23102026-JTR-01.qxd 10/22/2026 11:01 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune AGRI DEPT URGES FARMERS TO AVOID STUBBLE BURNING Officials visit villages in Kapurthala district and advise farmers to refrain from burning paddy stubble. P2 » WUSHU CHAMPION SANJNA BAGS TRIPLE GOLD LARA DUTTA, KIRRON KHER HAVE WORN PALI WARAICH’S CLOTHES Kanya Maha Vidyalaya student Sanjna achieves a feat by clinching gold medals at Nat’l Wushu Championships.P3 Pali Waraich, 85, has dressed celebrities but is happiest empowering underprivileged women. P4 » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 31°C | MIN 16°C YESTERDAY MAX 31°C | MIN17°C SUNSET FRIDAY 5.47 PM SUNRISE SATURDAY 6.36 AM » FRIDAY | 23 OCTOBER 2026 | JALANDHAR Employees continue mass leave on Day 2, hold rally for release of DA Contract workers of the Punjab Roadways and the PRTC hold a protest; and (right) passengers stranded at the Jalandhar bus stand due to the ongoing strike by government employees on Thursday. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: MALKIAT SINGH/SARABJIT SINGH Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 22 Employees from various government departments took mass casual leave for the second consecutive day on Thursday to press for the release of pending dearness allowance (DA) and implementation of the old pension scheme (OPS). They also held a rally at the PUDA ground in the city. Various organisations, including the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union, Punjab Employees and Pensioners Joint Front, Joint Employees Manch and teachers’ unions, participated in the rally under the banner of the joint coordination committee. Addressing the gathering, joint coordination committee leaders Tejinder Singh Nangal, Master Manohar Lal, Piara Singh, Rishi Kumar, Avtar Lal and Ajmer Singh criticised the Punjab Government, alleging that it had failed to fulfil demands of employees. They said the decision to observe mass casual leave on October 21 and 22 was taken due to the government’s inaction. The leaders said despite the issuance of a notification, the old pension scheme had not been implemented in the state. They also alleged that the government had failed to implement the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision regarding the DA. Other pending demands, they said, included fixation of pension for retirees with the 2.59 coef- ficient recommended by the Pay Commission and regularisation of raw, outsourced and contractual employees. Leaders Pushpinder Virdi, Sanjeev Kondal, Raman Kumar Gupta, Ashwani Kumar and Dimple Rahela demanded DA on the Central pattern and immediate release of pending instalments and arrears. They also sought minimum wages for honorariumbased employees. The leaders said computer teachers should be brought under the Education Department and extended the benefits of the Sixth Punjab Pay Commission. They further demanded revision of salaries by removing anomalies in the Pay Commission recommendations and implementation of a transpar- ent employee transfer policy. Alleging that the government was ignoring employees’ concerns, they said resentment was growing among workers. Leaders warned that if the government failed to initiate dialogue even after the rally, the joint coordination committee would meet Saturday to chalk out an intensified agitation programme. They appealed to employees, teachers and pensioners to remain united and be prepared to fight for their rights. The rally was addressed by Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Charan Singh Bath, Amarpreet Singh Jhita, Zorawar Singh, Master Kamaljit Malhotra, Avtar Singh and Shinder Singh. A large number of women employees and pensioners also participated in the protest. Traffic diversion plan announced ahead of Bhagwan Valmikishobhayatra Licence found expired during inspection of chemist shop; pregabalin seized Tribune News Service Jalandhar, October 22 In view of the Bhagwan Valmiki shobha yatra scheduled to be held on October 24, the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate has prepared a traffic management plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the procession and the convenience and safety of the general public. As per the proposed route plan, the shobha yatra will commence from Ali Mohalla. The main route will pass through prominent locations, including Basti Adda Chowk, Bhagwan Valmiki Chowk, PNB Chowk, Milap Chowk, Bhagat Singh Chowk, Khingra Gate, Adda Hoshiarpur, Tanda Chowk, Mai Hiran Gate, Circular Road, Sabzi Mandi Chowk and Patel Chowk among other locations. Traffic diversions will be implemented at designated junctions from 9 am to 10 pm during the shobha yatra to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. The diversion points include Workshop Chowk, Patel Chowk, Kapurthala Chowk, Chick-Chick Chowk, Football Chowk, Domoria Pull, Partap Bagh Chowk, G.P .O. Chowk, Doaba Chowk, railway crossings at Adda Tanda and Adda Hoshiarpur, Skylark Chowk, Namdev Chowk and Dr BR Ambedkar Chowk. Officials conduct an inspection at Sukhvir Medical Hall in drug-affected Khukhrain village. Our Correspondent Phagwara, October 22 In a move to intensify crackdown on drug-related activities under the Punjab Government’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, a joint team of the civil and police administrations conducted a surprise inspection of Sukhvir Medical Hall in drug-affected Khukhrain village on Wednesday. The inspection was led by SubDivisional Magistrate (SDM) Irwin Kaur and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sheetal Singh. During the inspection, the team found that the licence of the medical store had expired. Pregabalin, a medication that can be misused and is subject to applicable regulatory controls, was also seized from the store premises. The action formed part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to curb the misuse of medicines, disrupt drugrelated networks and take action against activities that contribute to the drug problem in the district. Officials said special attention was being given to villages affected by drug abuse, with various departments working in coordination to strengthen enforcement and prevent the spread of addiction. They emphasised that concerted efforts were being made to tackle the drug menace and protect the younger generation from its harmful consequences. The district administration reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against violations of applicable rules and regulations governing the sale of medicines. Officials stressed that the sale and distribution of medicines must comply with prescribed legal requirements and regulatory norms. The surprise inspection underscores the administration’s focus on monitoring medical establishments in the vulnerable areas as part of the broader anti-drug campaign. Further action in the matter would be taken on the basis of the findings of the inspection and the applicable legal provisions. Woman’s body found Over 68 kg seized drugs destroyed by police Youth flees K’thala hospital with IV drip after treatment on under-construction flyover near Hoshiarpur Tribune News Service Our Correspondent Hoshiarpur, October 22 A body of a young woman was found under mysterious circumstances on an underconstruction flyover near Chhauni Kalan village on the Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh highway on Thursday. Kulbhushan Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP), City, along with a police team, reached the spot after receiving information from a passerby about a woman’s body lying along roadside on the flyover. The police recovered the body of a woman aged around 20. Deep cut marks, suspected to have Deep cut marks on neck; police investigating case been inflicted by a sharpedged weapon, were found on her neck. According to the police, preliminary examination suggested that injuries to the neck might have caused her death. The deceased was identified as Noor, a resident of Bajwara. The DSP said the police were investigating the case in detail to establish the circumstances surrounding her death. Further details were awaited as the investigation progresses. Jalandhar, October 22 The Jalandhar Commissionerate Police on Thursday destroyed 68.719 kg of narcotic substances seized in various NDPS Act cases under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. Under the supervision of Satinder Singh, Commissioner of Police, the Drug Disposal Committee comprising DCP (Investigation) Manpreet Singh Dhillon, ADCP (Investigation) Dev Singh and ACP Vijay Kanwarpal disposed of recovered drugs at ABS Food and Beverage, Raowali village, after completing all legal formalities. The seized substances destroyed included 30 kg of poppy husk, 4.376 kg of heroin, 15 grams of smack, 31.222 kg of ganja and 3.106 kg of cha- Our Correspondent Police personnel destroy seized narcotics substances in Jalandhar on Thursday. TRIBUNE PHOTO ras. A total of 68.719 kg narcotic substance were destroyed. The objective of this step was to ensure that narcotic substances could not be misused in any manner in the future, said team members The police urged residents to cooperate and report any illegal activities by calling 112 or the Anti-Drug Helpline number 9779100200 with an assurance that the identity of informants would be kept confidential. Phagwara, October 22 A youth allegedly fled from the Civil Hospital in Kapurthala with an intravenous (IV) drip still attached after receiving treatment for a suspected drug-related emergency, raising questions about the response of the hospital authorities and the police. A BBA student from Kapurthala was brought to the hospital on Wednesday evening by his friend, Ashish, after reportedly falling ill following the administration of a suspected intoxicating substance. He was treated in the emergency ward by Dr Inderjeet Singh. According to sources, the hospital informed the police about the case around 6.30 pm, but no police personnel reached the hospital in time. Meanwhile, both the patient and the youth accompanying him left the premises. The circumstances under which they departed remain unclear. DSP Sheetal Singh said police personnel were deployed at various locations due to Dasehra arrangements and that the duty officer had been directed to send a team to the hospital to inquire into the matter. The incident has raised concerns over coordination between the hospital and the police in handling suspected drug-related emergencies. The nature of the substance involved and the exact sequence of events remain unclear. Science City hosts principals’ meet to strengthen education in schools Jewellery worth lakhs Our Correspondent Phagwara, October 22 Pushpa Gujral Science City organised a meeting of Directors, District Education Officers (DEOs) and school principals from across Punjab to strengthen collaboration between the Science City and educational institutions, and to make science learning more engaging, interactive and accessible for students. During the visit, the delegates toured the Science City campus and explored its various facilities designed to promote experiential learning. They interacted with exhibits that explain scientific concepts in an engaging and practical manner. A major highlight of the visit was the screening of Mission Moon, a large-format film that takes viewers School principals from across Punjab during a session at Pushpa Gujral Science City on the Jalandhar-Kapurthala road. through the challenges and achievements of India’s lunar mission. The delegates also experienced the newly installed capsule simulator, which provides an immersive and interactive learning experience. During the interaction session, participants shared suggestions for strengthening science education in schools. They appreciated the Science City ’s initiatives, including teacher training programmes, observance of important social and scientific days, and other education- c m y b al activities that encourage students to develop a scientific temperament. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajesh Grover, Director, Pushpa Gujral Science City (PGSC), emphasised on the importance of close cooperation between the Science City and educational institutions in enhancing the quality of science education. He urged education experts to identify key areas and subjects where PGSC’s resources could be integrated with school curricula to improve learning outcomes and expand its educational outreach. Dr Grover said the Science City ’s galleries and shows help simplify complex scientific concepts while inspiring curiosity, innovation and creativity among students. He added that the institution would continue working closely with schools and organising educational programmes throughout the year to strengthen scientific understanding and skills among students. stolen from locked house Our Correspondent Phagwara, October 22 Jewellery worth around Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh was allegedly stolen from a locked house in the Friends Colony area of Taru Ka Bagh, Phagwara, while the family was away attending Dasehra celebrations. The incident reportedly took place on Dasehra night when the family had gone to Onkar Nagar to participate in the festivities. Unidentified miscreants allegedly broke into the house, ransacked the premises and fled with valuables. House owner Pushpa and her daughter Bharti said the entire family had stepped out to celebrate the festival. During their absence, a neigh- bour informed them over the phone that thieves had entered their house. On returning, they found cupboards open and household items scattered, while gold and silver jewellery kept inside had gone missing. According to the family, the stolen items included three gold mangalsutras, a gold chain, rings, gold earrings, silver anklets and other jewellery. The value of the stolen property has been estimated at between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. Residents of the area claimed that the accused escaped by scaling a boundary wall or using the rooftop route. The absence of the CCTV cameras in the locality may make it difficult to identify the culprits.