29012026-JTR-01.qxd 1/28/2026 11:20 PM Page 1 c m y b Jalandhar tribune POLICE CONDUCT VERIFICATION DRIVE IN PHAGWARA SUBDIVISION DOCS PERFORM RARE, AWAKE BRAIN SURGERY AT CITY HOSPITAL REVISITING ARIJIT SINGH’S ICONIC TRACKS AS HE RETIRES In a bid to strengthen law and order, the Phagwara police carried out a large-scale verification and checking drive. P2 Patel Hospital performed a complex, awake brain surgery on a 42-year-old woman from Nawanshahr diagnosed with a tumour.P3 After the success of Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2, Singh went on to delivermemorable tracks that demonstrated his vocal range. P4 » » » FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR MAX 19°C | MIN 5°C YESTERDAY MAX 17°C | MIN 4°C SUNSET THURSDAY 5.59 PM SUNRISE FRIDAY 7:21 AM THURSDAY | 29 JANUARY 2026 | JALANDHAR EU deal to open new doors for MSMEs: Industrialists Aakanksha N Bhardwaj Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 28 The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), being described as the “mother of all trade deals,” is expected to benefit India’s labour-intensive sectors, particularly in Punjab, according to industrialists and traders from sports goods and rubber industries. Industry representatives in Jalandhar said the agreement would open new opportunities for manufacturers, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), by providing greater access to European markets and lowering tariffs on both exports and imports. Mukul Verma of Savi International, a sports goods manufacturer, termed the deal historic. “This agreement will open new doors for manufacturers, particularly for the MSME sector. Nearly 95 per cent of goods exported from India will be covered under this agreement, which will give a major boost to exports,” he said. Verma added that manufacturers would also benefit from duty-free imports of European raw materials. “This will help us improve product quality and manufacture better products than we have in Youth run over by roadways bus Tribune News Service Industries, particularly textiles, leather, agriculture, sports goods and other small-scale sectors are likely to witness a significant growth in their businesses due to the India-EU deal. the past,” he noted. Ravinder Dhir, a senior trader from the sports industry, said tariffs would be reduced on nearly 99 per cent of exports to the European Union, providing access to a vast and lucrative market. According to Dhir, the deal is expected to bring substantial benefits to industries, businesses and consumers. “Industries in Punjab, particularly textiles, leather, agriculture, sports goods, and other small-scale sectors, are likely to witness a significant growth and enhanced competitiveness due to improved market access,” he added. He pointed out that the agreement comes at a crucial time when the US has been issuing threats of imposing new tariffs. “This deal opens doors for duty-free or low-tariff entry of Indian goods into the European market, reducing dependence on uncertain trade environments,” he said. Harvinder Singh Chitkara, president of the Rubber Association Punjab, also welcomed the agreement. “This will be a beneficial deal. If the American trade stance remains favourable, it will be even better,” he said. Chitkara highlighted that duties on rubber chemicals have been reduced from 13 per cent to zero, while tariffs on footwear have been cut from 17 per cent to nil. Referring to concerns over the increased tariffs by the US, he said, “There was fear due to America’s tariff threats, but India is not going to bow down.” Industry leaders believe the India–EU trade agreement will strengthen India’s export ecosystem and provide long-term growth opportunities for manufacturing hubs like Jalandhar. Ex-PM’s kin car stolen in Kapurthala Phagwara, January 28 Two car thefts were reported in Kapurthala in the early hours this morning, including the theft of a vehicle belonging to a close relative of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Both incidents were captured on CCTV cameras, providing crucial leads to the police. The first theft occurred in the Basant Vihar area where a white Honda City car parked outside the residence of Charanjit Singh Sahni, brother-in-law of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, was stolen. Sahni’s grandson Gurtej Singh stated that a complaint has been lodged at the City Police Station and CCTV footage of the incident has been handed over to the police. The second incident took place within minutes in the Gopal Park area, where thieves stole a grey Honda City car parked outside a house. CCTV footage shows the suspects arriving in a Zen car, parking it at a short distance, after which one of the accused breaks the lock of the Honda City and drives away. DSP Sheetal Singh confirmed that the police have initiated an investigation based on CCTV evidence and FIRs are being registered against the thieves in both cases. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest the accused. — OC ASI Traffic Harbans Lal, who was deployed at the roundabout, said the victim was trying to overtake a car when he got crushed by a bus. Bus driver Sandeep Singh said he had just boarded passengers at the Jalandhar bus stand and was heading to Amritsar when the accident took place. He feigned ignorance, saying that the victim was trying to cross a Swift Dzire car and rammed into the bus. Soon after the accident, the vehicles got stuck and there could be no movement of vehicles for almost 15 minutes. This led to a heavy traffic jam. Finally, police teams came from New Baradari police station. The body of the victim was taken to the Civil Hospital for postmortem. The bus driver was detained for interrogation. 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. Fight takes place over kiosk ahead of Ravidas Jayanti Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 28 A youth was shot at during to a tiff with another group in the Buta Mandi locality here this morning. Victim Vikramjit sustained bullet injuries on his back and was rushed to the Civil Hospital. He was further referred to Amritsar hospital owing to his critical condition. Police teams reached the spot and recovered bullet shells lying on the road. A forensics team came to the spot for collecting evidences. It is suspected that the four accused used a countrymade pistol to fire two gunshots. Usha, sister-in-law of the victim, said, “We were inside the house when we heard gunshots. When we came out, he was lying in pool of blood. We did not see anyone on the spot and we do not know how they came.” As per reports, the victim had just reached home in a trolley laden with wooden doors. Four youths, including the main accused Buta and Sahil, had come to see him. The duo had a tussle with Vikramjit over some exchange of money as he had delivered some counters to Buta for use in his tobacco The police during investigation after firing at a youth in Jalandhar. kiosk in the same locality. They also had a fight previously that also turned nasty but a compromise had reached. “This time, they came prepared and shot at him from behind”, said Usha. Incidentally, the site where the firing incident took place is the same area where stalls are being put up these days ahead of Guru Ravidas Jayanti falling on coming Sunday. Inspector Balwinder Kumar said, “We are lodging an FIR on the basis of the statement of the victim and evidences collected. The accused shall be arrested soon.” Illicit liquor racket busted, Protest against UGC provisions in Hoshiarpur 10,450 lt lahan destroyed Don’t endanger country’s unity for sake of a few votes: Leaders to BJP Our Correspondent Jalandhar, January 28 A scooter-borne youth died after he was hit by a Punjab Roadways bus at BSF Chowk here this afternoon. Youth injured in firing over petty issue in Buta Mandi Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 28 The Excise Department, Jalandhar Zone, conducted a special enforcement drive along the banks of the Sutlej and recovered around 10,450 litres of ‘lahan’, which was destroyed on the spot. The operation was carried out under the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Excise, SK Garg and under the direct supervision of Navjeet Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Excise and Taxation, Range Jalandhar West. The team was comprised of Excise Officer Sunil Gupta and Excise Inspector Shahkot Bikramjit Singh Ghai, along with excise The destroyed lahan in Jalandhar. police and local police staff. Acting on specific inputs, the team conducted extensive checking and search operations along the Sutlej banks in Danewal, Baupur and Rampur villages falling under the Shahkot group, which are considered vulnerable pockets for illegal distillation activities. During the drive, officials recovered 11 iron drums, two aluminium utensils and 19 tarpaulins concealed in various pits and makeshift setups. Approximately 10,450 litres of lahan stored in these were seized. As the recovered items were unclaimed, the entire material was destroyed at the spot. Hoshiarpur, January 28 The Union Government should immediately withdraw the Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, notified by the UGC on January 13, and instead ensure the implementation of the constitutional right to equality. Efforts should be made to stop discrimination on the basis of caste and religion in the country, rather than promoting policies that encourage discrimination. If these provisions are not withdrawn, the country’s internal situation could deteriorate, for which the Centre would be responsible. These views were expressed by Kshatriya Karni Sena State president Lucky Thakur while addressing a meeting of the Rajput community held in protest against the UGC regulations. He said the government should remember that if the Savarna community can help form a government, it can also remove one without delay. Thakur pointed out that during the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had dreamed of crossing the 400-seat mark, but due to an objectionable remark made by one of its leaders against Rajputs, even crossing the 200-seat mark became difficult. He warned that if conspiracies against the community continue, not only the BJP but no political party , would be able to dream of coming to power. Issuing a strong warning, Lucky said if such laws are implemented in the country, the coming time would be extremely frightening, and the BJP would be responsible for it. He added that children and employees belonging to the community are already facing discrimination, and despite securing higher marks and having seniority, they are being prevented from progressing. With the introduction of such laws, their morale would be shattered, which could adversely affect the country’s growth and development. Youth leader Monty Thakur appealed to the government to work towards harmony and equality instead of endangering the nation’s unity for the sake of a few votes and power. Those present included former sarpanch Narveer Singh Nandi, Jugal Kishore, Thakur Mir Singh, Thakur Sudarshan Bittu, Sunny Thakur Chauhal, Kulwinder Babbu, Vikas Thakur, Vinay Thakur, Vivek Thakur, Lucky Thakur, Sunil Thakur, Thakur Ashish, Varun Pandit, Sandeep Chadda, Sagar Sharma, Sunny Patial, Deepak Thakur, Davinder Dadwal, along with Rajput Sabha President Sarjeevan Thakur, Subhash Dadwal, and others. Dug-up service lane sparks outrage ahead of Guru Ravidas Shobha Yatra Phagwara Cong councillor warns of protest if work not completed soon Ashok Kaura Phagwara, January 28 Congress councillor Sanjeev Bugga on Wednesday mounted a sharp attack on the Phagwara Municipal Corporation, accusing it of administrative failure and poor planning that has pushed the city into chaos ahead of the coming Shri Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Targeting Mayor Ram Pal Uppal, Bugga alleged that the civic mismanagement, particularly along the GT Road service lane near the bus stand, has made daily life miserable for residents and posed serious risks to public safety. Bugga said the prolonged excavation of the service lane under the flyover, carried out for sewerage work, stands as a glaring example of the corporation’s inefficiency. Despite repeated assurances by the Mayor that the work would be completed before the Shobha Yatra scheduled for January 31, the site remains dug-up, muddy and waterlogged. He said the recent heavy rainfall has aggravated the situation, turning the area into a slush-filled stretch riddled with potholes and stagnant water. Bugga pointed out that thousands of devotees from different regions are expected to participate in the Guru Ravidas Jayanti Shobha Yatra, while on February 1, a large number of pilgrims will also travel to the historic Shri Guru Ravidas Mandir at Chak Hakim using the same service lane. He warned that the present road conditions could lead to accidents and chaos during the religious events, affecting not only devotees, but also commuters, shopkeepers and nearby residents. The Congress councillor further alleged that the MC failed to put in place basic traffic management measures. According to him, no diversion signboards or alternative routes were provided after the excavation, resulting in vehicles frequently getting stuck in mud and potholes. He said schoolchildren, senior citizens and two-wheeler riders are among the worst affected, while the civic authorities remain indifferent. Calling the situation a mat- c m y b ter of public safety rather than just a religious concern, Bugga said the Mayor’s poor work culture and false promises have forced citizens to suffer. He warned that if the sewerage work is not completed immediately, the party would launch a protest. Mayor Ram Pal Uppal denied the allegations and asserted that the MC is functioning in a transparent and impartial manner. He said development works are being carried out across all 50 wards of the city and assured that steps are being taken to address the situation and facilitate smooth movement for the public. Uppal claimed that all required arrangements are being made for the Shobha Yatra. The excavation of the service lane under the flyover, carried out for sewerage work, causes traffic chaos in Phagwara on Wednesday. TRIBUNE PHOTO