murder case, police said on Sunday. The accused, Sandeep Singh alias Sunny and Pradeep Singh, were wanted in 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 .

Wanted in murder case, two deportees from US arrested after landing in Amritsar

Two youths from Rajpura, Patiala, were arrested at Amritsar airport after being deported by the US on a C-17 aircraft. Sandeep Singh and Pradeep Singh are wanted in a murder case from June 2023. This marks the second deportation batch of illegal Indian immigrants under the Trump administration's crackdown.

US Deportation of Indians: Travel Agent from Patiala; Victim Paid Rs 45 Lakh to agent for illegal US entry

In a major crackdown on fraudulent immigration consultants, Punjab Police arrested travel agent Anil Batra for deceiving victims with false promises of illegal US entry. Batra, involved in an extensive immigration scam, was apprehended in Patiala. Police urge the public to verify agents' credentials to avoid such scams and assist in capturing other culprits.

US deportation: Punjab police arrests travel agent in case related to illegal migration

CHANDIGARH: The NRI Affairs wing of Punjab Police has arrested a travel agent who had sent a person to the US via 'Dunky route'. The agent, Anil Batra, and four others were booked in a case related to illegal migration after the US deported 104 Indians on February 5. A four member Special Investigative Team (SIT) headed by Additional DGP NRI Affairs Praveen Sinha had been constituted by Director General of Police Punjab Gaurav Yadav to probe complaints of fraudulent travel agents involved in fraudulent immigration practices. The SIT has been urging the deported individuals to come forth and assist in ensuring that those violating the laws are submitted to the majesty of the law. Talking to TNIE , Station House Officer, NRI Patiala Inspector Abhey Singh Chauhan said that Gurwinder Singh of Bhadson, Patiala had filed a complaint with the police. Based on his complaint, a case was registered on February 8 under sections 406, 420, 370, and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 24 of the Emigration Act against travel agent Anil Batra. Batra took around Rs 45 lakh from Singh to send him to the US as the deal was struck last year around June. Twice Singh was sent to other countries including Dubai and he returned back. Then in December he was sent to US via the Mexico border and was caught, said Chauhan. The accused Anil Batra, a resident of Shanti Nagar, Teka Market, Thanesar, Kurukshetra, Haryana, was apprehended from his in-laws residence in Patiala (5-E Partap Nagar). Batra is accused of facilitating the illegal immigration process by arranging a visa of country Suriname and ticket for the complainant, said the officer. After reaching Suriname from Mumbai, Singh travelled overland to other countries in South America, including Brazi and Colombia, where he crossed into Central America. In Central America, he travelled through countries, including Panama Jungle, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, and finally reached the United States illegally, with the help of traffickers and smugglers. The police froze Batra's bank account with a balance of Rs 6.35 lakhs on February 14. DGP Gaurav urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in apprehending culprits against whom cases have been registered. Additionally, the DGP advised citizens to only approach licensed agents for immigration services and verify their credentials thoroughly to avoid falling prey to scams. Failed to curb human trafficking, no compensation given to deportees: BJP, Congress accuse Punjab CM Mann

After Delhi debacle, Mann seeks to reach out to people

NEW DELHI: Heeding the result of the Delhi assembly election, which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lost, its government in Punjab went on a bonanza spree on Thursday, much before the 2027 assembly polls in the state. The Punjab cabinet, meeting after four months, decided to disburse pending arrears worth Rs 14,000 crore among state government employees and pensioners. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said arrears of revised pay or pensions and leave encashment will be released from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, and dearness allowance (DA) from July 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024. Three lakh employees and an equal number of pensioners will benefit from this move. The cabinet also nodded to create new posts in the Punjab State Legal Services Authority for setting up 22 new Lok Adalats. The cabinet sanctioned 476 new posts in the department. The government decided to recruit 53 regular drivers in the excise department and amended rules and qualifications for direct recruitment of Physical Training Instructors (PTI teachers) in the elementary education department. In another measure, the cabinet is reviving 822 posts of the Group C cadre in the health and family welfare department to enhance efficiency. It also gave approval for creating 97 posts of various cadres in the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar. The teaching faculty at the Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala are to get UGC scales. In a move aimed at generating more than 50,000 jobs for youth, the cabinet gave the nod for waiver of stamp duty, registration fee and other additional charges for transfer of land to the Special Purpose Vehicle NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster being developed as a part of the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor Project. Allottees who defaulted by failing to deposit the money against the plot/ land allotted to them by PUDA and other Special Development Authorities are to get an amnesty policy.

Punjab Cabinet approves Rs 14K crore arrears for employees, pensioners

CHANDIGARH: After a gap of four months, the Punjab Cabinet convened, focusing on crucial policy decisions ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. In a significant relief for state government employees and pensioners, the Cabinet approved the disbursement of pending arrears worth Rs 14,000 crore. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, The Cabinet has given approval to release arrears of revised pay, pensions, and leave encashment for the period between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2022. Additionally, pending Dearness Allowance (DA) from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2024 will also be released for pensioners and employees. He added that the sum will be disbursed in stages, benefiting nearly six lakh individualsthree lakh employees and three lakh pensioners. The Cabinet also approved the creation of new posts in the Punjab State Legal Services Authority for setting up 22 new Lok Adalats across the state. In order to check tax pilferage and ensure proper utilisation of human resources in the Taxation Department, the Cabinet has approved the creation of 476 new posts in the department. Additionally, the nomenclature of Inspectors has been changed, and they will now be designated as State Taxation Officers, Cheema said. The Cabinet also approved the recruitment of 53 drivers in the Excise Department on a regular basis and sanctioned amendments to rules and qualifications for the direct recruitment of Physical Training Instructors (PTI teachers) in the Elementary Education Department. This will facilitate the hiring of 2,000 such teachers across the state in the coming days, Cheema added. To improve healthcare services, the Cabinet approved the revival of 822 Group C posts in the Health and Family Welfare Department, enhancing the departments efficiency. This move will immensely benefit the public by improving access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of 97 posts across various cadres in the Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, SAS Nagar, further strengthening the institutions ability to provide quality medical services, Cheema stated. The Cabinet also granted approval for providing University Grants Commission (UGC) scales to the teaching faculty of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Patiala. In a major push for employment generation, the Cabinet waived Stamp Duty, Registration Fees, and other charges for land transfers to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) NICDC Punjab Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited for the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC), a key component of the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) Project. This initiative is expected to create over 50,000 jobs, including 32,724 industrial positions and 14,880 non-industrial roles. To support the economically weaker sections (EWS), the Cabinet approved a policy for the optimum utilisation of land reserved for EWS housing. Scattered land pockets in various colonies will be monetised, and the funds will be used to benefit EWS families. For this, 1,500 acres of land will be acquired across the state, Cheema said. The Cabinet also approved a policy for the optimal utilisation of External Development Charges (EDC) collected from property developers under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA). Under this policy, 50 per cent of the collected EDC will be used for infrastructure development within the respective colony or township, while the remaining 50% will fund major state projects. In a progressive move, the Cabinet approved renaming the financial assistance scheme for acid attack victims as The Punjab Financial Assistance to Acid Victims Scheme, 2024. The scheme will now include male and transgender victims. Additionally, the monthly financial aid for victims has been increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. The Cabinet also sanctioned the convening of a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 24-25 February to conduct legislative business. In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amnesty policy for defaulting allottees who were unable to pay for plots or land allotted to them by the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) and other special development authorities. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the establishment of special fast-track NRI courts in six districtsJalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga, and Ludhianato expedite cases related to non-resident Indians.

Farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa hospitalized for cardiac issues during Khanauri protest

Farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa was hospitalized on Wednesday due to cardiac complications at the Khanauri protest site. He was swiftly transferred to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, after experiencing chest discomfort around 10:30 AM. Having faced similar issues weeks earlier, he was supporting farmers' protests at the Punjab-Haryana border. Dr Girish Sahni confirmed his condition was stable after medical intervention and ICU observation.

In attacking BJP over phone tapping charges, Pilot also targets Gehlot

JAIPUR: Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Rajasthan government over allegations of phone tapping made by its own Cabinet Minister Kirori Lal Meena. Speaking in Jaipur on Wednesday, Pilot questioned the government's inaction on the issue, emphasizing that such claims from a minister within the ruling party were alarming. If a responsible minister from their own government is saying his phone has been tapped, then action must be taken immediately, Pilot asserted. Expressing his astonishment, he added that instead of addressing the issue, the BJP leadership was issuing show-cause notices to Meena. Highlighting the principle of collective responsibility in governance, Pilot demanded a transparent investigation and urged the government to release a white paper on the matter. While targeting the BJP, Pilot also seemed to take an indirect dig at his own partys past actions under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Phone tapping is a serious crime, whether it happened now or in the pastit must be thoroughly investigated, he remarked. His statement is significant, as the Gehlot-led Congress government had faced similar allegations in 2020. During Pilots rebellion against Gehlots leadership, several MLAs loyal to him had accused the government of surveillance and phone tapping. When asked about those past allegations, Pilot responded cautiously, stating, The matter is sub judice, under investigation, and the truth will eventually come out. The phone-tapping controversy has created a major stir in the Rajasthan Assembly, with the Congress seizing the opportunity to put the BJP on the defensive. However, the issue has also reignited scrutiny over former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlots tenure. BJP leader and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had previously filed a case over alleged phone surveillance, while former OSD to Gehlot, Lokesh Sharma, admitted in court that he had received phone recordings of rebel MLAs on a pen drive from Gehlot, which were then circulated to the media. The case is currently under trial at Patiala House Court in Delhi. Apart from addressing the phone-tapping row, Pilot also raised concerns about the ongoing farmers' agitation in Gharsana, where farmers are demanding increased water supply from the canal system. Warning that the protest could escalate, he urged the government to intervene immediately, noting that Gharsana has a history of intense farmer movements. As political tensions rise in Rajasthan, the phone-tapping allegations have become a major flashpoint, with both the Congress and BJP using them to corner each other. With legal proceedings underway, the issue is set to remain a focal point in the states political discourse.

Punjab police busts Arsh Dalla's gang: Two arrested, weapons seized

Punjab police have detained two members of gangster Arsh Dalla's gang in Sirhind, seizing five pistols and live rounds. Tejbir Singh, also involved, was brought from Patiala Jail for further interrogation. The police action disrupts an illegal arms supply chain and prevents potential violent crimes.

Farmer Leader Baldev Singh Sirsa Hospitalised Amid Khanauri Protest

Sirsa suffered cardiac issues at the protest site and was rushed to a Patiala hospital as farmers mark one year of agitation.

In Punjab, 7 rocket shells found in garbage heap near school in Patiala

7 rocket shells found from garbage dump in Punjab

There was no explosive in the shells, Punjab Police's Deputy Inspector General (Patiala range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu said.

Rocket Ammunition Found During Searches In Punjab's Patiala

About 10 rocket ammunition have been found during searches in Punjab's Patiala this afternoon, triggering panic among residents.

7 rocket launchers found from garbage dump near Patiala school

Seven rocket launchers were found near a school on Rajpura Road in Patiala. Police indicated that the launchers were inoperative, likely dumped by a scrap dealer, and posed no explosive threat. The investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Indian army to trace the source.

Punjab minister seeks PM Modi's intervention in deportation of Indians from US, urges him to find a solution

AMRITSAR: A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed here on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Trump government as part of a crackdown it resolved to carry out when it was sworn in last month. Of them, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, sources said. Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a 4-year-old boy and two girls aged five and seven years, were among the deportees, they said. The C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force landed at the Amritsar airport at 1:55 pm. The US action came just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington to hold wide-ranging talks with President Donald Trump. Hours after the US military aircraft landed at the airport, Punjab NRI Affairs minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention, urging him to speak to his friend US President Donald Trump regarding the deportation of Indians. Over 100 illegal Indian migrants deported from US via military aircraft land in Amritsar Dhaliwal also spoke to some of the deportees hailing from Punjab at the airport. Addressing the media, Dhaliwal said a total of 104 Indians have been deported from the US and out of them 30 were from Punjab. It was a long flight. All are healthy and fine; they had their meal, he said. Paperwork of deportees hailing from Punjab was done in the first batch. Thereafter, the immigration process of those from Haryana, Gujarat and other states will be carried out, the minister said. Describing the deportation of illegal Indians from the US as a very serious issue, Dhaliwal, said, We all know that PM Modi used to say that 'Trump is my friend'. He even campaigned for Trump during the 2019 US elections. These are international issues and can be discussed and resolved at that level. I urge PM Modi that the sword of deportation and jail is hanging on the heads of many Indians and he should hold their hands. He should sit with Trump and find a solution to this issue. The deportees were questioned inside the airport terminal building by different government agencies, including the Punjab Police, and various state and central intelligence agencies to check if they have any criminal record. Around 6:45 pm the deportees from Punjab were taken to their respective hometowns in police vehicles after completion of all formalities. Similarly, illegal immigrants from Haryana were taken by the state police to their native places, sources said. They also said that arrangements were made by the state governments concerned to take the deportees to their native places. None of the deportees spoke to the media. There was heavy barricading outside the airport and police personnel were deployed in large numbers. Except for an Amritsar-based man, who came for his grandson, none of the family members of other deportees showed up at the airport. He, however, refused to talk to reporters at the airport and seemed miffed by the volley of questions. Earlier, media reports claimed that the US military plane was carrying 205 illegal immigrants. Among the illegal immigrants hailing from Punjab, six were from Kapurthala, five from Amritsar, four each from Patiala and Jalandhar, two each from Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, SBS Nagar and one each from Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, SAS Nagar and Fatehgarh Sahib, sources said. Family members of the illegal immigrants from Punjab said they took huge loans to send the youths to America hoping for a bright future but now feel it is impossible to break free from the crushing debt. They alleged that the travel agents adopted unfair means to facilitate the youths' travel to the US without their knowledge. They now seek strict action against those agents. Senior Punjab BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make arrangements for the resettlement and employment of those from the state who have been deported by the US government. He also demanded strict action against the travel agents who sent the youths to the US through donkey routes and other illegal means by taking lakhs of rupees from them. Meanwhile, the Congress expressed sadness over pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated while being deported from the US and recalled that America had to express regret over the treatment meted out to India diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 after the then UPA government retaliated sharply. Pictures of Indians getting handcuffed, humiliated while being deported from US saddening: Congress Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said the media kerfuffle over the deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the United States obscures a few facts. This is not the first such planeload, nor is it directly related to the ascent of @realDonaldTrump. There were 1,100 Indians deported in the previous fiscal year (ending September 2024), under Biden, not Trump. As of 2022, there were 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the US -- the third-largest group, outnumbered only by nationals of Mexico and El Salvador, he said. Since October 2020, US Customs and Border Protection officials have detained nearly 170,000 Indian migrants attempting to cross the border illegally from either Canada or Mexico. They are all subject to deportation, Tharoor said. After Donald Trump assumed office as the US President last month, the country's law enforcement agencies have launched a crackdown against illegal immigrants. Many Indians, who entered the US through donkey routes or other illegal means by spending lakhs of rupees, are now facing deportation. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Tuesday that the state government would receive the immigrants and set up counters at the airport.

AMU Faculty Members Re-elected as Office-bearers of Indian History Congress

Patiala, Punjab: In a notable development, faculty members from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have been re-elected to key positions in the Indian History Congress (IHC). Prof. Shireen Moosvi has been re-elected as Vice President, while Prof. Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi and Prof. Manvendra Kumar Pundhir, both from AMUs Department of History, have retained their roles [] The post AMU Faculty Members Re-elected as Office-bearers of Indian History Congress first appeared on .

Akal Takht-backed panel holds first meeting, calls for unity in Shiromani Akali Dal

CHANDIGARH: The seven-member committee constituted by the Akal Takht held its maiden meeting under the leadership of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami at Panth Ratan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra Institute of Advanced Studies in Sikhism at Bahadurgarh in Patiala. The meeting held here unanimously decided to invite Shiromani Akali Dal working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder in its next meeting scheduled to be held on February 11. The meeting will discuss the ongoing membership drive of SAD, which has been a point of contention since it was started on January 20. Meanwhile, a majority of the seven-member panel has distanced itself from the ongoing membership drive, insisting that the enrolment process be conducted as per the mandate set by the Akal Takht. The panel members have been demanding that the religious bodys constituted committee be convened to oversee the drive. Sukhbir Badal appeals for unity, rebirth of trust in SAD After the meeting, Dhami said that the discussion focused on the Akal Takhts directions regarding the resurrection of SAD and appealed to all its leaders to join hands to strengthen the party. On December 2, last year, while pronouncing tankha (religious punishment) to the guilty SAD leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Akal Takht had constituted this seven-member committee to oversee the resurrection of Shiromani Akali Dal . The committee has been authorised to induct new members, appoint delegates and conduct a presidential election as per the partys constitution. The other members of the committee who attended the meeting included Kirpal Singh Badhungar, Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Santa Singh Umedpur and Satwant Kaur.

Former CWG gold-winning boxer Manoj Kumar retires to take up coaching

New Delhi: Former Commonwealth Games gold-winning boxer Manoj Kumar, who dominated the light welterweight (64kg) division in India at his prime and did not hesitate to voice his disagreements with national federation's policies, announced his retirement on Thursday to begin a career in coaching. The 39-year-old, who won his first and only CWG gold in the 2010 Delhi Games, is also a two-time Asian Championships bronze-medallist. His second and last CWG medal, a bronze, came in Gold Coast in 2018. He is also a two-time Olympian, having competed in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, finishing as a pre-quarterfinalist in both editions after fighting performances that ultimately fell just short of pushing him over the line. It's a carefully thought out decision because once I turn 40, I can anyway not compete in amateur events as per international rules. I am retiring as a content man after representing my country to the best of my ability, Manoj, who hails from Kaithal in Haryana, told PTI. I have just gratitude for the opportunities I got, he added. The outspoken pugilist, who began his boxing career at the junior level in 1997, completed his coaching diploma from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala in 2021. Injuries and a dispute with the national federation on selection issues hampered his India career after the Gold Coast CWG and he was not seen in any international event after that. He now intends to devote time to the academy that he has set up with elder brother and long-time personal coach Rajesh Kumar Rajound in Kurukshetra. For any athlete, saying goodbye to the sport is an extremely emotional moment. If it weren't for Rajesh sir, I wouldn't have been recognised as an Olympian boxer. He made me dream big and cleared every obstacle in my path to achieve them, he said reiterating his reverence for the man who was, at times, his only support system. This academy will serve as a medium to share our experiences and lessons with young athletes who will one day win medals for India in the Olympics, he added. Not among the most physically domineering boxers, Manoj created a niche for himself with his workman-like approach to the sport which meant wearing down his opponents in the ring with his deceptive defensive game. He could frustrate rivals with his shell guards and at the same time, surprise them with his very effective counter-attacks, which relied heavily on accurately placed straight punches. But despite a reasonably successful career, he could never find a steady sponsor who could stand by him when injuries chipped away at his fortunes. Manoj was elected as the athletes' representative in the Boxing Federation of India's executive committee in 2016 but had to quit over disagreements with the body on its ever-changing selection policy, which included doing away with the traditional practice of trials for a while. While in that commission, I raised my voice for fellow boxers. And when you do that too frequently, there are consequences. But I have never really cared. I still don't care, he said. Manoj's many other battles included a court case to get the Arjuna award in 2014 when the Kapil Dev-led selection panel ignored him despite the fact that he fulfilled the laid-down criteria as per the points system established for the honour. He won that fight in the Delhi High Court and was presented the award by the then sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal a few months after the traditional ceremony. He also fought a long and futile battle to get promotion in the Railways, which had promised him the elevation after the 2010 CWG gold but failed to fulfil it eventually. He is the only Indian boxer aside from the iconic Vijender Singh to have won two CWG medals. Manoj belongs to the Ror community, which comprises descendants of the Maratha soldiers who fought Afghan invaders during the battle of Panipat in 1761. And throughout his career, he never missed a chance to remind people of his heritage. For me, every bout is a now or never moment. I can't hold back for later, what if the later never comes, he had told PTI in an interview back in 2018. On Thursday, it was time to hit the relax mode for him.

As nation celebrates 76th Republic Day, states outline development agenda

NEW DELHI: The tricolour was unfurled and parades showcasing India's rich diversity were held across the country on the 76th Republic Day on Sunday as states listed their achievements and outlined development agenda. In a major announcement, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said the state will provide 12 lakh government jobs and create 34 lakh employment opportunities for the youth by the end of this year. The Bihar government will provide 12 lakh government jobs and create 34 lakh employment opportunities for the youth by the end of this year. The state government is working in this direction, he said. Khan also spoke about the different welfare measures and major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the state government. The government is placing emphasis on women's empowerment and taking effective steps to provide them employment and make them self-reliant, he said. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reiterated the demand for restoration of statehood, asserting that it is key to peace and development of the region. Addressing the Republic Day event at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Choudhary said, Snatching of statehood has caused deep pain, irrespective of the reasons given for this action. It has shattered the self-esteem and confidence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Republic Day splendor: Tableaux, marching contingents, and spectacular fly-past shine at Kartavya Path The people demand restoration of statehood at the earliest. It will not only restore the self-confidence of the people but also lead to development. Jammu and Kashmir is not just a part of India but its soul, he said. While security personnel were deployed in numbers to ensure smooth Republic Day celebrations, the atmosphere in the city was visibly relaxed with fewer checkposts set up to regulate traffic. Concertina wires were also not used to block the intersections in the city and mobile internet was not suspended this year. Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day function held at the Maharana Bhupal Stadium in Udaipur and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying that India has emerged as a global superpower under his stewardship. He highlighted the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas' as the cornerstone of India's socio-economic and political progress. While many countries are facing economic challenges due to instability, decisions are being taken strongly in India due to political stability, he said. At the event, which was also attended by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Khan inspected the parade in an open gypsy. It also featured several colourful cultural performances. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Sunday that he was committed to realising the dreams of people who scripted history by voting to power the alliance he leads for a second term. Unfurling the Tricolour at Dumka Police Line on Republic Day, Soren said his government fulfilled its promise and 56 lakh women in the age group of 18-50 were receiving assistance of Rs 2,500 per month under 'Maiyan Samman Yojna' while the process is on for recruitment on 48,000 posts soon. To wage war against injustice and atrocities has been our tradition. History is witness to how even before 1857 tribals here fought for Independence. Their struggle is our source of inspiration, he said. Soren said his government was working in a planned manner to ensure that the tribals oppressed for centuries get their dues and the state could move forward on the path of development. In Punjab and Haryana, police and home guard contingents took part in parades held at district headquarters. Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national flag at a state-level function in Ludhiana while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hoisted it in Patiala. In Punjab, hundreds of farmers took out tractor parades at multiple locations under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in support of their demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price. CM Mann slams Union government for neglecting Punjab, says should accept farmers' demands Black flags were prominently displayed on some of the tractors. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya hoisted the national flag in Faridabad and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Rewari. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed confidence that Haryana will set an example for development, progress, and excellence in the future, asserting that the state has made fast progress during the past decade. Addressing the Republic Day function at the Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said his government was working for the development of the state despite the ethnic conflict that has been going on since May 2023. I thank everyone who has come here from different parts of the state, including Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Senapati and Tengnoupal district, as well as the CRPF and Assam Rifles, and the Nagaland contingent, Singh said. A new Manipur, which reflects the peace and love of the past, can be seen on the occasion of this Republic Day. Let the almighty creator God give us a direction of peace from today, he added. The CM said that even though the state has been witnessing conflict since May 2023, continuous work is underway for development with the help of elected legislators and officials. On this day, with the support of the people, we can see a new Manipur. To save and defend Manipur is our duty. A strong and united India can be achieved with the contributions of strong and united states. We must all strive to make the country a superpower in the world, he said. Tamil Nadu marked the Republic Day celebrations with a march past of the contingents of the Armed forces, state police units and vibrant cultural events that extolled the richness of Tamil language. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi unfurled the national flag and Chief Minister MK Stalin gave away awards under various categories, including for communal harmony and gallantry, to recipients. In his republic day message, posted in 'X' Stalin said, In his 76th Republic Day, let us cherish the foundation of our Constitution that ensures justice, equality, and dignity for all. May this day remind us of our shared duty to create a progressive, inclusive, and compassionate INDIA. He also said, Wishing everyone a Republic Day filled with hope and purpose. This #76thRepublicDay , let us cherish the foundation of our Constitution that ensures justice, equality, and dignity for all. May this day remind us of our shared duty to create a progressive, inclusive, and compassionate #INDIA . Wishing everyone a #RepublicDay filled with hope pic.twitter.com/rJfh6DCaQc M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 26, 2025 There were some anxious moments in Guwahati, Assam when a loud sound was heard in the Beharbari area. Police are investigating the incident. In Assam, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya said at a Republic Day function in Guwahati that the state has been able to ensure peace and work towards the development of infrastructure, social and economic growth, and environment conservation. He said maintaining law and order, controlling crime, fighting insurgency and ensuring the safety of people and property are among the top priorities of the state government. Several militant groups have surrendered and signed peace accords in recent times, bearing testimony to these efforts, he noted. Earlier in the day, panic gripped the state capital's Beharbari area after a loud sound was heard near the Brahmaputra vegetable market. It was heard around 7.45 am. After we hoisted the national flag inside our compound, we heard the sound. We came running out. There was no injury or damage to any property, an employee of Brahmaputra Bazar said. Police said the sound was heard in the truck parking near the market and it is being examined. Locals claimed that a similar sound was heard in Rehabari but police said it was a rumour. An unattended bag near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Betkuchi also triggered panic. Police said the entire area was sanitised and a thorough search was carried out by an anti-sabotage team but nothing suspicious was found. The banned ULFA (I) purportedly sent an email to the press later in the day, claiming responsibility for lasts at two places in Guwahati. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the national flag in Dibrugarh and said the district headquarters will be developed as the second capital of the state within the next three years. In his Republic Day address in Hyderabad, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Verma said the state aims to position itself as a global hub for technology and innovation. Agreements signed by the state at the World Economic Forum in Davos have brought investments worth over Rs 1,78,950 crores and these efforts are projected to generate 49,500 jobs, he said.

CM Mann slams Union government for neglecting Punjab, says should accept farmers' demands

CHANDIGARH: Slamming the Union Government for its step-motherly treatment towards Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the Centre should accept the farmers' demands. He added that the government's apathetic attitude has forced farmers to agitate even on Republic Day. The tractor which is king of the fields, has to ply on roads towards Delhi instead of producing food grains due to the callous attitude of the Union government, he added. Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national tricolour at the 76th Republic Day function in Patiala's Polo Ground, Chief Minister Mann said that, in the more than seven decades since independence, Punjab had suffered inexplicable discrimination from central governments in the form of regressive and ruinous policies. He said it is unfortunate that the farmers, who made the country self-reliant in food production, have been forced to agitate on Republic Day as well. He added that, due to the apathetic attitude of the central government, the hands that feed the country are now forced to resort to hunger strikes to have their demands fulfilled. Mann said the Centre should accept the demands of the farmers so they can serve the country well, adding that the plight of farmers, due to the cold shoulder of the Union government, hurts every Indian who believes in constitutional values. The central government should stop the step-motherly treatment towards Punjab and its hard-working people, he said. Citing another example of the Union governments indifferent attitude towards Punjab, Mann said the central government has not released the states pending share of the RDF, worth Rs 5,500 crore. He also stated that this is not in line with the federal structure outlined in the Constitution adding that the states are not beggars and should be given their legitimate share of funds by the Centre, instead of harassing them. He said that despite the state's limited natural resources, the farmers have worked tirelessly to make the country self-reliant in food production, often at the cost of overexploiting the state's only available natural resources. He reminded that, at the time of independence, while the rest of the country rejoiced, Punjab, being a border state, bore the brunt of partition. Mann said Punjab endured the horrors of a violent partition, in which lakhs of Punjabis lost their lives, were rendered homeless, and many others lost their lands and properties.

Surgery Halted Amid Power Cut At Punjab Hospital, Minister Responds

A group of doctors performing a surgery at a government-run hospital in Punjab's Patiala were forced to halt the procedure after alleged continuous power outages, including the emergency lights in the operation theatre (OT).

After pro-Khalistani graffiti found at Faridkot stadium, CM Mann to hoist tricolour in Mohali on Republic Day

CHANDIGARH: Ahead of the Republic Day function, pro-Khalistani graffiti, slogans and flag were found on the walls of the Nehru Stadium in Faridkot where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was to unfurl the national flag on January 26. Following this, CM Mann will instead hoist the tricolour at a function in Mohali (SAS Nagar). Sources said that CM Mann was scheduled to preside over the Republic Day celebrations in Faridkot. But on Thursday morning, when the pro-Khalistani graffiti, slogans and flags were found on the walls of the Nehru Stadium in the town, it was decided to change the venue to Mohali. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, who was supposed to preside over the celebrations at Mohali, will now preside over the Republic Day function at Faridkot. After this incident, the state government decided on a change in the venue. Initially it was mulling to shift the venue to Patiala but later it was decided that the CM will be hoisting the national flag at Mohali, said an officer on condition of anonymity. Apart from the Nehru Stadium, graffiti was also found near the railway station. The police immediately swung into action and a coat of paint was applied over the graffiti. A case has been registered and further investigations are going on, said a police officer. Sources said Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US based pro-Khalistani outfit led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun that has been banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has taken responsibility for the graffiti at the Faridkot stadium. Recently the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal confirmed a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) banning this organisation for a period of five years. It is learnt that a couple of days back, Additional DGP (Internal Security) Shive Kumar Verma had visited the Nehru Stadium to take stock of security measures in view of the CMs scheduled visit. Also, heavy police deployment was made in and around the stadium. Despite this, the miscreants managed to paint the walls of the stadium with pro-Khalistan slogans.

Himachal Woman's Body Found In Bhakra Canal Hours After She Went Out With Policeman Friend

The body of 22-year-old Nisha from Himachal Pradesh was found in the Bhakra canal, Patiala. Her friend, Yuvraj, a police officer, has been arrested for her murder.

121 farmers end their fast-unto-death at Khanauri border as Dallewal takes medical aid

CHANDIGARH: A group of 121 farmers, who sat on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri protest site in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, ended their indefinite hunger strike today after he took medical aid. But Dallewal would not end his fast until the law for legal guarantee to minimum support price (MSP) for crops is enacted. Meanwhile, Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) the umbrella body of the farmers union that spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' protest has decided to send out a memorandum to Members of Parliament (MP) instead of holding a protest outside their offices on January 20 and it will focus on the republic day (January 26) tractor rally and its general body meeting called on January 24 at Delhi where further programs and action plans shall be announced. The farmers ended their fast by sipping juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh. Farmer leaders, however, said Dallewal would not end his fast until a legal guarantee to minimum support price for crops is given. With his health deteriorating and the central government not agreeing to their demands, a group of 111 farmers joined Dallewal's fast-unto-death on January 15 and sat on the Haryana side of the border near Khanauri. On January 17, 10 more farmers, who were from Haryana, joined them. The 70-year-old Dallewal who has refused any aid since he sat on a fast-unto-death on November 26, agreed on Saturday to take medical aid following the Centre's invitation for talks on February 14 to discuss farmers' demands. The SKM welcomed the decision of fasting farmer leader Dallewal to receive medical support and wished him a quick recovery and good health. The continuous efforts made by SKM leaders for farmers' unity and Pan India agitation against the anti-farmer Union Government has forced the centre to retract from its divisive strategy, the farmer leader added. The SKM leadership called upon all farmers to respond and rise in protest against the centre and force it to roll back its anti-farmer policies, which were earlier attempted to be imposed through the three now repealed agriculture laws but now again an attempt is being made to impose these laws through the so-called National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM), which is nothing but a plan to handover to a few crony corporates control of agricultural land, agriculture, food supply chain, and food security of the nation.

121 farmers end fast-unto-death after Dallewal take medical aid

The 121 farmers ended their fast by sipping juice in the presence of Deputy Inspector General of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh.

Screening of Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' cancelled in theatres across Punjab following protests

CHANDIGARH: The cinemas and multiplexes across Punjab on Friday were forced to cancel the screening of Kangana Ranaut-starrer Emergency following protests by various Sikh organization and farmers' bodies. Kangana plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film. The films release was earlier delayed after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) sought several cuts in the movie after Sikh groups raised concerns over the portrayal of the community. On Thursday, SGPC had demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ban its screening in Punjab. In a letter to Mann, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said the movie was a calculated attempt to distort history and harm Sikh sentiments and warned that releasing it could provoke outrage within the Sikh community. The protesters claimed that the movie hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs and provoked outrage in the community. The members of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) protested against the movie outside the cinemas in Amritsar. Also, there were protests outside cinemas in Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. The members of one of the factions of farmer union BKU gathered outside Dhillon Plaza and Cosmo Plaza in Zirakpur in SAS Nagar district near Chandigarh and protested alleging that Kangana Ranaut used vulgar language against them during the ongoing farmers' protest and in the movie, facts have been twisted to defame the Sikh community. A member of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) said that the history of the Sikh religion and the incidents of 1984 were depicted in the movie in a distorted manner. He demanded the movie to be banned. Meanwhile, Kangana reacted to the protests saying it as a complete harassment of art and the artist. She also slammed the propaganda to tarnish her image. In a message posted on platform X, Kangana Ranaut wrote, This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed sikh religion. This is complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that governments and censor boards must keep an eye on films like Emergency as such films show scripted stories, which are not true and the facts are twisted otherwise, they would not be successful if there was no masala. However, theaters in the Union Territory of Chandigarh screened the movie.

Complete harassment of art and the artist: Kangana after SGPC calls for ban on Emergency

New Delhi, Jan 17: Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut on Friday said the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committees (SGPC) demand for a ban on Emergency and the films restricted screenings in parts of Punjab is a complete harassment of art and the artist. On Thursday, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanding a ban on the movie, which released across the country on Friday. Many cinemas in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala and Bathinda did not screen Emergency [] The post Complete harassment of art and the artist: Kangana after SGPC calls for ban on Emergency appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

On Dallewal's 51st day of protest, 111 farmers start fast unto death

CHANDIGARH: Wearing black clothes and placards around their necks stating, in Punjabi, 'We will attain martyrdom before Jagjit Singh Dallewal ', a group of 111 farmers started their fast-unto-death in support of Dallewal at Khanauri border on Wednesday. The farmers have taken up the protest to further intensify their stir against the Union Government for enacting a law for legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and other demands. The group of farmers started their fast-unto-death after holding prayers as they moved towards Haryana. Then they cut barbed wire and sat on the road. Haryana police have deployed heavy security at the border on the Haryana side. The farmers are emotional and believe that they will sacrifice themselves before Dallewal to support the farmers' cause. The protestors will be given only water from now on and housed in a tent to protect them from the cold. Farmer leader said that Dallewal's condition is worsening as his body is not accepting water and is moving towards multi-organ failure. He has refused to take medical aid despite prolonged fasting, causing his health to decline. Doctors attending to Dallewal said his health is deteriorating every day as his ketone level is on the higher side and muscle mass has decreased. Lashing out against the Centre, farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, said, 'the Union government is not paying heed to farmers demands. Today, Dallewals fast-unto-death entered day 51. The Centre is neither ready to listen to anything nor is it initiating talks nor fulfilling our demands. Farmers are emotional and they have said that they will also follow Dallewal and start an indefinite fast peacefully. On the status of Dallewals health, Kohar said it is critical because of the indefinite fast. Dallewal, who is the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been fasting at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 last year over the farmers' various demands including seeking a legal guarantee on MSP for crops. The medical teams of Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala, have been deployed by the Punjab government for the continuous care of the health of the farmer leader. A makeshift hospital with all emergency medicines and equipment has also been set up near the protest site. SC seeks farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health reports to get AIIMS medical board's opinion The protesting farmers had earlier said if anything untoward happens to Dallewal, the Centre might not be able to handle what comes afterwards. When asked about holding talks with the protesting farmers to end the logjam, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently said the government would act in accordance with the Supreme Courts instructions.

SKM to hold crucial meeting after 80-year-old farmer's death at Khanauri border

CHANDIGARH: An 80-year-old farmer, Jaga Singh, from Godara village in Faridkot district, succumbed to the cold wave at the Khanauri border on Saturday. Singh, who had been part of the ongoing farmers' agitation for the past ten months, was rushed to Rajindra Government Medical College, Patiala, where he passed away. He is survived by his son and daughters. Confirming the incident, Senior SKM leader Prem Singh Bhangu said, The meeting has been fixed for tomorrow between the SKM, SKM (Non-Political), and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. It will be held at Patran. A six-member delegation from the SKM will participate and hold discussions with the leaders of the other two farmers' organisations. He expressed hope for a positive outcome. The six-member SKM delegation includes farmer leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Raminder Singh Patiala, Jangveer Singh, and Krishna Prasad. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, has not been part of the current agitation being spearheaded by SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. Condition of Dallewal critical with looming threat of cardiac arrest, says doctors A leader from SKM (Non-Political) shared a similar sentiment, stating, The meeting is fixed for tomorrow. Today, we held our own forms meeting and also consulted with the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha to finalise the delegation that will meet the SKM leadership tomorrow. Meanwhile, the fast-unto-death protest by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 48th day on Saturday. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) had earlier urged the SKM leadership to advance the meeting scheduled for 15 January. They proposed holding it at the Khanauri border instead of Patiala, citing the urgency of the situation. Each and every minute is very important, emphasised the leaders during their appeal. Adding to the discourse, former cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh took to X on Saturday, urging immediate resolution. Keeping in mind the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, I request all those who can resolve this issue, as every issue can be resolved through dialogue. Saving the farmer and farming should be our priority, he wrote. Farmers and their leaders are hopeful that todays meeting will bridge the differences between the factions and strengthen their collective stand against the union government. , l pic.twitter.com/bNDtzjm8YI Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 11, 2025 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters

80-year-old farmer dies amid cold wave, farmers' groups to hold crucial meeting

CHANDIGARH: An 80-year-old farmer, Jaga Singh, from Godara village in Faridkot district, succumbed to the cold wave at the Khanauri border on Saturday. Singh, who had been part of the ongoing farmers' agitation for the past ten months, was rushed to Rajindra Government Medical College, Patiala, where he passed away. He is survived by his son and daughters. Confirming the incident, Senior SKM leader Prem Singh Bhangu said, The meeting has been fixed for tomorrow between the SKM, SKM (Non-Political), and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. It will be held at Patran. A six-member delegation from the SKM will participate and hold discussions with the leaders of the other two farmers' organisations. He expressed hope for a positive outcome. The six-member SKM delegation includes farmer leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal, Darshan Pal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, Raminder Singh Patiala, Jangveer Singh, and Krishna Prasad. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which led the 2020 agitation against the now-repealed farm laws, has not been part of the current agitation being spearheaded by SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha. Condition of Dallewal critical with looming threat of cardiac arrest, says doctors A leader from SKM (Non-Political) shared a similar sentiment, stating, The meeting is fixed for tomorrow. Today, we held our own forms meeting and also consulted with the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha to finalise the delegation that will meet the SKM leadership tomorrow. Meanwhile, the fast-unto-death protest by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 48th day on Saturday. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) had earlier urged the SKM leadership to advance the meeting scheduled for 15 January. They proposed holding it at the Khanauri border instead of Patiala, citing the urgency of the situation. Each and every minute is very important, emphasised the leaders during their appeal. Adding to the discourse, former cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh took to X on Saturday, urging immediate resolution. Keeping in mind the health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, I request all those who can resolve this issue, as every issue can be resolved through dialogue. Saving the farmer and farming should be our priority, he wrote. Farmers and their leaders are hopeful that todays meeting will bridge the differences between the factions and strengthen their collective stand against the union government. , l pic.twitter.com/bNDtzjm8YI Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 11, 2025 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health deteriorates on 47th day of hunger strike

CHANDIGARH: As the fast-unto-death by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 47th day, his health has worsened significantly , with low blood pressure, fluctuating vitals, and the looming threat of cardiac arrest. Leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and the SKM (Non-Political) have urged the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leadership to bring forward their scheduled meeting from 15 January to tomorrow or the day after, proposing that it be held at the Khanauri border instead of Patiala. Each and every minute is very important, they emphasised. Dallewal's ketone and uric acid levels are alarmingly high, while his potassium, sodium, chloride, and protein levels have plummeted. Speaking to this newspaper, Dr Avtar Singh, heading the medical team at the Khanauri border, said: The condition of Dallewal is critical as his potassium and sodium levels are low and dropping because he is not consuming anything other than water. A drop in sodium levels causes dizziness and difficulty in concentration. His muscle mass has decreased manifold, and he has become like a skeleton. Day by day, his condition is worsening, and his overall health parameters are not good. Now, due to the cold weather, we are keeping our fingers crossed as he is lying in the tractor trolley in such biting cold conditions. Anything can happen at any time. Dr Singh added: Now he cannot even sit, so we cannot measure his weight as it is impossible for him to stand. If we try to make him sit for a couple of minutes, his blood pressure drops. His blood pressure is usually around 90. To stabilise it, his legs must be kept elevated. If the pillow supporting his feet is removed, his blood pressure drops further. The pressure stabilises only when his legs are elevated to improve blood flow to the heart and brain. When he lies flat, his blood pressure falls below 90. His vitals are fluctuating, and cardiac arrest can occur at any time. He further noted: The pillows under his feet are adjusted to find the optimal height for stability. Even so, he still needs support. He is unable to speak now. He has refused to take any medicine, and we cannot put a drip. SKM (Non-Political) leader Abhimanyu Kohar shared the latest medical reports, saying: The tests conducted on Thursday indicate that Dallewal's condition is not at all good. The results are alarming. His uric acid level, which should be between 3.50 and 7.20, is more than 11.64. His protein levels are very low, and his ketone levels, which should be between 0.02 and 0.27, are more than 6.53some 25 to 30 times higher. His direct bilirubin level is 0.69, whereas it should be less than 0.20. The liver and kidney panel serum result is 1.67, which should be below 1.00. Additionally, his chloride, potassium, and sodium levels are low. Akal Takht expresses concern over Dallewal's deteriorating health Another leader, Surjit Singh, said: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) leadership had requested our Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) leaders to attend the meeting on 15 January at Patiala. They came to the Khanauri morcha yesterday to meet Dallewal and called for unity. We are requesting the SKM leaders to come to the Khanauri morcha tomorrow or the day after and hold discussions here, as Dallewals health is deteriorating day by day. Every minute is crucial, and we cannot leave the morcha to go to another place for the meeting. We have sent a letter to the SKM leadership in this regard. We hope these leaders will help further strengthen and expand the ongoing movement for the 13 demands, including the MSP guarantee law. A medical team from Rajindra Medical College and Mata Kaushalya Hospital, Patiala, is deployed at Khanauri to continuously monitor Dallewal's health. Two advanced life support ambulances are stationed there around the clock. A temporary hospital equipped with emergency equipment and medicines has been set up 700 metres from the protest site. Additionally, tractor-trailers have been welded together at the protest site, where over 700 volunteers maintain a night vigil near the area where Dallewal is fasting. On Thursday, a high-level team of doctors, led by Punjabs Principal Secretary of Health, Kumar Rahul, visited Khanauri to examine Dallewal. They took blood samples and performed an abdominal ultrasound.

Sikhs gear up for 358th Prakash Purab in Hyd

Hyderabad: The Sikh community is gearing up to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last Sikh Guru and founder of the Khalsa Panth, on Sunday. The 358th Prakash Purab will be observed worldwide, with the city hosting a grand Vishaal Deewan (Mass Congregation). The event, organised by the Prabandhak Committee of Gurdwara Saheb Secunderabad, will take place at Classic Garden, Balanagaram, Secunderabad, from 10 am to 3 pm on January 12. Organisers announced that the Vishaal Deewan will bring together hundreds of Sikh devotees and members of other faith communities for a day of reverence and unity. The congregation will feature recitations of Gurbani Keertans (Holy Hymns) performed by renowned Ragi Jathas (religious preachers) invited from various parts of the country. Esteemed Ragi Jathas, including Bhai Sarabjeet Singh (Patna Saheb), Bhai Jaskaran Singh (Patiala), Gyani Jagdev Singh, and Bhai Charanjeet Singh, will lead the shabad keertans and kathas, shedding light on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus. In addition to the spiritual programmes, Guru Ka Langar (free community kitchen) will be served to all devotees. The Guru Ka Langar will provide nutritious meals to attendees. Reflecting on his legacy, organisers emphasised that Guru Gobind Singh Ji sacrificed his life and family to protect the weak and oppressed, ultimately liberating the country from invaders. His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness continues to inspire millions. A Night Kirtan Darbar will also be held at Gurdwara Saheb in Secunderabad on January 11 from 7 pm to 10 pm. During this evening event, the Ragi Jathas will perform shabad kirtans and kathas, followed by Guru Ka Langar, providing a serene and reflective close to the days festivities.

Farm leader Dallewal asks political parties to clarify their stance on legal MSP

CHANDIGARH: As the fast-unto-death protest by farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 45th day on January 9, he wrote a letter to all political parties urging them to clarify their stance on the legal right to minimum support price (MSP). Dallewal requested that they set aside their differences and unite on the issue of MSP to help prevent farmers' suicides. In his letter addressed to the presidents of all political parties, Dallewal stated that his fast-unto-death protest has been ongoing for 45 days, demanding an MSP guarantee law. He emphasised that his health is worsening and urged the political parties to take a clear position on the legal right to MSP. While reiterating that the farmers forum is non-political, he stressed the need for political parties support to pressure the Central Government into addressing their demands. Dallewal also pointed out that the Standing Committee on Agriculture in Parliament has recommended enacting an MSP guarantee law, highlighting its potential benefits for farmers. Understanding the gravity of the situation, all political parties should set aside their differences and unite on the issue of the MSP guarantee law so that farmers' suicides can be prevented, he added. Responding to a letter from the BJP to the Akal Takht Jathedar requesting intervention to end Dallewals fast-unto-death, he slammed the saffron partys approach. He questioned why, if the BJP is genuinely concerned about his health, it has not pushed for discussions with the Centre to address the matter. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohad also slammed the Union Government, calling its approach inhumane. The democratically elected government should listen to everyone, Kohad stated. Meanwhile, a team of government doctors, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala Nanak Singh, visited the Khanauri border to monitor Dallewals condition. Various tests, including an ultrasound, were conducted, and blood samples were collected. The doctors assured that the test reports would be available by Friday as the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Friday. They expressed concern over Dallewals worsening condition, describing it as a serious cause for alarm. 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters

Protesting farmer consumes poison at Shambhu border, dies at Patiala hospital

A 55-year-old farmer, Resham Singh, committed suicide by consuming poison at the Shambhu border amid ongoing protests against the Central government. This incident follows a similar suicide by Ranjodh Singh on December 18, driven by deteriorating health conditions of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

Farmer attempts to end life at Shambhu border, dies at Patiala hospital

This is second such incident at the agitation site at the Shambhu border pointwithin three weeks

Farmer attempts suicide at Shambhu border, dies at Patiala hospital

A 55-year-old farmer at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, protesting for almost a year for MSP guarantees, committed suicide by consuming poison. This incident marks the second suicide at the site in three weeks. Another farmer previously ended his life, distressed over an unresolved farmer leader's health condition.

Akal Takht expresses concern over Dallewal's deteriorating health

CHANDIGARH: The Akal Takht (highest temporal body of Sikhs) has expressed concern over the deteriorating health of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who is on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border (Punjab-Haryana border) demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) and other demands that were yet to be fulfilled by the Union Government. On January 10, effigies of the government will be burnt, on January 13 copies of the new agricultural policy will be burnt and on January 26 tractor march. Akal Takht Jathedar (High Priest) Giani Raghbir Singh yesterday said that the concept of hunger strike had no place in Sikh traditions and it was highly condemnable that the anndata - referring to the farming community - had to go on fast for the sake of fellow farmers. He urged the government to adhere to the rightful demands of farmers so that they could return to their homes peacefully. Despite mounting health risks, the 70-year-old dallewal refused medical aid even after multiple interventions from the Punjab Government. Meanwhile hours after the Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee met Dallewal his health deteriorated on Monday night. The blood pressure of Dallewal suddenly dropped. His hand and feet were rubbed by a medical team to keep him warm, while the blood pressure monitor showed a reading of 77/45 and his pulse rate falling below 38. Dallewal, whose fast entered 43rd day today had told the committee members that farm reforms are his priority, while his life and health is secondary . The doctors attending him stated that when Dallewals body was slightly lifted, his blood pressure became somewhat stable, otherwise, both his blood pressure and pulse rate would continue to drop significantly. After some time his blood pressure slightly stabilised at 95/70. Dallewal's condition remained critical throughout the day, and he was unable to speak with anyone. Farmer leaders expressed concern that if any unfortunate event were to happen to Dallewal the situation arising afterwards might be beyond the central governments control. Therefore, they urged the central government to address the issues of the farmers seriously and promptly. Farmer leaders also stated that on January 10, effigies of the Modi government will be burned across the country to show the central government that people in the villages stand with Dallewal in his struggle for a guaranteed MSP law. Also on January 13, copies of the new agricultural policy's provisions related to the land should be burned across the country. Farmer leaders further announced that on January 26, a tractor march will take to the streets across the country and in the coming days a detailed plan for this program will be announced by both morchas. A member of the health team, said that the health department team from Patiala, who are on the standby, has taken over the charge. The situation is under control and the health team is monitoring the farmer leader's condition, he added. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) said the union government as well as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) party-led Punjab government were equally responsible for the deepening agriculture crisis in the country. It appealed to both governments to engage with farmers and do their utmost to save the life of Dallewal. Senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said it was shocking that even though the Supreme Court was monitoring the fast unto death almost of a daily basis, both the union government as well as the Punjab government were resorting to a blame game and playing politics on such a sensitive issue. Efforts are also on to polarize the entire issue which is condemnable and could be dangerous for the state. Cheema appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the lead and create an atmosphere that could lead to the end of Dallewals fast. For this to take place the Prime Minister should notify the guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) immediately. This is in keeping with the assurance made to the people of the country when the Prime Minister withdrew the three agricultural laws which led to the end of the farmers protest. The union government should also withdraw the draft agriculture policy as farmers felt many clauses contained in the three agricultural laws were being reintroduced in the policy through the back door, he said.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals health deteriorates

CHANDIGARH: Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals health deteriorated after his 11-minute address on January 4 at the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Khanauri. He has been experiencing vomiting and feeling dizzy. Besides, his reflexes have slowed down. The medical team attending the farmer leader stated that he felt dizzy and vomited as his blood pressure dropped while he was carried back to his tent after yesterday's address. Dr Avtar Singh Dhillon said that he was concerned about Dallewals health. Dallewal was suggested not go to the stage as the weather was too harsh but he insisted on addressing the gathering and spoke for about eleven minutes. After coming back, he was offered water but he vomited, a doctor said. 'My life not as important as yours': Dallewal tells farmers as Punjab urges Centre to hold talks with protesters He could hardly sleep and his reflexes have slowed down. His blood pressure was 108/73 today while his peripheral oxygen saturation level was 98. The respiratory rate was 18 per minute and the heart rate was 73. He is not taking any drip, he added. A team of government doctors and officials visited Khanauri border to enquire about Dallewal's health this evening. On receiving information about his deteriorating health, former DIG Narinder Bhargav and Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala Dr Nanak Singh, the officials involved in backchannel talks with the farmer leader, rushed to Khanauri border. Farmers protest: SC clarifies its order for Dallewal's hospitalisation was not to break his fast As the fast-up-to-death of the farmer leader entered its 41st day today, the medical bulletin stated that Dallewal is facing liver, kidney, and lung issues. The bulletin further added that even if he ends the fast, the risk of his organs not functioning 100 per cent persists. The doctors explained that it is difficult to measure his weight as he has been unable to stand properly for the past few days. They further stated that his muscle mass has completely deteriorated and it is likely that he may never fully recover. The bulletin also added that his glomerular filtration rate has decreased, affecting his blood filtration capacity. Since last evening, Dallewal has been experiencing frequent vomiting creating considerable distress. He is not even able to speak today. However, farmer leaders mentioned that the thousands of people who reached Khonori Morcha yesterday have given new energy to Dallewal. Dallewal had agreed to undergo blood, urine and ECG tests on Friday evening before the Kisan Maha Panchayat. During his 11-minute address, Dallewal appealed to farmer outfits in other states to launch a similar fight for the MSP on order to send a message to the Centre that it was not just Punjabs struggle. This is a do-or-die battle. I will not end my fast till an Act guaranteeing the MSP for crops is enacted. We want a legal guarantee as per the recommendations of the parliamentary committee (on agriculture), Dallewal had said yesterday. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said Gurpurab celebrations for Guru Gobind Singh will be held at the Shambhu border on Monday and appealed to the masses to participate in it. Sukhmander Singh, 54, from Kasam Patti village in Faridkot district passed away after being hit by a vehicle at the Shambhu border protest site.He was taken to Rajpura Civil Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. More than 30 farmers have died at Shambhu and Khanauri borders since February 13 last year.

Here's why Diljit Dosanjh is in the news after his New Year's Eve concert

Diljit Dosanjh hit the headlines once again after his New Year's Eve concert in Ludhiana became surrounded by legal controversies. The singer allegedly performed song tracks that promoted alcohol which triggered Punditrao Dharenavar, an Assistant Professor from Chandigarh, to file a complaint. Dharenavar expressed his concern over the impact of such controversial songs on the young minds present in the concert as many minors are among the music lovers who frequently take part in his concert. The Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Govt of Punjab issued a formal notice to Ludhiana's District Commissioner asking them to restrict the singer from performing certain songs during his live concerts. The notice, which raised concern about the after-effects of songs promoting alcohol such as 'Patiala Pegg', '5 Tara Theke', and 'Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)', was addressed to the local authorities in Ludhiana. The notice also called for an urgent ban on these songs, even if the singer tweaked or modified the lyrics to make it suitable for the audience. The singer allegedly continued to perform the controversial songs after altering the lyrics, even though he was advised not to perform it as per the warnings issued by various commissions. Dharenavar went on to cite a ruling from the Punjab and Haryana High Court which directed the police to ensure that songs promoting drugs, alcohol or violence are not performed in public events or live concerts. This observation made in 2019 suggested that songs glorifying alcohol and drugs have a detrimental impact on impressionable children. Dharenavar also expressed that he is prepared to take the matter to the Punjab and Haryana High Court if such songs are continued to be performed in Dosanjh's concerts. He also criticised Dosanjh for performing songs wearing pagadi , a traditional headgear. He opined that the pagadi should not be associated with promoting negative values. Such controversies are not new to Diljit Dosanjh as he has previously faced scrutiny in other cities for similar reasons. He received legal notice from the Telangana government for performing songs that promoted alcohol and violence during his concert in Hyderabad in November. His comments on alcohol has also landed him in controversies multiple times. He said he would stop composing songs about alcohol when the government enacts a nationwide ban on liquor. If all the states declare themselves as dry states, I promise I won't sing about alcohol ever again, he said. Despite all the legal complications, Dosanjh continues to shine as his Dil-Luminati tour remains a major success. The Ludhiana show which was announced on December 23 marked the grand finale of Dosanjh's three-month long Dil-Luminati India Tour.

Diljit Dosanjh's New Year concert in Ludhiana faces legal controversy

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's highly anticipated New Year's Eve concert in Ludhiana was overshadowed by a legal controversy following a complaint filed by Punditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor from Chandigarh. The complaint, lodged ahead of Tuesday night performance, raised concerns about the promotion of alcohol in some of Dosanjh's popular songs. In response to the complaint, the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Department, Government of Punjab, issued a formal notice to Ludhiana's District Commissioner, requesting that authorities prevent the singer from performing certain songs during the live show. The notice specifically called for a ban on songs like 'Patiala Pegg' , '5 Tara Theke' , and 'Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya)' , which have been criticized for glorifying alcohol consumption, even if modified with altered lyrics. The complaint referenced previous warnings issued to Dosanjh by various commissions, advising him not to perform these controversial tracks at public events. The concerned authorities have emphasized the need for responsible content, especially in the context of public performances that may influence young audiences. Despite the legal concerns, Dosanjh's concert went ahead as planned, with fans flocking to the venue to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The controversy highlights ongoing debates surrounding the impact of music and entertainment on social issues, including substance abuse. Authorities are expected to review the matter further, as the issue of responsible content in entertainment continues to garner attention across various platforms.

Diljit Dosanjh faces legal action after concert in Ludhiana over alleged pro-alcohol songs

The notice, which was addressed to the local authorities in Ludhiana, specifically calls for a ban on songs that have been accused of promoting alcohol, such as Patiala Pegg, 5 Tara Theke, and Case (Jeeb Vicho Feem Labbiya), even if modified with altered lyrics

Punjab: State-Wide Bandh by Farmers Against Centre on MSP Paralyses Life

New Delhi/Chandigarh: Life was badly hit across Punjab on Monday following a state-wide bandh call given by farmers who have been agitating against the Centre for a legal guarantee of a minimum support price for their crops. Rail and road traffic was crippled and commercial establishments remained shut in many parts of the state. The protesting farmers held dharnas on several roads as part of their bandh call, throwing commuter traffic out of gear. A shutdown call was given over a week ago by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not acting on the farmers demand for a legal guarantee for the MSP. As the indefinite hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal entered its 35th day on Monday, the Supreme Court will on Tuesday examine the Punjab governments measures to provide treatment to the ailing farmer leader. A team of the Punjab government officials on December 29 had attempted to persuade the septuagenarian to take medical aid, but he declined it, fearing use of forces to oust him from the protest site. In a related development, the Supreme Court panel formed under the chairmanship of retired Justice Nawab Singh has invited the SKM for talks on January 3. It is learnt that the farmers outfit has accepted this invitation. The protesting farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers had attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana. Besides MSP, the farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. On Monday, the farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan toll plaza, which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsar's Golden Gate, scores of farmers assembled near the city's entry point. Dharnas were also held in Bathinda's Rampura Phul. In Phagwara, farmers held a dharna near the Sugarmill crossing on NH-44, blocking the roads leading from Phagwara towards Nakodar, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr. They also staged a dharna at Behram toll plaza on Phagwara-Banga road. Grain markets also remained shut in several places. Public transport remained off roads at several places, while most private bus operators suspended services, abiding by the bandh call. The band's impact was also seen in some neighbouring areas of the state, including Ambala. Hundreds of daily commuters travelling from Ambala to Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala and other nearby cities of Punjab were thrown off stride because of the shutdown. Buses took alternate routes to go from Ambala to Chandigarh as they had to cross a stretch of the national highway that passes through Punjab. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told reporters in Amritsar that their strike received strong support from transporters, employee unions, traders bodies, and religious bodies. Mr Pandher also said that emergency and other essential services were allowed to operate. He said anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight, anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needing to attend a wedding, were also allowed. All establishments remained shut. Punjabis have shown their unity today and they are extending full support, Mr Pandher claimed. The bandh is successful. Train services have been completely suspended and no train is entering Punjab, he said.

Punjab bandh: Farmers block roads at many places, traffic hit on Patiala-Chandigarh NH

CHANDIGARH: Farmers blocked roads at many places across the state on Monday as part of their Punjab bandh call, hamstringing the commuter traffic. A call for a shutdown was given last week by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not accepting the demands of protesting farmers. The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm . Farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsar's Golden Gate, farmers started to assemble near the city's entry point while in Bathinda's Rampura Phul, they blocked roads. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Sunday said though there will be a complete bandh, emergency services will be allowed to operate. The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will remain operational. Anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needs to attend a wedding... all these things have been kept out of our bandh call, he said. Meanwhile, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike entered its 35th day on Monday. Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment. Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers' demands. The apex court has given the Punjab government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal to shift to a hospital, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary. Farmers, under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot three times between December 6 and 14 but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana. Besides the MSP, farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Delhi chalo: Haryana police fire teargas at farmers as they near barricades at Sambhu border

Accidental or not, Manmohan Singh was a transformative PM: Manish Tewari's tribute

History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition in Parliament, Manmohan Singh famously said on January 3, 2014 at the last press conference he addressed before stepping down as Prime Minister after being in office for ten long years. When I look back, Dr Singh has been proved prophetically correct, reminisces Congress MP and former Union minister Manish Tewari, who anchored that last press conference held by PM Singh at the National Media Centre. Tewari served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting from 2012 to 2014 in the UPA 2 government led by Manmohan Singh. It was a cold wintry morning. Dr Singh decided to address a mega press conference and gave a brilliant summation of his ten years as Prime Minister. He gave this prophetic reply to a question posed by a journalist on the contemporary political situation, he said. Why does he think it was prophetically correct? Because eventually, Dr Singh as PM presided over some of the greatest initiatives that India has taken, in the last 24 years. They included the India-US civil nuclear deal on which he staked his government, the passage allowing foreign direct investment into multi-brand retails and remember he stabilized India's great power relationships, said Tewari. The relationship with China and Russia was better than ever before. With China, a record number of border management agreements and economic agreements were signed, he said. The sustained backchannel dialogue with Pakistan during Dr Singh's tenure was one of the highlights of his foreign policy, stressed Tewari. If the four-point formula that emerged from the Manmohan-Musharraf talks had been implemented, the dynamics of South Asia would have been different. So Dr Singh was correct when he said that history will judge him kindly, he said. From a professor next door to a family friend to a political guru, the former PM shared a more-than-five-decade-long relationship with the Congress leader. Dr Singh knew me from the day I was born. He was a neighbour in Punjab University, Chandigarh, and close friends with my parents. His wife and my mother were classmates in Victoria School, Patiala. I had a very long, personal, intimate association with him, said the Chandigarh MP. Reflecting on the personal bond with the former PM, he said Dr Singh always looked upon him fondly, encouraged and guided him. He was a human being par excellence. While the former PM is best remembered for his sterling contributions to economic reforms and building a rights-based architecture, Tewari says that Singhs vision was shaped by his life experiences. Dr Singh possibly intuitively understood what growth and equity meant along his life journey. Gentle and noble colossus: Remembering the exemplary patient that was Dr Manmohan Singh Born in Gah village in present-day Pakistan, Singh came to India with barely a shirt on his back, recollected Tewari. Singh understood the struggles of poverty. From the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the Right to Information (RTI) to the National Food Security Act, RTE to the Street Vendors Act, Dr Singh championed the whole architecture of rights, he said. While the erudite, soft-spoken Manmohan Singh often faced barbs from his detractors for being a 'remote-controlled PM', 'silent PM', or lacking a political base, Tewari contested such arguments. As someone who had the privilege of serving in his government, I can say with full conviction that there was nothing wrong with Dr Singh's political instincts. He always brushed off those insinuations with the contempt they deserve. I don't think he required any certificates from anyone, he said. Dr Singh was extremely media friendly and addressed a record number of press conferences, both in India and abroad, Tewari added. On Singh being called an 'accidental prime minister', he said, accidental or not, Manmohan Singh was a transformative prime minister. Dr Singh proved his naysayers wrong by even risking his position as Prime Minister to push the landmark India-US nuclear deal. Dr Singh firmly believed that India must have access to multi-spectrum sources of energy, because if the economy has to grow, power or energy is the biggest requirement. Notwithstanding that, the Congress had only 146 members in the 14th Lok Sabha. He staked his political career, and political equity and ultimately saw the nuclear deal through, said the Congress leader. Was the Congress on the same page as Dr Singh on the economic reforms he undertook in 1991? There are always different points of view. Ultimately, Dr Singh carried the day, he said. They ought to be the biggest tribute to Dr Singh's legacy and the fact that the economic reset of 1991 held the field across so many different administrations in the last 34 years or so. He will be remembered as a leading economic manager who brought all his experience to better the lives of millions of Indians, he said. He had saddled many roles as chief economic adviser, union finance secretary, RBI governor, and deputy chairperson of the Planning Commission, which gave him a unique view of the distinct challenges that India faced economically and strategically, said Tewari. As finance minister in 1991, when he reset the Indian economy in the wake of the great global change, Singh opened the doors of opportunity for millions of young people to have a better life, better careers, and rewarding jobs, he added. AK Antony's tribute | 'Dr Singh was a bold leader; once dreamt of turning Siachen into a garden'

Vehicle carrying medical team to Dallewal's fasting site meets with accident, six injured

PATIALA: Four doctors among six medical team members headed to Khanauri where farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is sitting on fast-unto-death, were injured when their vehicle was hit by a car on Wednesday, officials said. The accident took place near Mavikala village. According to the officials, the team was deputed at Kahanuri border farmer protest site for the farmer leader. Dallewal (70) is sitting on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border point for the past one month to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP). A team of doctors from 5 Rivers Heart Association, an NGO, which has also deployed its team of doctors, have described Dallewal's condition as critical. Meanwhile, the government doctors team was headed to Khanauri. A video recorded on a dashcam inside a car behind the SUV, that hit the government medical team's vehicle shows the SUV trying to overtake a truck when it hit their vehicle, coming from the opposite direction. Senior Medical Officer from Samana Dr Sanjiv Arora, when contacted over telephone, told PTI that a team of four specialist doctors from Rajindra Hospital Patiala, one pharmacist and a driver were injured after their vehicle got hit by a SUV coming from the opposite direction. He said they were being treated at Rajendra Hospital presently, and luckily no one has any grievous injury and are recovering well. He further said that presently after the directions of the Supreme Court, the Punjab government and district administration, Patiala is actively monitoring the situation at Khanauri border as the hunger strike by Dallewal has entered 30th day. Notably, Punjab government has set up a makeshift hospital nearby at the Khanauri protest site for round-the-clock monitoring of Dallewal's health and provide aid in case of any medical exigency. The Supreme Court on Friday left it to the Punjab government officials and doctors to decide on the hospitalisation of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on an indefinite hunger strike. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said it was the responsibility of the Punjab government to look after the health of Dallewal. It sought reports from Punjab chief secretary and health officials on the medical conditions of Dallewal by January 2 and said the state government could approach the court, if a need arose. The bench said 70-year-old Dallewal could be moved to the makeshift hospital setup within 700 metre of the protest site at Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana. The bench said the authorities could continue with their efforts to persuade him to move to the hospital. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces.

Celebrating the Olympic stars birthday - Neeraj Chopra and his historic wins for India

The Olympic star, Subedar Major Neeraj Chopra turns 27 today. Well, who doesnt know the man with an arm that only aims at the Gold. Kids adore him calling Neeraj bhaiya with the javelin. The young man has brought India glory and fortune at quite a young age. Today as the Olympian enters in a New year of achievements full of happiness, we celebrate the star and his bests. Heres a complete timeline of events- Biography Neeraj Chopra was born on 24 th December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district of Haryana to parents Saroj Devi and Satish Chopra. He belongs to a Haryanvi Ror agricultural family, where both of his parents are farmers. His primary schooling took place at BVN Public school, Panipat. Due to obesity, he got enrolled to a gym. Thats where he first got introduced to Javelin throw and took up the sport eventually. At the age of 13, he moved to Tau Devi Lal Sports complex at Panchkula for his training, one of the only two facilities in Haryana with a synthetic runway. Neeraj completed his further schooling from Dayanand Vedic college, Chandigarh. While studying at school, alongside he won National Javelin Championships in 2012 and 2014. Seeing his sports achievements, Neeraj was recruited in the Indian Army in 2016. From the Indian Army only, Neeraj got selected for the Mission Olympics Wing training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. In 2021, he enrolled for the Bachelor in Arts degree at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar. Career beginnings After a trial at the Sports Authority of India, Neeraj began his formal training of Javelin. He could manage third position at the District Championship. At the National Junior Athletics Championships in Lucknow, Neeraj won Gold with a new junior national record throw (68.40m). Neeraj competed at the World Youth Championships in Donetsk, Ukraine. It was his first international competition where he finished 19 th in the overall classification. Chopras first international medal came in 2014 where he won silver at the Youth Olympics qualification in Bangkok. In 2015, Neeraj broke the World Junior record at the All India Inter- University Athletics meet. In the same year, he finished fifth at the National games and ninth at the Asian Athletics Championships. The turning point came when Neeraj was called at the national level training camp at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala (2016). South Asian Games (2016): Gold with new personal best of 82.23m at Guwahati. 2016 IAAF World U-20 Championships in Poland: Gold medal with a throw of 86.48 m that set a new world junior record. He also became the first Indian javelin player to hold the national senior record and world junior record at the same time. Officially inducted as the Junior Commissioned officer in Indian Army. And then a rank of Naib Subedar in the Rajputana rifles. 2017 Asian Athletics Championships: Gold for Neeraj 2017 World Championships: 15 th in overall qualification 2018 Common wealth games: Gold medal with season best effort of 86.47m. First Indian to win the common wealth medal. August 2018: Gold at the Asian Games, first for Neeraj and first for India. It was his debut at the games where he was even the flagbearer of India. Neeraj had a year of injuries, surgeries in 2019. But he could manage it and had a comeback in 2021, when he began his international season with a gold. June 2021: Gold at the Athletics meet in Karlstad, Sweden. In the subsequent games in Finland, Neeraj won bronze medal. The World Champion arrives with new records (2021 2024) Neeraj Chopra, the reigning World Champion arrived in 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics. On 7 th August, Neeraj Chopra scripted history by clinching a gold in his second attempt at the final with a throw of 87.58 m. Neeraj became the first Indian to win a Gold medal in Athletics, also the first Indian in athletics post- independence. He is the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold after Abhinav Bindra. And the first Asian Athlete to win an Olympic gold. Neeraj was also the youngest ever Indian Olympic Gold medalist in an individual event and a first to win a medal on Olympic debut. Following the Olympic win, Neeraj registered World No.2 in Mens javelin throw rankings. June 2022: Second at Paavo Nurmi Games with new personal best at 89.30 m. 2022 Diamond League: Neeraj broke his own national record with a throw of 89.94 m. July 2022: Silver medal at the World Athletics Championships (Indias second ever medal at the championships). 2022: Diamond League finals where Neeraj won gold and qualified for the 2023 World Championships. May 2023: Top spot at the Doha Diamond league with a throw of 88.67 m. Neeraj placed at the first position of the Mens Javelin throw rankings issued by the World Athletics. August 2023: Gold medal at the World Athletics Championships, making Neeraj the first Indian to win gold at the event. October 2023: Second gold at the Asian games with season best throw of 88.88 m. 2024: Finished second at the Doha Diamond league. Neeraj won the gold at the Federation cup in India and the Paavo Nurmi games before the Paris Olympics. For the qualification in the finals at the Paris Olympics, Neeraj in his first attempt at 89.34 m secured the top spot of the table. He won the silver medal with a throw at 89.45 m. After the two Olympic wins, Neeraj became fifth individual medalist from India and the first one to win a gold and silver combination. Neeraj was placed second at the Lausanne Diamond League javelin throw competition. For Neerajs contribution to the sport he has been honored by the Government of India with: Arjuna Award for sporting excellence in 2018, Khel Ratna Award which is the highest sporting honor in the country in 2021, Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor in 2022, Apart from this, Neeraj Chopra was also named as Sportsman of the year (2021) by The Times of India. The Army Sports Institute Stadium in Pune is now named as Neeraj Chopra stadium. Neeraj also got featured on Vogue Indias cover named as the Man of the Year (2021). Now, we know why Neeraj Chopra is the most loved sport athlete of India. The achievements of the star are many, and we even look for more. As said true, the best of the star is yet to come. Wishing Neeraj a new milestone year with a gold medal from every event he steps into!

A gram panchayat in Punjab to extend financial support to IAS aspirants, MBBS, engineering students

CHANDIGARH: A gram panchayat in Punjab has resolved to financially support candidates appearing for civil services examinations, opting for armed forces or pursuing their MBBS or engineering studies. A resolution towards this extent was passed by the Akrri village panchayat, which has a population of 800 inhabitants. The village is situated in Ghanaur block of Patiala. The newly elected panchayat of the village which has 562 voters met for the first time on Sunday after the Panchayat election and took several decisions in the presence of all the villagers. The sarpanch and panches of the panchayat are all below 40-years of age and have been elected for the first time. Talking with this newspaper, sarpanch of Akrri village 38-year old Jaswinder Singh who is a carpenter by profession said that the panchayat meeting held on December 22 unanimously decided to financially support IAS aspirants and others who was to become a doctor, engineer or join the armed forces. The money spent on the deserving youth will be a one-time investment so that they can continue to help fellow villagers after they achieve something in life thus other youngsters will get inspired from their achievement, he said. The villagers said several girl students were earlier hesitant to approach coaching institutes for preparation but the resolution passed by the newly elected panchayat would help them in a big way. Last year, six girls from the village had topped in various exams. Of them, five were from a poor families, now such bright students will be able to chase their dreams and compete in competitive exams, the villagers said. Besides funding studies, those who bring laurels to the village by participating in sports events at district, state, national and international level will be given financial help and additional facilities, Jaswinder Singh said. To ensure a drug-free village, Singh said, 98 per cent of the youth in the village are not into drugs, if by chance any one gets into this habit the family of that youth can approach the panchayat and we will ensure free de-addiction treatment for the addict at government-sanctioned de-addiction centres. The panchayat has also decided to boycott anyone dealing in drugs inside the village. Singh added that, among other things, the panchayat decided to give Rs 21,000 shagan to the girls of the poor families in the village when they get married. Singh noted that in 2020, land was acquired for the village and thus the panchayat got Rs 52 crores. As of now it has Rs 36 crore in its kitty.

GHMC Staffer Wins Gold in Grappling and Silver in Judo

Hyderabad: Ambika Rani, a GHMC staffer and mother of a three-year-old, has won two national-level medals, a gold in grappling (wrestling) and a silver in judo. The National Grappling (Wrestling) competitions were held in November. She has been selected for international competitions for these disciplines and will train at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) at Patiala. She trains with her father T. Harinath, a judo coach at the NIS. Ambika Rani got the GHMC job as a compassionate appoint in place of her late husband eight months ago. Earlier working in the Engineering wing, she was posted in the sports wing on Monday. She said that her commitment to win medals for the state and the country motivated her. If there is a will to achieve something, it is possible. It is not easy to juggle between work, practice and taking care of my son. But my commitment made it possible, Ambika Rani told Deccan Chronicle. She said she wakes up at 4 am and goes for a one-hour swim after which she practices till 7 am. She hones her techniques for another hour before reporting for work. When I am at work, my mother takes care of son T. Anshit. Once I return from office, I take care of him. There is another two hour practice in the evening, Ambika Rani said.

Day temperatures drop sharply in North India; intense cold wave persists in Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Day temperatures dropped sharply in several areas of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh after light rain hit parts of north India on Monday, even as intense cold wave conditions persisted in Kashmir with mercury dipping several degrees below freezing point. In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla and nearby areas also witnessed light snowfall which led to the closure of 30 roads in the state. People in the national capital woke up to a drizzle and fog with the minimum temperature settling at 8.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperatures in Haryana and Punjab witnessed a sharp dip as rain lashed many parts the two states. According to the Met office, Chandigarh, which received light rain during the day, recorded a maximum temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius, down six notches against normal. In Haryana, Ambala recorded a maximum temperature of 13.2 degrees Celsius, down six notches against normal while Hisar also had a cold day at a high of 14.1 degrees. High altitude areas in Uttarakhand including the famous Himalayan temples received fresh snowfall and icy winds sweeping across the state. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib in Garhwal Himalayas and Munsiyari in Kumaon region received fresh snowfall intensifying cold throughout the state. The sky remained overcast throughout the day at many places including Dehradun which also received a drizzle. Mussoorie, Dhanolti and Chakrata also received snowfall, much to the delight of tourists. Temperatures dropped sharply. People were seen sitting around bonfires along the roadside to warm themselves. VIDEO | Severe cold freezes waterfalls in Uttarakhand. Visuals from Chamoli's Niti Valley. (Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/DwE2bHFrsj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 23, 2024 Cold weather conditions also prevailed in Karnal during the day at 13.6 degrees while Sirsa recorded a high of 14.8 degrees. However, minimum temperatures hovered above normal at many places in Haryana including Hisar (10.8 degrees), Rohtak (11.8), and Gurugram (11.4). In Punjab, Patiala braved the chill recording a high of 13 degrees Celsius, which was six notches below normal. Amritsar recorded a maximum of 16.4 degrees while Ludhiana recorded a high of 14.5 degrees. The minimum temperatures at many places in Punjab hovered close to or below normal limits, with Gurdaspur reeling under severe chill at 4 degrees. In Jammu and Kashmir, the weather office asked tourists to follow the advisory issued by the traffic police in view of the sub freezing temperatures and icy conditions over roads of important higher reaches in the Kashmir valley. Snowfall in Himachal brings cheer to tourists, orange alert issued Intense cold wave conditions persisted in the valley leading to the freezing of water supply lines while a thin layer of ice covered the surface of several water bodies. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, rising by nearly four degrees from the previous night, the meteorological office said. Pahalgam, the base camp for annual Amarnath Yatra in South Kashmir, registered a minimum temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius, almost unchanged from the previous night, it said. The Met office has predicted a dip of two to three degrees in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours. Shimla, the Himachal capital, on Monday recorded the season's second light snowfall while some other parts of the state received intermittent rain and snow. The nearby tourist spots of Kufri and Narkanda and the higher reaches of Kharapathar, Chaurdhar and Chanshal South portal of the Atal tunnel, and Samdho also received snowfall. Shimla recorded 8 cm of snowfall while Kalpa recorded 7 cm. As GRAP fails, Delhi pollution strategy looks suspect A few areas in Himachal's lower hills received light intermittent rain, the Met office said. The snow led to the closure of 30 roads, including the national highways between Attari and Leh, and Khab Sangam in Kinnaur district and Gramphoo in Lahaul and Spiti district, the State Emergency Operation Centre said. The snowfall brought cheer to tourists, locals and farmers. The Met had forecast rain and snow in the mid and higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and Saturday. The snowfall also brought cheer to apple growers, raising hope for good yields in the upper Shimla region. Tourism stakeholders said the snowfall was also expected to boost footfall. Local hotelier Sushant Nag said occupancy was set to rise as snowfall drew tourists. However, intense cold wave persisted in the lower hills, including Una, Hamirpur, Chamba and Mandi. The Met office issued an 'orange' warning for severe cold in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi till Thursday. There was a marked fall in maximum temperatures. Una recorded the day temperature at 16.8 degrees Celsius. Tabo was the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius. Power cuts add to Jammu and Kashmir winter woes The Met office said an active western disturbance was likely to affect the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains from Friday. Light rain and snow are likely at many places on Monday and Saturday and at isolated places on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, causing a gradual fall in temperatures, it said. The high-altitude tribal areas and mountain passes continued to experience biting cold, with temperatures plummeting 14 to 18 degrees below freezing point, the Met office said. In Rajasthan, light rain, triggered by a western disturbance, hit several parts of the state over the past 24 hours, accompanied by dense fog at some places, the Met office said. Rainfall ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm was logged in several areas including Ganganagar, Churu, Bikaner, Anupgarh, Pilani (Jhunjhunu), it said. Fog prevailed at many places of western Rajasthan with Alwar recording the lowest minimum temperature at 7.4 degrees Celsius. A fresh western disturbance is expected to become active on Thursday and Friday and its effect will be seen in Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer and Bharatpur divisions, the weather office said.

AAP secures 55 per cent of total seats in Punjab civic body elections; majority in one corporation only

CHANDIGARH: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) performed poorly in the civic body elections held on Saturday, having secured clear-cut majority in only one corporation out of five. AAP won Patiala Municipal Corporation, emerged as the single largest party in Ludhiana and Jalandhar municipal corporations, but fell short of the majority mark in Amritsar and Phagwara municipal corporations. Congress won Amritsar Municipal Corporation and emerged as the single largest party in Phagwara. AAP won 26 out of 44 municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Polling, this time, was disrupted by bursts of violence as the ruling party generally wins all major civic bodies in the state. More than 3,300 candidates contested in the civic body polls and a total of 37.32 lakh voters were eligible to vote in the elections. Voter turnout was 65.85 per cent; polling percentage at Phagwara was 55.21 per cent, Jalandhar 50.27 per cent, Amritsar 44.05 per cent, Ludhiana 46.95 per cent and Patiala 32.95 per cent. AAP won 43 out of 53 seats in former CM Capt Amarinder Singh's home turf, the 60-member Patiala Municipal Corporation, crossing the majority mark of 31. Congress and BJP won four seats each while SAD won two seats. Elections to seven corporation wards have been postponed. In Ludhiana AAP won 41 of 95, falling short of majority by seven seats. Congress won 30 wards, BJP won 19, SAD won two and independent candidates won 3 wards. In a major setback to AAP, the wives of its two sitting MLAs Sukhchain Kaur Gogi (wife of Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogoi) and Meenu Parashar (wife of Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Parashar) lost the polls in Ludhiana. The wife of former Congress minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Mamta Ashu, also lost. In Jalandhar AAP won 38 of 85, missing the majority mark by five wards. Congress secured 25 seats, BJP won 19 wards, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won one and independent candidates emerged victorious in two wards. In Amritsar Congress won 43 out of 85 wards, AAP won 24, BJP won nine, SAD won four and independent candidates won five wards. In Phagwara Congress won 22 wards, AAP won 12, BJP four, BSP three, SAD three and independent candidates won six. No party touched the majority mark of 26 seats. However, Congress emerged as the single largest party and BSP is likely to support it in the 50-member house. Besides not performing as per expectations in the five big municipal corporations of the state, the Aam Aadmi Party took a major hit in its bastion Sangrur, as it could win only seven out of 29 seats of the local Municipal Council. This is the second consecutive defeat after the Barnala assembly bypoll in its political capital, the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP Punjab president Aman Arora and State Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. Punjab AAP President Aman Arora claimed that the party is now officially the 'No. 1 party' in Punjab's urban areas. He said the illusion that the BJP and Congress are the strongest parties in urban areas has been shattered. In this election, AAP won more than 55 per cent of the seats. Together, SAD-BJP and Congress could not even secure 45 per cent. He mentioned that out of 977 wards, the results of 961 wards were declared yesterday. Of these, AAP candidates won in 522 wards. Meanwhile, Congress managed to win only 20 per cent of the seats, securing 191 wards. The BJP and Akali Dal faced a crushing defeat in this election. BJP won merely 7 per cent of the seats, with 69 of its candidates emerging victorious. Similarly, Akali Dal managed to win only 3 per cent of the seats, with just 31 of its candidates securing victory. BSP had 5 winners and could secure victory in only 0.5 per cent of the seats. The number of independent candidates who won stood at 143, and their victory percentage was approximately 15 per cent, Arora claimed. He said that AAP achieved a landslide victory in the Patiala Municipal Corporation. In Jalandhar and Ludhiana, AAP fell just two to four seats short of a majority, and the party is confident of having its mayor in these cities as well. Arora said that the Aam Aadmi Party has achieved a significant milestone in these elections. From zero per cent to 55 per cent, this is a historic leap. Earlier, AAP did not have a mayor or a municipal council president anywhere. Now, the party will have mayors in three cities and presidents in 31 municipal councils and committees.

Punjab civic polls: AAP wins in Patiala, leads in Jalandhar, Ludhiana; Congress ahead in Amritsar, Phagwara

Elections to five municipal corporations Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar and Phagwara and 44 municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Punjab took place on Saturday.

41% polling recorded till 1 p.m. in Punjab municipal elections

Punjab municipal elections see 41% turnout by 1 p.m., with BJP alleging fake voting in Patiala

10-acre Kalagram along Ganga for Mahakumbh

NEW DELHI: For the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, a culture village, called Kalagram, will be set up on over 10 acres at Daraganj along the banks of the Ganga and it will have demarcated spaces for seven zonal cultural centres (ZCC), officials said. The marked areas are named aangans (courtyards), where the ministry of culture plans to showcase art and crafts from all member states and union territories (UT). Exhibitions on the theme of Kumbha, including an immersive display, food court, and activity areas will also be put up at the venue. The ambience creation of Kalagram will be done by an expert private agency in collaboration with artists of ZCCs and Lalit Kala Akademi. The participating ZCCs are located in Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). According to the officials, diverse art installations, including cultural, educational, and commercial exhibits, are also planned for an engaging visitor experience. Union tourism culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier told this newspaper that a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant and colourful customs, arts and crafts of the states, is planned at Mahakumbh starting January in Prayagraj. After the consultation with the Uttar Pradesh government, the ministry has got prime space allocated close to the main Mahakumbh Mela venue so that more visitors can witness the festivities, Shekhawat said. The authorities have also planned to place an installation on the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the venue. One of the highlights at Kalagram will be a Ganga pandal with capacity of 10,000 audiences by the Mela Authority. This will be the main arena, where celebrity performances will be held everyday. Additionally, three pandals with a space for 4,000 people will be erected at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil. There will also be another amphitheatre of 1,000 capacity at Kalagram, where Snageet Natak Akademi awardees artists, National School of Drama productions and ZCC ensembles will be organised, an official said. Apart from this, 20 stages will also be built throughout the city. They will be handed over to the UP culture department and the ministry of culture, the official added. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is gearing up to redefine the Mahakumbh experience with an innovative Gram Tent City initiative in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 14 to February 2025, is set to blend spirituality with modernity, providing a unique experience for millions of pilgrims. The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City plan, launched by IRCTC, aims to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.

Farmer leader Dallewal faints, regains consciousness after ten minutes; Haryana Khaps call for maha panchayat in Hisar

CHANDIGARH: Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's condition turned critical as he fainted on the twenty-fourth day of his fast unto death . On the other hand, the Khap Panchayats of Haryana have extended their support to the farmers and decided to hold a Maha Panchayat in Hisar on December 29. The Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab Government for not running regular medical tests on Dallewal, advising it to persuade the leader to take treatment for a week before resuming protest. Dallewal is currently receiving treatment at the protest site. Sources close to him said that Dallewal fainted this afternoon. Dallewal stepped out of the temporary hut behind the stage at Khanauri border after taking a bath. Shortly after, he vomited and lost consciousness for about ten minutes. He was quickly wrapped in a blanket and changed into his clothes. He was taken to an area behind the stage as soon as he regained his senses where doctors examined him and fed him water with a spoon, a close associate of Dallewal said. Senior doctors from Rajindra Medical College and Hospital, along with officials of Patiala Police officials reached the Khanauri border. Sources added that a team of doctors from a NGO 5 Rivers Heart Association had been regularly monitoring him. A mini hospital has been set-up at the protest site to provide him medical aide. 'Attempt to unite all farmer unions' The Khap Panchayats of Haryana extended their support to the farmers and decided to hold a mahapanchayat in Hisar on December 29 and added that the Maha Panchayat will decide the next course of actions. A representative of Satrol Khap, Satish said, We have decided to support the farmers' movement, as it is not the fight of any one farmer, but for the farmers' community. The Maha Panchayat has been called in Bas village of Hisar and we will try to unite all the farmer unions so that the movement can be fought together. We demand that the government start talks if it is really concerned about the health of protesting farmers. The government should send a delegation to talk to the farmers within ten days. If something untoward happens to him then the government will be solely responsible, he said. He said that on December 13, the committee of Khaps went to Khanauri border to meet Dallewal . Earlier during the farmers' protest dharnas were held and Khaps supported the movement but during elections, everything was stopped but now the movement will be renewed. We want all farmer unions to once again unite on this issue. The 11-member committee of Khaps is supporting the farmers' movement, he added.

Framer who attempted suicide at Shambhu border dies at Patiala hospital

A 57-year-old farmer, Ranjodh Singh, died after consuming poison at the Shambhu border protest on December 14. Distressed by the failing health of fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, Singh took his own life. He was participating in the ongoing protests at the Punjab-Haryana border, where farmers have been demanding guaranteed minimum support prices for crops since February.

Farmers block trains in Punjab for three hours as part of their 'Rail Roko' protest, 31 trains affected

CHANDIGARH: Today, farmers across Punjab blocked rail tracks for three hours as part of their 'Rail Roko' protest, demanding that the Union Government address their concerns. As a result, 31 trains were disrupted. The farmers also called for a Punjab bandh on December 30 to further press their demands. The call for the 'Rail Roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. The farmers held protests and blocked railway tracks at seventeen places in the state Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali; Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur, Rampura Phul in Bathinda and Devidaspura in Amritsar. Sources in the railways said that 31 trains were effected as of these nine were short terminated and one train was diverted. The Shatabdi Express coming from New Delhi for Amritsar was halted at Khanna railway station. While the Humsafar Express from Jammu to Sealdah, Dadar Express from Amritsar to Mumbai and Shan-e-Punjab Express from New Delhi to Amritsar were halted at different platforms of the Ludhiana railway station. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha convenor Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers sat on the rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and till 3 pm. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14 but Haryana Police did not allow them to proceed. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.

Farmers begin three-hour rail roko protest in Punjab as 'Dilli Chalo' attempts crushed

CHANDIGARH: Farmers blocked train routes at several places in Punjab on Wednesday as part of their three-hour 'Rail Roko' protest to press the Centre into accepting their various demands, including a legally binding minimum support price for crops. The call for the 'rail roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers have been squatting on rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and will continue to be there till 3 pm. VIDEO | Punjab: Protesting farmers block railway track in Mohali as part of their 'Rail Roko' agitation. #FarmersProtest (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/DcnLpI2BZt Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 18, 2024 The places where the protest was supposed to be held included Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali, and Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14. Haryana security personnel did not allow them to proceed. Farmers suspend Delhi march for the day as 17 injured after Haryana cops fire tear gas Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.

3-hour rail roko protest by farmers begins in Punjab

Chandigarh: Farmers blocked train routes at several places in Punjab on Wednesday as part of their three-hour 'Rail Roko' protest to press the Centre into accepting their various demands, including a legally binding minimum support price for crops. The call for the 'rail roko' has been given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said farmers have been squatting on rail tracks at many places from 12 noon and will continue to be there till 3 pm. The places where the protest was supposed to be held included Moga, Faridkot, Kadian and Batala in Gurdaspur; Phillaur in Jalandhar; Tanda, Dasuya, Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur; Makhu, Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur; Sahnewal in Ludhiana; Shambhu in Patiala; Mohali, and Sunam and Lehra in Sangrur. Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. For the past three weeks, Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. A jatha (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8 and again on December 14. Haryana security personnel did not allow them to proceed. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.

'Called to wish but he didn't answer...': Families remember victims of Georgia poisoning

CHANDIGARH: Of the eleven Indian nationals found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri , many were from Punjab: Samir Kumar (26) from Khanna near Ludhiana, Amrinder Kaur (32) from Mehma in Patiala district and her sister-in-law Maninder Kaur, and Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur from Sunam. All of them died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Samir Kumar, hailing from Billa Wali Chappri area of Khanna, moved to Georgia six months ago. He had been working at Haveli restaurant in Georgia when the tragedy took place. He died on his birthday, a few hours after he spoke to his mother in India. He had told his mother that there was a power shortage in the area due to a snowstorm and went to sleep shortly after. We tried to call him again on Saturday to wish him on his birthday but he did not answer the phone calls. Then we traced the number of the restaurant and called, they informed us that all 12 people sleeping in the premises had died due to a gas leak and he was among them. Our request to the government is that it should bring back his body so that his last rites can be performed, said a close relative who added that he is survived by his parents, brother and sister back here. Amrinder Kaur went to Georgia in 2015. She moved there to support her father and had been working at the hotel after completing class XII. She had also invited her brother Jatinder Singh to stay with them, but he had moved to South Korea. Two years ago, Jatinder married Maninder Kaur from Mansa. Maninder died along with Amrinder in the accident. They (Jatinder and Maninder) were planning to come to India next year to celebrate their marriage. The last time the family spoke to Amrinder was on Thursday and she said that there was blackout in the area due to a snowstorm. We request that her body be brought back so the family can perform her last rites, said a close relative. Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur moved to Georgia a year ago. They had gone to the resort to celebrate their first wedding anniversary on December 18. Ravinder went to Tbilisi in March and later moved to Gudauri. Singh was the youngest of three brothers. He started working as a carpenter after completing his graduation and moved to Georgia for a better future. Congress Member of Parliament from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla urged the Punjab Government to take steps to bring back the bodies of Punjabis who died in the accident. Heartbreaking News: 12 Punjabi's have tragically died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at ski resort in Gudauri, Georgia. I urge CM @BhagwantMann & @KuldeepSinghAAP NRI Minister to take immediate steps to bring back bodies & support grieving families @ANI pic.twitter.com/aefcgNRoNo Gurjeet Singh Aujla (@GurjeetSAujla) December 16, 2024 Eleven Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri, the Indian mission had said on Monday. Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia had said the initial inspection found no signs of injury or violence. All victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police. A power generator was running in the closed space and the exhaust likely choked the restaurant staff in their sleep. The ministry added that the bodies of all the victims were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the building. In connection with the fact, investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic-criminalistics are working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted. Appropriate examinations are appointed. A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death, it said. The Indian mission in Tbilisi had said it was saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of 11 Indian nationals in Gaudauri and extended its deepest condolences to their families. The mission added that it is in contact with the families of the victims and is providing them with necessary support. The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families. The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support, the embassy said in a statement.

Georgia resort deaths: Amritsar Congress MP urges Punjab government to bring back bodies for 'final rites'

CHANDIGARH: Of the twelve Indian nationals found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri , many were from Punjab: Samir Kumar (26) from Khanna near Ludhiana, Amrinder Kaur (32) from Mehma in Patiala district and her sister-in-law Maninder Kaur, and Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur from Sunam. All of them died due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. Samir Kumar, hailing from Billa Wali Chappri area of Khanna, moved to Georgia six months ago. He had been working at Haveli restaurant in Georgia when the tragedy took place. He died on his birthday, a few hours after he spoke to his mother in India. He had told his mother that there was a power shortage in the area due to a snowstorm and went to sleep shortly after. We tried to call him again on Saturday to wish him his birthday but he did not answer the phone calls. Then we traced the number of the restaurant and called, they informed us that all 12 people sleeping in the premises had died due to a gas leak and he was among them. Our request to the government is that it should bring back his body so that his last rites can be performed, said a close relative who added that he is survived by his parents, brother and sister back here. Amrinder Kaur went to Georgia in 2015. She moved there to support her father and had been working at the hotel after completing class XII. She had also invited her brother Jatinder Singh to stay with them, but he had moved to South Korea. Two years ago, Jatinder married Maninder Kaur from Mansa. Maninder died along with Amrinder in the accident. They (Jatinder and Maninder) were planning to come to India next year to celebrate their marriage. The last time the family spoke to Amrinder was on Thursday and she said that there was blackout in the area due to a snowstorm. We request that her body be brought back so the family can perform her last rites, said a close relative. Ravinder Singh and Gurvinder Kaur moved to Georgia a year ago. They had gone to the resort to celebrate their first wedding anniversary on December 18. Ravinder went to Tbilisi in March and later moved to Gudauri. Singh was the youngest of three brothers. He started working as a carpenter after completing his graduation and moved to Georgia for a better future. Congress Member of Parliament from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla urged the Punjab Government to take steps to bring back the bodies of Punjabis who died in the accident. Heartbreaking News: 12 Punjabi's have tragically died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at ski resort in Gudauri, Georgia. I urge CM @BhagwantMann & @KuldeepSinghAAP NRI Minister to take immediate steps to bring back bodies & support grieving families @ANI pic.twitter.com/aefcgNRoNo Gurjeet Singh Aujla (@GurjeetSAujla) December 16, 2024 Eleven Indian nationals were found dead at a restaurant in Georgia's mountain resort of Gudauri, the Indian mission had said on Monday. Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia had said the initial inspection found no signs of injury or violence. All victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, local media reported, citing police. A power generator was running in the closed space and the exhaust likely choked the restaurant staff in their sleep. The ministry added that the bodies of all the victims were found in bedrooms on the second floor of the building. In connection with the fact, investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic-criminalistics are working on the spot, and interviews of persons related to the case are being conducted. Appropriate examinations are appointed. A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death, it said. The Indian mission in Tbilisi had said it was saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of 11 Indian nationals in Gaudauri and extended its deepest condolences to their families. The mission added that it is in contact with the families of the victims and is providing them with necessary support. The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families. The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support, the embassy said in a statement.

4 operatives of Arsh Dalla held

CHANDIGARH, Dec 16: Punjab Police on Monday said it has arrested four operatives of Canada-based terrorist Arsh Dalla and another foreign based-handler and recovered three pistols along with 16 cartridges from their possession. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The arrested have been identified as Gagandeep Singh and Navjot Singh alias Nishu, both residents of Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib and currently staying at a rental accommodation in Kharar; Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Bhadson in Patiala; and Vipanpreet Singh, [] The post 4 operatives of Arsh Dalla held appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Temperatures drop in Delhi, Punjab; slight respite from cold for Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Cold weather conditions persisted in parts of north and west India on Sunday with the mercury dropping several notches in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan. Kashmir and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh received some respite from the intense cold as minimum temperatures rose. The respite for Kashmir is likely to be short-lived as the meteorological department has predicted a cold wave in parts of the valley over the next three days. Delhi's minimum temperature dropped to 4.9 degrees Celsius, 3.1 notches below normal, but cold wave conditions did not prevail, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mercury settled at a low of 8 degrees Celsius in the city on Saturday. The capital recorded a maximum temperature of 23.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, 0.2 notches below normal, the IMD said. The weather department has forecast moderate fog in Delhi on Monday. The minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at 5 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius respectively. Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of cold weather conditions with Faridkot recording the lowest temperature in the region at 1 degree Celsius, according to the meteorological department. Punjab's Gurdaspur and Bathinda recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius respectively at night, it said. The mercury settled at a low of 3.5 degrees Celsius in Pathankot, 3.9 degrees Celsius in Amritsar, 6.8 degrees Celsius in Ludhiana and 3.8 degrees Celsius in Patiala. In Haryana, Hisar shivered at 1.7 degrees Celsius and Narnaul recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius. Bhiwani recorded a low of 4 degrees Celsius, Gurugram 5.6 degrees Celsius, Rohtak 5.2 degrees Celsius and Ambala 5.7 degrees Celsius. The weather office said that Chandigarh, the common capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rose by three to five notches in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh while cold wave conditions gripped the lower hills as the weather remained dry. Tabo was the coldest place in the state at night with a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius and Shimla was the warmest at 12.2 degrees Celsius, 6.5 notches above normal. The adjoining resorts of Kufri and Narkanda recorded a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius respectively. In the lower hills, Una recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius and Sundernagar 0.6 degrees Celsius. The local meteorological office has issued a 'yellow' warning for cold wave at isolated places in the lower hills and plains till Thursday and predicted dry weather in the state over the next seven days. Cold wave conditions will prevail in Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur and parts of Kangra districts, the weather office said. There was no significant change in maximum temperatures in Himachal Pradesh. Solan was the hottest during the day at 24.7 degrees Celsius followed by Shimla at 19 degrees Celsius, five notches above normal. Kashmir saw a slight respite from intense cold wave conditions as minimum temperatures rose across the valley, though they remained below the freezing point. The summer capital of Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, an improvement from minus 4.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, the meteorological department said. Gulmarg, a tourist destination popular for skiing, registered a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius -- a rise of nearly four notches from the night before. Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, logged a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, three notches higher than the previous night. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest place in the valley with the mercury settling at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius in Qazigund, 3.7 degrees Celsius in Kupwara and 2.8 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. According to the meteorological office, the weather in the valley is likely to remain mainly dry till December 21. Minimum temperatures are predicted to drop and a cold wave is likely over many stations during the next three days, the weather office said. In Rajasthan, cold wave conditions prevailed in most parts and Fatehpur recorded sub-zero temperatures for the third consecutive day on Sunday. According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature in Fatehpur settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Churu recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius; Bhilwara 2.2 degrees Celsius; Sangaria, Pilani and Sirohi 2.6 degrees Celsius; Chittorgarh 3.2 degrees Celsius and Alwar 4 degrees Celsius. The mercury settled below 10 degrees Celsius at several other places in the state.

SC's directive spurs action as farmer leader Dallewal continues fast unto death

CHANDIGARH: As directed by the Supreme Court two days ago, representatives from the Union and Punjab governments met fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border, located between Punjab and Haryana. Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Mayank Mishra and Punjab Director-General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav visited the 70-year-old leader, whose fast unto death entered its 20th day. They enquired about his health and listened to his demands. The Supreme Court had earlier instructed that Dallewal be provided with immediate medical assistance and urged him to end his indefinite fast, emphasising that his life was valuable. After the meeting, DGP Gaurav Yadav stated: We came here to enquire about the health of Dallewal. I, along with the Union government official Mayank Mishra, who was specially sent here, met him. We have heard his demands and have appealed to Dallewal. The way he is leading this peaceful agitation has been appreciated everywhere, and the government has taken cognisance of it. As per the Supreme Courts orders, Dallewal must be convinced, and emergent medical aid must be provided to him. Yadav further added: The Punjab Chief Minister has specially sent a message, and our efforts are directed at holding talks to address the demands and resolve the issue. We have appealed to the farmers that Dallewals life is precious. Medical facilities have been provided here, and we are working towards a resolution in coordination with the farmers. The Supreme Court has given us a clear mandate. He highlighted that the apex court recognised Dallewal as a senior citizen, a prominent farmer leader, and someone with health issues, underscoring the necessity for urgent medical assistance. The Punjab governments stand has been clear: it considers the farmers demands genuine and has supported them. We have tried to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to him. It is the Punjab governments effort to facilitate the resolution of farmers demands, Yadav said. Medical teams and a special ambulance equipped with life-saving equipment have been stationed at the protest site, Yadav told the farmers, urging them to persuade Dallewal to seek medical attention. He also confirmed that Dallewals vital symptoms were being constantly monitored. Farmer leaders meet fasting Dallewal at Punjab-Haryana border, seek to bring together divided unions Before arriving at the Khanauri border, Yadav held discussions with farmer leaders Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, Kaka Singh Kotda, and others. However, sources revealed that despite the governments assurances, Dallewal remained resolute in continuing his fast. To a question about any government proposals, MHA Director Mayank Mishra clarified: There was no proposal of any kind. I came here to hear him and to implement the Supreme Courts orders. Doctors have already recommended Dallewals hospitalisation, citing severe weakness due to his prolonged fast. Farmers under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, following their march to Delhi being blocked by security forces. The farmers demands include a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, the withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. They are also seeking the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, and compensation for the families of farmers who died during the 202021 agitation. DIG (Patiala Range) Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Patiala SSP Nanak Singh, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav, former ADGP Jaskaran Singh, and former DIG Narinder Bhargava were also present at the meeting. Farmer leader Dallewal discharged from hospital, allege CM Mann hand-in-glove with centre to derail agitation

Photos: Sarwan Singh Pandher at Shambhu border

Patiala: Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher addressed a press conference at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Sunday, December 15, 2024. A jatha of 101 farmers on Saturday resumed its foot march to Delhi from the protest site at Shambhu border, but was stopped a few metres away by a multilayered barricading. Also ReadDelhi Chalo 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 .

Farmers suspend Delhi foot march for the day as 18 injured after Haryana cops opened tear gas, water cannon

SHAMBHU: Once again the farmers suspended their Dili Challo foot march for the day after eighteen farmers suffered injuries in tear gas shelling by Haryana Police at the Shambhu border (Punjab and Haryana border. Soon after walking for a few metres from their protest site at Shambhu border, the group of 101 farmers Jatha was stopped at the barricade by Haryana police and paramilitary forces. A few farmers who were injured were taken to a nearby hospital in ambulances stationed at the protest site. Farmer leader and convener of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the two forums Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have decided to call back our the group of 101 farmers (jatha) after 17 to 18 farmers were injured as they tried to march towards Delhi but were stopped at the multilayer barricading done by the Haryana Police and the police personnel lobbed tear gas shells and used water cannons. Pandher alleged that this time chemical mixed water was used to disperse the farmers and more teargas shells were used. Farmer leader Manjit Singh Rai alleged that rubber bullets were also used by security personnel and one farmer was seriously injured. Deputy Superintendent of Police (Ambala Cantonment) Rajat Gulia denied this allegation. This was the third attempt by protesting farmers to march towards the national capital. Farmers had made two attempts on December 6 and December 8 but were stopped by Haryana Police. They have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after the Haryana police stopped their marches to Delhi. As farmers resume Delhi march, Haryana cops use tear gas, water cannon against them at Shambhu border Farmers shout slogans as security personnel use water cannons to disperse them during their agitation at the Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The farmers are pressing the Centre for various demands including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops, debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. The farmers were adamant on going to Delhi and urged the security personnel to proceed. Earlier, Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta and Ambala Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria talked with some protesting farmers for over half an hour, trying to convince them to get permission from Delhi to go towards the national capital. Superintendent of Police of Amabla S S Bhoria told the farmers that they should get permission from the authorities concerned if they intend to protest in Delhi. We will ourselves help you reach there, he said. We are peacefully marching on foot, therefore, we should be allowed to proceed. We want the government should listen to the problems of farmers and labourers. We want to go to Delhi peacefully, said a farmer leader.

As farmers resume Delhi march, Haryana cops use tear gas, water cannon against them at Shambhu border

CHANDIGARH: Haryana security personnel fired teargas shells and used a water cannon to disperse a group of protesting farmers from heading towards Delhi at the Shambhu border point on Saturday. A few farmers who were injured and taken to a nearby hospital in ambulances stationed at the protest site, officials said. The action came after a 'jatha' (group) of 101 farmers, who resumed their foot march to Delhi shortly after 12 noon on Saturday from the Shambhu protest site on the Punjab-Haryana border, reached the barricades put up by the Haryana security personnel. The farmers are pressing the Centre for various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price for crops. Earlier, Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta and Ambala Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria engaged in talks with some protesting farmers for over half an hour, trying to convince them to get permission from Delhi for going towards the national capital. However, the farmers were adamant on going to Delhi and urged the security personnel to proceed. Soon after walking for a few metres, the group was stopped at the barricading by Haryana security personnel, including paramilitary forces. Security personnel use water cannons to disperse farmers agitating at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. We want to go ahead in a peaceful manner. Our voices should not be crushed like this. More than half of the country's population are connected with agriculture, their voice cannot be supressed, a farmer leader argued with the Haryana officials on the other side of the barricades. We are peacefully marching on foot, therefore, we should be allowed to proceed. We want government should listen to the problems of farmers and labourers. We want to go to Delhi in a peaceful manner, the leader said. Ambala's Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria told the farmers that they should take permission from the authorities concerned if they intend to protest in Delhi. We will ourselves help you reach there, he said. The spot where you are standing in protest, according to the Supreme Court order of July 24, directions were issued to maintain status quo at Shambhu border so that no untoward incident occurs, Bhoria told them. Farmer leader Pandher says no protest march to Delhi on Tuesday, slams Centre's 'double speak' Appealing to the protesting farmers to move back, Bhoria referred to the apex court, saying a high-powered committee constituted by it would talk to the protesting farmers and make recommendations to the court. Farmers should not get violent and do peaceful agitation. They should adopt the Gandhian way of protests because their grievances are being looked into, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan had said on Friday. The bench had directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is observing a fast unto death. Ambala Deputy Commissioner Parth Gupta told the protesters that the matter was sub-judice and the next date of hearing has been fixed for December 18. This is the third attempt by the protesting farmers to march towards the national capital from the Shambhu border point. They had made similar attempts on December 6 and December 8 but were not allowed to proceed by security personnel in Haryana. Farmers raise slogans as they gather at their protest site at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. The farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP. They have also been pressing the Centre to initiate talks with them to address their issues. The Ambala district administration has already clamped a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that bans unlawful assembly of five or more people in the district. Earlier in the day, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages in Ambala till December 17. The order to suspend mobile internet in Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar (Hira Nagar, Naresh Vihar), Saddopur, Sultanpur and Kakru villages in Ambala was issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order. All India Kisan Congress Working President Bajrang Punia with farmers at their protest site at Shambhu border, in Patiala district, Punjab, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Meanwhile, farmer leader Dallewal's fast unto death at the Khanauri border point entered the 19th day on Saturday. Doctors have already recommended his hospitalisation, saying because of the prolonged fast, he has turned weak. However, the protesting farmers have formed a security ring around Dallewal so that the state authorities could not remove him from the protest site. The Punjab Police had forcibly removed Dallewal from the Khanauri border point on November 26, just hours before he was going to start his fast unto death. On Friday, SKM leader Rakesh Tikait met Dallewal and also called for unity of farmers' groups for a joint fight. Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre to accept the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP on crops. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. Besides a legal guarantee on MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands.

SC Asks Protesting Farmers to Adopt Gandhian Way

NEW DELHI: Prodding the protesting farmers to adopt the Gandhian way, the Supreme Court on Friday observed that the protesters at the Shambhu border could temporarily shift the venue and clear the highways or perhaps even temporarily suspend the ongoing agitation with a view to enable the committee to make its recommendation after due consideration by the stakeholders. The apex court also voiced concern over the deteriorating health of Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a fast-unto-death for the last 17 days, and asked the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet with the farmer leader and provide immediate medical aid but warned against the use of any force to break his protest. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said: Farmers should not get violent and do peaceful agitation. They should adopt the Gandhian way of protests because their grievances are being looked into. The top court said it was harsh winters and the agitating farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders should not get violent and disrupt highway traffic. The apex court said a high-powered committee constituted by it, which was stated to be doing a good job, will talk to the protesting farmers and make recommendations to the court, which will eventually be put to the stakeholders for a decision. The bench said: We should not pass any order that is difficult to implement. It is the stakeholders who will ultimately have to take a decision. On the deteriorating health of Mr Dallewal, the top court said, It is the bounden duty of the state of Punjab and the Union of India to take all peaceful measures and provide adequate immediate medical aid to Mr Dallewal without forcing him to break the fast unless it is imperative to do so to save his life. In this regard, the DGP, Punjab, and his officers, along with the representative of the Centre, if it helps in diffusing the crisis, may immediately meet Mr Dallewal and other farmers leaders who are sitting at the dharna so as to convince them that the first priority as of now should be to provide the adequate emergent medical aid to Mr Dallewal. The top court was hearing a plea by the Haryana government against the Punjab and Haryana high courts direction to remove the blockade at the Shambhu border. The Haryana government moved the top court following an order of the Punjab and Haryana high court for the removal of the barricades at the Shambhu border after consultations with the Punjab government. The bench observed that the member secretary (high-powered committee) was present in the court and had assured in its next meeting it will persuade the farmers in the light of the court's suggestions to temporarily suspend the protest or shift to another venue. The bench directed the committee to file a short status report to this effect and the top court will look at the shifting of the farmer leader to a hospital on December 17. Justice Kant told solicitor-general Tushar Mehta and Punjab advocate-general Gurminder Singh to immediately do whatever was needed to preserve the health of the farmer leader. The bench indicated if a need arose, Mr Dallewal could be shifted to PGIMER in Chandigarh or any other hospital in Patiala. Mr Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre into accepting the agitating farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) on crops. During the hearing of the matter, one of the counsel handed over media reports where it was stated Mr Dallewal, a senior citizen, was on an indefinite fast for the last 17 days and his health was deteriorating. When the Punjab advocate-general sought to highlight the issue of over 2,000 farmers surrounding Mr Dallewal, the bench said Punjab government officials were on the ground talking to him, and therefore, efforts should be made to persuade him to end his fast. Your officers have direct access to him. They are in a position to have a direct dialogue and communication and even other farmer leaders who are sitting with him. They will also realise that the life of Mr Dallewal is more precious than anything else, the bench said. Farmers under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces. The Haryana government set up the barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi National Highway in February after farmer groups announced that they will march to Delhi in support of their demands, including legal guarantee of MSP for their produce. In its interim report, a Supreme Court-appointed panel on farmers' grievances listed reasons for agrarian distress, which, among others, include stagnant yield, rising costs and debts and an inadequate marketing system. The high-powered committee, constituted on September 2 under former Punjab and Haryana high court judge Nawab Singh to resolve the grievances of farmers agitating at the Shambhu border, suggested solutions including examining the possibility of giving legal sanctity to MSP and offering direct income support.

Supreme Court urges Punjab, Centre to reach out to fasting farmer leader

The court suggested that Jagjit Singh Dallewal may be shifted to PGI Chandigarh or nearby Patiala city for urgent medical intervention, if the need arose

'No songs on alcohol': Advisory issued for Diljit's Chandigarh concert

CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has issued an advisory to Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh not to glorify drugs, and violence during his 'Dil-Luminati' India Tour concert here at Exhibition Ground, Sector 34 on December 14. In the advisory issued here yesterday, the child rights body stated, Avoid to perform songs like Patiala Peg, 5 Tara, Case etc. even with twisted words in which alcohol, drugs and violence are promoted. These songs affect the children of impressionable age. Citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report, adults should not be exposed to sound with peak sound pressure levels above 140db and for the children the level reduced to 120 db, the advisory asked the singer not to invite children on stage during the show, where peak sound pressure level is above 120db. The commission also emphasized that alcohol should not be served to youngsters below 25 years which is punishable under JJ Act and other provisions of law. This advisory comes in the wake of concerns raised during Dosanjh's concerts in Hyderabad and Delhi, warning him against the promotion of alcohol and drugs. Shipra Bansal, Chairperson of Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights had issued these instructions based on the representation filed by Panditrao Dharenavar, an assistant professor of Sociology in the Government college in Sector 46. Earlier in November, Panditrao had given a complaint against Dosanjh on which District Child Welfare Officer Telangana also had issued notice for not using children on stage and not to sing alcohol, drugs and violence-promoting songs. The singer followed the advisory and did not use children on stage. Panditrao said, He is sure singer Diljit Dosanjh will follow the advisory in the larger interest of the children. Telangana says no to songs promoting drugs at Diljit Dosanjh's concert Meanwhile, former Mayor and Ex-Chandigarh BJP President Arun Sood said, The resident welfare associations of Chandigarh, representatives of Indian medical association, senior citizen association and various market associations, have met the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh and demanded to shift the venue of this show from Sector 34 to Sector 25 rally and also demanded no permission should be given to serve liquor. The residents told the Deputy Commissioner that there are private hospitals in Sector 34 and also a government hospital in Sector 32. If any medical emergency takes place, then the ambulances can get stuck in the traffic jam.But we were told that this permission was given in September so this show is on. But in the future, no such permissions for any such concerts will be given in this ground, he added.

No songs on alcohol: Advisory issued for Diljit's Chandigarh concert

Chandigarh: Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has advised singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, set to perform here on Saturday, to refrain from singing alcohol-themed songs during his live show, citing their adverse impact on children of impressionable age. The advisory issued by the CCPCR chairperson Shipra Bansal on Thursday, specifically mentioned songs like 'Patiala Peg', '5 Tara', and 'Case' etc, cautioning against even altered versions that promote alcohol, drugs or violence. Avoid performing the songs i.e. Patiala Peg, 5 Tara, Case etc, even with twisted words in which alcohol, drugs and violence are promoted. These songs affect the children of impressionable age, the advisory read. This follows a similar directive issued last month by the Telangana government during Dosanjh's live show in Hyderabad, where he was advised against promoting alcohol and drugs. The notice also restricted from inviting children on stage due to loud sounds and flashing lights. The singer began the India leg of his Dil-Luminati Tour from Delhi in October this year. In the Chandigarh advisory, the CCPCR chairperson said, It has come to our notice that Diljit Dosanjh is going to perform in his live show scheduled for December 14, at Exhibition Ground, Sector-34, Chandigarh. After going through the representation received by the Commission, the CCPCR has decided to issue the following advisory in best interest of the children, it said. The advisory noted that as per the World Health Organization's (WHO) report, adults should not be exposed to sound with a peak pressure level above 140db (decibel). For children, the level is reduced to 120 db. It is advisable to not invite children on stage during live show where peak sound pressure level is above 120db which is harmful for children, the advisory said. The commission's advisory also asked to ensure that people aged below 25 years are not served alcohol as it is which is punishable under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and other provisions of law. You are therefore requested to comply with the advisory issued by the commission in the best interest of children, it said, addressing the singer, event organisers and concerned authorities. A copy of the advisory has also been forwarded to the Chandigarh Excise and Taxation Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, among others for necessary action. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Chandigarh BJP's former president Arun Sood met the Deputy Commissioner here on Wednesday demanding a change in venue for the concerts of Dosanjh and Punjabi rapper A.P Dhillon, scheduled for December 14 and 21, respectively. Sood cited that a recent event at the Sector 34 ground here by rapper-singer Karan Aujla had led to traffic congestions which caused inconvenience for residents. The delegation demanded that the upcoming concerts be shifted from Sector 34 to Sector 25 rally ground to avoid inconvenience and hardships to locals. Arun Sood said, There has been a lot of anguish among residents and businessmen of Chandigarh, especially in sector 34 and surrounding sectors after the recent music show of Punjabi singer Karan Aujla at the exhibition ground. He said that locals and businessmen of Chandigarh were affected by the rush of thousands of people, and their vehicles choking the city. We are not against the music concerts in the city, but our only concern is the venue, Sood said, adding that he himself is a big fan of Punjabi artists and music.

After Hyderabad and Delhi, Chandigarh targets Diljit Dosanjhs lyrics

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights has advised singer Diljit Dosanjh to refrain from singing some of his hit songs, including Patiala Peg, at his concert on December 14 as they promote alcohol, drugs, violence and affect children. Hes set to perform in Chandigarh as part of his Dil-Luminati India Tour. Avoid 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 .

Diljit Dosanjh Concert: After Telangana, Chandigarh body asks singer to avoid 'patiala peg' type songs promoting alcohol

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, currently on his Dil-Luminati India tour, has been issued an advisory by the Chandigarh Child Rights Commission ahead of his concert on 14th December in Sector-34. The notice prohibits singing songs that promote alcohol, drugs, or violence, including popular tracks like Patiala Peg and 5 Taara. Similar notices were issued earlier in Hyderabad. The advisory also includes guidelines for child safety during the event, citing concerns over loud music and stage use.

Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for 2012 rape-murder case: Punjab Police tells High Court

CHANDIGARH: After twelve years, Sikh religious preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale has been booked by the Punjab Police in a case of alleged rape and murder of a woman in Patiala in 2012, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed. In an affidavit filed by Punjab Police Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav before the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday stated that a FIR was lodged on a complaint filed by the victim's brother, a Patiala resident under section 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at Passiana Police station in Patiala on December 7, 2024 and the case is under investigation. The DGP filed the affidavit in the high court after the victim's brother alleged that his sister was raped and murdered and no action was taken by state police at the time of the incident. The woman was found in an unconscious condition outside the gate of Gurdwara Parmeshwar Dwar on April 22, 2012, and later she died at a hospital before she could make any statement, as per the affidavit. The affidavit further stated that the sister of the deceased filed four complaints from June 19, 2012, to November 9, 2012, for taking action against Dhadrianwale. An inquiry into the matter was conducted by the then Station House Officer, Passiana Police station and a recommendation was made for filling the said complaints. According to the office procedure, the records for the years January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2014 had been destroyed in October 2020,stated the affidavit. It said on December 21, 2023, the woman's brother had alleged that he was threatened by some persons not to raise his voice against Dhadrianwale. The affidavit stated that show-cause notices have been issued to then deputy superintendent of police Sewa Singh Malhi (who is now retired) and then SHO Ashok Kumar (now SP) on December 7. The petition of the woman's brother was taken up in November and during the previous hearing, the Bench presided over by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu had asked the DGP to explain as to what action has been taken against officials who handled the case in 2012. Sikh preacher Dhandrianwale, who heads Parmeshwar Dwar gurdwara, a dera in Shekhupura village in Patiala, has a large following in Punjab and among the diaspora abroad. Meanwhile Dhadrianwale, in a video message, said he would cooperate with the police investigation. They (the family) have moved the High Court. They have a doubt and they should clear their doubt. The High Court has said investigate the case after registering the FIR. It may take some time, but the truth will come out. I have full faith in the court and the Punjab Police, he said. The mother of the victim then had not raised suspicion against any person for the death of the woman. A postmortem report revealed that the death was caused due to poisoning by aluminium phosphate insecticide. The victim's family later testified before the executive magistrate that they do not suspect any foul play in the death of the woman. She had died on account of consumption of some poisonous substance, the affidavit stated. The police then forwarded the inquest report in June 2013, which was approved by the sub-divisional magistrate, Patiala in February 2014. Subsequently, another complaint was filed by the woman's brother which was forwarded to the Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police on October 16, 2024. Not new to controversies, religious preacher Dhadrianwale a Gurmat Pracharak (preacher) is associated with the Nirvair Khalsa Jatha and has his religious headquarters spread on 33 acres at Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar on the Patiala-Sangrur highway. He has always faced some opposition, though many politicians across party lines visit him regularly to seek his blessings. He has faced opposition from some Sikh activists and outfits for allegedly distorting Sikh history and misinterpreting Sikh principles with his self-made rationality. He is known for his vociferous criticism of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as in 2015, Dhadriawale and many other Sikh leaders opposed the pardoning of Ram Rahim in a blasphemy case. He later alleged that he had received death threats. In May 2016, Dhadrianwale had a miraculous escape when he was attacked by unidentified persons near Barewal village in Ludhiana and he was provided security cover by the state police.

Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for rape, murder: Punjab Police tells High Court

Sikh preacher Dhandrianwale, who heads Parmeshwar Dwar gurdwara, a dera in Shekhupura village in Patiala, has a large following in Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora abroad

Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for rape, murder: Punjab Police tells HC

CHANDIGARH, Dec 11: Punjab Police has registered a case against Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale in a 2012 case of alleged rape and murder of a woman in Patiala, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed. The FIR under section 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at Passiana Police station in Patiala on December 7, according to an affidavit filed by Punjab Police Director General of Police Gaurav [] The post Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale booked for rape, murder: Punjab Police tells HC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Sikh preacher booked for 2012 rape-murder

Patiala police booked Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale on charges of rape and murder of a woman in 2012 following a Punjab and Haryana HC order. The FIR, based on the deceased's brother's 2012 complaint, includes charges of criminal intimidation. Police issued show-cause notices to former and current officers for negligence in the delayed investigation.

Court summons Dharmendra in cheating case linked to Garam Dharam Dhaba

The Patiala House Court in Delhi has summoned veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra and two others in connection with a cheating case involving the Garam Dharam Dhaba restaurant franchise. The court issued the summons following a complaint alleging that the accused had failed to fulfill franchise-related commitments, resulting in significant financial losses for the complainant. The complaint was filed by an entrepreneur who claimed that Dharmendra and his associates had entered into an agreement to establish a franchise of the Garam Dharam Dhaba restaurant chain. The complainant alleged that despite investing substantial amounts, the promised support for operations, branding, and marketing from Dharmendra and his partners never materialized. The petitioner accused the actor and the two co-accused of misrepresentation and breach of trust. The court has directed Dharmendra and the others to appear before it on the specified date to respond to the allegations. The actor, known for his iconic roles in Indian cinema, has not yet released a statement addressing the matter. Garam Dharam Dhaba, a franchise associated with Dharmendra, has gained popularity for its Bollywood-themed ambiance and North Indian cuisine. However, this legal controversy raises questions about its management and franchise agreements. Legal experts believe the case could have significant implications for franchise operations in India, as it highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to contractual obligations in such partnerships. The next hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges or resolve the dispute amicably. This case has garnered considerable attention due to Dharmendras involvement, with fans and legal observers closely monitoring developments.

All set for civic body polls in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: Punjab is gearing up for the upcoming civic body elections scheduled for 21 December. Voters will decide the fate of five municipal corporationsAmritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Phagwaraalong with 44 municipal councils and by-elections to several other urban civic bodies. The counting of votes will also take place on the same day. This election marks a significant four-cornered contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri announced that polling for the municipalities will be conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs), a departure from the recent panchayat elections where ballot papers were used. Filing of nominations begins on Monday, 9 December, with the last date being 12 December. The scrutiny of nominations will be carried out on 13 December, while 14 December marks the deadline for withdrawal of nominations and the allotment of symbols. The five municipal corporations going to the polls are Amritsar, Jalandhar, Phagwara, Ludhiana, and Patiala, spanning a total of 381 wards. With this announcement, the model code of conduct has been imposed in the state. The expenditure limit for candidates contesting these elections has been fixed. For municipal corporations, the limit is Rs 4 lakh, while for municipal councils, it ranges between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3.6 lakh, Chaudhuri stated. A total of 37.32 lakh voters, including 17.75 lakh women and 204 others, are eligible to exercise their franchise. Authorities have identified 1,609 polling locations and 3,717 polling booths, with 344 classified as hypersensitive and 665 as sensitive. To ensure a smooth electoral process, 20,486 personnel from Punjab Police and Home Guard jawans will be deployed, alongside 500 patrolling parties and 283 striking reserves. The outcome of these elections is expected to reveal urban voters political preferences, as they will be conducted on party symbols, unlike the recent panchayat elections. In the last municipal elections for Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Patiala, the Congress secured comfortable majorities. This time, the party is expected to put in a strong effort to retain its hold over these municipalities. The contest promises to be fierce, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) participating under the leadership of its recently elected state president, Aman Arora. The BJP will test the strength of its urban voter outreach, contesting alone after previously aligning with the Akali Dal. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which had stayed away from the recent panchayat polls, has confirmed its participation in these elections. With the stakes high and all major political parties involved, the urban civic body elections are set to be a critical barometer of Punjabs political landscape.

Modi govt in no mood for talks, says Pandher

NEW DELHI: A day after halting their Delhi Chalo foot march, Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Saturday said they have not received any message from the Centre for talks to address their issues. He also said that a group of 101 farmers will resume their march to Delhi on Sunday. On Friday, protesting farmers suspended their foot march to the national capital for the day after some of them suffered injuries due to teargas shells fired by security personnel, who stopped them at the Shambhu border. The farmers have been pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP). The Haryana police has written to its Punjab counterpart asking it to ensure media personnel are stopped at a distance from the protest site for their safety as well as to ensure ease in maintaining law and order. Addressing the media at the Punjab-Haryana border on Saturday, Mr Pandher said 16 farmers suffered injuries and one of them lost hearing ability because of the teargas shelling by Haryana security personnel. Except for four injured farmers, the rest of them have been discharged from the hospital, he said, adding, We have not received any message from the Centre for holding talks. The (Narendra) Modi government is in no mood to hold talks. He added that the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have already decided that a jattha of 101 farmers will again march towards the national capital on Sunday noon in a peaceful manner. On the action by security personnel against protesting farmers, Mr Pandher said the BJP government at the Centre has been exposed. What did they do yesterday? People are angry with this action. People are asking the BJP since the farmers were not taking tractor-trolleys along with them, then why they were not allowed to move ahead, he posed. Another farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continued with his fast unto death at another border in the Khanauri area. Meanwhile, the Haryana police, in a communication to the Punjab police chief, said, It is brought to your notice that on December 6, when the jattha of farmers approached towards the Haryana border, many mediapersons were also accompanying them despite the request made by this office not to allow media persons near the protest site. Due to this, the Haryana police faced a lot of problems in handling the law-and-order situation at the border. Hence you are again requested to direct all concerned to ensure that mediapersons are stopped at a safe distance (minimum 1 km) in the interest of the safety of media persons as well as their requirements, the letter stated. As part of a call by the farmer unions, a jattha of 101 farmers began its march to Delhi on Friday from their protest site at the Shambhu border to press for their demands. The jattha was stopped by multi-layered barricading erected by Haryana security personnel. Undeterred by prohibitory orders, the farmers attempted to force their way through the barricades but were stopped by security personnel who lobbed multiple teargas shells to force them to return to their protest site at Shambhu, which falls in Punjabs Patiala district.

DMK's Kanimozhi condemns Centre's ruthless use of force against farmers

New Delhi: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi condemned police action on farmers during their 'Delhi Chalo' march, calling it inhumane use of force. In a post on X, Kanmozhi urged the central government to immediately engage with farmer representatives, and address their demands without delay. On Friday, farmers launched 'Delhi Chalo' march, demanding a legal guarantee or MSP on crops from the central government. They were stopped at the Sambhu border by police which used tear gas shells to disperse the protestors. Several farmers were reportedly injured during the protest. Kanimozhi called the police action oppressive and asked the government to address farmers' demands. I condemn the Union Government's ruthless and inhuman use of force against farmers marching to Delhi for their rightful demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP on crops. It is outrageous to attack those who feed the nation with lathi and tear gas, Kanimozhi said. The Union Government must stop this brutal suppression, immediately engage with farmer representatives, and address their demands without delay, she added. After several farmers were reportedly injured in tear gas shelling by police, the 'Delhi Chalo' march was called off on Friday. Earlier in the day, Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher expressed his disappointment, stating that the central government is unwilling to engage in talks with the farmers. Emphasising the lack of positive initiative from the central government to resolve farmers' demands, Pandher informed that 20 farmers were injured in tear gas shelling by police at the Sambhu border to halt their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Speaking with ANI, Pandher said, The central government is not in the mood to talk to the farmers. We can't see any positive initiative to peacefully solve the issue from their side. 20 farmers have been injured. 14 farmers have gone to Hospital, 2 were seriously injured, and one was referred to Patiala. This is the condition here, he added. On Friday, Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers will march towards Delhi on December 8 at 12 noon if the Union Government does not engage in talks with them by Saturday. The protest aims to press for several demands, including compensation and a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).