22012025-ATR-01.qxd 1/21/2025 11:21 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune SSP HOLDS SAMPARK MEET WITH LOCALS OVER DRUG ABUSE DILJIT DOSANJH-STARRER BIOPIC PUNJAB 95 PUT OFF The release of Diljit Dosanjh's muchanticipated biopic, Punjab 95, has been postponed. P4 DENSE FOG MAX 21°C | MIN 9°C YESTERDAY MAX 21°C | MIN 8°C KRITIKA KAMRA LIKES ROLES THAT BREAK STEREOTYPES The session aimed to engage community in discussions on safety, drug abuse and law enforcement challenges. P2 FORECAST Actress Kritika Kamra has shared that she consciously lets go of work that glorifies weak women. P4 » » SUNSET WEDNESDAY 5.55 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 7.28 AM » WEDNESDAY | 22 JANUARY 2025 | AMRITSAR 25-yr-old youth of Tarn Taran dies in Canada In special drive, CIA Staff-2 nab drug smuggler with 1-kg heroin Tarn Taran, January 20 A youth of Pandori Ran Singh village here, who had gone to Canada on a study visa, was found dead under mysterious circumstances there. The deceased has been identified as Satpal Singh (25), who had gone to Winnipeg (Canada) around two and a half years ago. Tribune News Service Amritsar, January 21 Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Staff-2 arrested a drug smuggler and recovered one kilogram of heroin during a special operation here on Tuesday. The suspect has been identified as Kabal Singh, a 40-year-old resident of Dauke Bhaini village in Gharinda area. He is educated up to Class 11 and was apprehended along with the contraband and a motorcycle the without registration plate. Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the arrest is part of a special campaign launched to control drug trafficking in the city. Held under the supervision of Inspector Sarmel Singh, in-charge of CIA Staff-2, Amritsar, the operation was executed in a planned manner based on specific intelligence. During the operation, Kabal Singh, riding a motor- Had gone to Winnipeg (Canada) around two and a half years ago His father Gurmeet Singh died years ago and his mother managed to take personal loan worth lakhs of rupees which she has not repaid yet. The family said Satpal’s friend from Winnipeg informed the family of the demise of Satpal Singh today. The family has demanded from the Union Government to make arrangements to bring the victim’s body back home to perform the last rites. — OC Ahead of R-Day, ADGP reviews security arrangements in city Tribune News Service The suspect in custody of the Amritsar police on Tuesday. cycle without the registration number, was intercepted. A search led to the recovery of the 1-kg heroin. The motorcycle and the heroin were seized on the spot. A police official said, “The accused will be produced before a court and remanded in police custody for thorough interrogation. This will help us trace his network, including both backward and forward links, and the source of the heroin consignment. We anticipate significant revelations as part of the investigation.” A case has been registered under Sections 21, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act at the Islamabad police station. The police are investigating the matter to uncover further details about the smuggling operation. Amritsar, January 21 Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) AS Rai along with Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar reviewed security arrangements in the city on Tuesday. During his visit, ADGP (Traffic) AS Rai stated that he came to the city on the instructions of the Punjab DGP The primary purpose . of the visit was to review and gather information about security preparations for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Meetings were held with officers, including the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, to discuss the arrangements. Following the discussions, the ADGP conducted field inspections, besides visiting police stations in Chheharta ADCP (Traffic) Amardeep Singh Rai reviews security arrangements at Guru Nanak Stadium in Amritsar on Tuesday. and Islamabad to review the camera systems and control mechanisms between the police stations. The operational efficiency of the police station control systems was also assessed. After this, the security arrangements at Gandhi Ground were inspected. ADGP (Traffic) AS Rai commended the efforts of the city police, highlighting the night domination operation. He noted that these operations are being diligently conducted under the leadership of the Commis- sioner of Police, Amritsar, supported by DCPs, ADCPs, ACPs, and the police force. He urged everyone to be fully prepared for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The ADGP also praised the police force for their significant achievements in the previous year, including the recovery of 128 kg of heroin, which he described as a commendable feat. He assured that the police are ready to handle any situation, emphasizing that no miscreant would be allowed to disrupt peace, and the Republic Day would be celebrated in a joyous and secure manner. Additionally, the Commissionerate Police conducted random checks at the bus stand and the railway station to ensure the safety of public and enhance security measures. DC pays surprise visit to GND Farmers hold protest Pictorial calendar, documentary Hospital, listens to patients’ issues over land grab bid by on 14 state monuments released influential persons Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, January 21 Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney made a surprise visit to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital here on Tuesday. She not only met with patients but also listened to their problems. She instructed the Medical Superintendent to resolve patients’ issues on a priority basis and ensure that they receive all available facilities. During her visit, Sakshi Sawhney inspected the emergency ward, the medicine department, and the surgery department. She emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the hospital, installing clear signage, and ensuring hygiene in the washrooms. To enhance hospital management, the DC directed the officials to form a management committee to review ongoing works and patients’ Our Correspondent Deputy Commissioner (center) Sakshi Sawhney during surprise checking at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar on Tuesday. satisfaction on a weekly basis. She also laid stress on the proper utilization of upgradation of emergency services and offered to arrange additional funding if needed. Besides, Sawhney instructed hospital staff to ensure adequate lighting at night and provide complete safety arrangements to patients’ families. Her visit concluded with an inspection of the blood bank, where she focused on cleanliness and issued relevant instructions. Medical Superintendent Dr Karamjit Singh, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr IPS Grover, and Superintendent Lovely Kumar, among other doctors, were present during her visit. Women must be acknowledged, says Punjabi actress Simrat Kaur Neha Saini Tarn Taran, January 21 A large number of activists of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC), Punjab, on Tuesday gheraoed the Chohla Sahib police station against the move of politically influential persons of the area to grab four-acre agriculture land of an elderly woman, Balbir Kaur (70), of Ruriwala village. Addressing on the occasion, Harjinder Singh Shakri, a leader of the district KMSC, said the persons trying the grab the land of the elderly woman were being patronized by their political bosses and the administration and the police were not taking action against them. Harjinder Singh Shakri warned the administration Punjabi singers celebrate unity of Charhda & Lehnda Punjab Activists of the KMSC lay siege to the Chohla Sahib police station in Tarn Taran. GURBAXPURI that in case justice is denied to the victim, they would have no option but to intensify their struggle to help the elderly woman. Other leaders of the KMSC too addressed on the occasion and condemned those involved in grabbing land of poor and weak people. Amritsar, January 21 Guru Nanak Dev University Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh released a pictorial calendar and documentary titled “Heritage Monuments of Punjab Landmarks of Historic Legacy”, meticulously celebrating the timeless grandeur of Punjab’s centuries-old heritage monuments, providing a rich visual narrative of the state’s architectural legacy authored by Harpreet Sandhu, documentarian and artist. Harpreet Sandhu, who has previously created pictorial books of several historic structures, institutions and sites in the state, shared that his objective was to promote Punjab’s century-old historic heritage monuments captured proficiently through his camera. “We have also made a documentary featuring the history and stories behind the magnificent architectural marvels of Punjab. Awareness and knowing about these iconic landmarks, about their profound historical significance needs to be seen,” said Harpeet. DC Sakshi Sawhney also appreciated the efforts as they help connect the youth with the heritage of Punjab. The picture book and documentary prominently showcases three notable heritage monuments of Amritsar district — Pul Kanjri, a symbol of historical and architectural splendor; The Partition Museum, which stands as a poignant reminder of Punjab’s resilience and legacy, located in the iconic heritage building; and the 126-yearold heritage building of Khalsa College, considered a masterpiece of IndoSaracenic architecture and a pride of the region. Prof Karamjeet Singh emphasized the significance of the pictorial work towards connecting the citizens, especially the younger generation, with the state’s glorious past. He remarked, “Harpreet Sandhu’s extraordinary effort in documenting these heritage sites to rekindle respect and reverence for Punjab’s rich cultural roots as the pictorial art work truly embodies the spirit of preserving our legacy for generations to come.” The pictorial book also features Moorish Mosque of Kapurthala, Sarai Nurmahal, Tombs of Nakodar and a total of 14 monuments of Punjab. Police Line area residents irked over rising number of stray dogs; want remedial action Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Tribune News Service PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR Amritsar, January 21 Simrat Kaur Randhawa made her big screen debut in 2017 with the film “Prematho Mee Karthik”, but the Punjabi girl tasted stardom with Sunny Deol’s “Gadar 2”. “I have August 15 release lined up this year. So, I am sure that the audience will see me in a patriotic film, this time playing an Indian character,” she said. Simrat was the special guest at the FICCI FLO Amritsar Chapter’s winter festival event ‘Igniting the Power Within’. Sharing her journey towards stardom, Simrat said one thing that remained constant is her faith in Gurbani. “That has always been a part of my upbringing, maybe because Amritsar is my maternal and paternal home. I have been raised to begin and end my day with Paath. When Gadar 2 happened, I became a star overnight and to keep Actor Simrat Kaur Randhawa (centre) at an event in Amritsar. myself grounded, I turned towards my faith,” she said. A cheerleader for women for women, Simrat said women need to be acknowledged as leaders, homemakers, administrators and entrepreneurs as they must be given equal opportunity and platform. Dr Simarpreet Sandhu, chairperson, FLO Amritsar said the event aimed to celebrate the strength of women coming together to share knowledge, inspire change and empower each other. “It was a remarkable gathering that brought together changemakers, leaders and thoughtprovoking voices, all united by the common goal of creating a more inclusive, empowered world,” said Sandhu. She also launched the ‘Masik Sakhi’ initiative, a line of reusable sanitary napkins designed to offer a sustainable and dignified solution for menstrual health. Amritsar, January 21 At the ongoing 34th World Punjabi Conference in Lahore, where papers on Sufis were read and discussions were held, Punjabi singers sang songs of unity and cultural bonhomie of the two Punjab — Charhda and Kehnda (Pakistan Punjab). During the event held at the Punjab Language and Arts Centre (Plak) in Lahore, folk singers Pammi Bai, Sukhi Brar from India and Satnam Punjabi, Arif Lohar and Imran Shaukat Ali from Pakistan added colour with their powerful voices. Pammi Bai and Arif Lohar’s jugalbandi displayed the folk prowess of Sufi, Punjabi heritage while artists through their art highlighted the shared cultural heritage of both the countries. c m y b Amritsar, January 21 Residents of Police Line area, a walled locality on the Lawrence Road, are irked over the rising number of stray dogs. With more than 50 stray dogs roaming freely inside the locality, the residents fear for the safety of children and elderly people. The situation has come to such a pass that dogs often chase people during their daily routines, including those running on the parade ground on the Police Line premises. Even police personnel rehearsing for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations on January 26 have reported disturbances being caused by stray dogs. Residents of the Police Quarters stated that some cases of dog bite have also been reported in the past. They have complained to the MC many times to remove such dogs from the premises of Police Line but to no avail. Speaking on the matter, a Stray dogs at the main gate Police Line area in Amritsar on Tuesday. PHOTO VISHAL KUMAR resident of the Police Quarters said, “It’s not just about nuisance, it’s about safety also. Children cannot play outside, and elders avoid stepping out in the evenings due to the fear of being attacked by these dogs. We have repeatedly complained to the Amritsar Municipal Corporation (MC), but no concrete action has been taken. Every time we raise the issue, we get only empty assurances.” The problem is not limited to personal safety. Police personnel preparing for the district Republic Day function are also facing the dog menace. “It’s hard to focus on rehearsals when you constantly have to stay alert with stray dogs running about in the ground,” said a cop on condition of anonymity. Despite the repeated complaints by residents and police personnel, no concrete measures have been implemented to address the issue. The residents have urged the authorities to take immediate action to check the rising dog population and ensure a safer environment for all residents of the locality. The residents now want a prompt and effective response from the municipal corporation, as they continue to deal with stray dogs.