06062026-ATR-01.qxd 6/6/2026 12:07 AM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 38°C | MIN 24°C YESTERDAY MAX 37°C | MIN 22°C SGPC TAKES CUSTODY OF TWO HOLY SAROOPS PHOTOGRAPHER FINDS ART IN THE ORDINARY RAM CHARAN-STARRER PEDDI EARNS ~135 CRORE The decision was taken after hardcovers of the Saroops were damaged in a fire caused by spark from a ceiling fan. P2 “In college, I took up art as a hobby course first, but my sketches were loved and before I knew it, I was painting.” P3 Peddihas registered a blockbuster opening at the worldwide box office on its first day, the makers announced on Friday.P4 » » SUNSET SATURDAY 7.33 PM SUNRISE SUNDAY 5.24 AM » SATURDAY | 6 JUNE 2026 | AMRITSAR Gargaj condoles British youth’s death, warns against targeting Sikhs Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 5 Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of British youth Henry Nowak and prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to accept His will. In a statement issued here on Friday, the Jathedar said a Sikh man, Vickrum Singh Digwa, had been sentenced by a United Kingdom (UK) court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years in connection with Nowak’s murder. He said the punishment was justified and in accordance with the law for the crime committed. He stressed that while offenders must be punished according to the law, attempts by certain groups to target the entire Sikh community over the incident, demand a ban on the Sikh article of faith, the Kirpan, and pursue politics driven by hatred or racism appear to be part of a deep-rooted conspiracy. He said efforts were being made to defame Sikhs abroad by using the case as a pretext and urged Sikhs across the world to remain vigilant against such attempts. He also called upon Sikh organisations in the UK to stand with Henry Nowak’s family and support them during this difficult period. Jathedar Gargaj said that, according to information received from prominent Sikhs in the UK, the weapon used by the convicted individual in the murder case was a Pesh Kabz, a Persian dagger, and not the Sikh article of faith, the Kirpan. He emphasised that Sikh principles prescribe the Kirpan as a symbol for protecting the oppressed and upholding justice, not for committing wrongdoing or injustice against anyone. He said the relationship between Sikhs and the United Kingdom spans nearly 200 years. Sikhs fought alongside Britain during the World Wars and contributed significantly to the country’s development through their hard work and dedication. He appealed to communities in the UK, the British government and Sikhs to continue living together in harmony and to identify those deliberately attempting to create divisions, damage communal relations, and spread hatred and racism. Security tightened for Op Mann, Dhuma of spar over venue Bluestar anniversary today Ghallughara event Pawan K Jaiswar Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 5 Senior police officials on Friday held a meeting with Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) authorities to review security measures and ensure the smooth conduct of commemorative events at the Golden Temple complex in view of the 42nd anniversary of Operation Bluestar, which will be observed at Akal Takht here on Saturday (June 6). Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the primary objective was to ensure that religious maryada (code of conduct) was strictly observed while facilitating devotees visiting the shrine. He said adequate arrangements had been made to maintain law and order without causing inconvenience to pilgrims. As part of the security plan, plainclothes police personnel will remain deployed inside the Golden Temple complex to keep a close watch on activities and prevent any untoward incident, sources said. Bhullar said five commandant-rank officers and three Deputy Commissioners of Police had been assigned Amritsar, June 5 A fresh controversy has emerged within Sikh circles over the venue of the annual Ghallughara Remembrance Day with Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann and Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhuma publicly exchanging sharp remarks. The dispute centres on the annual event held at the Damdami Taksal headquarters in Mehta Chowk to commemorate the events of June 1984. Recently, Mann criticised Dhuma, stating that the June 6 observance should be held only at Akal Takht, where Sikhs from across the world gather to collectively remember the day. Mann urged Dhuma to hold the Mehta Chowk programme on June 7 instead, saying he would have no objection to such an arrangement. He also criticised Dhuma for participating in rituals such as bathing in the Ganges and offering prayers to a Shivling. Responding during a gathering, Dhuma, without Police personnel during the checking of a vehicle in Amritsar on Friday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR zone-wise responsibilities to supervise security arrangements. Besides, 10 mounted police teams have been deployed and are conducting regular patrols in the congested areas of the walled city. Around 4,000 police personnel, led by 30 gazetted officers, have been stationed across the city. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have also been deployed to strengthen security. The police have established shifting nakas across the city, while all major entry and exit points have been brought under heightened surveillance through checkpoints. “A total of 66 specialised nakas have been set up at strategic locations with the deployment of Punjab Police and Central Armed Police Force personnel,” Bhullar said. He added that flag marches were being conducted in various parts of the city to instill a sense of confidence and peace among residents. In addition to Punjab Police personnel, three companies of the Border Security Force (BSF), one company of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in the city as part of elaborate security arrangements. The administration expects a large number of devotees and visitors to arrive in the city for the observance, prompting authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance throughout the day. 32-yr-old man found murdered in Ajnala Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 5 A 32-year-old man was found murdered under mysterious circumstances in agricultural fields near Lakhuwal village here on Thursday, prompting the police to launch an investigation into the incident. The deceased was identified as Sukhwinder Singh, alias Sarwan, of Shehzada village falling under the Ramdass police station here. According to a complaint lodged by Virsa Singh of Saidpur Khurd village, a relative of the deceased, Sukhwinder had left his home on Wednesday evening to buy some goods from Ajnala area. However, when he failed to return home by the following morning, family members launched a search for him. During the search, his relatives reached the AjnalaJagdev Kalan road area, where they learned that the body of an unidentified per- son had been found in the fields of Mukhtiar Singh of Lakhuwal village. Upon reaching the spot, the family identified the deceased as Sukhwinder Singh. The complainant stated that the victim had suffered multiple serious injuries on his neck, jaw and face. The nature of the wounds suggested that a sharp-edged weapon may have been used in the attack. His motorcycle (PB17-B-9651) was also found lying a short distance from the body. Family members alleged that unknown persons assaulted Sukhwinder Singh during the night and murdered him before abandoning his body in the fields. They have demanded strict action against those responsible. The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused, while the exact motive behind the killing is yet to be ascertained. ‘Baaj’ continues to soar in Sikh imagination despite fading presence Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 5 Though the ‘baaj’ (hawk) is now rarely seen in the skies of Punjab, its place in Sikh history, symbolism and collective memory remains as strong as ever. At religious gatherings, fairs and gurdwaras across the state, Nihang Singhs carrying birds resembling hawks on their shoulders, arms or even turbans continue to draw attention from devotees and visitors. For many Sikhs, the baaj is not merely a bird but a symbol deeply connected with their faith and heritage. Traditionally, the baaj, often identified with the Northern Goshawk, has been regarded as a symbol of royalty, authority and courage. A powerful bird of prey, it occupies a special place in the cultural traditions of many societies. In Sikh history, however, its significance extends far beyond symbolism. Perhaps the most famous historical episode associated with the baaj is the First Battle of Amritsar in 1628. Historians describe it as the first major military engagement Young Nihangs with a black kite at Gurdwara Ghallughara Sahib. fought by the Sikhs. The conflict reportedly began when Mughal emperor Shah Jahan demanded the return of a rare white hawk that had come into the possession of Guru Hargobind Sahib. The Mughal army, led by General Mukhlis Khan, was sent to reclaim the bird, but the Sikh forces, despite being heavily outnumbered, emerged vic- torious. Thus, a royal hawk became the unlikely trigger for a defining moment in Sikh military history. The association of the baaj with Sikh identity reached its peak during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, who is affectionately remembered as “Baazan Wale Guru”. Historical accounts suggest that Guru Gobind Singh kept some of the finest hunting falcons and hawks of his era. Over time, the image of the Guru with a baaj perched on his arm became one of the most enduring symbols of Sikh courage, sovereignty and self-respect. Yet, experts point out that many of the birds seen today with enthusiasts and Nihang groups are often not true baaj. Distinguishing a Northern Goshawk from other birds of prey is difficult for the average person. As a result, species such as the Shikra, Black Kite and other raptors that resemble hawks are frequently mistaken for the iconic baaj. Wildlife experts say the original Northern Goshawk was once found in parts of northern India, including the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but sightings have become increasingly rare over the years. The Punjab Wildlife Department has made several attempts to revive or increase the population of hawks in the state. Proposals related to conservation and breeding were prepared from 2011 onwards, continued on page 2 directly naming Mann, said some individuals continuously criticise the Damdami Taksal despite having benefited from the institution’s support in the past. Referring to Mann, he remarked that the organisation had helped him become a Member of Parliament and attain other positions of prominence, and advised him to “keep his mouth shut” on the issue. Dhuma defended the continuation of the annual programme at Mehta Chowk, arguing that the event has been held there since the tenure of Baba Thakur Singh, who led the Taksal after Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He asserted that no force in the world could stop these commemorative gatherings. The exchange did not end there. Following Dhuma’s remarks, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) national general secretary Mahinder Pal Singh countered that Dhuma had participated in the June 6 programmes at Akal Takht until around 2012-13. He alleged that it was only afterwards, at the behest of certain forces, that Dhuma began organising a separate event at Mehta Chowk. SHAPING MINDS. INSPIRING FUTURES. Build Your Career. Create Tomorrow. ADMISSIONS OPEN 2026 FOR UG & PG COURSES SCHOLARSHIP UPTO 1.5 LACS* SCAN TO REGISTER AGC NEST NATIONAL ENTRANCE CUM SCHOLARSHIP TEST www.agcnest.in BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW DIVERSE PROGRAMS. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. FASHION DESIGN ENGINEERING B.Tech (CSE | ME | EE | CE | AIML | Comp. Engg.) B.Tech (CSE | ME | EE | CE ) Leet M.Tech ( CSE | ME | EE | CE ) PHARMACY B.Sc | M.Sc. ( Fashion Design) M.Sc. (Garment Fashion Technology) M.Sc. (Fashion Marketing Management) Master of Design (Fashion & Textiles) TRAVEL & TOURISM D. Pharmacy | B. Pharmacy | Pharm. D M.Pharmacy (Pharmacognosy) B.TTM | M.TTM M. 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