20022026-ATR-01.qxd 2/19/2026 11:51 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune WOMEN'S TRACK CYCLING LEAGUE BEGINS AT GNDU BOONG WINS HEARTS BEYOND BORDERS The Asmita Women's Track Cycling League commenced at the Cycling Velodrome of GNDU on Thursday. P2 » MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 25°C | MIN 11°C YESTERDAY MAX 25°C | MIN 9°C TANVI THE GREAT SWEEPS TOP HONOURS Like her heart-tugging, BAFTA-nominated Boong, filmmaker Lakshmipriya Devi is heart-warming, simple yet profound. P4 FORECAST The directorial effort from Anupam Kher swept major honours at the Iconic Gold Awards 2026. P4 » SUNSET FRIDAY 6.20 PM SUNRISE SATURDAY 7.06 AM » FRIDAY | 20 FEBRUARY 2026 | AMRITSAR NCB probes political link in 8 kg heroin, 5 kg ICE seizure case Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service The seized contraband in the custody of the NCB in Amritsar. FILE PHOTO the arrested drug peddlers, we are moving steadily but cautiously and leaving no stone unturned in the investigation,” said an NCB official on condition of anonymity. “We are working on various leads that have emerged during the interrogation of the accused, and further recoveries and arrests are likely soon,” the official added. The latest seizure and arrests came a day after another operation in which the NCB confiscated 8.5 kg of heroin and over half a kilogram of opium, arresting three individuals identified as Karanbir Singh of Chaminda village, Beeru Singh of Sansra village and Bebak Singh. The trio is currently on police remand. Amritsar, February 19 Passenger footfall at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, witnessed a sharp decline in December 2025, according to the latest monthly data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). As per AAI data, total passenger traffic in December 2025 stood at 267,525, compared to 340,408 in December 2024, reflecting a steep 21.4 per cent year-on-year decline. International passenger numbers dropped from 110,670 to 95,774 (–13.5 per cent), while domestic traffic fell more sharply from 229,738 to 171,751 (–25.2 per cent), indicating that the slowdown was more pronounced on the domestic front. For the full calendar year 2025, total passenger traffic stood at 31.45 lakh, down 8.2 FILE PHOTO Amritsar, February 19 Three days after the seizure of over 8.8 kg of heroin and 5.6 kg of ICE, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been proceeding cautiously in the case after the name of a ruling party leader reportedly surfaced during the investigation. Acting on specific intelligence and in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), NCB teams conducted raids near Kakkar and Pandori villages close to Attari on Monday. During the operation, three suspects, including Jaspal Singh alias Jassa of Ajnala, were arrested. Following sustained interrogation, the NCB recovered 8.8 kg of heroin, 5.6 kg of methamphetamine, popularly known as “ICE”, and 3 kg of opium from the possession of the three suspects. “As the name of a prominent political leader from the ruling party has cropped up during the interrogation of Passenger traffic at Amritsar airport drops 21.4% in Dec A view of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. per cent from the record 34.26 lakh in 2024. While international traffic remained relatively resilient, registering a marginal 1.9 per cent dip from 11.14 lakh in 2024 to 10.92 lakh in 2025, domestic traffic saw a significant 11.2 per cent decrease from 23.12 lakh to 20.53 lakh. Aircraft movement data mirrored this trend. Total air- craft movements declined by 12.4 per cent in 2025, falling from 22,614 in 2024 to 19,817 in 2025. December alone recorded a 20.8 per cent decline compared to the same month last year. Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, said that although the airport witnessed a record-breaking start to the year — with March 2025 recording an all-time high of 343,384 passengers — the momentum was disrupted in May due to the IndiaPakistan conflict, which led to temporary closures and reduced flight frequencies. “The year-end decline was further exacerbated by extreme weather and capacity cuts. Despite the airport’s advanced CAT-3B Instrument Landing System, dense fog in December frequently reduced visibility to near zero, forcing several late-evening and early-morning cancellations. The suspension of international services by Neos (Italy) and Air India Express (Bangkok), along with temporary frequency cuts by IndiGo in December, significantly reduced seat availability,” Gumtala said. Office-bearers of the FlyAmritsar Initiative also expressed disappointment over what they described as the state government’s “step-motherly treatment” of the airport. Gumtala pointed out that while the Punjab Government actively promotes bus connectivity to Delhi Airport, it has failed to provide dedicated public transport links to Amritsar’s own international gateway. “Instead of strengthening local connectivity, state policy appears to favour Delhi and Chandigarh,” Gumtala said. “Boosting Punjab’s economy requires supporting Amritsar Airport through improved ground infrastructure.” Despite the setback, Amritsar remains internationally connected to Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Domestically, the airport offers flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune and Kullu. Farmers advised to protect wheat crop from fungal attacks Youth gets 20-yr RI in POCSO case Light irrigation suggested to combat heat stress Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 19 With fluctuations in temperature and rising humidity during the seasonal transition, agriculture experts have advised farmers to remain alert and take timely measures to protect their wheat and mustard crops from possible disease attacks. According to experts from the Agriculture Department, changing weather conditions create a favourable environment for fungal and viral diseases in standing crops. In wheat, farmers have been cautioned to monitor fields regularly for symptoms of yellow rust, leaf blight and powdery mildew. Early detection and timely spraying of recommended fungicides can help prevent the spread of infection and safeguard yield. Similarly, mustard growers have been asked to keep a close Our Correspondent Agriculture experts said changing weather conditions create a favourable environment for fungal and viral diseases in crops. watch for diseases such as white rust and downy mildew, which can damage leaves and pods if not controlled in time. Experts recommend proper field sanitation, balanced use of fertilizers and need-based application of pesticides as per agricultural guidelines. Farmers have also been encouraged to avoid excessive irrigation during cloudy weather, as high moisture levels can accelerate disease development. They have been advised to consult local agriculture officers before using any chemicals to ensure the correct dosage and method of application. Tarn Taran, February 19 About 95 per cent of the wheat crop was sown between October 25 and November 15 in Punjab during the current season, which is considered the optimum sowing window for wheat. At the grain-filling stages, high temperatures may reduce the thousand-grain weight. As a result, wheat quality and yield may decline. Elevated temperatures can also lead to early maturity of the crop, thereby decreasing overall grain yield. In the second week of February 2026, temperatures were recorded to be 2- 4 degrees Celsius higher compared to February 2025. In the present situation, Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, advised farmers to apply light irrigation to the wheat crop to protect it from heat stress. Additionally, Dr Hari Ram, Head of the Department of Agronomy, said that for crops at the flag leaf stage, farmers should apply two sprays of 2 per cent potassium nitrate (13:0:45) by dissolving 4 kg of potassium nitrate in 200 litres of water at the boot leaf and anthesis stages during the evening hours. Ex-minister demands MLA pays cadet’s semester fee for probe into alleged representing area in R-Day camp MGNREGA bungling Tribune News Service Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Gurdaspur, February 19 Former Cabinet minister and Dinanagar MLA Aruna Chaudhary has demanded a comprehensive probe into the alleged embezzlement of MGNREGA funds in the Kalanaur and Dinanagar blocks of Gurdaspur district. “This matter was discussed in detail during the recent meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), chaired by MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. MGNREGA funds were allegedly misappropriated by marking bogus attendance and showing execution of works that were never carried out on the ground. Despite the gravity of the allegations and the subsequent public concern, the inquiry conducted under the supervision of the ADC (Development) has not yielded any conclusive or satisfactory outcome. The complaints and supporting material placed on record do not appear to have been examined in a transparent and comprehensive manner. I demand a thorough probe into the role of each and every officer involved,” she said. In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner Aditya Uppal, Chaudhary stated that despite leading newspapers highlighting the alleged bungling, efforts were allegedly being made to sweep the episode under the carpet. She added, “It is a matter of concern that in the case pertaining to Sammuchack village in the Dinanagar block, the whistleblower who brought the irregularities to light has reportedly been booked in a false case. Such action creates an impression of victimisation and may discourage genuine complainants from coming forward in the public interest.” Chaudhary has also sent a copy of her letter to MP Randhawa. Amritsar, February 19 Arshdeep Singh, an NCC cadet from the Sri Guru Teg Bahadur College, Sathiala, which is affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), brought laurels to the region by participating in the Republic Day Camp-2026 held recently in New Delhi. GNDU authorities, including Vice-Chancellor Karamjeet Singh and Dean of Colleges Dr Saroj Arora, lauded his achievement and congratulated the cadet for representing the institution on the national stage. Baba Bakala MLA Dalbir Singh Tong today honoured Arshdeep Singh and paid the cadet’s second semester fee to mark the achievement. He said the young man had not only made his family but the entire area proud. College incharge and Associate NCC Officer Dr (Lt) Harsimran Kaur said the NCC unit at the college had been established in 2021 and had progressed steadily. “Arshdeep Singh is the second cadet from AAP MLA Dalbir Singh Tong honours NCC cadet Arshdeep Singh of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur College, Sathiala. the college to participate in the prestigious Republic Day Camp in New Delhi within five years of the unit’s inception,” she said, adding that he had achieved this milestone after five months of rigorous training. The college’s NCC unit functions under the 24 Punjab Battalion NCC, Amritsar, and regularly conducts social and adventure-based activities. Kaur said it was a matter of immense pride that a cadet c m y b from the college received the opportunity to meet the President, PM, Air Chief Marshal and the NCC Director General. The cadets were also honoured by the Governor of Punjab. The college authorities expressed gratitude to Commanding Officer Colonel PS Riard, Administrative Officer Colonel Sunit Kotwal and the entire instructor staff of the 24 Punjab Battalion NCC, Amritsar, for their support. Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 19 The Additional District and Sessions Judge, dealing with Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases (Fast Track Special Court) here, has convicted Saurav Sharma, a resident of Guru Nanak Pura, Kot Khalsa, Islamabad here, in a rape case involving a minor girl. The court found him guilty under Section 376 of the IPC and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, sentencing him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 40,000. The incident occurred in January 2024. According to the judgment, the victim was alone at home. The accused, her neighbour, frequently visited her house due to a sibling-like relationship. Six months prior to the registra- tion of the FIR, he allegedly visited her home and gave her ‘prasad’ (sacred offering). After consuming it, she fell unconscious. When she regained consciousness, she found herself without clothes, with the accused also unclothed nearby. He had taken obscene photos of her and under threats of making them viral, repeatedly raped her without her consent on multiple occasions.