09052025-LT-01.qxd 5/8/2025 11:26 PM Page 1 c m y b Ludhiana tribune NCC CADETS CONDUCT MOCK DRILLS AT VET VARSITY CITY’S FIRST BOX CRICKET STADIUM TO OPEN ON MAY 14 PATRIOTIC SONGS CELEBRATE INDIAN COURAGE, VALOUR 1 Pb Remount and Veterinary Squadron NCC, GADVASU, cadets showed discipline and strategy during a mock drill.P2 A box cricket stadium has come up in Salem Tabri where teenagers and adults are enrolling themselves to play.P3 The songs that bring the nation together, some full on josh, others paying soulful tributes to nation’s bravehearts P4 » » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 35°C | MIN 21°C YESTERDAY MAX 35°C | MIN 22°C SUNSET FRIDAY 7.11 PM SUNRISE SATURDAY 5:34 AM FRIDAY | 9 MAY 2025 | LUDHIANA Soon, eight more roads likely to be made ‘no tolerance zones’ Nikhil Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 8 After the Ludhiana police declared eight roads as “no tolerance roads”, it may put eight more roads in this category soon, taking the count of such roads to 16. Sources said Ghumar Mandi road is one of the confirmed ones to be added in the next phase and in fact, the traffic police has already improved the traffic situation there. The roads which have already been declared ‘no tolerance roads’ are Field Ganj Road from Jagraon bridge to Civil Hospital (both way), Rahon Road, Jodhewal Chowk to Jagirpur Road cut, Bhamian Road from New Onkar Vihar cut to Bhamian Colony cut, Chandigarh Road from Government High School, Mundian cut to 33-ft road vegetable market stretch, Chimney Road, canal bridge, Pakhowal to indoor stadium (both way), Atam Park to Libra cut, Dugri road (both way) and Ghumar Mandi road is one of the confirmed ones to be added in the next phase of ‘no tolerance zone’. FILE PHOTO Dandi Swami Chowk to DMC Hospital cut. About 40 PCR motorcycles and 10 new emergency response vehicles have been deployed in the city to strengthen the city’s traffic management system and these vehicles are keeping an eye over these eight roads. Apart from this, these vehicles are also patrolling city’s other busy roads and on finding a jam, they immediately man traffic and remove any encroachment and challan the offender. Police Commissioner, Ludhiana, Swapan Sharma Flag march by Payal police amid Indo-Pak tension Our Correspondent Doraha, May 8 Payal police today took out a flag march amid brewing tension between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor was carried out by India early on Wednesday. Payal DSP Hemant Malhotra, along with Doraha SHO Akash Dutt, Malaud SHO Satnam Singh, Payal SHO Sandeep Kumar and the entire police force of Payal took out a flag march in order to restore faith of the people, keep them pacified and tell them to not believe any rumour or unverified information. The public was also cautioned against the mis- chief mongers who can take undue advantage of the situation and try to escalate the tension by their cheap antiques. “The entire department and every official shall consider it as an important part of his or her duty to keep strict vigil, so that no antisocial element tries to indulge in any such act which may prove detrimental to the interests of the country. This flag march is a morale booster for the residents, so that they may not feel unprotected and feel the cooperation and support of the administration as well as police at this critical juncture,” said Payal DSP Hemant Malhotra. “In the current state, the anti-social elements may try to disturb the peace of the town. Round-the-clock patrolling in the town shall be held by the police personnel henceforth. Preventive measures are being taken by the police to maintain peace and security,” he added. “We have also asked the organisations, associations and social welfare clubs of the town to coordinate with the administration and the police and report about the anti-social elements who try to disturb the peace of the region in any way,” the DSP added. The march was initiated from Beant Singh Chowk and culminated at the railway station of Doraha. said so far the police was keeping a close watch on these no tolerance eight roads, where the traffic police and other special teams daily pay random visits to man traffic and on finding any violation or wrong parking, the cops immediately issue challans. “We are scanning eight more roads to be added to the list of ‘no tolerance roads’. Once these are selected, the police will first hold awareness sessions with residents, shopkeepers there and then action will taken for non-compliance, “added Sharma. Box: Violations visible during evening hours Though the traffic situation remains good on all eight roads, yet during evening hours, shopkeepers and roadside vendors violate the directions of Police Commissioner on some roads, including Dandi Swami Road near Police Lines, Field Ganj, Chimney Road, Pakhowal to Indoor Stadium (both way). Smuggler arrested with 1.05 kg heroin Ludhiana, May 8 The Crime Branch team of Ludhiana Police apprehended a drug smuggler, Pradeep Kumar, a native of Bihar and now a resident of New Moti Nagar here, with 1,05 kg of heroin. During interrogation, he revealed that he had obtained the heroin from Raju Kumar, a resident of Sherpur here. According to the police, Pradeep was arrested during a naka near the GLADA ground in Moti Nagar. A case has been registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and he has been remanded to twoday police custody. — TNS Justice served, but war no good, reiterate 1971 war veterans Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 8 In the face of heightened tension between India and Pakistan, war veterans of 1971 war from the city have expressed their strong support for the Indian armed forces, but are also of the opinion that nothing comes good from a war as it does not discriminate. It kills good, peaceloving people, and as well as those with bad intentions. Brig Indermohan Singh (retd) said that India did the right thing by destroying the terrorist camps. “But war is not the solution as going on war means destruction and the economies of both countries do not permit to do that. India might be the world’s fourth largest economy, but that is due to the big business houses and not due to the government’s financial status. If we go to war, Pakistan may get financial help from Arab countries, but to whom will India look for help is what I wonder,” he says. Brig Indermohan Singh (retd) Further, Brig Indermohan, who had just three months of service under his belt when the war of 1971 broke out, added that war had always been a destructive force that only brings suffering and destruction. “The horrors of war can leave mental scars that may never fully heal, leading to long-term suffering and emotional distress. This trauma can also have a ripple effect, impacting families and communities for years to come,” says he. Brig SS Gill (retd), a war Brig SS Gill (retd) Lt Col HS Kahlon (retd) veteran of 1971 war, says, “Armed forces have done their duty and not let the nation down. At this point there will be no full-fledged war, but Pakistan can retaliate and India is ready for that and will respond accordingly. The nation can sleep peacefully and the armed forces are there to take care of the country,” said Gill. It had been just a year since he joined the Army when India went on war with Pakistan in 1971 and was lucky to escape without injury when a splinter went through his turban. Meanwhile, Lt Col H S Kahlon (retd), who was decorated with Vir Chakra for his valour in the 1971 war, is saddened with all that is happening in the country. “I am really disheartened with all that is happening presently and I do not want to comment on this,” said Col Kahlon. “It has been 54 years, but the images of war still stay with my father. War can never bring any good to any nation,” says Rinku Kahlon, son of Lt Col Kahlon. c m y b Training held for poll teams over election expenditure Ludhiana, May 8 To keep a tab on poll expenditure and adherence to the code of conduct during the upcoming Ludhiana (West) bypoll, the district administration conducted a comprehensive training workshop today for monitoring teams. The session aimed to equip poll staff with the skills and knowledge required to effectively monitor candidates’ election expenditure and enforce code of conduct guidelines. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rupinder Pal Singh, who led the training, emphasised that the Election Commission (EC) has set Rs 40 lakh expenditure limit per candidate for Assembly elections. He urged team members to thoroughly understand the methodology for calculating poll expenditure to ensure accurate monitoring. “These teams bear the critical responsibility of tracking candidates’ and parties’ election expenses. This training is essential to empower them with the tools and techniques needed to perform their duties effectively,” Singh stated. He elaborated that the ECI has entrusted these teams with specific roles to ensure compliance with its guidelines. To support their efforts, standardised rates have been fixed for all relevant items and flying squad teams, atatic surveillance teams, video surveillance teams and video viewing teams. These units will work collaboratively to strengthen monitoring efforts. — TNS DC Himanshu Jain holds a meeting with nodal officers and assistant nodal officers to review all arrangements for the byelection in Ludhiana (W) constituency. DC reviews preparedness for smooth conduct of bypoll Tribune News Service Ludhiana, May 8 In the wake of the forthcoming Ludhiana (West) bypoll, Deputy Commissioner-cumDistrict Election Officer Himanshu Jain has directed the nodal officers/assistant nodal officers that all arrangements, preparedness and mechanism should be put in place well in time to ensure smooth conduct of the bypoll. Reviewing the ongoing preparedness with all officers concerned here at the District Administrative Complex, Jain said that various activities would be undertaken across the district in the coming days, so that all teams should be prepared as per the directions of the Election Commission with strict monitoring and implementation of all procedures. He also reviewed the structure and functioning of different committees, besides giving requisite directions to ensure smoothness and effectiveness in the conduct of elections. Jain also pointed out that the manpower management committee assessed the entire requirement of manpower in the district for the conduct of the elections. The EVM management committee will ensure proper storage, security, availability and checking of EVMs, including overall monitoring. Similarly, the nodal officer for implementing the code of conduct will ensure that all instructions of the EC to be followed in letter and spirit. Likewise, the nodal officer for law and order, vulnerability mapping and security development plan will ensure daily law and order report, besides ensuring coordination with the district police for the requisite arrangements. The media certification and monitoring committee will disseminate information, instructions to be issued from time to time, briefs, press notes, etc. for the information of general masses. Besides taking stock of other preparedness, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the management of transport, training and material, expenditure monitoring, SVEEP activities, ballot papers, availability of facilities for persons with disabilities, helpline and redress of complaints. Schools to remain closed for 2 days, control room set up to the order, all schools in the state will remain closed on May 9 and 10. Ludhiana DC Himanshu Jain said that schools would remain shut for two days. In view of the current situa- tion in the country, a control room has been set up by the Punjab Government. According to information given by the official spokesperson, for the convenience of people the Finance Commissioner, Revenue Disaster Management Control Room, has launched landline phone numbers 0172-2741803 and 01722749901. — TNS War fear fails to dampen enthusiasm for Haj Cops open fire in self-defence after cornered by smuggler’s kin Mahesh Sharma Ludhiana, May 8 Tension arose due to police action during a marriage ceremony at Kotli village near Dakha on Tuesday night. The police had gone to arrest Gurvinder Singh, an accused absconding in a drug case when the smuggler’s kin cornered the police party. To save their skin, cops fired several shots in the air. In the melee, the drug smuggler managed to escape from the spot. As per information, Gurvinder was booked at the Dakha police station on April 8, along with two other accused Akashdeep Singh of Kotli village and Harwinder Singh of Mullanpur. The two accused were arrested while Gurvinder remained at large. Intoxicating capsules and tablets were seized from those arrested. A police party had gone to arrest Gurvinder at his house in Kotli village, where a marriage function of the accused was going on. When the police party reached the spot and started searching for him, family members of the accused managed to corner the police party. Cops had to fire shots in the air in self defence. The DSP added that the accused managed to slip from the house. A fresh case has been registered. — TNS Ludhiana, May 8 In view of the rising tension between India and Pakistan, the Punjab government has closed all schools (public and private) in the state. According Malerkotla/Mandi Ahmedgarh, May 8 For some Muslims, absolving sins by performing Haj pilgrimage to the holy Mecca is more important than staying together with their families in the backdrop of a fierce war. This holds true for 312 Muslims from various places of Punjab, who have planned a pilgrimage to the Kabba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, this year, as all of them have got meningococcal vaccine and immunization against other crucial diseases. Former president, Ahmedgarh Municipal Council, Suraaj Mohammad, claimed that members of his families had performed Haj pilgrimage during times harder than the ongoing fear of war between India and Pakistan. “Those who have planned Haj this year have not shown any ambiguity about the continuance of the pilgrimage on May 23, whatever may be circumstances in the region or at their home by then,” Mohammad said and maintained that Islam taught that human beings couldn’t change or evade their destiny by changing locations. A Muslim being given a vaccine during a camp held at a resort near Ahmedgarh for Muslims going for Haj. PHOTO: MAHESH SHARMA Chairman, Haj Committee, Punjab, Maulana Mufti Mohammad Khalid Qasmi, said all applicants for the Haj pilgrimage were enthusiastic about completing modalities for starting their journey on May 23 and abrupt change of circumstances at the border had not made any of the applicants give a second thought to their plans. Malerkotla MLA Mohammad Jamil-ur-Rahman appreciated that all applicants were determined to accomplish their religious mission to perform Haj at least once during their lifetime. “Though we were apprehensive about making supplementary arrangements for undertaking vaccination for those who fail to attend the main camp held under the supervision of Senior Medical Officer Sukhwinder Singh, all the 312 aspirants had reached the venue before start of the event,” said Rahman. He further said the applicants had argued that performing Haj during stressful circumstances would benefit citizens of both countries as they would pray for peace and harmony at global level during the five days they spend at the Mecca.