01062025-ATR-01.qxd 5/31/2025 11:04 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY HEATWAVE TRIGGERS SURGE IN ELECTRICITY DEMAND PLAY TICKETAN DO LE LAI HELD AT PUNJAB NAATSHALA CHANDIGARH GIRL WAMIQA GABBI GEARS UP FOR BHOOT BANGLA Soaring temperatures have led to a surge in power demand, especially during the night hours. P2 Actors Anita Devgan and Hardeep Gill during the play, Ticketan Do Le Lai, at Punjab Naatshala. P2 After Bhool Chuk Maaf, she features in Priyadarshan’s upcoming film where she teams up with Akshay Kumar. P4 » » » MAX 38°C | MIN 28°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 28°C SUNSET SUNDAY 7.14 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 5.23 AM SUNDAY | 1 JUNE 2025 | AMRITSAR Blackout drill conducted in city Renovation work of schools initiated as part of Operation Shield Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 31 In a coordinated effort to prepare the city for emergency scenarios, a blackout drill was conducted across Amritsar on Friday evening from 8 pm to 8:30 pm under Operation Shield. As part of the civil defence exercise, lights were switched off in large parts of the city to simulate a total power shutdown in the event of an air raid or wartime emergency. The inner areas of the city, however, along with the airport zone and rural regions, were exempted from the blackout due to operational considerations. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney stated that the drill was aimed at testing public and departmental preparedness during emergencies. “The cooperation from both the electricity department and the public was commendable. Except for hospitals and a few essential services, the entire power supply was shut off as part of the drill,” she said. Earlier in the evening, a mock drill was also carried out in the Ranjit Avenue area under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Sareen. The drill simulated an air raid scenario, during which trained PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR Tribune News Service On the directions of the district administration, blackout was observed at the Amritsar railway station on Saturday night. personnel conducted evacuation and safety protocols, guiding residents on how to react and protect themselves. “The objective of this exercise was to ensure that residents are well-prepared to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies like air raids or wartime conditions,” stated Sareen. During such blackout situations, all lights, including inverters and generators, must be turned off completely. Solar and CCTV lights should also be disabled. Additionally, vehicle lights are to be turned off, and cars should be parked along the roadside with no illumination to avoid drawing attention. Deputy Commissioner Sawhney emphasised that blackout drills serve as crucial emergency measures to prevent potential aerial attacks by minimising visibility. She further directed that notices will be issued to shops, hotels and establishments that failed to comply with the blackout guidelines. Officials claimed that police and civil officials remained present on the ground throughout the duration of the drill to ensure strict enforcement and monitor public response. Amritsar, May 31 Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Saturday initiated the works to be carried out at Shaheed Sarabjit Singh Government Elementary School, Tarsikka, and Government Elementary School, Qila Jeevan Singh Wala, at a cost of about Rs 55 lakh under the Sikhiya Kranti Program in his constituency Jandiala Guru. He said he had visited the Tarsikka school a few days ago, where he had asked the teachers about the needs of the school. Today, after about 10 days, he got these needs DLSA observes World No Tobacco Day Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 31 The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Amritsar, observed World No Tobacco Day on Saturday. Under the directions of the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), New Delhi, and Punjab State Legal Services Authority, Amarinder Singh Grewal, District and Ses- Dhaliwal holds online meeting with NRIs Man shot dead over old enmity, two held, several others booked Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 31 NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal on Saturday organized the sixth online meeting to hear the grievances of NRIs based in various countries across the globe. As many as 123 complaints were taken up during the meeting held at the District Administrative Complex here on Saturday. Besides, DIG, NRI Affairs, Rajpal Singh Sandhu, Assistant Inspector General (NRI) Jagjit Singh Waila, District Revenue Officer Navkirat Singh were among other officials present during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Kuldeep Dhaliwal said the government has been holding continued on page 2 Amritsar, May 31 A man was shot dead over an old enmity at Mudhal village falling under the Verka police station here on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. The police have booked a woman among 15 suspects for the murder. Among those booked included Rajbir Kaur, Kaka and Mangal Singh, all residents of Indira Colony, Verka, and around 12 unknown persons. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jasroop Kaur Bath said the police have registered a case and arrested two suspects in this connection while raids were on to nab the absconding accused. An old enmity is stated to be the reason RAIDS ON TO NAB ABSCONDING ACCUSED ■ Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jasroop Kaur Bath said the police have registered a case and arrested two suspects in this connection while raids were on to nab the absconding accused. An old enmity is stated to be the reason behind the incident. behind the incident. The deceased was identified as Kuldeep Singh, alias Gopi (27), a resident of Verka. Raju, brother of the victim, said Rajbir Kaur had a dispute with his nephew Shamsher Singh, alias Shera. Rajbir had called Shamsher at Mudhal village for settling the issue. Shamsher Singh took along Manpreet Singh and his uncle Kuldeep Singh. Both the groups met at an eating joint near the village. Rajbir had brought around 13 persons, including Mangal Singh and Kaka with her. He said soon the situation turned ugly and a scuffle erupted and Rajbir and her accomplices started beating up Manpreet and Shamsher. Kuldeep Singh tried to intervene, but one of the accused started firing and Kuldeep suffered several bullet injuries due to which he succumbed on the spot while the perpetrators fled the spot. The ADCP said investigations were on to identify the remaining suspects while technical analysis, including scanning of CCTV cameras, was in progress. Bakers show they believe in sweet side of life Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 31 Baking is both an art and science — of pleasing both the senses and your belly. The art was put on creative display at a special gathering at Café Delhi Heights. The event titled, Cake Party, hosted 40 bakers — most of them home bakers — showcasing the city’s finest baking products, including delish summer desserts, cakes and baked sugar bliss. The special event was hosted by young entrepreneur Vaibhav Seth, who began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of just 11. Now, at 19, after an incredible eight-year journey, Vaibhav envisioned and brought to life not just an event, but a community movement. “The Cake Party is a means of uniting the city’s bakers, dessert lovers and youth on one vibrant The event titled, Cake Party, hosted 40 bakers, most of them home bakers, at Café Delhi Heights in Amritsar. platform,” he said. With the support of his dedicated team, including young bakers and volunteers, the event focused not just on putting trendiest ideas on platter, but also healthy options. On display from the young and seasoned talents were calendar cakes, 3D cakes, suspended cakes, exquisite flavours and visually mesmerising desserts that left every guest enchanted. approved and has now ordered the development works, including construction of the boundary walls, classrooms and repair and maintenance works, to be completed before the summer break gets over. Speaking on the occasion, the Cabinet Minister said, “I wanted the work to be started before the holidays so that it could be finished before the reopening of the schools. Improving these schools is the first priority of our government so that children who come to study here get good education in a beautiful environment,” he said. “Amritsar over the years has developed a skilled and passionate baking community. What started as a hobby or a self-serving skill, turned into small, home-run business, where these bakers are now experimenting with techniques, flavours and even organically generating revenue with loyal customer base. Such events are an encouragement for them,” said Kanika, one of the participants at the event. The event hosted several segments, including signature dessert-tasting sessions, creative cake installations, networking and marketing besides interactive activities for guests. The event also aimed to cultivate a healthy and collaborative environment among Amritsar’s bakers and pastry chefs, while also promoting entrepreneurship among children and women. c m y b sions Judge, who is also the Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority, addressed the event to mark this day. The youth were given detailed information about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and the importance of tobacco control measures. Judicial Officers, District Bar Association, continued on page 2 OPERATION BLUESTAR ANNIVERSARY 2,500 cops called to beef up security in city Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 31 Ahead of the 41st Operation Bluestar anniversary to be observed on June 6, around 2,500 cops from the Punjab Armed Police and other police districts would be arriving in the holy city in the next couple of days for security in Amritsar. Companies of paramilitary forces are also likely to arrive if need arises. Meanwhile, Dal Khalsa, a radical organisation, has called for a complete shutdown in Amritsar on the occasion. On the eve of the anniversary, it would also organise a march that would pass through various roads of the city. “Security measures in Amritsar are being stepped up to thwart any untoward incident during the occasion,” said Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar. Senior police officials of the rank of DGP and ADGP are likely to visit to supervise the security arrangements in a day or two. Operation Bluestar was the Army operation carried out on GLOBAL GROUP OF INSTITUTES Companies of paramilitary forces are also likely to arrive in the city if need arises. FILE PHOTO June 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple. Talking to The Tribune, Bhullar said as many as 62 checkpoints have been installed in the city for round-the-clock surveillance and patrolling parties would patrol the city. “No one would be allowed to disturb the peaceful atmosphere and strict action taken against those who would try to spread rumours on social media that may create law and order problems,” he pointed out. High-security nakas would be set up around the holiest Sikh shrine and at the entry of the walled city areas. Checkpoints are also being held at the entry points of the city. As many as 52 checkpoints would be held day and night while 10 nakas organized at night. Apart from this, nakas would be set up at every entry and exit point. Meanwhile, various Sikh organisations have planned programs to mark the occasion. SGPC will organize a programme at Akal Takht on June 6.