11082026-ATR-01.qxd 8/10/2026 10:41 PM Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY BUILD DAM ON UJH RIVER TO PREVENT FLOODS: DHALIWAL TOXIC IS AN INDIAN FILM, SAYS SUPERSTAR YASH 25 YRS OF FARHAN’S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT DIL CHAHTA HAI MLA Dhaliwal has urged the Centre to construct a dam on the Ujh river to prevent floods in Punjab areas. P2 At the trailer launch of Toxic, Yash bows down to the stage before stepping onto it. P4 MAX 31°C | MIN 27°C YESTERDAY MAX 33°C | MIN 27°C Sharing the film’s poster on Instagram, Farhan wrote, “Can't believe it’s been 25 years.” P4 » » SUNSET TUESDAY 7.18 PM SUNRISE WEDNESDAY 5.53 AM » TUESDAY | 11 AUGUST 2026 | AMRITSAR Two cross-border smuggling cartels busted, seven arrested With eye on border districts, surveillance up ahead of I-Day Cops also recover drone, 10 pistols, 1 kg heroin, five live cartridges Amritsar, August 10 Ahead of the Independence Day, the Punjab Police have shifted their focus from responding to security incidents to preventing them, with heightened surveillance, proactive policing and tighter coordination across the border belt forming the core of its security strategy. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Monday reviewed the security preparedness of the Amritsar Commissionerate and Border Range, covering Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Batala, with emphasis on the sensitive border districts and vulnerable locations. The meeting assumed significance amid heightened security concerns along the International Border and the approaching Independence Day. Senior police officials were directed to intensify preventive measures, strengthen surveillance and patrolling, and maintain a close watch on sensitive locations, vital installations and major public congregation points. They were asked to adopt a “prevention first” approach, with field units directed to identify potential vulnerabilities and take corrective measures before any incident takes place. Crowd management, surveillance of vulnerable spots, security of vital installations and the ability of different units to mount a swift and coordinated response in an emergency were among the key issues reviewed during the meeting. The exercise assumes continued on page 2 Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, August 10 The police have busted two cross-border smuggling networks allegedly being operated in coordination with Pakistan-based handlers, with the accused using drones to bring illegal arms and heroin into Punjab. Seven persons have been arrested in two separate cases, with the police recovering 10 pistols, 1.054 kg heroin, five live cartridges and a drone. A probe has revealed a possible gang war angle, with one of the consignments of smuggled weapons allegedly procured on the directions of gangster Gurpreet Singh, alias Krishan Jandiala, to target a rival gang member, said Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill. In the first case, the Cantonment police arrested Kuldeep Singh, alias Bhullar, and Husanpreet Singh, and recovered two.30-bore pistols and two cartridges from them. Their interrogation led the police to Ahmed Raja and Jagseer Singh, alias Bobby. Five more pistols and three cartridges were subsequently recovered from the two, the police said. Kuldeep and Husanpreet were in contact with a Pakistan-based smuggler, who allegedly supplied weapons through drones. The duo was then allegedly supplying the weapons to criminal Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill and other officials at a press conference in Amritsar on Monday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR GANG WAR ANGLE ■ A probe has revealed a possible gang war angle, with one of the consignments of smuggled weapons allegedly procured on the directions of gangster Gurpreet Singh, alias elements, they added. The investigation further revealed that Ahmed Raja and Jagseer Singh had allegedly got the weapons from Kuldeep and Husanpreet on the directions of gangster Gurpreet Singh, alias Krishan Jandiala. The arms were to be used to target a rival gang member in connection with an old rivalry, it was learnt. Ahmed Raja, 21, has four previous cases registered against him, Krishan Jandiala, to target a rival gang member, said Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill. ■ In the first case, the Cantonment police arrested Kuldeep Singh, alias Bhullar, and Husanpreet Singh, and recovered two including those under the Arms Act and in connection with a murder and a theft. The police said timely intervention prevented the alleged attack. In the second case, the D Division police arrested Navideep Singh and Anmoldeep Singh, and recovered 1.054 kg of heroin from their possession. Further investigation led to the recovery of three sophisticated pistols and a drone Outlining congestion concerns, cops look to regulate e-rickshaws Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, August 10 Framing a comprehensive policy to regulate e-rickshaws, the rapidly growing mode of transport, tops the city police’s priority list. Reports of traffic congestion have prompted officials to launch an awareness drive for drivers of e-rickshaws. Under the campaign, violators will be dealt with sternly and their rickshaws impounded. The police have been receiving complaints about e-rickshaws being parked in a haphazard manner, stopping at busy points to pick up passengers and contributing to traffic bottlenecks on already congested roads. Their rapidly increasing numbers have turned what was once seen as a convenient and affordable mode of public transport into a significant traffic-management challenge in several parts of the city. Police Commissioner Harmanbir Singh Gill said the fact that e-rickshaw drivers depended on the vehicles for a livelihood was known to the officials. But violators could not get away that easily, especially when it comes at the cost of traffic disci- pline and the convenience of commuters. The police will initially sensitise drivers about traffic rules and the consequences of various violations. He said around five to seven challans were issued daily against erickshaw drivers, but enforcement would now be made more systematic. Those continuing to violate the rules despite repeated warnings would face action, including seizure of their vehicles. The drive is expected to focus particularly on illegal parking, obstruction of traffic and wrong driving. Under an awareness campaign, police personnel will sensitise drivers about traffic rules. TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN ■ Reports of traffic congestion have prompted officials to launch an awareness drive for drivers of e-rickshaws. Under the campaign, violators will be dealt with sternly and their rickshaws impounded. ■ The police have been receiving complaints about e-rickshaws being parked in a haphazard manner, stopping at busy points to pick up passengers and contributing to traffic bottlenecks on already congested roads. Their rapidly increasing numbers have turned what was once seen as a convenient and affordable mode of public transport into a significant traffic-management challenge in several parts of the city. .30-bore pistols and two cartridges from them. ■ Their interrogation led the police to Ahmed Raja and Jagseer Singh, alias Bobby. Five more pistols and three cartridges were subsequently recovered from the two, the police said. Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service The police examine the spot where the supect was shot at in Tarn Taran. Extortion gang member hurt in exchange of fire Gurbaxpuri Tarn Taran, August 10 An alleged associate of the Mohabbat Randhawa gang, involved in four firing incidents that took place over the past three months, was injured in an exchange of fire with the police near Sarhali on Monday. The suspect, Jatinder Singh, alias Ajay, a resident of Sarhali, was shot in the leg when he allegedly opened fire at a police team during a checking drive. SSP Surinder Lamba said teams of the CIA, Tarn Taran, and Sarhali police station were on patrolling duty in the area when they signalled a motorcycle-borne suspect to stop. Instead of complying, Jatinder allegedly opened fire at the police party. Police personnel retaliated in self-defence, during which a bullet hit the suspect in the leg. He was later taken to hospital for treatment. The SSP said Jatinder was allegedly associated with the Mohabbat Randhawa gang infamous for its involvement in extortion cases. Randhawa was linked to Davinder Bambiha and Dony Bal Gang operating from the foreign shores. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Jatinder was allegedly involved in four firing incidents, the fallout of extortion demands. Two of these incidents took place under the jurisdiction of the Sarhali police station, while the other two were reported in the Patti police station area. Separate cases pertaining to the four incidents have been registered at the Sarhali and Patti police stations, the SSP said. A fresh case has also been registered against Jatinder in connection with opening fire at the police team. The police are now investigating his alleged role in the extortion network and efforts are being made to identify and arrest his other associates. allegedly used for cross-border sorties. Another accused Manjinder Singh, alias Manga, was subsequently arrested in the case following their interrogation. The police said Navideep was in touch with a Pakistan-based smuggler, who allegedly supplied both drugs and weapons through drones. The contraband was then routed to local associates and criminal elements. The recovery includes a .30- bore Zigana pistol made in Türkiye, a 9mm Glock made in Austria, a 9mm PX5, two China-made .30-bore pistols, two .30-bore Star pistols, a .30bore pistol, another 9mm Glock and a .30-bore PX3. The police are now probing the backward and forward linkages of the two networks, including the Pakistan-based handlers, drone operators and local recipients involved in the distribution of the smuggled weapons and narcotics. Illegal goods removed from roadside in Hathi Gate area Farmers, traders oppose free trade deal, want loans waived, old labour laws back Tribune News Service Amritsar, August 10 Opposing the policies of the Central Government, farmers, labourers, workers and employees on Monday held protests across the district. A large number of protesters, courting arrest, gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office. They later submitted a memorandum to District Revenue Officer (DRO) Navkirat Singh. Protests were also witnessed at Attari, Ajnala, Chogawan and Jandiala. The protesters raised slogans against the Centre, demanding immediate steps to address the issues concerning farmers, workers and employees. They opposed the proposed India-US trade agreement, alleging that the entry of American agricultural and industrial products into the Indian market would adversely affect farmers and domestic businesses. The protestors demanded that the decisions to implement the Electricity Bill, 2026, and Seeds Bill, 2026, be withdrawn and that the earlier form of the MGNREGA be restored. They also demanded that anganwadi, ASHA and midday meal workers be regularised and streetlight workers and sanitation workers be given the status of government employees. The protesters also demanded an end to contractual Amritsar, August 10 Continuing its drive against encroachers, the Municipal Corporation today removed illegal structures from roadsides and footpaths in the Hathi Gate and Lahori Gate areas. The action followed the directions of Municipal Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill. Estate Officer Sushant Bhatia said they had received complaints that vendors had encroached upon footpaths and roadsides in the Hathi Gate and Lahori Gate areas. The illegality caused inconvenience to pedestrians and disrupted the vehicular movement. No heed was paid to repeated warnings and instructions to remove these encroachments voluntarily, he added. Fed up with the violators’ nonchalance, the Estate Department removed the encroachments and seized goods and material occupying the public space. Civic officials said confiscated goods won’t be returned and that strict action would be taken against those putting their goods along roads or footpaths. The Municipal Corporation has issued a stern warning to all shopkeepers, vendors and other encroachers to immediately remove all unauthorised structures and goods from roads, footpaths and other public spaces. The enforcement drive will continue across the city, the officials said. c m y b Tribune News Service Farmers stage a sit-in outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Amritsar. VISHAL KUMAR FARMERS RALLY IN TARN TARAN Tarn Taran: Following the call given by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, Bharat, and the Trade Union Centre, farmers in large numbers took out a rally opposing the free trade deal, in front of the District Administrative Complex on Monday. Leaders of various organisations termed the free trade deal would lead to unemployment. They demanded the withdrawal of the Electricity Bill-2025 and waiver of loans, adding that all four labour codes be repealed, MSP be given on every crop, along with ~10,000 pension. A memorandum was also submitted to the authorities. employment and privatisation, and sought a minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000. Other demands included loan waiver for farmers and workers, restoration of oldlabour laws and control over rising inflation. They also demanded that four labour codes be repealed. At Attari, the Jamhoori Kisan Sabha Punjab, the Border Area Sangharsh Committee and the Bharatiya Kisan Sabha jointly organised a protest in which farmers and workers from more than 30 villages participated. THE DEMANDS ■ Anganwadi, ASHA and mid-day meal workers be regularised. ■ Streetlight workers and sanitation workers be given the status of government employees. ■ The protesters also demanded an end to contractual employment and privatisation, and sought a minimum monthly wage of ~26,000. The protesters paid tributes to the martyrs of the 1942 Quit India Movement and called for intensifying the farmers’ struggle under the SKM’s programme. Addressing a gathering, farmer leaders Baba Arjun Singh, Mukhtar Muhawa, Rattan Singh Randhawa and Balwinder Jhabal alleged that the Centre had gone back on assurances made during the Delhi farmers’ protest. They said instead of fulfilling demands such as farm loan waivers and legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), the government was moving towards trade agreements that, they alleged, could harm Indian agriculture and small industries. At the district-level protest, farmer and trade union leaders, including Sucha Singh Ajnala, Amarjit Singh Ansal, Jagtar Singh Karmpura alleged that public sector institutions were being privatised to benefit corporate houses and warned that farmers, workers and other sections of society would continue their struggle against such policies.