14072026-ATR-02.qxd 7/13/2026 11:39 PM Page 1 c m y b NEWS AMRITSAR TRIBUNE AMRITSAR | TUESDAY | 14 JULY 2026 Jamhoori Kisan Sabha announces statewide toll plaza stir on July 22 Amarjit Singh’s appointment as GNDU Dean hailed Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 13 Members of the Amritsar Vikas Manch have welcomed the appointment of noted Sikh scholar Dr Amarjit Singh as Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Religious Studies, at Guru Nanak Dev University, describing it as recognition of his academic excellence and contribution to Sikh studies. Expressing happiness over the appointment, AVM patron Principal Kulwant Singh Anakhi, senior vice-president Manmohan Singh Brar, and Head of the Sikh History Research Department at Khalsa University, Dr Inderjit Singh Gogoani, along with Rajvinder Singh Gill and other members, congratulated Dr Singh on his new role. They stated that the appointment reflects Dr Singh’s outstanding scholarship in Gurbani, Sikh history, Sikh philosophy and Sikh maryada. They also thanked GNDU Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjit Singh for making the appointment. Amritsar, July 13 The Jamhoori Kisan Sabha held a meeting to discuss its ongoing campaign against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement and the Punjab Government’s new land pooling policy and announced a protest at toll plazas across the state on July 22. Addressing the meeting, Dr Satnam Singh Ajnala, state president of the sabha, along with state committee member Kulwant Singh Mallunangal, said the proposed free trade agreement would severely affect Indian agriculture, threaten food security and adversely impact small retailers. The leaders announced that farmers and labourers would stage protests at toll plazas across Punjab, including Chhidan, Jandiala Guru and Kathunangal in the district, on July 22. The toll plazas will remain open for the general public from 12 noon to 3 pm. Farmers associated with the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha after holding a meeting in Amritsar. They claimed that thousands of farmers and labourers are expected to participate in the demonstrations. Farmer leaders Surjit Singh Bhure Gill, Balkar Singh Gulgadh and Rajinder Singh Bhalla said the protest would also press for the withdrawal of the Electricity Bill and Seed Bill 2026, waiver of loans taken by farmers and labourers, and a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, including basmati. Senior labour leader Gurnam Singh Umarpura demanded that the working day for labourers be limited to eight hours instead of 12 and called for the repeal of Cross-border arms smuggling bid foiled in Amritsar, 2 arrested Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 13 The Amritsar Rural Police on Monday seized a cache of illegal weapons, including two assault rifles, two light machine guns (LMGs) and a hand grenade, reportedly smuggled from Pakistan, from the outskirts of Neshta village under the Gharinda police station. The police have also arrested two persons in connection with the recovery. While police officials confirmed the seizure, they declined to share further details about the investigation or the identities of those arrested. They are expected to disclose more information during a press conference scheduled for Tuesday. According to preliminary information, the recovery Four illegal weapons seized near village on India-Pak border was made following specific intelligence inputs. Acting on the tip-off, the police launched a search operation in the Neshta village area. During the operation, police teams conducted a thorough search and recovered the cache of sophisticated weapons concealed near the border village. The recovered consignment included two assault rifles, two LMGs and a hand grenade. The police have initiated an investigation to trace the origin of the weapons, identify the intended recipients and ascertain whether the consignment was part of a cross-border smuggling network. The recovery comes amid heightened vigilance along the International Border, where security agencies remain on alert over repeated attempts to smuggle weapons and narcotics into Punjab using drones and other cross-border routes. The police suspect the smuggled weapons were intended to be used to disrupt law and order in the border state. Senior Superintendent of Police, Amritsar (Rural), Kanwarpal Singh confirmed the recovery of the arms. He said no further details could be shared at this stage as doing so could hamper the investigation. He added that further investigations are underway and police teams are conducting raids to apprehend other suspects linked to the case. the four labour codes. The meeting also passed a resolution urging farmers to participate in large numbers in the state-level rally being organised by the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha in Jalandhar on September 20. Several farmer and labour leaders from different villages attended the meeting. Garbage piles up as workers’ stir continues Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, July 13 The indefinite strike by sanitation workers of the local Municipal Council entered sixth day today. The striking workers staged a protest in front of the MC office. Garbage has piled up at many places in the city due to the strike by the sanitation workers. Addressing the protesters, Balwinder Singh, president of the Safai Sewak Union, said besides seeking regularisation of temporary employees, they are demanding an end to the contract system, a reasonable increase in salaries and restoration of the old pension scheme. He warned the government that if their demands are not accepted, they will take their fight to the streets. UGC ex-Chairman highlights NEP vision Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 13 Guru Nanak Dev University organised an interactive session on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 at the Syndicate Hall, Office of the Dean Academic Affairs, today. Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh introduced Prof Dhirendra Pal Singh, Chancellor of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who was the key resource person. The VC said Guru Nanak Dev University is committed to implementing NEP-2020 in its true spirit. Addressing the faculty members, Prof Dhirendra Pal Singh highlighted the transformative vision of NEP2020 and emphasised the importance of multidisciplinary education, academic flexibility, research, innovation and quality enhancement in higher education. He familiarised the faculty with various UGC initiatives and encouraged them to regularly visit the UGC website to stay updated with the latest notifications, circulars, funding opportunities and academic initiatives. — TNS Tribune News Service Friend-turned-foe arrested for village youth’s murder Tribune News Service Amritsar, July 13 Two days after the murder of Guravtar Singh (24), a Shahura village resident, the Lopoke police have arrested the prime accused, identified as Gurjant Singh, in the case. Two of his accomplices were still at large and efforts were on to nab them, said Kapil Kaushal, Deputy Superintendent of Police. Guravtar Singh was allegedly shot dead by his former friend and neighbour Gurjant Singh and his accomplices following an argument outside the former’s residence. The police suspect the killing was the fallout of a long-standing personal rivalry. Guravtar and Gurjant had studied together in the same school and class and were once close friends. However, relations soured after Gurjant developed enmity with another group. Guravtar reportedly continued interacting with members of the rival group, something Gurjant frequently objected to. The disagreement often led to heated arguments and eventually spiralled into the fatal shooting. According to the family, several persons, including Gurjant Singh, arrived at Guravtar’s house on motorcycles around 11 pm of Friday and called him outside. Soon after he stepped out, an argument broke out between the two sides. The family alleged that as the confrontation escalated, the accused opened fire with pistols. Around five shots were fired and Guravtar was hit. He collapsed on the spot and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. DSP Kaushal said raids were continued to arrest Gurjant’s accomplice Honey and another unidentified person. 02 Guv flags off ‘Healthcare on Wheels’ Amritsar, July 13 Governor Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off ‘Bhavans Healthcare on Wheels’, a mobile hospital, at Bhavans Aashray, New Amritsar. Kataria was greeted by Bhavans management committee, including chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Amritsar, Avinash Mohindru; vice-chairman Anil Singhal, secretary SN Joshi, director Dr Anita Bhalla, principal Sonia Sehdev and Bhavans II principal Vanita Mahindru. The Governor visited Bhavans Saksham, the rehabilitation and vocational training centre for persons with mental disabilities, where he interacted with students and appreciated their remarkable talents and achievements. He also visited Bhavans Aashray, the senior citizens’ home, and spent time with its residents. Kataria praised Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan for its contributions in the fields of education, healthcare and social service. The mobile healthcare service will be available at various designated locations every day from 10 am to 2 pm. — TNS Rural women joining yoga classes in big way Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Bhoa (Pathankot), July 13 The rural population of Pathankot district is getting more and more health conscious if the ever-increasing attendance at the ‘CM Di Yogshala’ is any indication. In what district administration officials term as a “change for the better”, people in the rural areas have started attending the yoga classes in a big way. Cabinet minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, who is spearheading the movement in Pathankot district, said the state government had hit upon the idea because “yoga is increasingly being recognised as a powerful tool to keep people away from the scourge of drugs”. “By lowering stress, yoga provides a healthy way to manage emotions without resorting to substance abuse,” he said. Kataruchak added, “In the district, 423 centres have been set up. In Bhoa Assembly constituency, 150 centres have been established and more will be set up in the coming weeks. In Sujanpur, 162 centres have been set up, while in Pathankot city there are 120 centres. The fact that both Bhoa and Sujanpur have more centres than the urban area of Pathankot proves that the rural people are more yoga-friendly than Women and children attend a yoga session in Pathankot district. their city counterparts.” The minister regularly visits rural areas to tell people the benefits of this exercise, said a yoga instructor. “Health officials say the exercise is cost-effective and a zero-equipment solution to health problems,” the instructor added. Pathankot district comprises Assembly constituencies of Bhoa, Sujanpur and Pathankot city. Suraksha Kumari, district coordinator, is the overall supervisor. “Yoga is fast catching up among people of all age groups. An interesting aspect is that rural women are showing a keen interest. Yoga needs a small space or a mat, which makes it accessible without any financial investment. Rural areas, where ample open spaces are available, are naturally suited for outdoor yoga,” said a yoga practitioner. Minister Kataruchak inspects centres in Bhoa every morning. “My job is to widen the scope of the exercise. I have met many youngsters who have drifted away from the use of heroin by taking up these classes. Instead of turning to drugs for an altered state or escapism, yoga offers a natural, healthy way to boost mood, energy and self-esteem.” FROM PAGE 1 Next hearing... Sikh groups different times in April for probe into.. 2023. While most of the coaccused are now lodged in various jails across Punjab, Amritpal Singh continues to remain incarcerated in the Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. Rituraj Singh, counsel for Amritpal, said around four witnesses have recorded their statements before the court so far. He added that the court has adjourned the case until July 21. Tarn Taran woman tops varsity SGPC chief urges PM Modi to reopen Kartarpur Corridor all facts surrounding the transportation of the saroops and examine whether Sikh religious protocols and administrative procedures prescribed by the SGPC and the Akal Takht were followed. He further said the implementation of the recently enacted Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Act, 2026, should go beyond penal provisions and strengthen institutional mechanisms to ensure the dignified transportation, handling, preservation and sanctity of Guru Granth Sahib, both in India and abroad. Man escapes unhurt... Nishan Singh said that a case has been registered under Sections 333, 351 (2), 125 and 324 (4) of the BNS and Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act. The police have started a hunt to nab the accused. Charanjit Singh Teja Tribune News Service Raminder Kaur receives the gold medal during the GNDU convocation. PHOTO: GURBAXPURI. Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, July 13 Raminder Kaur, a resident of Tarn Taran, who is working as a librarian with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has secured first c m y b position in the MA Public Administration examination conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University. Raminder Kaur was honoured with the University Gold Medal by GNDU, Amritsar, at its 51st convoca- tion. She has secured second position in BLib and MLib examinations from Lovely Professional University. Raminder Kaur plans to pursue PhD on the subject of religious education. She has edited three books. Amritsar, July 13 Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Centre to immediately reopen the Kartarpur Corridor to facilitate pilgrimage to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. In his letter, Dhami said Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib holds immense religious significance as it is the place where Guru Nanak Dev preached the principles of Kirat Karo, Naam Japo and Vand Chhako, besides spreading the message of communal harmony and the welfare of all. He said Sikh devotees across the world have deep emotional ties with the shrine and long to pay obeisance there. Recalling the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019 during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, Dhami said it fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the Sikh community, enabling lakhs of pilgrims to visit the historic shrine. However, he said the suspension of movement through the corridor due to security concerns between India and Pakistan had caused deep disappointment and anguish among Sikhs worldwide. The SGPC chief noted that the demand to reopen the corridor was not new, stating that the SGPC had repeatedly passed resolutions and submitted memoranda to the Centre, including to the Punjab Governor and the Home Minister, seeking restoration of the pilgrimage route. He urged the Prime Minister to accord priority to the issue in view of the shrine’s unique significance in Sikhism and direct the ministries concerned to initiate the necessary diplomatic and administrative steps for the immediate reopening of the corridor.