09122025-JTR-01.qxd 12/8/2025 11:11 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune GREWAL URGES PM, HM SHAH TO CREATE ELITE ANTI-DRUG FORCE LPU SET TO WELCOME 100 VCS FOR CONFERENCE TODAY HELEN PAYS OBEISANCE AT THE GOLDEN TEMPLE He urges the Centre to intensify enforcement mechanisms to liberate Punjab from the grip of narcotics. P2 ‘North Zone Vice Chancellors’ Conference’ will be organised by the Association of Indian Universities from Dec 9-10. P3 Helen, the OG siren of the Hindi films, has gracefully transitioned into living and loving a slow life. P4 » » FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 22°C | MIN 6°C YESTERDAY MAX 22°C | MIN 6°C SUNSET TUESDAY 5.24 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 7:15 AM » TUESDAY | 9 DECEMBER 2025 | JALANDHAR HEALTH & WELLNESS The Tribune is starting a Q and A column to address your health-related queries. Please mail your questions (not exceeding 40 words) at healthandwellness@tribunemail.com. The Tribune’s panel of doctors will answer all your healthrelated concerns. INBRIEF MAN HELD FOR MINOR'S RAPE Phagwara: The Lohian Khas police have arrested a person on the charge of raping a minor. The accused has been identified as Suraj Verma, resident of Talwandi Chaudharian village in Kapurthala. Father of the victim complained to the police that the accused assaulted her minor daughter and raped her and continued to harass her after committing the crime. A case under the POSCO Act 2012 has been registered against the accused. OC MANY BOOKED FOR BURGLARY Phagwara: The Bilga police have booked two persons on the charge of stealing household items. The accused have been identified as Shindu Singh, a resident of Burj Hassan village, and his brother Bindu. Sukhwant Singh, a resident of the same village complained to the police that the accused stole household items from his house. Further investigation is on. OC MAN BOOKED FOR BIKE THEFT Phagwara: The Nurmahal police have booked an unidentified person on the charge of stealing a motorcycle. Shiv Ram, a resident of Sanghejagir village, complained to the police that he had parked his motorcycle (PB-08-EZ- 3712) outside his nursery on December 7 from where it was stolen. A case has been registered against unidentified accused. OC Governor pays obeisance at Mehatpur gurdwara, opens museum at hospital Tribune News Service Jalandhar, December 8 Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday visited Gurdwara Darbar Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Bulandpuri, near Mehatpur here this evening. He paid obeisance and viewed the tallest Nishan Sahib of the world, touching a height of 125 feet and symbolising the pride of religious heritage. During the visit, the Governor was briefed about the ongoing seva initiatives and spiritual activities by Baba Baldev Singh along with Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, and Rajodh Singh, prominent architect of Punjab. Taking the Governor around the huge compound in a golf cart, they apprised the Governor about the spiritual mission initiated in the centre since 2021 to spread Guru Nanak’s teachings of oneness, peace and humility. The centre works in collaboration with the Gobind Sagar Charitable Trust, which continues to work globally for the upliftment of humanity. The Governor applauded Baba Baldev Singh’s relent- Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria interacts with nursing students during his visit at Gulab Devi Hospital, Jalandhar, on Monday. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH less efforts towards the propagation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib’s message of universal brotherhood, compassion, and inner awakening. The visit was coordinated by the State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu with his interest in religious heritage subject as a noble cause. The centre draws foreign tourists who have interest in knowing about the Sikhism. It aims to set up a university wherein Guru Granth Sahib DSP suspended for misconduct Hoshiarpur, December 8 In an order issued by the Special DGP (ANTF), Babandeep Singh, DSP (Headquarters), Hoshiarpur, has been suspended for indiscipline and misconduct during a course. Babandeep Singh was deputed to Rajiv Gandhi University of Law, Patiala, for a course Congress faultlines resurface in Doaba from November 17 to 22. A complaint was received regarding his indiscipline and misconduct. After an investigation, the allegations were found to be true, and the DSP was suspended. The order also stated that his conduct had brought disrepute to the police department. — OC will be translated into 24 foreign languages. Prior to his visit to the gurdwara, the Governor also inaugurated the Lala Lajpat Rai Museum at Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital. The museum showcases his life and contributions, providing inspiration and insight into his ideals and role in India’s Independence struggle. Governor Kataria praised the authorities who have set up the museum for their commendable effort to preserve history. The museum features photos, documents, and arte facts highlighting Lala Lajpat Rai’s life and struggles. At the museum, the Governor encouraged students to engage in creative activities and stay positive. Senior officials, trust members, and students attended the event aimed to educate and inspire the younger generation about India’s rich history and the sacrifices of its freedom fighters. Jalandhar, December 8 Amid recent attempts to project the Congress as a united house, the division in the party has resurfaced in the Doaba region ahead of the zila parishad and block samiti elections. According to sources, a major rift is visible in Phillaur between Jalandhar Lok Sabha MP Charanjit Singh Channi and MLA Vikramjit Chaudhary. While the party had made it clear that the local MLAs and halqa in-charges would have their say in the selection of the candidates, Chaudhary’s pick for the Bundala seat — Harjinder Kaur — had to withdraw her papers. The party fielded her rival Bhalwinder Kaur, who “applied through” Channi’s son Navjeet Singh. Another candidate close to Channi, who could not get the Congress ticket, chose to contest from the BSP There . are others from the MP’s circle who are learnt to be contesting independently to trounce the MLA candidates. Rush at DC office on the last day of nomination papers. FILE The BSP is strong on certain seats, including Nagar, Teg, Mau Sahib and Nangal Ramgarh block samitis. A division in the Congress can also be seen in Kartarpur. While halqa incharge Rajinder Singh enjoys the support of state party president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, former legislator Surinder Singh Chaudhary is close to Channi. Since Rajinder had more say in the selection of candidates, this has not gone down well with Surinder Chaudhary, who is reportedly is unhappy with the move and is not campaigning. In Sultanpur Lodhi, where Congress leader Rana Gurjeet Singh’s son Rana Inder Partap is an Independent MLA, the local Congress halqa in-charge Navtej Cheema faced problems in finalising the candidates. There were similar issues in Nawanshahr district too. After the demise of former Congress MLA Tarlochan S Soondh, his wife Meena Soondh and halqa in-charge Satvir S Palli Jhikki vied to get their candidates fielded. Punjab second safest state in country: MP Chabbewal Our Correspondent Phagwara, December 8 Lok Sabha member Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal launched a sharp attack on the Opposition, saying that the BJP and Congress were tarnishing Punjab’s image only for political gains, relying on false facts. Citing National Crime Record Bureau data, he said today Punjab ranked second among the safest states in the country. He said when it came to crime, out of the 10 states with the highest crime rates, 8 were BJP-ruled and 2 were Congress-ruled. Referring to POCSO cases, Chabbewal said according to a report published in a leading newspaper, the top three states were Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. He questioned why Punjab was being targeted then. “Does telling the truth make them uncomfortable?” he asked. Directly questioning Sukhbir Badal and Sunil Jakhar, Chabbewal said, “Jakhar sahib, you were the Congress president at that time and the Congress government was in power in Punjab. Who brought Ansari to Punjab? Back then, you did not utter a single word, and today you are busy defaming Punjab.” The AAP spokesperson said it was the NCRB data, which was prepared by a central agency, not by the Punjab Government or AAP . Humble backgrounds, big dreamsRurka Kalan students bring home karate medals Aakanksha B Bhardwaj Tribune News Service WOMAN DIES IN ACCIDENT Hoshiarpur: A woman died while her husband was injured in a road accident. Tajinder Singh, a resident of Bahla village, told the police that his father Nirmal Singh and his wife Surinder Kaur were returning to their village from Garhdiwala on a scooter. Near Sarhala, a bus hit them. His parents were admitted to a hospital. His mother died during treatment. The police have registered a case. oc TWO BOOKED FOR GANGRAPE Phagwara: The Nakodar Sadar police have booked two persons for gangraping a minor. The accused has been identified as Vansh, a resident of Chania village. The Government Railway Police have registered a case under the POSCO Act in September in this connection but as crime was committed in Nakodar Sadar areas. oc DRUG PEDDLER ARRESTED Phagwara: The Mehatpur police have arrested a person on the charge of selling heroin and intoxicating tablets. Ten gram of heroin and 40 tablets were recovered from the possession of accused Jaspal Singh of Bute Dian Chhana village. oc A protest being held against the Electricity (Amendment) Bill in Phagwara. Copies of power Bill burnt during peaceful protests Our Correspondent Phagwara, December 8 A series of coordinated but peaceful protests were held across region on Monday as multiple unions, farmer organisations and pensioners’ bodies voiced strong opposition to the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025. Demonstrations were reported from Phagwara, Nawanshahr and several locations in Kapurthala district, with participants burning copies of the Bill and accusing the Centre of pushing towards privatisation of the power sector. In Phagwara, activists of the Technical Service Union (TSU), Powercom, Transco Theka Mulazam Union, Taraksheel Society and the Pensioners Association (Punjab State Power and Transmission Corporation Limited) staged a dharna outside the PSPCL office on Banga Road led by TSU Division president Hans Raj. They condemned the proposed amendments, claiming these would adversely affect employees and consumers alike. The gathering dispersed peacefully without any law-and-order issues. A similar protest was held in Nawanshahr, where activists, led by AIKS district president Charanjit Singh Daulatpur and CPI/ML-ND district secretary Jasveer Singh Deep, assembled. Demonstrators burned copies of the Electricity Amendment Act 2025, alleging that the legislation aimed to centralise control, dismantle state electricity boards and ultimately pave the way for widespread privatisation. In Kapurthala district, multiple farmer groups organised separate sit-ins targeting local PSPCL offices. At the Circle Office near Aujla Railway Crossing, members of KKU/Dudhike and BKU/Dakaunda (Dhaner group) led by district presidents Balwinder Singh Bhullar and Harjinder Singh Rana held a dharna for three hours. The demonstration remained calm, with no disturbances reported. Earlier in the day, members under the leadership of Tarsem Singh Bananal, Dhilwan general secretary, held a protest outside the PSPCL office near the Miani bus stand at Dhilwan, where they also burned copies of the Bill. A similar protest was staged at Sultanpur Lodhi where activists led by Harjinder Singh, block general secretary, registered their opposition to the legislation and also resorted to burning the Bill copies. Both gatherings dispersed without incident. c m y b Jalandhar , December 8 Five students of Government Primary School, Rurka Kalan, brought laurels to their institution by winning medals at the 18th IndoNepal Karate Championship held in Batala. The young athletes, coming from humble family backgrounds, showcased exceptional talent, discipline and determination. According to their teacher, who arranged a private karate coach for the students, — an uncommon initiative in government schools — the children trained rigorously and were eager to compete against players from Nepal and other regions. In the U-6 category, Prabhjot Singh clinched a gold medal. His father works as a carpenter. In the U-9 category, Palak and Loveleen secured gold medals. Palak comes from a family where sports talent runs strong. Her father is a vegetable vendor. Loveleen’s father runs a car repair workshop. Another student Gurjot won a silver medal in the U-9 category. Sukhman earned a bronze medal in the under-10 category, his father works as a labourer in Manila. Teacher Buta Ram, who has been instrumental in supporting and motivating the children, said the exposure to private competitions helped the students shed their fear and boosted their confidence. “‘Private mukable vich Five students from a government school in Rurka Kalan win medals in karate championship. A THREE GOLD & ONE SILVER ■ In the U-6 category, Prabhjot Singh clinched a gold medal. His father works as a carpenter. ■ In the U-9 category, Palak and Loveleen secured gold medals. Palak comes from a family where sports talent runs strong. Her father is a vegetable vendor. Loveleen’s father runs a car repair workshop. ■ Another student Gurjot won a silver medal in the U-9 category. ■ Sukhman earned a bronze medal in the under-10 category, his father works as a labourer in Manila. bacheya da darr nikalda.’ Kids were so excited to see the other players in proper kits. This has given a boost to their confidence,” he said. He added that the children’s victories have made their families immensely proud, especially after initial hesitation from parents about sending them to competitions. “Kids also felt elated. Now, we will not allow the karate coach to go and keep on training the kids so that they can rise and shine in their lives. We are now preparing for another championship,” he added. The school is now planning regular training sessions and hopes to provide better facilities so that more children can participate. Teachers believe that such achievements not only promote sports, but also help build discipline, focus and self-belief among rural students, opening new opportunities for their future.