26122025-LT-01.qxd 12/25/2025 10:54 PM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune BLOW TO TERROR & GANGS, SPIKE IN PETTY CRIME PAU ISSUES ADVISORY FOR YELLOW RUST IN WHEAT PAU has issued a warning for return of yellow rust, a fungal disease that weakens plants and results in lower yields. P3 PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 17°C | MIN 6°C YESTERDAY MAX 20°C | MIN 9°C ROSHANS STEAL WEDDING SPOTLIGHT A mixed year for Ludhiana police as it cracked down on drugs, gangsters and took leaps in reform.P2 FORECAST Hrithik Roshan dances with sons as Sussanne Khan shares an emotional tribute at family celebrations. P4 » » SUNSET FRIDAY 5.31 PM SUNRISE SATURDAY 7:23 AM » FRIDAY | 26 DECEMBER 2025 | LUDHIANA accused Rules flouted in SBS Nagar to build Rapewithin 24 Dairy farmers write to CM held hotel, authorities yet to wake up hrs of filing FIR overreductioninmilkprices 2 EWS category plots allegedly clubbed to build the structure Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 25 Rules have been allegedly violated with impunity at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar here, even as Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) seems to be in deep slumber. Under the 475-acre scheme at SBS Nagar, 40 sq yrd plots were cut for the economically weaker section. Two such plots have been clubbed and a hotel is being constructed there in violation of the rules. Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by a resident of the area, Yogesh Sharma, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission has asked the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, to look into the matter and submit the report to the Commission before January 29, 2026. A copy of the order by the commission has also been sent to Special DGP , Human Rights, Punjab. According to the complainant, the construction is not allowed on small plots cut out for economically weaker section. “The viola- Hotel construction going on in SBS Nagar. tors, not giving two hoots to the rules, have clubbed the two plots together and a hotel is being constructed on the piece of land. This will be a four-storey hotel, the construction of which is continuing till date despite several complaints forwarded to the law enforcing agencies, including the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT),” said the complainant. There are allegations that the hotel construction has no approved plan or permission from the authorities concerned. It lacks proper parking facilities. The entire property has been covered completely, which again is illegal. Many residents complained that several blocks of SBS Nagar, which are purely residential properties, are being used for commercial purposes. The residents complained that despite submitting complaints to the LIT chairman, Executive Officer and other officials concerned, the construction has not been stopped till date. Some residents living nearby said that they would never tolerate the commercial activity in the area, but their objections were also not paid heed to by the authorities concerned. The residents alleged that the illegal construction was not possible without the knowledge of LIT officials. Our Correspondent Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 25 The Sadar Police claimed to have arrested a rape accused within 24 hours of registration of an FIR against him. The accused identified as Jaspreet Singh of Shaheed Karnail Singh Nagar, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana, was arrested by cops when he was trying to flee from the area after learning about the registration of an FIR at the Sadar police station. Additoinal Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Karanveer Singh said that a 27-year-old woman of Satjot Nagar, Ludhiana, had lodged a complaint against Jaspreet Singh on November 13. The complainant had accused Jaspreet of allegedly exploiting her physically on the pretext of marriage and then deserting her. After conducting an inquiry to verify allegations levelled by the complainant, the cops led by Sadar SHO Jagdev Singh registered an FIR against Jaspreet Singh and arrested him on Wednesday afternoon. Ludhiana, December 25 The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association have written to the CM for immediate withdrawal of Rs 20 per fat reduction in milk prices effective from December 21 and resolution of the crisis in the dairy sector. The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) has requested the CM to draw his attention to the serious concern of lakhs of dairy farmers of Punjab and the economic crisis looming over the dairy industry of the state. Rajpal Singh, president of the association, said that Punjab was known across the country for its strong and progressive dairy industry. “This sector is not only an important pillar of the state’s economy, but it has also played a vital role in reviving the village economy,” he said. In the past few years, a large number of educated youth of Punjab have taken up dairy farming as a profession instead of going abroad or running after jobs. This has led to a significant reduction in the unemployment rate in the state. The youth have set up THE DEMANDS ■ The cut of Rs 20 per fat in milk prices should be withdrawn immediately. ■ Keeping in mind the current inflation and cost of production, a cost-based and fair price of milk should be fixed. ■ On the lines of J&K, a complete ban should be imposed on the sale of “open cheese” in Punjab as well and modern dairy farms by taking loans worth lakhs of rupees, making Punjab a leader in milk production. “However, some recent decisions have put a question mark on the future of this industry and these youth,” said Rajpal. The recent reduction in milk price by Rs 20 per fat is a ‘fatal decision’ for dairy farmers. At a time when farmers needed financial support, this cut is the rule of selling only “packed cheese” should be implemented. This step will put a curb on adulterated milk products and dairy farmers will get better prices. ■ An official meeting should be called immediately with the representatives of PDFA for a permanent solution to these issues. completely destroying their profit margins. The farmers said that for the past two years, the government had repeatedly gave assurance to increase milk prices. Unfortunately, instead of increasing, the prices have been reduced, which is a step that has hurt the confidence of farmers. Such decisions will demoralise the youth who have taken loans to take up this profession. India’s 1st canine semen bank Five unauthorised SKM urges panchayats to ignore to come up at vet university buildings sealed Centre’s orders on G RAM G Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 25 Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) is all set to establish country’s first dedicated canine semen bank, a pioneering initiative aimed at improving breeding practices and preserving genetic diversity among dog breeds. Backed by a Rs 45-lakh grant from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the project has already completed its initial phase under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Researchers at GADVASU have successfully developed and standardised techniques for semen preservation and artificial insemination in five popular breeds — Labrador, German Shepherd, Beagle, Pug and Shih Tzu. Vice-Chancellor JPS Gill confirmed that GADVASU would lead the second phase of the project, which will expand the scope to include rare breeds and establish a fullfledged semen bank. “This initiative will serve breeders and pet owners across India, offering access to high-quality semen and reducing the challenges associated with traditional mating,” he said. Mrigaank Honparkhe from the Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, emphasized the long-term vision by saying that, “We aim to build a rich repository of canine semen, ensuring that pedigree and health standards are maintained. This will be a game-changer for breeders seeking rare and high-quality genetic lines.” The bank will also help address logistical and ethical concerns around canine breeding, offering a scientific alternative that mirrors the success of artificial insemination in livestock. Clinical parameters such as age, health and lineage will guide the selection of donor dogs, ensuring that only the best genetic material is preserved. Once operational, the facility will not only support breeders, but also contribute to research, training and veterinary education — placing Ludhiana at the forefront of canine reproductive science in India. Ludhiana, December 25 On the directions of the Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and GLADA Chief Administrator Sandeep Kumar, the authority’s regulatory wing has sealed five unauthorised buildings at Threke village. After the developers did not stop the illegal construction work despite being served with notices, a special team carried out the sealing drive, which was carried out unopposed. The GLADA has also recommended filing of FIRs against the developers. A spokesperson of GLADA stated that zero tolerance was being adopted against unauthorised and unplanned development with a special focus on illegal colonies. He said a special drive has also been launched to take punitive action against those who were fleecing innocent residents under the garb of offering cheaper plots in these unauthorised colonies, which lacked statutory sanction and compliance with the government norms. Chief Administrator Sandeep Kumar appealed to people not to purchase property/plots in unauthorised colonies as GLADA would not provide any facility like water supply, sewerage, electricity connections, etc. The list of approved and regularised colonies along with their sanctioned maps is available on the official website of GLADA, which may be checked by the prospective buyers before buying any property, he added. — TNS Mahesh Sharma Mullanpur Dakha, Dec 25 The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called upon the members of panchayats of the state to denounce the orders received from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department of the Union government regarding summoning gram sabhas to pass resolution in favour of swapping of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G. The morcha has also urged the Punjab government to include rejection of the Electricity Amendment Bill and Seeds Bill in the agenda of a special session of Punjab Assembly to be held on December 30. The decision to appeal to panchayats and the state gov- ernment on these issues was taken during the concluding session of a meeting of the morcha held here on Thursday. Addressing the meeting held under the supervision of Baldev Singh Nihalgarh, Mukesh Chandar Sharma and Binder Singh Golewala, the leaders alleged that the Union government was trying to harness political mileage by creating rift among farmers, labourers, employees and small traders by interpreting the recent constitutional decisions as beneficial to various sections of society, including farmers, labourers, students and women. Accusing the Union government of allegedly implementing anti-people policies and constitutional amendments with the intent to appease their masters in the corporate sector, speakers threatened to intensify the stir in case the earlier decisions were not reviewed and withdrawn. Speakers announced that the district-level dharna in front of the offices of deputy commissioners would be held from 12 noon to 3 pm on January 16. Flag marches, drum processions, tractor and motorcycle marches and protest rallies would be held on December 28 to spread awareness about the arbitrary decisions being taken by the Centre, said the speakers. Office-bearers of various wings and units were asked to organise joint meetings on January 10, a week ahead of district-level demonstrations. Prayers, carols, carnivals mark Christmas celebrations in Ludhiana (From left to right) Clergy offers prayers at a church in Sarabha Nagar; devotees sing carols at a church on the occasion of Christmas; and members enjoy carnival with children at the Sutlej Club in Ludhiana. PHOTO: ASHWANI DHIMAN Shivani Bhakoo Tribune News Service Ludhiana, December 25 The festival of Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour in the city. Christians were seen visiting leading churches in the city, offering prayers to Lord Jesus, Moth- er Mary, Joseph and angles. Carol singing was held at many places and the midnight services were held near the CMC and a good number of devotees attended the services. The city was all decked up with lights and children looked too excited as Santa Clauses were seen roaming on roads, in markets and clubs, etc., where events were held to celebrate the occasion. Carol singing was held in churches and Christians held parties in traditional manner. Many churches had arranged for beautifully decorated cribs for baby Jesus. Bible readings and sermons were also held. Sister Veena D’Souza , principal, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar, said that the day holds great importance and most of c m y b the time was spent in prayers and visit to the church. “One feels good when guests come and meet and greet us on the occasion during the day. The day is about worship, prayers, joy, gratitude and sharing,” she said. At the same time, Christmas carnivals were held at various places to celebrate the event. A carnival full of fun and games was held at the Sutlej Club. The general secretary of the club, Ashish Ahuja, said that the occasion was held for the members, their guests and many attractions were there to entertain them. Santa Clauses were there to distribute gifts, sweets to kids, who thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the carnival. Many residents had kept small get-togethers at their places, with plum cakes and festive food being the attrac- tions. The residents exchanged small token of gifts, sweets and spent time together. The shopping malls and leading markets presented perfect vibes for the occasion as these were decorated with Christmas trees, decorative hangings, Santa caps, bells etc.