05072026-ATR-01.qxd 7/4/2026 11:41 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY PUNSUP EXHORTS FARMERS TO ADOPT MUSHROOM CULTIVATION PIZZA’S PUNJABI MAKEOVER IN BICKNELL TOWN OF UTAH SONG OHDIYAN KHEDAAN HAS ESSENCE OF LIFE: HANS RAJ The government is encouraging farmers to diversify from traditional farming to increase their income. P2 A Sikh boy from Jalandhar started Curry Pizza in Utah to adapt the American palate to relish flavours of Punjab. P3 Hans Raj Hans says his latest song Ohdiyan Khedaan is an opportunity to express his feelings and thoughts. P4 » » » MAX 35°C | MIN 29°C YESTERDAY MAX 36°C | MIN 29°C SUNSET SUNDAY 7.39 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 5.30 AM SUNDAY | 5 JULY 2026 | AMRITSAR BSF seizes over 11 kg heroin in midnight operation near IB Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 4 The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered a massive heroin consignment weighing 11.960 kg, including packing material, from the border village of Neshta during a midnight operation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, BSF personnel recovered two packets of suspected heroin concealed inside a backpack from agricultural fields near Neshta village, located around 1.8 km from the International Border (IB). Each packet was fitted with a metal hook, indicating that the consignment was likely dropped by a drone from across the border. The seizure is among the largest heroin recoveries made in the border belt in recent months and highlights the continued attempts by Pakistan-based smugglers to push narcotics into Indian territory using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The recovered contraband has been seized and handed over to the Amritsar Rural Police for further legal proceedings. Security agencies are investigating the smug- The seized contraband in the possession of BSF personnel at Neshta village in Amritsar. gling network involved and are working to identify the intended recipients of the consignment. Punjab Police, BSF recover over 3 kg contraband Meanwhile, Punjab Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) have intensified their crackdown on cross-border narcotics smuggling in rural areas of the district over the past 24 hours. The operations resulted in the seizure of 3.473 kg of heroin, 2.395 kg of opium, a large quantity of suspected intoxicating substance, an illegal firearm, ammunition, a drone and suspected drug money. Multiple cases have also been registered. Several suspects have been arrested, while investigations are underway to trace the forward and backward linkages of the smuggling network. In the first case registered at the Bhindi Saidan police station, BSF personnel seized a packet, containing 1.074 kg of heroin, wrapped in yellow adhesive tape. The consignment was recovered near the Dalbir border outpost along the International Border. Three illuminating strips were also found near the packet, suggesting it had been dropped from across the border. No arrests have been made so far and further investigation is underway. In another case, the Gharinda police arrested Gurlal Singh, alias Ronak, at a check-post and recovered 840 grams of heroin and 1 kg of opium from his possession. In a separate operation, the Jandiala police arrested Inder Singh, alias Mama, and later nominated his alleged associate, Puneetpal Singh, alias Dhillon, in connection with the recovery of 1 kg of heroin. An SUV allegedly used in the crime was also impounded. The Ajnala police arrested Tanveer Singh, Jagrup Singh and Karanbir Singh after intercepting their car near Bhakha Hari Singh village. The police recovered 250 grams of opium, a .32-bore pistol, a magazine loaded with Continued on page 2 Majithia, two associates get regular bail Tribune News Service Police personnel during a flag march in Amritsar on Saturday. TRIBUNE PHOTO Police step up security as pilgrims leave for Amarnath Yatra Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 4 To ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police have implemented a comprehensive security plan across the city. Elaborate security arrangements, along with enhanced deployment of police personnel, have been put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The police have also received one company of the IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) to strengthen the security cover. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investigation) Ravinder Pal Singh said special traffic management measures had also been introduced to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of the yatra convoy while minimising inconvenience to the general public. Meanwhile, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Investiga- tion) Ravinder Pal Singh, a flag march was conducted across the city. The march witnessed the participation of Additional Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners of Police, Station House Officers (SHOs) and a large contingent of police personnel. The flag march passed through major markets, crowded localities and other sensitive areas to send a strong message to anti-social elements and reassure citizens about their safety. Police officials said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace, strengthen the security environment and deter anyone attempting to disrupt public order. Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the Amritsar Commissionerate Police remained fully committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and protecting life and property. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order, adding that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, refrain from spreading rumours and avoid sharing unverified information on social media. Citizens were urged to immediately inform the police about any suspicious person, object or activity, stressing that public cooperation was essential for maintaining peace and communal harmony in the city. The police announced that intensive security measures, including flag marches, special checkpoints, vehicle inspections, patrolling and search operations, would continue in the coming days to ensure a safe environment and maintain law and order. Reiterating their commitment to public safety, the police assured residents that safeguarding citizens would remain their highest priority and that personnel would continue to remain on roundthe-clock vigil. Amritsar, July 4 A local court on Saturday granted regular bail to former Punjab minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia and his two associates in a case related to the alleged storming of the Majitha police station. The court had reserved its verdict on Friday after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. Apart from Majithia, the court also granted regular bail to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Jodh Singh Samra and Akali leader Jatinder Singh. The three had earlier been granted interim bail. They moved applications for regular bail after joining the police investigation, as directed by the court. Three held with illegal weapons in Tarn Taran Tarn Taran, July 4 A police team, led by ASI Sukhwant Singh, posted at the Sarai Amanat Khan police station, recovered illegal weapons from three persons while on patrol near the defence drain near Lahian village here on Friday. The police arrested all of them on the spot. ASI Sukhwant Singh said that the accused were identified as Armandeep Singh, Saroop Singh and Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, residents of Havelian village. A Glock pistol with a magazine and five live cartridges were recovered from them. A case under Section 28 (6), (7) and (8) of the Arms Act has been registered in this regard. — OC c m y b After tip-off, 2 held with four Glock pistols Stagnant water in Lawrence Road fountain raises dengue spread fear Tribune News Service Manmeet Singh Gill Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 4 Acting on a tip-off, the Rajasansi police have arrested two persons and recovered four Glock pistols, allegedly smuggled from Pakistan, along with seven magazines and nine live bullets from their possession. Those arrested were identified as Harman Singh and Sukhdev Singh, both residents of Jhanjoti village falling under the Rajasansi police station here. According to information, the Rajasansi police received specific inputs that the duo was roaming in the area and they had some sophisticated weapons. Following this, a police patrolling party intercepted a scooter. During search, the police recovered the consignment of weapons from them. They could not give satisfactory answers to police questioning. They were arrested and a case under the Arms Act was registered against them. They were produced before the court, which sent them to police custody for further interrogation. The police were trying to establish the source of the weapons, which were apparently smuggled from Pakistan. Amritsar, July 4 The district administration has intensified its antidengue campaign and urged residents to observe every Friday as a “Dry Day” by emptying and cleaning water-holding containers. Meanwhile, a fountain filled with stagnant water along the busy Lawrence Road has emerged as a potential mosquitobreeding spot, raising concerns among local residents. The decorative fountain, located at a prominent public place on Lawrence Road, remained non-functional for a considerable period. It was repaired recently and was seen operating a few days ago. However, the structure now contains stagnant greenish water along with visible algae growth. Such conditions are considered favourable for the breeding of mosquitoes, including Aedes aegypti, the species responsible for spreading dengue. The sight has drawn criticism from residents, who said the authorities should ensure that government and civic infrastructure does not become a source of mosquito breeding while awareness campaigns are being conducted. “It is difficult to understand why residents are Stagnant water in a fountain along the Lawrence Road in Amritsar repeatedly advised to remove stagnant water from their homes when such public places are being neglected. If water remains accumulated here for weeks, it can become a serious health hazard,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Lawrence Road. Another local resident, Simran Kaur, said the administration’s anti-dengue message would be more effective if civic bodies led by example. “People are cooperating with the Friday Dry Day campaign, but the authorities must also inspect fountains, parks, vacant plots and other public spaces where water can accumulate,” she said. Health experts have repeatedly warned that even small collections of stagnant water can serve as breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. The district health administration has been running awareness drives, asking residents to regularly inspect coolers, flower pots, discarded tyres and other water-holding containers for stagnant water. However, residents believe that public spaces should also be subjected to routine inspections and proper maintenance. Residents have urged the Municipal Corporation and the departments concerned to immediately drain the stagnant water, clean the fountain and ensure its regular upkeep to prevent it from becoming a mosquito-breeding hotspot as the dengue season approaches.