29122025-JTR-01.qxd 12/28/2025 11:19 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune YEARENDER: A LANDMARK YEAR IN CITY'S SPORTING HISTORY ALL-INDIA INTER-NIT FACULTY AND STAFF TOURNEY CONCLUDES LEGENDARY ACTRESS BRIGITTE BARDOT PASSES AWAY AT 91 Jalandhar once again emerged as a key hub of the nation’s sporting talent in 2025. P2 The All India Inter-NIT Faculty and Staff Tournament concluded at the NIT in Jalandhar on Sunday. P3 Known in France merely by initials BB, she tantalised audiences with her raw display of sexuality in the 1950s and ’60s. P4 » » » FORECAST FOG IN MORNING MAX 19°C | MIN 6°C YESTERDAY MAX 19°C | MIN 4°C SUNSET MONDAY 5.33 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 7.26 AM MONDAY | 29 DECEMBER 2025 | JALANDHAR HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. Farmer dies after being assaulted by migrant worker Phagwara, December 28 A violent altercation inside a house at Mandali village near Phagwara allegedly claimed the life of a local farmer after he was attacked by a migrant labourer employed for agricultural work. The incident, described as sudden and shocking by residents, has created tension and fear in the area. According to the victim’s wife, Palvinder Kaur, the migrant worker, who had been staying at their home, allegedly began abusing her husband, Davinder Singh. When Davinder objected to verbal abuse, the situation escalated. During the scuffle, the labourer is alleged to have struck him with an unidentified object, causing serious injuries. Davinder Singh was immediately taken to the Civil Hospital in Phagwara for treatment. However, doctors on emergency duty declared him dead on arrival. Doctors said the exact cause of death will be determined by the post-mortem report. — OC SKM announces statewide G RAM G Act conspiracy against MGNREGA: AAP protests against Power Bill Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 28 The Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a joint front of rural and farm labour organisations, employees, students, youth and women’s groups, has announced that dharnas will be held in front of Deputy Commissioner offices across Punjab on January 16. As part of a mobilisation campaign to involve workers, farmers and other sections of society in the ongoing struggle launched by these organisations, a call has been given to hold tractor and motorcycle marches across Punjab from December 28 to January 4. In line with this call, a motorcycle march will be organised in the Kartarpur area on December 29 by farmers, labourers and other organisations. The march will begin with farmers, labourers and other participants gathering under the main Chowk bridge in Kartarpur at 11 am on December 29. This information was shared by Sanyukta Kisan Morcha leader Santokh Singh Sandhu, Kirti Kisan Union leader Harpreet Kaur Nusi, and Pendu Mazdoor Union (Punjab) state press secretary Kashmir Singh Ghuggshore, along with tehsil president KS Atwal. The leaders said that the Central Government has introduced the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 with the intention of handing over the Electricity Department to private companies. They alleged that chip-based electricity meters are being installed as part of this move. Once the Bill is passed in the Lok Sabha, the facility of electricity bill waivers currently available to labourers, farmers and other sections will come to an end. They warned that electricity would become unaffordable due to high costs, and that chip-based meters would function like mobile phones, where electricity would be available only after advance recharging. Drawing comparisons, they said that just as treatment in private hospitals begins only after depositing money, and education in private institutions is provided only after paying fees, access to electricity would also be possible only after payment. The leaders further stated that privatisation of the Elec- tricity Department would lead to the loss of government jobs and weaken Punjab’s authority due to centralisation of power. They also alleged that along with the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025 aimed at handing over the power sector to corporate houses, the Central Government is pushing other anti-people policies, including the antinature and anti-agriculture Seeds Bill 2025, anti-MGNREGS measures, labour codes, and widespread privatisation. PMU announces support Pendu Mazdoor Union (PMU), Punjab, state president, Tarsem Peter, Mukesh Malaud of the Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee and Kulwinder Waraich of the Indian Federation of Trade Unions have announced their support for the dharnas being held by MGNREGA workers across the state on December 29. The protests are being organised to demand the repeal of the VB G Ram G Act and the acceptance of pending demands of MGNREGA workers. The leaders also decided to participate in the protests. Addressing the issue, Tarsem Peter said the VB G Ram G Act would push MGNREGA workers across the country towards starvation by stopping work for nearly two months during the crop season. He added that the Act would also create serious problems for workers due to a shortage of funds, as the Centre has reduced its share in MGNREGA funding through this legislation. He said the Central Government has united farmers, labourers and employees on a common platform of struggle by introducing “black laws” against them. He alleged that, fearing public backlash, ministers of the BJP-led Central Government are attempting to mislead farmers regarding the VB G Ram G Act. Peter questioned why the MGNREGA Act, which has been in force for nearly 20 years, has not been properly implemented in states for small and marginal farmers owning less than five acres of land, including those engaged in horticulture. The leaders appealed to farmers, labourers and employees to continue their struggle until all “black laws” enacted by the Centre are withdrawn. Goraya man writes to CM, DGP 2 arrested in Bohani over missing brother in Russia village firing incident Jagdeep seeks action against unlicensed travel agents Aakanksha Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 28 Jagdeep Kumar, a resident of Goraya in Jalandhar district, has written to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), seeking strict action against unlicensed travel agents. He alleged that such agents were responsible for his brother Mandeep Singh going missing in Russia more than oneand-a-half years ago after he was allegedly duped by them. In his letter, Jagdeep stated that he does not know whether his brother is alive or dead, but he is determined to pursue justice and ensure action against agents who, he claimed, continue to operate illegally. Jagdeep Kumar (right), brother of Mandeep, in New Delhi. “There are still agents roaming freely and duping young men by sending them to Russia on the pretext of sending them abroad,” he alleged. According to Jagdeep, Mandeep was lured by a travel agent who promised him employment opportunities in Italy. The agent allegedly sent him to Armenia first, from where he was supposed to travel via Russia, Finland and Germany to reach Italy. However, Jagdeep claimed that after reaching Russia, his brother was cheated and forcibly inducted into the Russian army. “This agent not only lied to my brother but also cheated me of lakhs of rupees,” Jagdeep said. “He promised a safe passage to Europe, but instead my brother was made to join the Russian army, and we have had no information about him since.” Jagdeep said he has been in touch with families of several other Indian youths who are either missing or stranded in Russia. “Mothers cry while speaking to me, asking for information about their sons, because they know I have been to Russia twice in search of my brother,” he said. Our Correspondent Phagwara, December 28 The Phagwara police have arrested two persons accused of opening fire at the shop of a former sarpanch in Bohani village near Phagwara in October. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the case, which had caused concern among local residents. Sharing details, SP Madhvi Sharma said that on October 15, unidentified persons had fired gunshots at the shop owned by former sarpanch Balwinder Singh, a resident of Bohani village. Following the incident, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. The SP said that after sustained efforts, the police arrested Gagandeep, alias Gaggi, a resident of Malkapur village, and Navneet Singh, alias Sunny, a resident of Nadalon village, under the Mehtiana police station in Hoshiarpur district. The accused were produced before a court and sent to police custody for four days. She clarified that no evidence of personal enmity has surfaced so far in connection with the firing incident. She added that the police are investigating the case from multiple angles to ascertain the motive behind the crime and to determine whether more persons were involved. The police have also recovered the motorcycle allegedly used by the accused while committing the crime. Further investigation is underway, and officials said more disclosures are expected during custodial interrogation. Doaba Chowk is now Shree Baba Harivallabh Chowk Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 28 A veena, shehnai and a pair of tablas will now grace the city’s Doaba Chowk, which has been renamed Shree Baba Harivallabh Chowk in dedication to the 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan. Located a few metres from Shri Devi Talab Mandir, the 15-foot-high statues of musical instruments will serve as a reminder to the residents of Jalandhar of the city’s enduring connection with the timeless legacy of Indian classical music. The percussion and non-percussion instruments were unveiled on Sunday afternoon, the final day of the ongoing 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan. Veena, a pair of tablas and shehnai statues installed at the newly inaugurated Shree Baba Harivallabh Chowk. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Wrapped for several days ahead of the inauguration, the installations are the firstever public fixtures in Jalandhar at a major thoroughfare dedicated to the Harivallabh legacy. Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat said the newly renovated chowk has been renamed Shree Baba Harivallabh Chowk in honour of the historic sammelan. Adviser to the Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, Mayor Vaneet Dhir, Chairman of the District Planning Committee Amritpal Singh, Punjab Agri Export Corporation Chairman Mangal Singh Bassi, and senior AAP leaders Nitin Kohli and Dinesh Dhall were also present on the occasion. Notably, the inauguration came just a day after Bhagat and the city Mayor visited the sammelan. The Cabinet Minister said the statues would not only become a centre of attraction at the square but would also reflect the country’s rich musical heritage. He added that under a special campaign launched by the Pun- c m y b jab Government, the appearance of squares and intersections across the city is being transformed. He said the newly redesigned chowk would offer a visual sense of India’s deep-rooted musical traditions. Bhagat also appreciated the efforts of private organisations, including Doaba College and Oxford Hospital, for supporting the local Municipal Corporation in the upkeep of the thoroughfare. Mayor Vaneet Dhir said the fixtures, costing around Rs 15 lakh, were funded through donations from Doaba College and a private hospital in the city. “The monument will serve as a lasting memory for music lovers and a timeless tribute to the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan,” he said. Jalandhar, December 28 Adampur constituency incharge, Chairman of the Punjab State Agriculture Development Bank and Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Pawan Kumar Tinu strongly criticised the Central Government’s Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act. He termed the Act a conspiracy to weaken the historic and people-oriented MGNREGA Act and described it as yet another “black law”. Tinu said the AAP-led Punjab Government stands firmly with over 19 lakh MGNREGA job card holders in the state. Addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, he said MGNREGA is not just a welfare scheme but a lifeline for crores of poor families and labourers across the country. The Act provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment, but the BJP government’s new Act is a direct attempt to dismantle this guarantee. He said that under the VB-G RAM G Act, the duration of employment will depend entirely on the Central Government’s budget allocation. If the budget is reduced, workers will get fewer than 100 days of work. This will make the AAP leader Pawan Tinu addresses mediapersons in Jalandhar. income of poor labourers uncertain and lead to a further rise in rural unemployment and poverty. Pawan Tinu questioned why the Central Government failed to consult state governments, experts or labour organisations before introducing such a significant Act. He said this clearly reflects the authoritarian mindset of the Centre. He further stated that the Act brings a major change in the funding pattern of MGNREGA. Earlier, the Central Government bore the entire financial responsibility, but under the new Act, 40 per cent of the burden has been shifted to the states. Tinu said states already facing limited resources, debt and multiple responsibilities would find it extremely difficult to shoulder this burden, leading to delayed wage payments and even stoppage of work. Pawan Tinu also strongly objected to the mandatory biometric attendance and smartphone requirement proposed in the Act. He said many rural areas still suffer from poor network connectivity and it is unrealistic to expect every worker to own a smartphone. If attendance is not recorded due to technical or network issues, workers’ wages may be deducted. He termed this system a deliberate conspiracy to entangle workers in technical hurdles and deprive them of employment. Accusing the Centre of discriminating against Punjab, he said even when the state was hit by floods and other natural disasters, the Centre failed to provide adequate relief or release pending funds. Melodious rendition TRIBUNE PHOTO:MALKIAT SINGH Santoor maestro Abhay Rustum Sopori performs at the 150th Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan. Police seize heroin, arrest 4 in separate ops Courier shop gutted, no casualty reported Hoshiarpur, December 28 The district police arrested four persons in separate cases while intensifying their crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse. The Mehtiana police arrested three suspects and recovered 77 grams of heroin on Sunday. SHO, Mehtiana, Inspector Rajinder Singh said ASI Kaushal Chander, in-charge of Ajnoha police post, along with police personnel, was on patrol duty in Ajnoha village. When the police party reached Wadhan Road, a car approaching from the opposite direction was stopped and searched. During the search of the vehicle, the police recovered 77 grams of heroin, 48 cut pieces used for preparing drug packets and one silver paper. In another incident, the police apprehended a youth consuming drugs on the road from Phuglana village to Ahrana Kalan. He was identified as Balwinder Singh. Meanwhile, the Hajipur police registered a separate case under the NDPS Act against another youth. — OC Our Correspondent Phagwara, December 28 A courier shop near Bhagat Singh Chowk, close to Shiv Mandir, was gutted in a fire here on Saturday. On receiving information, the Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control. Fireman Gurpreet Singh said the fire broke out suddenly, and timely action by the fire personnel helped prevent it from spreading to nearby shops. The extent of damage to the shop could not be immediately ascertained. Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man lost his life after being run over by a train near the local railway station. Government Railway Police ASI Shakeel Mohammad said the victim was hit by the Pathankot-Jodhpur train. The deceased was identified as Tirath Singh, a resident of Kularan village in Jalandhar district. The body has been kept in the mortuary of the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala. Further action will be taken after recording the statements of family members. A fireman busy in dousing the fire in Phagwara. In another incident, a cyclist was killed in a road accident on the Jalandhar-Amritsar highway near Ramidi village. According to ASI Harjinder Singh, the deceased, Kuldeep Sharma, a resident of Dialalpur village under the Subhanpur police station, was cycling towards Dhilwan when a speeding car (PB-10JW-1568) hit him from behind. The car was being driven by Parmjit Singh of Ludhiana. The police have impounded the vehicle, sent the body for a post-mortem at the Civil Hospital, Kapurthala, and initiated further legal proceedings after recording statements from the victim’s family.