26102026-ATR-01.qxd 25-10-2026 23:19 Page 1 c m y b Amritsar tribune FORECAST PARTLY CLOUDY MAX 28°C | MIN 17°C YESTERDAY MAX 29°C | MIN 19°C IT PROFESSIONAL RETURNS TO AGRICULTURAL ROOTS HARYANA CM VISITS VALMIKI TEMPLE, DISTRIBUTES TRICYCLES KRITI STEALS SPOTLIGHT AT SHOWCASE ‘INTO THE WILD’ Rahul Sharma runs a firm which ships organic produce grown from indigenous seeds. P2 Saini extends best wishes to the people of Haryana and the country on Bhagwan Valmiki’s birth anniv. P2 Kriti Sanon took centre stage in a classic black Abhinav Mishra lehenga crafted in NEO-Tech fabric. P4 » » SUNSET MONDAY 5.48 PM SUNRISE TUESDAY 6.41 AM » MONDAY | 26 OCTOBER 2026 | AMRITSAR GURU RAM DAS PARKASH PURB City areas, airport decked up with flowers, decorative lights Charanjit Singh Teja SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR AMRITSAR Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 25 Amritsar is being decked up with flowers and decorative lights to mark the Parkash Purb of Guru Ram Das, the city’s founder, with celebrations extending beyond the Golden Temple complex to key public buildings and transport hubs. The Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport, railway station and bus stand are being decorated with flowers by a team of around 100 volunteers associated with the Nishkam jatha, which provides voluntary service for carrying the palanquin of Guru Granth Sahib from Akal Takht Sahib to the Golden Temple daily. Swindarpal Singh, who has been associated with the palanquin service for years, is leading the floral decoration work. Speaking at the airport, Swindarpal Singh said the floral arrangements featured 25 to 30 varieties of Indian and international flowers, including anthuriums, African flowers, marigolds and daisies. At the airport, the decora- The festival holds special significance for Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Ram Das. The annual celebrations draw devotees from across the country and abroad to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. I The floral arrangements featured 25 to 30 varieties of Indian and international flowers, including anthuriums, African flowers, marigolds and daisies. I Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport, railway station and bus stand are being decorated with flowers I << Decorative lights illuminate the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on Sunday. PHOTO: VISHAL KUMAR tions cover the arrival and departure areas, gates, immigration counters and other prominent spaces. A painting of Guru Ram Das and a model of the Golden Temple have also been incorporated into the floral displays. He said the aim was to wel- 5 vehicles seized for illegal sand mining in raids near Amritsar Pawan K Jaiswar Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 25 The Mining Department and the Amritsar Rural Police have seized five vehicles allegedly involved in illegal sand mining and transportation in the Ramdass and Ajnala areas. The drivers, meanwhile, managed to flee from the spots, prompting the police to register two separate cases. Further investigation is on to identify the accused and trace the owners of the seized vehicles. Abhishek Sharma, Junior Engineer-cum-Mining Officer, said a joint team of the Mining and Drainage Department was patrolling Kot Razada and Bedi Chhinna villages, where illegal sand excavation has been reported repeatedly. During the operation, the team seized two tractor-trailers and handed these over to the police for further investigation. In a separate operation, the Ajnala police seized three vehicles, including a “gharooka”, used for transporting sand. The persons involved fled before they could be apprehended. The latest seizures have once again brought the persistent problem of illegal sand mining in the Ajnala- Drivers flee as mining officials, rural police conduct raids in Ramdass, Ajnala A vehicle involved in illegal sand mining near Amritsar. Ramdass border belt into focus. Despite repeated raids, registration of cases and seizure of vehicles, the activity continues to surface in the region. In August, the Mining Department and the Ajnala police had unearthed three suspected illegal mining sites at Ballarwal village and seized three trucks carrying around 1,500 cubic feet of sand. The drivers and other persons allegedly involved in excavation and loading had also escaped. Later that month, nine tippers and trucks were challaned during a drive across Sarangdev, Ballarw- al, Sahowal, Khanwal and adjoining areas. In October, a joint team detected illegal excavation at Kot Sidhu village, where three JCB machines and seven tippers were found at the site, but those involved managed to escape. The Ravi river belt has also witnessed repeated complaints of unauthorised excavation, with concerns raised over damage to riverbeds, agricultural land and embankments. Earlier reports have highlighted how fresh excavation was detected at locations where the authorities had already taken action. come visitors to the holy city with the fragrance of flowers and a sense of devotion on the occasion of Guru Ram Das’ Parkash Purab. The festival holds special significance for Amritsar, which was founded by Guru Ramdas. The annual celebrations draw devotees from across the country and abroad to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. The team has been decorating important buildings in the Golden Temple complex, including Maji Sahib Diwan Hall. The decoration, using flowers and lights for the Two youths die under mysterious circumstances 2 firm employees injured in attack Four arrested while consuming heroin Our Correspondent Protesters burn AAP’s election symbol at Verka in Amritsar. Jhota case: Farmers burn AAP’s election symbol Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 25 Activists of the All India Kisan Sabha and the Vegetable Growers Farmers Organisation burnt a broom, the election symbol of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), at Nawan Pind near Jandiala Guru on Sunday to protest the Punjab Government’s failure to ensure justice for anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The protest was held on the call of the Action Committee formed to seek justice for Jhota. Addressing the gathering, farmer leaders Lakhbir Singh Nijampur, Mangal Singh Khajala and Bhupinder Singh Tirathpur alleged that the state government was acting unfairly by refusing to accept the demands of the Action Committee. They said the government should accept the committee’s demands and seek public cooperation in the fight against drugs instead of ignoring the concerns raised by those demanding justice for Jhola. The farmer leaders warned that if the government failed to resolve the issue, the ruling party would pay a heavy political price in the coming elections. Among those present were Karnail Singh, Surinder Singh Raju, Balwinder Singh, Nirmal Singh Nawan Pind, Bhupinder Singh Wadala Johal, Mehal Singh Chhapa, Jaswinder Singh, Jaspal Singh Nabipur, Iqbal Singh Fatehpur, Dharminder Singh, Pal Singh Qila, Gurmej Singh, Malkiat Singh and Sartaj Singh Makhanwindi. Waris Punjab De burns broom at Verka Members of the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De staged a protest by burning brooms outside the Verka bus stand in Amritsar East on Sunday, demanding justice in the Parvinder Singh Jhotta case and effective action against drug trafficking in Punjab. The protest was organised in support of the Parvinder Singh Jhotta Insaaf Sangharsh Committee, which has been spearheading the agitation in Mansa. The demonstration was led by the party leader Shamsher Singh Padhri, Lavjit Singh Khalsa and other supporters. Padhri said the demand for justice in the Jhotta case was not limited to one family, but linked to the future of Punjab’s youth and the need to free society from drugs. Protesting farmers seek justice in Tarn Taran Farmers, who have been on a “Pakka Morcha” for the past 158 days against the transfer of the ownership of the cooperative sugar mill Sheron by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, today expressed their protest against the Punjab Government by continued on page 2 Tarn Taran, October 25 Two youths of Khairdinke village, falling under the Chabal police of the area, died under mysterious circumstances today. The deceased were identified as Joban, alias Daddu (18), and Noni (19). Joban’s body was recovered from the village school, while Noni was found dead in his house. The bodies were cremated by the families today. DSP City Sukhbir Singh has denied having any information about the matter. Another youth named Prince (20) had died in this village a week ago. annual occasion, is being done at the main Golden Temple building, Akal Takht Sahib and the parikrama. The decorations also extend to important squares and markets across the city, reflecting the festival’s significance for Amritsar. Our Correspondent Tarn Taran, October 25 Two employees of the Blinkit company, located on Railway Road here, were seriously injured in an attack by nearly 25 assailants. The injured were identified as Gurvinder Singh and Karanvir Singh. They were going to deliver groceries to people from the Blinkit company opened here. The employees reportedly had an argument with the youths at Chowk Bohri here, so as soon as they returned to the company office after delivering the goods, they were brutally attacked by about 25 assailants on motorcycles. Our Correspondent Gurvinder Singh and Karanvir Singh, the injured. PHOTO: GURBAXPURI Gurvinder Singh and Karanvir Singh suffered injuries on their heads and other body parts in the attack. A complaint was filed by the injured at the Tarn Taran City Police in this regard. SHO of City Police Inspector Paramjit Singh said he would investigate the matter and take further action. Tarn Taran, October 25 A police party, led by ASI Kulwinder Singh, in-charge of Police Post Naushehra Pannuan of the Sarhali police, arrested two persons who were allegedly consuming heroin in a room inside the stadium of Naushehra Pannuan yesterday. The accused were identified as Kuldeep Singh and Robindeep Singh, residents of Dhotian’s farm houses. ASI Kulwinder Singh said a silver “panni”, lighter and a rolled note of Rs 10 had been seized from the accused. Meanwhile, the police of Accused identified as Kuldeep Singh, Robindeep Singh, Dharminder Singh andVishal Singh Harike also arrested two persons while consuming heroin. The accused were identified as Dharminder Singh, a resident of Beri Mohalla, Harike and Vishal Singh, a resident of Marr Road, Harike. The accused were consuming heroin inside the panchayat house of the village. In this regard, cases have been registered against the accused under Sections 27, 61, 85 of the NDPS Act. Acute staff shortage plagues city’s hospitality sector Over 2 kg Rising wages, changing career choices leave hotels, restaurants struggling to fill posts heroin seized by police, BSF Neeraj Bagga He said the shortage had lifestyle had fallen from more Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 25 Amritsar’s hospitality industry is facing an acute staff shortage as the number of hotels, lodges, inns (serais), guest houses, bed-andbreakfast establishments, restaurants, dhabas and bars, including those serving hard liquor, has grown faster than the workforce available to house them. The shortage spans frontof-house and back-of-house operations, affecting guestfacing positions such as receptionists and concierges, management roles, including general managers and department heads and operational staff in housekeeping and maintenance. Specialised positions in sales, marketing, food and beverage, and administration are also affected. The crunch is particularly acute among servers and A hotel in a cramped locality in Amritsar. waitstaff responsible for taking food and drink orders, serving meals and checking on diners’ satisfaction, as well as bussers tasked with clearing dirty plates and glassware, wiping tables and preparing spaces for the next guests. Monthly salaries for staff in these positions have risen from Rs 11,000-Rs 12,000 six c m y b months ago to Rs 16,000-Rs 18,000 at present. Piyush Kapoor, manager of a hotel property that is more than 60 years old, said hotels and restaurants were struggling to find enough staff. Poaching was frequent, leaving employers uncertain about when employees might leave to join another hotel or eating establishment. become so severe that frontdesk staff were being compelled to take on other jobs. Kapoor also blamed social media for fostering an aversion to labour-intensive work. He said exposure to social media had discouraged young people from entering professions that demand courtesy and a spirit of service. APS Chatha, president of the Amritsar Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHARA), attributed the industry’s difficulties to people from other professions entering the hospitality sector, a deteriorating law-andorder situation and frequent protests that cause traffic congestion. He said these factors were also holding back tourist footfall in the city. Chatha said the association had found that daily footfall at a site showcasing traditional Punjabi heritage and than 800 to nearly 300. Citing another example of the sector’s difficulties, he said a businessman from Mansa who operated a banquet hall, restaurant and bar in an upscale locality in Amritsar had abandoned the rented property this month after finding the venture unprofitable despite running it for the past two years. Chatha added that several businessmen from the textile, timber and other sectors had converted properties in prominent locations into hotels. Tirathpal Singh, deputy chief executive officer, acknowledged that there might be a staff shortage, saying his office received requests from hospitals seeking housekeeping personnel. He said young people preferred desk jobs and that attitudes needed to change to make them employable. Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 25 The Amritsar rural police and Border Security Force (BSF) confiscated over 2.7 kg of heroin in three separate incidents on Saturday. The police also arrested three persons in this connection. According to information, the Gharinda police seized 1.930 kg of heroin allegedly smuggled from Pakistan. The consignment was found near a drain in Attari. Similarly, in another operation, the Gharinda police arrested Rachhpal Singh of Munda village in Tarn Taran and Gurbir Singh of Daoke village here and seized 300 gm of heroin from their possession. Meanwhile, the BSF seized a packet containing 560 gm of heroin near the Uttar Dhariwal border outpost area here yesterday.