15022026-ATR-01.qxd 2/14/2026 11:32 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST MAINLY CLEAR SKY MAX 24°C | MIN 9°C YESTERDAY MAX 24°C | MIN 9°C NGO PHULKARI WEAVES LOVE FOR KIDS FROM THE MARGINS MC PLANS THREEFOLD HIKE IN BILLS FOR FAULTY WATER METERS V-DAY: CAUGHT BETWEEN CUPID AND CHECKPOINTS Women of Amritsar gifts smiles to 180 underprivileged kids at its fourth Arpan Mela. P2 Establishments may be charged 3 times the average of their last 3 months’ bills. P3 In the region, Cupid was only too happy to shoot, but his arrows had to pass through police barricades to hit his targets. P4 » » » SUNSET SUNDAY 6.16 PM SUNRISE MONDAY 7.11 AM SUNDAY | 15 FEBRUARY 2026 | AMRITSAR Bangkok flight passenger nabbed with 1.64 kg ganja Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 14 In a major drug bust, officials of the Customs Department at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, seized 1,640 grams of suspected ganja valued at approximately Rs 1.64 crore from an international passenger who arrived from Bangkok on Friday. According to a Customs official, the seizure was made based on spot profiling and detailed baggage screening. The passenger had landed at the airport on Flight No. SL-214 from Bangkok. During routine surveillance and passenger profiling, Customs officials identified the individual for further examination. The passenger’s baggage was subjected to intensive screening. Upon detailed inspection, the contraband was allegedly found concealed in a hidden compartment. The seized substance, weighing 1.64 kg, was identified as ganja. The estimated international market value of the recovered narcotics is around Rs 1.64 crore. The passenger was immediately taken into custody by continued on page 3 Locals eager to see cricketer Abhishek in action against Pak in Tarn Taran Neha Walia Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 14 As one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries gears up to light up screens on February 25, with India taking on Pakistan in their ICC T20 Men’s World Cup group match, excitement has reached fever pitch. After several delays and boycott calls, the arch-rivals are finally set to meet in a high-stakes clash. Several city hotels, bars and restaurants have already announced special watch parties and screenings, offering curated food and beverage packages for fans. The hype is further fuelled by the recent strained political relations between the two nations and the offpitch boycott episode that kept fans guessing until the last minute. Traditionally, cricket enthusiasts view an IndiaPakistan match through the prism of both on-field intensity and off-field drama. This time, however, in Amritsar, the excitement carries a personal touch. Explosive opening batsman Abhishek Sharma, who missed the match against Namibia due to a stomach infection, is set to play against Pakistan. His hometown is expected to cheer him on with added fervour. Farmers hold protest over police ‘atrocities’ Our Correspondent Political banners mar city’s signage system Pawan K Jaiswar Opening batsman Abhishek Sharma, who missed the match against Namibia due to a stomach infection, is set to play against Pakistan. “Abhishek has had a tough time in the tournament so far. He was hospitalised and seemed disappointed. But we are excited to watch him play against Pakistan. After his smashing innings against Pakistan in the Asia Cup last year, it will be a treat to watch him in action,” said Kunal Sehgal, a textile entrepreneur who is hosting a watch party at home with friends for the match. Clubs, including Rambagh Club, Amritsar Club, Service Club and Heritage Club, will also host match screenings for their members. “IndiaPakistan cricket matches carry deep emotional significance for fans and often engage even the most unexpected audience,” said Deghpal Singh, a sports goods shop owner at Hall Gate. He added that while there has been no significant surge in sales of sports goods or souvenirs, many vendors are selling Indian flags. “Perhaps it’s because emotions are running high ahead of the match,” he said. c m y b Tarn Taran, February 14 Farmers and labour organisations, led by the All India Kisan Sabha, staged a protest outside the Sarai Amanat Khan police station against alleged police atrocities here on Saturday. Apart from the All India Kisan Sabha, protesters included members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), National Kisan Union, Azad Kisan Sangharsh Committee, Border Area Kisan Committee, Jamhoori Kisan Sabha, Khet Mazdoor Sabha and several other organisations. The gathering was addressed by Kulbir Singh Kasel, Mahavir Singh Gill, Gurbaj Singh Sidhwa, Gurpreet Singh Gandiwind, Charan Singh, Vishaldeep Singh, Davinder Sohal and Balkar Singh Valtoha, among others. The speakers alleged that due to a nexus between the ruling party and the police in the area, land mafia groups were encroaching on the lands and properties of common people. They claimed that the police were failing to deliver justice to the victims continued on page 3 Tribune News Service Amritsar, February 14 Throwing civic norms to the wind, political hoardings promoting recently launched health insurance schemes have been mounted over direction signages installed under the Smart City project on several roads across the city. Residents say the practice compromises public infrastructure and causes inconvenience to commuters and visitors alike. In addition to political publicity material, religious and congratulatory banners — some displaying photographs of police personnel — have also appeared on these signboards. Citizens describe the clutter as a growing eyesore and allege that enforcement agencies have not acted consistently to prevent the misuse of public installations. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bikramjit Shergill termed the issue an ongoing challenge. “We remove these banners from time to time, but they crop up again. We will ensure that the hoardings are cleared,” he said, acknowledging the repeated violations. The covering of direction towers has reportedly left tourists and first-time visitors A political hoarding put up on a direction signage in Amritsar. confused, as key road guidance signs remain obscured. Commuters say navigation has become unnecessarily difficult, particularly during peak traffic hours, raising concerns about safety and traffic flow. Residents argue that the situation runs contrary to promises of improved governance. Posters featuring images of Bhagwant Mann, Arvind Kejriwal and local leaders are prominently displayed, fuelling debate over the use of civic infrastructure for political messaging. Citizens say the problem is visible along most major roads, urging authorities to impose stricter penalties and fix accountability. “Unless firm action is taken against violators, the situation will not improve,” said Heera Singh, a local resident, echoing a widely shared sentiment. Amritsar witnesses a heavy tourist footfall, particularly visitors heading to the Golden Temple and the Wagah border. Residents warn that obscured signage not only diminishes the city’s aesthetics but also disrupts essential way-finding for both locals and outsiders.