25052026-JTR-01.qxd 5/24/2026 11:00 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune 96 STREETLIGHTS INSTALLED ON MAHAVIR SETU-HARIANA ROUTE MLA Bram Shankar Jimpa said improved lighting would make commuting more convenient for residents. P2 » ‘PARIS OF PUNJAB’ LOSING RICH LEGACY TO POOR GOVERNANCE Local authorities’ view of heritage as an obstacle to development is reducing Kapurthala’s identity to rubble. P3 » AISHWARYA SIGNS OFF IN STYLE AT CANNES FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 41°C | MIN 26°C YESTERDAY MAX 41°C | MIN 25°C SUNSET MONDAY 7.22 PM Aishwarya at the Cannes Film Fest wears a striking all-white structured suit by Chinese designer Cheney Chan. P4 SUNRISE TUESDAY 5:26 AM » MONDAY | 25 MAY 2026 | JALANDHAR fate Police action against MLA Rana, 64,232 to determineMCsof 148 nominees in 3 AAP supporters triggers row Tribune News Service Protest follows detentions amid tense MC poll atmosphere | Workers freed Nawanshahr, May 24 Deputy Commissioner-cumDistrict Election Officer Gulpreet Singh Aulakh today reiterated that the elections to three Municipal Councils of the district — Banga, Nawanshahr and Rahon — scheduled for May 26 by the Punjab State Election Commission will be conducted in a free, fair and smooth manner. Aulakh said there are a total of 64,232 voters for the Municipal Council elections in the district, including 32,341 male voters, 31,881 female voters and 10 other voters. He further said the Municipal Council, Banga, has a total of 15,832 voters, including 7,909 male voters, 7,922 female voters and other NAWANSHAHR POLLS candidates are in the fray for elections to 45 wards of the three Municipal Councils. Out of these, 52 candidates are contesting for 15 wards in Banga, 70 candidates for 19 wards in Nawanshahr and 26 for 11 wards in Rahon. The DC further said to ensure smooth polling process, 533 election personnel have been deployed, including 355 polling staff and 178 reserve staff. He said polling will be held on May 26 from 8 am to 5 pm and counting of votes will take place on May 29. He appealed to voters to exercise their franchise without any fear, pressure or inducement. He added that the administration has made all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the elections. Kapurthala, May 24 In the midst of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the MC elections in Sultanpur Lodhi, proceedings against supporters of Independent MLA Rana Inder Pratap and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have triggered a major controversy. The police at Sultanpur Lodhi police station took preventive action against seven persons associated with Rana Inder Pratap and five AAP workers on Saturday night amid a tense poll atmosphere. Following the detention of a youth linked to the Rana group, his supporters staged a dharna outside the Sultanpur Lodhi police station on Sunday, demanding his release. Rana alleged that seven of his supporters were detained in a “one-sided” action. After bail was secured, the protest was lifted later in the evening. The police said the detained persons had been released on bail, but preventive proceedings against members of both groups remain in force and further action would be taken in case of any attempt to dis- School kids to get workbooks for vacations City paralympian honoured with Sikh bodies raise concerns over new Act Akal Takht Jathedar says law should not interfere in religious affairs Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 24 In a bid to keep young students engaged during the summer break, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Punjab, has introduced special summer vacation workbooks for children from pre-primary to Class V in government schools. Under the initiative, SCERT has directed District Education Officers (Elementary) to ensure that every student receives printed copies of the workbooks before the holidays. The department has also made the material available digitally on the Punjab EduCare app in Punjabi and English, allowing parents and teachers to access the content online. Officials said the digital version would help students in areas where printed copies may take time to reach. According to an official communication issued on May 22, the workbooks aim to support the “holistic development” of children and make learning more activity-based and enjoyable during the vacations. Besides subject-based exercises, the material includes handwriting practice, drawing activities, creative tasks and project work to encourage learning beyond textbooks. Officials said the workbooks cover all major subjects for pre-primary and primary classes. The material is aimed at helping students revise concepts learnt during the academic session while staying connected with studies during the long summer break. School heads have been instructed to ensure that every child receives the material. Inspection teams visiting schools will also review its availability and use. Officials said the initiative would help reduce the learning gap often seen after long vacations, especially among younger students. Jalandhar, May 24 Palak Kohli, the young parabadminton star from Jalandhar, was today conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award by CM Bhagwant Mann for her remarkable achievements in the international para sports. A two-time Paralympian, Palak has emerged as one of India’s brightest para-badminton talents despite being born with a deformed left arm. Refusing to let physical challenges or societal comments deter her spirit, she pursued the sport with determination and resilience. Her journey took a decisive turn after a chance meeting with Lucknow-based parabadminton coach Gaurav Khanna outside a shop in Jalandhar. Impressed by her potential, Khanna took her under his guidance and trained her rigorously for international competition. With years of intense practice and dedication, Palak went on to become the youngest member of the Indi- Tribune Reporters 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. turb peace. The row began late Saturday night near the AAP election office in Ward No. 8, near the railway station. According to the police, a commotion broke out when some youths, allegedly from the Rana group, reached the spot. After an outcry by women present, one youth climbed onto the roof of a nearby house. The police reached the spot and detained some individuals for questioning. AAP urban president Rajeev Dhir and other leaders alleged attempts had been made to create disturbance in the area. Denying the allegations, Navneet Cheema of the Rana group demanded that CCTV footage be examined to ascertain the facts. MLA Rana Inder Pratap also reached the spot and had a heated exchange with police officials. On Sunday, Rana, along with supporters, again gathered outside the police station demanding the release of those detained. Rana claimed his supporters were held around 10 pm on Saturday to 6.30 pm on Sunday, alleging false and one-sided action. He said he had written to the Election Commission seeking action against the SHO. SHO Harinder Singh said the police acted after receiving information about the situation turning serious. He added that preventive action was taken against members of both groups under relevant provisions of law. SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Tura said preventive action under Sections 107 and 151 of the CrPC was taken against individuals from both sides on apprehension of breach of peace. The matter is under investigation. voters. Likewise, the Municipal Council, Nawanshahr, has a total of 36,985 voters, including 18,593 male voters, 18,388 female voters and 4 other voters. Similarly, the Municipal Council, Rahon, has 11,415 voters, including 5,841 male voters, 5,571 female voters and 3 other voters. He further stated that 148 Tribune News Service Palak Kohli was honoured with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. an contingent to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympics. She later represented India again at the Paralympics, strengthening her position as a rising force in para-badminton. Recalling her difficult recovery phase after injuries and health setbacks, her father Mahesh Kohli had earlier said the family endured emotionally challenging times as Palak underwent physiotherapy sessions and intensive care before returning to the court. Jalandhar, May 24 A special meeting of Sikh organisations, including Singh Sabhas, Sukhmani Sewa Societies and other religious bodies, was held under Akal Takht acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj at Gurdwara Diwan Asthan in Jalandhar on Sunday to discuss the state government’s Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026. Addressing a gathering, Jathedar Gargaj said the Sikh community supported strict punishment for those guilty in sacrilege cases but opposed any move that sought to control Sikh religious affairs, under the garb of the Act. “There are no objections to punishing those found guilty in sacrilege cases. But he alleged that the new law could lead to interference in religious matters. Gargaj further questioned the state government’s handling of past sacrilege cases and said action should also be considered against heads Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj addresses a meeting in Jalandhar on Sunday. SARABJIT SINGH of sects if their followers were found involved in such incidents. He added that the Act was restrictive in nature and could impact the Sikh community. Local leaders and members of the Shiromani Akali Dal also participated in the meeting. Several speakers raised concerns over various provisions of the Act, while some representatives questioned why key issues were not flagged earlier by the Akal Takht or the SGPC. A resolution was passed on the occasion, stating that the Akal Takht would have the final say on the Act, and its decision would be considered binding for the community. Suspend work on underbridge, Jalandhar MC Paddy straw in writes to Rlys after residents flag concerns tractor-trolley catches fire Aparna Banerji Tribune News Service Jalandhar, May 24 The Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar (MCJ), has written to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Northern Railway, Ferozepur Division, seeking the immediate stoppage of work on the underconstruction railway underbridge (RUB) near crossing gate C-7 on the Jalandhar–Nakodar rail line. The letter also calls for an urgent joint meeting of all stakeholders to resolve critical public safety and design concerns. The Commissioner’s intervention comes close on the heels of a detailed representation submitted by residents of Urban Estate, Phase I, Jalandhar, to the DRM, Northern Railway, highlighting concerns over serious design flaws in the RUB that could lead to flooding and sewerage leaks.. In a letter dated May 12, submitted by the Urban Estate Welfare Society, Phase-1, Jalandhar, to the DRM, society president Amarjit Singh pointed out that the proposed underpass — measuring only 5-metre wide and 3.50 metres high — is an awkward U-shaped structure with steep slopes, insufficient height and width, and absolutely no pedestrian footpath. The design can barely accommodate small cars, auto-rickshaws and carts. More alarmingly, he highlighted that the underpass is located immediately adjacent to a large sewerage line, making it highly prone to flooding. Copies of the letter were also marked to the Deputy Commissioner and the MCJ Commissioner, Jalandhar. The Commissioner’s letter confirms that the construction site has been generating continuous complaints from residents, commuters and local stakeholders regarding traffic The under-construction railway underbridge in Jalandhar. congestion, restricted movement, drainage failures, safety hazards and lack of any public facilitation arrangement. The letter requests the DRM to stop construction work temporarily with immediate effect c m y b and convene a joint meeting at the earliest between Northern Railway officers, MC officers and other stakeholders to resolve all pending issues, including public safety, traffic management, drainage arrangements, execution methodology and timelines for completion. Resident Harvinder Chugh held detailed discussions with DRM Sanjeev Kumar and ADRM Nitin Garg and later with General Manager RK Pandey. DRM Sanjeev Kumar said the project is currently being executed up to the safety measures phase for road and railway traffic at the site. He added that once this phase is complete, a meeting will be convened with the DC, MCJ officials and residents for a technical review. Resident Col Ranjit Singh, who is pursuing the matter, stated that any site selected for such a project must involve locals from the very outset, and nothing should be unilaterally imposed by the Railways. He cautioned that bypassing residents in the decision-making process would result in a complete waste of public expenditure, with no benefit to the community whatsoever. Traffic hit on Begowal Road Our Correspondent Kapurthala, May 24 A tractor-trolley transporting paddy straw caught fire near Adda Sikri on Begowal Road in Nadala of Kapurthala district, causing panic among commuters and leading to major traffic disruption on the road. The incident occurred while the trolley was passing through the area, with the blaze quickly spreading through the dry straw. Thick smoke engulfed the surroundings, forcing vehicles to halt and causing long traffic snarls on the busy road. On receiving information about the incident, two fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot and launched an operation to control the blaze. Local residents and passersby also assisted the fire personnel in extinguishing it. Tractor-trolley driver Ali said he was transporting paddy straw from a dump near Dolowal Pass to Bhogpur Mill when the trolley suddenly caught fire near Adda Sikri. Within moments, the flames engulfed the entire load of straw. Due to the fire, the traffic movement on Begowal Road remained affected for long as vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road. Fire brigade officials continued efforts to bring the fire under control till the filing of the report. The exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately.