13052026-ATR-01.qxd 13-05-2026 00:24 Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune ADMN BANS SALE OF TOBACCO, LIQUOR, MEAT IN WALLED CITY VILLAGERS SEEK UPGRADE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Residents of Pandori Waraich have urged the govt to upgrade the higher secondary school to Sr Sec level. P3 PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 36°C | MIN 23°C YESTERDAY MAX 34°C | MIN 24°C ANJALI SIVARAMAN TO PLAY AMRITA SHER-GIL IN AMRI The Civil Surgeon has been authorised to ensure strict implementation and monitoring of the order. P2 FORECAST Anjali Sivaraman will play legendary Indo-Hungarian painter Amrita SherGil in Mira Nair’s film Amri. P4 » » SUNSET WEDNESDAY 7.18 PM SUNRISE THURSDAY 5.34 AM » WEDNESDAY | 13 MAY 2026 | AMRITSAR Former GNDU prof chronicles life of Sardul Singh Kavishar NEWSMAKER OF THE WEEK City’s medieval charm faces threat from rapid modernisation Charanjit Singh Teja Neeraj Bagga Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 12 Dr Joginder Singh, former professor and head of the Department of History at Guru Nanak Dev University, has released his latest book, Sardul Singh Kavishar Panthak Te Rajjasi Mudeyan De Sanmukh (“Sardul Singh Kavishar: In the Context of Panthic and Political Issues”). The publication marks his 14th book and reflects his continued contribution to the study of modern Sikh history. Following his retirement, Dr Joginder Singh continued his academic and research work in association with Bhai Vir Singh Sahit Sadan. Known for his balanced interpretation of historical facts and sources, he has earned recognition as a respected scholar whose work has helped dispel several misconceptions while highlighting lesser-known aspects of Sikh history. His latest book focuses on Amritsar, May 12 With the holy city set to complete 450 years in June next year, demands are growing to preserve the charm of its medieval character. Old structures within the walled city are gradually being demolished to make way for modern architecture with contemporary facilities. Experts from various fields warn that this ongoing trend, which has continued for the past couple of decades, could eventually rob the city of its identity as a 450-year-old settlement steeped in the aura of a medieval township. Award-winning theatre artiste Kewal Dhaliwal said several film production houses from both Punjabi and Hindi cinema continue to choose the holy city as a filming destination because of its old-world ambience, architecture and traditional town Carrying of arms banned in Tarn Taran Our Correspondent Eminent historian Joginder Singh along with his newly published book in Amritsar. Sardul Singh Kavishar (18861963), a noted freedom fighter, political activist, religiouspolitical thinker and journalist associated with both Punjabi and English journalism. Dr Joginder Singh said Kavishar was initially active in Sikh politics and played a significant role in mobilising the Panthic movement against the demolition of the outer wall of Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib by British authorities. A view of an old structure in the walled city, which is decaying due to the absence of timely restoration in Amritsar on Tuesday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR planning. “If this trend continues, a time will come when residents would have entirely replaced the old architecture with modern structures,” he said, adding that the government should support efforts to preserve the city’s architectural heritage. “There once used to be a lively atmosphere in the maze-like streets of the city, inhabited by large-hearted people. Now, under the pres- Municipal council elections: NEET UG 2026 cancelled following Another litmus test for AAP alleged paper leak, aspirants in shock Manmeet Singh Gill Tarn Taran, May 12 In view of the upcoming municipal council and nagar panchayat elections, Tarn Taran Deputy Commissionercum-District Magistrate Rahul, has issued orders prohibiting the carrying of any licensed weapons, ammunition, explosive material and other deadly weapons within the limits of the Patti and Bhikhiwind subdivisions. Under the orders, all arms licence holders residing within the limits of Patti and Bhikhiwind sub-divisions, who receive notices issued by the office of the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate, Tarn Taran, on the recommendations of the continued on page 2 Kavishar also remained a frontline leader during the Gurdwara Reform Movement and continued serving the Panth through his writings in newspapers and magazines. However, disillusioned by the narrow outlook and self-interest of several Panthic leaders, he later shifted towards national politics and became active in the Congress. He served as Congress continued on page 2 sure of changing lifestyles and the desire to own fourwheelers, many are moving out,” he added. Dhaliwal urged town planners to frame rules to preserve at least the façades of houses in the walled city. Similar practices, he pointed out, are already being followed in several ancient and medieval cities around the world, where preserved buildings are even offered to tourists as heritage stays. He cited Lahore as an example, saying its administration has successfully preserved and maintained the city’s old architecture, while its drama industry has equally showcased this heritage in television serials and films. Even new government buildings there have been designed with traditional façades and aesthetics. He stressed that the need of continued on page 2 Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 12 In yet another litmus test for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, elections to the municipal councils of Jandiala Guru and Majitha, along with the nagar panchayats of Rayya, Ramdas and Ajnala, will be held on May 26. The outcome of the elections, particularly in Majitha, Ramdas and Ajnala — both of which fall within the Ajnala Assembly segment — is expected to have a significant impact on the political future of ruling party leaders, including Majitha halqa in-charge Talbir Singh Gill and Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. While Dhaliwal represents the Ajnala constituency, he is expected to face a tough challenge from supporters of Congress leader Harpartap Singh Ajnala. Similarly, in Majitha, former SAD leader-turned-AAP halqa in-charge Talbir Singh Gill will have to prove his political strength against his former mentor and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. During the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections held last year, Majithia was in jail. However, political observers believe the situation has changed considerably since then, with the SAD leader appearing politically more active and energised. Political analysts feel the civic polls will serve as an indicator of the public mood ahead of the Assembly elections, and the ruling party is unlikely to leave anything to chance. “Like the Zila Parishad elections and, before that, the “sarpanchi” elections, the ruling party is expected to use every possible strategy to influence the outcome,” said a local political observer. “As always, political manoeuvring, influence, administrative leverage and aggressive campaigning are likely to play a major role during the elections,” he added. According to the notification issued by the government, candidates will be able to file their nominations from May 13 to 16. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on May 18, while candidates can withdraw their nominations on May 19. A total of 65 wards across the five local bodies will go to polls. Neha Saini Tribune News Service Amritsar, May 12 The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 for more than 22 lakh candidates following allegations of a question paper leak. The agency said fresh dates for the reexamination, along with revised admit cards, would be announced separately. The cancellation follows allegations of large-scale malpractice, primarily linked to a pre-circulated “guess paper”. While a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently underway, the announcement has triggered nationwide outrage and conf usion among aspirants. Many students in Punjab, Aspirants reaching the exam centres for taking NEET on May 3 in Amritsar. FILE PHOTO who prepare for NEET through intensive coaching programmes, are now in shock. Aspirants who had already spent months, and in some cases years, preparing for the examination will now have to continue studying for the fresh test date, leading to fatigue, anxiety and uncertainty. “A lot of preparation went into the exam — almost eight months of disciplined study with only six hours of sleep daily. The cancellation and paper leak are disheartening, but now I have decided to restart coaching. There is no other option for us,” said Amoldeep Singh, an 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Amritsar. He said the controversy had badly affected the confidence of many students. “Many of my friends may decide not to take the exam again because of the level of discipline and hard work required. There is already a sense of preparatory burnout,” he added. The impact is expected to be more severe for students from rural and border areas, who may face logistical difficulties if they are allotted examination centres far from their hometowns. Travel and continued on page 2 Health Dept collects 8 samples MC officials launch in anti-adulteration campaign cleanliness drive at SAD leader Majithia appears before court in defamation case Amritsar, May 12 Officials of the district Health Department on Tuesday collected eight samples of food items, mainly milk products, from various shops across the city. The drive was conducted as part of the department’s ongoing campaign against adulterated milk and milk products. Earlier on Monday, the department had collected seven samples of milk products during a similar inspection drive. Assistant Commissioner (Food) Rajinderpal Singh said inspections were carried out at shops located near Lohgarh and Shaheeda Sahib Gurdwara. He said a total of eight samples — four of paneer, one of khoya, two of ghee and one of ladoos — were collected from six shops during Tuesday’s drive. Rajinderpal Singh said that on Monday, apart from collecting food samples, the department had also seized 45 bags of milk powder from Bihari Tribune News Service neglected Tikoni Park THE TRIBUNE IMPACT Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Health Department officials collect samples from a shop in Amritsar. Dairy in the Verka area. All the samples have been sent to the food testing laboratory at Kharar for analysis. Singh said strict action would be taken against shopkeepers whose samples fail to meet quality standards. Health officials stated that while milk production declines during the summer months, the demand for milk and milk products increases, creating opportunities for some unscrupulous elements to indulge in adulteration. The department has also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any shopkeeper found selling adulterated food items. Officials added that the campaign against adulteration would be intensified further in the coming days. — TNS Amritsar, May 12 Two days after concerns were raised over the poor condition of the public park at Katra Moti Ram near Hathi Gate, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation launched a cleanliness and maintenance drive at the site on Tuesday. The civic body carried out grass-cutting, pruning of trees and removal of scattered garbage from Tikoni Park, located inside the walled city area. Workers were also seen clearing green waste and cleaning pathways in an effort to improve the condition of the neglected park. The action came after a report in Amritsar Tribune highlighted the deteriorating state of the park and the inconvenience faced by local c m y b residents. The report had pointed to broken pathways, overgrown vegetation and accumulation of waste inside the park, raising concerns over the lack of upkeep in one of the densely populated areas of the old city. Following the report, Municipal Corporation teams reached the park and undertook a special sanitation drive. Residents of the area said the park had remained neglected for a long time and welcomed the clean-up exercise. However, they demanded regular maintenance and renovation of the park so that it could serve as a proper recreational space for children and elderly residents. Locals also urged civic authorities to repair damaged infrastructure inside the park and ensure proper lighting continued on page 2 Amritsar, May 12 Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday appeared before a local court in connection with a defamation case involving Sanjay Singh. Interacting with mediapersons after the hearing, Majithia said the case initially involved three senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders — national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan. He claimed that Kejriwal and Khetan had earlier tendered apologies, following which their names were withdrawn from the case. Majithia said the crossexamination in the matter was completed on Tuesday and expressed confidence that justice would prevail. Speaking to reporters, the SAD leader also accused the Punjab Government of using government lawyers in what Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia coming out of a court after the hearing in the case in Amritsar on Tuesday. he described as a private defamation matter. “This clearly indicates direct interference by the state government in the case,” he alleged. Majithia further launched a scathing attack on the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, alleging that it had become the “most corrupt department” in the state. Referring to a recent Central Bureau of Investigation raid at a Vigilance office, he claimed it was perhaps the first time in independent India that an anti-corruption agency itself had come under scrutiny over corruption allegations. He further alleged that the Vigilance Bureau was being misused to target political opponents and for “deal-making”. Targeting Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, Majithia alleged that the Punjab Police and the VB were being used for political purposes, adversely affecting governance and law and order in the state.