12052025-JTR-01.qxd 5/11/2025 10:19 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune DEHATI MAZDOOR SABHA HAILS INDO-PAK CEASEFIRE SHIV SENA CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF OP SINDOOR B’WOOD VETERAN AMITABH BACHCHAN SALUTES ARMY Members welcomed the temporary ceasefire and urged both nations to take steps to end hostilities. P2 A yatra was organised which began from Shri Hanumangarhi Mandir and ended at the temple premises. P2 Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has expressed profound admiration for the Indian Army’s valour. P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 37°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.07 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 5:30 AM MONDAY | 12 MAY 2025 | JALANDHAR INBRIEF 2 DRUG PEDDLERS ARRESTED Nurmahal: The Nurmahal police have arrested two drug peddlers for allegedly selling intoxicating tablets. The police said 109 loose intoxicant tablets were seized from the accused, identified as Mohit Kumar, alias Manu, and Ajay Kumar, alias Bhola, both residents of Bundala village. A case has been registered against the accused under Sections 22/61/85 of the NDPS Act, and a car used for transporting the contraband has been impounded. THREE ARRESTED UNDER NDPS ACT Shahkot: The Shahkot police have arrested two individuals for consuming heroin. The police said the accused have been identified as Sushil Kumar, a resident of Malsian village, and Gaurav Hans from Meyen Wal Maulvian village. Items including a lighter, silver paper, and plastic pipes used for consuming contraband were recovered from their possession. A case has been registered under Sections 27/61/85 of the NDPS Act. Additionally, the Bilga police arrested another drug addict, Prabhdeep Singh, son of Harbhajan Singh from Gorsian Nihal village. After 3 nights of fear, residents sleep peacefully Aakanksha N Bhardwaj/ Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 11 For the residents of Jalandhar, the last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster — swinging between fear, hope, relief, and renewed anxiety. Last night, however, marked the first peaceful night in days, as residents were finally able to sleep without the sounds of explosions. Over the previous three nights, loud blasts and explosion-like sounds had kept many awake and on edge. Social media was flooded with fake news and misinformation. The only source of reliable information remained the updates issued by the district administration. Deepa Komal, a private school teacher, shared how difficult it was to explain the situation to her seven-year-old son. “He kept asking, ‘What is a blackout? Why are we having one? What is war?’ It’s hard to explain such harsh realities to a young child,” she said. “One night, the blast was so loud, he woke up and got scared.” On Saturday, a video claim- Post ceasefire, a huge rush of visitors at Sunday Bazaar at Jyoti Chowk; and (right) despite the thaw in tensions, city roads witnessed less traffic in Jalandhar on Sunday. TRIBUNE PHOTOS: SARABJIT SINGH ing a drone attack in Basti Danishmanda went viral, sparking fresh panic. The police and administration released a statement refuting the claim. Aatish Bhatiya, ACP North Jalandhar, clarified that upon receiving the information, the police team promptly reached the scene and found no evidence of any drone attack. It was determined that the reported incident was actually a pile of garbage that had caught fire. He confirmed that the news was fake and urged the public not to spread misinformation. Citizens are advised to rely only on verified updates and follow the guidelines issued by the District Commissioner, Jalandhar, he said. While the ceasefire announcement on Saturday evening brought some relief, Sun shield WANTED IN DRUG CASE, PO HELD Nakodar: The Nakodar City police have arrested a proclaimed offender (PO) who had been absconding for several years. Investigating Officer (IO) Davindar Singh identified the accused as Sukhchain Singh, a resident of Vehran village under Mehat Pur police station. He was wanted in a drug peddling case registered in May 2023. MAN BOOKED FOR ASSAULTING WOMAN Jalandhar: The Bilga police have booked a villager for allegedly outraging the modesty of a woman. The police said the accused Gurjit Singh was a resident of Mowai village. Kashmir Kaur (61), a resident of the same village currently living in Italy, reported that the accused, her neighbour, used abusive language and engaged in obscene acts in her presence. A case has been registered under Section 75(3) and 79 of the BNS. Raids are being conducted to apprehend the accused. TNS/OC Sunday markets and restaurants saw a modest rush. Ridhima Chawla, a resident of GTB Nagar, expressed both relief and gratitude: “We were woken up by repeated sirens and drone sightings for days. The night of May 9 was extremely tense. The ceasefire has brought a sigh of relief. We’re thankful to our armed forces for staying vigilant and protecting us through this aggressive phase of drone targeting. It is to them that we owe our safety.” Swati Sharma, another resident said, “Jalandhar and nearby areas were clearly targeted. With Adampur Air Force Station and Jalandhar Cantonment being key installations, the region saw numerous drone interceptions. For many in our generation, this was the first time we witnessed such intensity in cross-border conflict. The last few days were terrifying.” A Jalandhar Cantt resident said, “We couldn’t sleep a minute that night. Drones flew alarmingly close. The sky glowed yellow with bursts of light, and we heard explosions every half hour until dawn. We salute our armed forces. This ceasefire is a much-needed break from the trauma.” Fateh Gang member killed in shootout THREE VILLAGERS HELD FOR ASSAULT Shahkot: The Shahkot police have arrested three villagers on charges of assaulting a fellow villager. The accused—Ram Lubhaya, Amandeep, and Dilpreet—are all residents of Mannak village, the police said. Jaspal Singh, a resident of the same village, claimed that the accused waylaid him and attacked with a sharp weapon, causing serious injuries on May 7. A case has been registered against the accused under Sections 115(2), 118(2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), and 3(5) (committing a crime with common intention) of the BNS. Weapons have been recovered, and a motorcycle has been impounded. and residents were quick to express happiness. However, subsequent violation reports created a tense environment. Still, for the first time in several nights, no explosions were heard and Jalandhar residents had a peaceful night. Despite the fragile peace, streets across the city remained largely deserted on Sunday, as most residents chose to stay indoors. However, Women cover their face to protect themselves from scorching heat in Jalandhar. SARABJIT SINGH Jalandhar, May 11 Neeraj Kumar, alias Tanu, a 26year-old member of the Fateh gang, succumbed to injuries early Sunday morning following a gang-related shooting in Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar on Saturday night. He was critically injured when assailants opened fire on him in what police believe is a part of an ongoing rivalry between the Fateh and Akash gangs. Neeraj sustained three bullet wounds to the abdomen during the attack and was rushed to a private hospital in Model Town, where he was pronounced dead. A second victim, 65-year-old Sheshnag, a plumber who was passing by on his bicycle, was Police with the family members of the deceased. TRIBUNE PHOTO also injured when a stray bullet struck him in the thigh. He is receiving treatment at the Civil Hospital. According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred around 8:30 pm when Neeraj was standing outside his house in Baba Kahan Das Nagar, adja- cent to the site of the clash. Armed assailants—believed to be members of the Akash gang—arrived on motorcycles and in cars had an argument with Neeraj and opened fire at close range. Neeraj’s father, Roop Lal, who was present at the scene, told the police that the attackers had been surveilling the area for the past three days. “They came prepared. As soon as they saw Neeraj outside, they opened fire without warning,” he said. Neeraj was initially taken to a hospital at Kapurthala Chowk but was later referred to the Model Town facility due to his deteriorating condition. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, with many residents expressing fear over the growing boldness of gang violence. “This kind of open firing in a residential area is terrifying. Anyone could have died,” said Satish, the nephew of the injured plumber. — TNS Urban Estate residents threaten protest over permanent closure of rly crossing Unidentified men attack family in Basti Danishmanda treat us like we don’t exist.” They also accused the Deputy Commissioner, the Railways of secrecy and the AAP-led state government of inaction. Residents claim repeated surveys by officials from the Municipal Corporation and Engineering Department have already acknowledged the chaos caused by the closure, yet no corrective steps have been taken. The protesters have now issued a direct warning to the state government: reopen C-7 or face a large-scale Rail Roko agitation. The date for the protest will be announced within 72 hours, residents said. “This is no longer just about a crossing,” said one of the organisers. “It’s about basic dignity. This fight has moved beyond Jalandhar — it is turning into a people’s movement.” Banners held at the protest read: “Open C-7 or Close the Tracks”, “Respect Our Dead — Or Face the Living”, and “This Country Is Not Only for Ministers and Millionaires”. — TNS Jalandhar, May 11 Panic gripped Basti Danishmanda on Saturday night after unidentified men attacked the residence of a local family in Mohalla Ram Sharanam Colony. According to Rashpal Singh, the head of the family, two unidentified men entered his house and started abusing the family without provocation. When confronted, the intruders turned violent and attacked Singh. They fled only after he threatened to call the police. Singh, who residers with his wife Karamjit Kaur, daughter-in-law Renu and grandchildren Jasmeet Kaur and Navneet Kaur, said the incident has shook the family. His son, Amit Kumar, is currently living in the US. The family has claimed that they had an enmity with someone known to their son. According to Singh, the person had issued life threats to the family on several occasions in the past and they suspect he may be behind the attack. Jalandhar, May 11 Hundreds of residents from Urban Estate gathered at Geeta Mandir on Saturday to announce a ‘Rail Roko Andolan’ in protest against the permanent closure of Railway Crossing C-7. The closure, residents claim, has cut off their daily lifeline and pushed an entire locality into hardship and humiliation. Over 450 people — including women, schoolchildren, senior citizens, religious leaders and small business owners — assembled in what turned into a fiery but peaceful demonstration. Holding banners and raising slogans, they accused the Punjab government and local administration of ignoring their repeated pleas for relief. “You closed our roads. Now, we will block your trains,” shouted one resident, as the others echoed in agreement. Residents say the closure of the C-7 level crossing has forced them to rely on a narrow underpass more than 3 Residents are forced to take longer routes due to the closure of Railway crossing between UE-1 and 2. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH km away. The alternative route, they argue, is unsafe, poorly designed and unfit for pedestrian or emergency use. They cite rising accidents, increased travel distances, and daily harassment — especially for school children, women, the elderly and even during funeral processions. Earlier in the day, two road accidents were reported near the underpass. In a particularly shocking incident last week, mourners carrying a body were stopped by police and forced to navigate a dangerous detour. One man slipped and suffered a spinal injury. “Is this the India of 2025?” asked a grieving family member. “Even our dead are denied dignity.” Speakers at the protest alleged that the government had abandoned the poor and minorities in the name of development. “They help only the rich,” said one woman. “We pay taxes, we vote, but they c m y b Tribune News Service Padma Shri awardee Vijay Chopra along with former minister Som Parkash at the Phagwara railway station on Sunday. Janta Jal Sewa Samiti marks 39 yrs of service Phagwara, May 11 The Janta Jal Sewa Samiti (Regd), Phagwara, marked the 39th anniversary of its flagship Jal Sewa (drinking water service) with a solemn and dignified ceremony at the Phagwara railway station on Sunday. The event celebrated nearly four decades of unwavering public service and community welfare. The occasion was graced by Padma Shri awardee Vijay Kumar Chopra and former Union Minister Som Parkash, who attended as chief guests. Both praised the Samiti’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service and its vital role in providing clean drinking water during peak summer months. A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the Bhai Ghaniya Ji Award to noted social activist Satish Batra, recognising his exceptional dedication to humanitarian causes. The award, named after the revered Sikh figure known for offering water and care to wounded soldiers. — OC