14092026-TTC-01.qxd 9/14/2026 12:34 AM Page 1 13 CHANDIGARH | GURUGRAM | JALANDHAR | BATHINDA | VOL. 10 NO. 254 | 12 PAGES | ~5.00 | REGD. NO. CHD/0006/2024-2026 ESTABLISHED IN 1881 WB ORDERS CLOSURE OF 252 MADRASAS, SENDS NOTICES TO 100 NATION /thetribunechd LADAKH ADMN BETS ON GLACIER WATER TOSAVE TSO KAR J&K GULF WAR DEEPENS AS RYBAKINA BEATS ANOTHER IRANIAN SHIP SABALENKA TO WIN HIT IN HORMUZ WORLD US OPEN TITLE SPORT monday | 14 september 2026 /thetribunechd www.tribuneindia.com PM warns against weaponisation of Xipitchesstronger Global South voice critical minerals as BRICS concludes Backs cooperation in trade, tech Calls for greater inclusivity in technology adoption and more resilient supply chains Ujwal Jalali UN CHIEF GUTERRES BACKS UNSC REFORMS CONG, BJP SPAR OVER VEG SPREAD AT GALA DINNER UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for sweeping reforms of global institutions, including the UNSC, saying the world was “increasingly moving towards a multipolar” order that must be reflected in international decision-making. He said economic, demographic and geopolitical realities of today were “no longer those of 1945”. After an all-vegetarian spread was served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner, the Congress accused the BJP of imposing its “deeply problematic” dietary preferences on foreign dignitaries, with LoP Rahul Gandhi asserting 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. The BJP claimed the party was “sulking” at seeing India emerge as a global consensus builder. 21NDA-ruledstates to introduce UCC by2029,saysShah Noida officer moves SC over HC rap in NSA case Tribune News Service DUstudent was detained over protest New Delhi, September 13 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the BJP-led NDA governments in 21 states would introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) before 2029. Addressing questions on the social and political impact of Gen Z-led protests, he said the BJP-led government did not believe in imposing an emergency and instead favoured dialogue and discussion. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shah highlighted the achievements of the government over the past 12 years and the BJP’s journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Triple talaq has been abolished, giving Muslim women equal rights. We have introduced the UCC in several states and I am confident that in the 21 NDA-ruled states, we will introduce it before 2029.” continued on page 8 Satya Prakash Jammu, September 13 Ahead of the first anniversary of the September 24 violence in Leh that left four persons dead during protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule protection for Ladakh, the UT administration has sanctioned compensation for the victims and their families. The administration has approved a compensation of Rs 15 lakh each for the next of kin of the four deceased. It has also sanctioned Rs 3 lakh ex gratia for those who suffered major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for persons with minor injuries during the violence. Officials said the total financial commitment under the approved package would be Rs 1.52 crore, comprising Rs 60 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 72 lakh for 24 persons who sustained major injuries and Rs 20 lakh for 20 persons with minor injuries. The September 24 incident resulted in four deaths, while 44 civilians suffered major or minor injuries. INSIDE Tribune News Service Chandigarh, September 13 Punjab’s intensive crackdown against drugs smuggled from across the international border with Pakistan has led to a sharp fall in the availability of heroin in the state. However, pharmaceutical drugs smuggled from other states have now emerged as the biggest new challenge for law enforcement, according to a spokesperson for the Punjab Police. The spokesperson said the multi-layered response by the Border Security Force and the police against dronebased narcotics smuggling had begun to show results. The police had deployed nine anti-drone systems. Three “Baaj Akh” units were operational in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur since August 2025, while three STIFLING DRUG FLOW ■ 3 “Baaj Akh” units in Amrit- sar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur and three dronedetection platforms at strategic locations have kept drug smuggling in check ■ Besides, 52 drone response teams, 64 second-line nakas with 600 personnel and 2,367 CCTV cameras across 585 locations have helped intercept smugglers Drone Sense D200 Pro longendurance mobile dronedetection platforms had been deployed at strategic locations in border districts since September 3 this year. For ground response, 52 drone response teams comprising 147 personnel worked with the BSF to reach drone drop locations and intercept smugglers. continued on page 8 Tribune News Service New Delhi, September 13 Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has moved the Supreme Court against an Allahabad High Court order directing the payment of Rs 5 lakh compensation to a student detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and ordering that the amount be recovered from the salary of officials responsible. Akriti Chaudhary, a 25-yearold history graduate from Delhi University, was arrested along with several activists in connection with cases linked to the April 2026 Noida workers’ protest for higher wages. The Uttar Pradesh Police subsequently invoked the NSA against her and activist-journalist Satya Verma on May 13. On September 2, the Allahabad High Court quashed Akriti’s detention under the NSA, strongly criticising the A vehicle on fire during a workers’ protest over hike in salaries. FILE manner in which the detention order was issued by the Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate. Allowing her habeas corpus petition challenging the detention, the high court held that the action was based on a story “concocted” by the state and directed her immediate release, provided she was not required in any other case. “The District Magistrate, Gautam Buddha Nagar, is guilty of violating her oath of continued on page 8 India extend Asia dominance with hockey, cricket crowns Men crush S Korea, women China to win junior hockey titles Women outclass Lanka by 72 runs to clinch eighth trophy Indervir Grewal Tribune News Service Chandigarh, September 13 In another display of Indian hockey’s dominance in Asia, the men’s and women’s teams defended their Junior Asia Cup titles with unbeaten campaigns in Moqi, China, on Sunday. Both teams also secured qualification for the Junior World Cup. The men’s team crushed South Korea 4-1 in the final to clinch the continental crown for a fourth successive time, extending their record tally to six titles. The women’s team, which won its maiden Asian title in 2023, achieved a three-peat SKIPS GALA DINNER Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a gala dinner hosted by PM Narendra Modi on Saturday after a packed day of summit engagements. Sources said his absence was not linked to any fresh diplomatic issue and suggested that he had returned to his hotel to take rest after the day’s engagements. FAZILKA: Panic spread in the sleepy border town of Jalalabad in Fazilka as residents heard an explosion at the City police station at Saturday midnight. Police officials said the windows of two cars parked inside the police station were damaged in the blast. The area has been cordoned off and entry into the police station restricted. INSIDE Ladakhstatehood protest victims to get ~15L relief Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses for a family photo with world leaders on the final day of BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sunday. ANI Heroin supply ‘dips’ , Pb cops see pharma drugs as new threat Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service New Delhi, September 13 Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called on BRICS countries to rally the Global South and become a “stabilising and positive force” in international affairs, pitching stronger cooperation on trade, artificial intelligence, technology and supply chains. Addressing the second and final session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi said the rise of the Global South had become a key driver of a more multipolar world but warned that the international landscape remained “volatile and fraught with risks and challenges”. Xi urged developing countries to jointly defend international law and the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes, while opposing double standards in the application of international rules. He also called for reform of the UN, World Trade Organisation and international financial architecture to give developing countries a greater voice. “Global South countries should hold high the banner Tribune News Service New Delhi, September 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned that the “weaponisation of technology and critical minerals” could hinder shared progress, calling for greater inclusivity in technology adoption and more resilient supply chains as the two-day 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi. “The weaponisation of technology and critical minerals can hinder our shared progress. Therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in the adoption of technology,” Modi said while addressing the concluding session of the summit. The remarks came against the backdrop of growing global competition over strategic technologies and critical minerals, with China — the world’s dominant processor and refiner of several critical minerals, including rare earths — represented at the summit by President Xi Jinping. The issue also found a place in the New Delhi Declaration. During a press conference later in the day, Secretary (Economic continued on page 8 edit: delhi declaration Ujwal Jalali Blast at police station in Jalalabad damages 2 cars, triggers panic Men and women teams after winning Junior Asia Cup titles. HOCKEY INDIA after edging out hosts China 1-0 in the final. India now have three gold medals, the same as China, while only South Korea, with four titles, have won the tournament more often. Buoyed by their 3-1 semifinal victory over Malaysia, the Indian men made another strong start in the title clash. Goals from Ajeet Yadav (9th minute), captain Anmol Ekka (13th) and Prabhdeep Singh (21st) handed India a commanding continued on page 8 Dubai, September 13 Shafali Verma and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana struck forceful fifties, while a bowling attack led by Sree Charani produced an equally intense effort as India crushed Sri Lanka by 72 runs to clinch a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup title here on Sunday. Openers Shafali (68) and Mandhana (59) produced a symphony of power and grace during their stand of 129 in just 12.5 overs, guiding India to 183 for five in 20 overs. The Lankans managed to rein in the opposition’s middle-order in the business end of the innings, but they were c m y b Players celebrate the dismissal of a Lankan batter during Asia Cup final. BCCI no match for the guile of Indian bowlers — led by left-arm spinner Charani (4/20) — ending up at 111 all out in 20 overs. Their only hope remained skipper Chamari Athapaththu (36, 32b), who raised 58 runs for the second wicket with Vishmi Gunaratne. But seasoned offspinner Deepti Sharma dealt a body blow to Lanka’s aspirations, dismissing both batters in the 10th over. At 63 for three after 10 overs, with the asking rate soaring over 12, the match continued on page 8 LAC DEPLOYMENT DOWN The Ministry of Defence’s latest assessment says China has reduced its troop deployment along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) during 2025. This was revealed in the Ministry of Defence’s Annual Report 2025-26 uploaded on its website earlier this week. SPECIAL COVERAGE Maskedmenopenfire atsingerGulabSidhu’s house near Barnala BARNALA: Three unidentified bike-borne youths with their faces covered opened fire at the main gate of Punjabi singeractor Gulab Sidhu’s residence at Pharwahi village on the outskirts of Barnala town around midnight on Saturday. The CCTV footage of the attack has gone viral on social media. INSIDE BACK PAGE of multilateralism,” Xi said, calling for greater representation of developing countries in global institutions and faster progress towards the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The Chinese President also outlined five initiatives to deepen BRICS cooperation — on open-source and inclusive AI, trade and investment facilitation, digital continued on page 8 2 Pathankot pilgrims dieasmotorcyclefalls into gorge in Chamba CHAMBA: Two Manimahesh pilgrims from Punjab were killed after their motorcycle plunged into a 200-metre-deep gorge on the Pathankot-Bharmour National Highway near Gehra in Chamba district. The deceased have been identified as Jyoti and Anil Kumar, both residents of Pathankot. INSIDE Cops at the scene of encounter in Ludhiana on Sunday. ASHWANI DHIMAN Two shooters linked to foreign-based gangster killed in Pb encounter Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, September 13 Two alleged shooters linked to foreign-based gangster Doni Bal were gunned down by a joint team of the AntiGangster Task Force (AGTF), Punjab, and the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police in a crowded area near Atam Park on Sunday. The shooters were allegedly on their way to a blood donation camp in Atam Nagar with the intention of opening fire at the venue. As the encounter took place in a busy locality, scores of people witnessed the exchange of fire. The deceased were identified as Karanjot Singh, alias Nona, and Sandeep Singh, both residents of Sultanwind Road in Amritsar. The police recovered three sophisticated automatic pistols and around 50 live cartridges from their possession. The accused were intercepted barely 250 m from the camp venue. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the two were travelling on a motorcycle when they were intercepted. On spotting the police personnel, the accused allegedly opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate. Both suspects were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. Had planned mass shooting at blood donation camp: Police Around 25 rounds were fired, with bullets also hitting a police vehicle. The police said the accused were carrying fully loaded sophisticated 9 mm automatic weapons. Sharma said the blood donation camp was being organised in memory of Congress leader Ravi Khwajke, who was shot dead in 2016 at Gill Resort in Ludhiana by gangster Davinder Bambiha and his associates. Bambiha was later killed in a police encounter in Bathinda in 2016. Following his death, the gang is believed to have come under the control of Doni Bal, who is allegedly operating from abroad. The Commissioner said the two shooters had arrived in Ludhiana the previous night and were planning to target the camp on Sunday. Preliminary probe suggested that they were in direct contact with Doni Bal and Shaganpreet, and had been tasked with carrying out a mass shooting at the blood donation camp on the Dugri Road. The weapons used in the planned attack were allegedly provided by Doni Bal.