Punjab

CM Mann Questions Centre on Blocking Sikh Pilgrims While Allowing Cricket with Pakistan

CM Mann Questions Centre on Blocking Sikh Pilgrims While Allowing Cricket with Pakistan

Chandigarh, September 15, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday criticised the Union government for what he termed “double standards” in its dealings with Pakistan. He said that while cricket matches between the two countries were permitted, Sikh devotees were being stopped from travelling to Nankana Sahib on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purb.In a live address, Mann said the Centre’s reasoning was contradictory. “On one hand, matches are being played with Pakistan. On the other, Sikh Jathas are barred from visiting Nankana Sahib. Players claim they avoided shaking hands with Pakistani cricketers but how is…
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Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Racket Busted in Fazilka, Two Arrested with Foreign-Made Weapons

Cross-Border Arms Smuggling Racket Busted in Fazilka, Two Arrested with Foreign-Made Weapons

Fazilka (Gurpreet Singh): In a targeted operation based on intelligence input, Fazilka Police have successfully dismantled a cross-border weapon smuggling module with alleged links to Pakistan. Two individuals have been taken into custody, and a cache of foreign-made firearms has been seized before it could reach criminal elements in Punjab. The arrested accused — Surinder Singh and Gurpreet — were reportedly acting under the instructions of handlers operating from outside India. Their mission was to deliver the smuggled weapons to members of local gangs within the state, authorities said. Arms Cache Recovered During the operation, police recovered five pistols of…
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Centre Declines Permission for Nankana Sahib Yatra, SGPC Urges Reconsideration

Centre Declines Permission for Nankana Sahib Yatra, SGPC Urges Reconsideration

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): The central government has denied clearance for the proposed pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib in Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary, citing security-related concerns. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which has called on the Centre to respect the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. The Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed its decision in a formal communication to the SGPC, stating that the current situation along the India–Pakistan border remains tense and does not support the safe movement of pilgrims. It added that allowing such cross-border…
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Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Amritsar to Evaluate Flood Impact in Punjab

Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Amritsar to Evaluate Flood Impact in Punjab

Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reached Amritsar on Monday to conduct a firsthand review of the widespread damage caused by recent floods across Punjab. The state continues to face severe challenges, including extensive waterlogging, damaged roads and infrastructure, and disruption to daily life in several districts. Gandhi’s visit is seen as a response to mounting concerns about the scale of devastation and the pace of government relief measures. During his stay, he plans to visit some of the hardest-hit areas, meet with families displaced by the floods, and engage with local officials and…
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DC Amritsar Holds Joint Initiative Meeting with NGOs for Flood Rehabilitation, MP Sahni Announces Five JCBs

DC Amritsar Holds Joint Initiative Meeting with NGOs for Flood Rehabilitation, MP Sahni Announces Five JCBs

Amritsar, September 14: Deputy Commissioner Amritsar Sakshi Sahni today convened an important meeting with NGOs in the presence of Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahni and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. The meeting focused on rehabilitation of flood-affected families, livelihood restoration, and preparations for the winter season.Discussions highlighted the urgent need for warm clothing for families, heavy machinery such as JCBs to remove sand deposited in fields, around 8,000 school kits for children, and support to revive self-help group businesses such as pickles and handicrafts. Other issues included livestock care, poultry farms, and the supply of diesel and agricultural chemicals required…
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Mohali Hospital Birth Dispute Sparks Controversy, DNA Test Ordered to Establish Parentage

Mohali Hospital Birth Dispute Sparks Controversy, DNA Test Ordered to Establish Parentage

National Times Bureau :- A major controversy has erupted in Mohali after a dispute arose regarding the identity of a newborn delivered at a local hospital. The case has not only shocked the family involved but has also raised serious concerns about hospital management and the protocols followed during childbirth. According to reports, the family alleged that there was confusion over the parentage of the child soon after delivery. Suspecting foul play or negligence, they demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. The hospital authorities, while denying any wrongdoing, agreed that a DNA test would be the most appropriate method…
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Major Operation in Ferozepur: One Arrested with 15.775 kg Heroin

Major Operation in Ferozepur: One Arrested with 15.775 kg Heroin

National Times Bureau :- In a significant intelligence-led operation, Ferozepur Police arrested a local resident with 15.775 kilograms of heroin in his possession. Preliminary investigations revealed that the consignment was supplied by Pakistan-based smugglers, while the drug network was being operated from Kapurthala Jail by an accused currently lodged there. Police have registered an FIR, and further investigations are underway to trace the wider nexus behind the smuggling racket.
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Punjab Declares September 22 a Public Holiday on Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti

Punjab Declares September 22 a Public Holiday on Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti

National Times Bureau :- The Punjab government has announced a statewide public holiday on September 22 to mark Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. As per the official holiday calendar, all government offices, schools, and colleges across the state will remain closed on the day. Maharaja Agrasen, revered for promoting unity, equality, and mutual support within society, is remembered for his teachings of compassion and community welfare. On this occasion, devotees and followers organize various programs, including the distribution of free food and medicines, along with events highlighting his life and values. Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is traditionally observed on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the…
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Punjab Government Appoints Nodal Officers to Oversee Flood Relief and Rehabilitation

National Times Bureau :- The Punjab government has appointed nodal chairmen and members to streamline relief operations and damage assessment in flood-affected villages across the state. Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the devastating floods had caused extensive losses, prompting the state to identify 2,303 villages in urgent need of support and rehabilitation. The appointed representatives will work in coordination with district administrations and gazetted officers to ensure effective execution of relief measures. According to Mundian, these nodal officers will oversee the distribution of relief material, assist in evaluating damage to crops, houses, and livestock, and…
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Son of Former Education Minister Mohinder Singh KP Dies in Jalandhar Road Tragedy

Son of Former Education Minister Mohinder Singh KP Dies in Jalandhar Road Tragedy

Jalandhar (Gurpreet Singh): A devastating road accident in Jalandhar claimed the life of Richie KP, son of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Punjab Education Minister Mohinder Singh KP, late last night. The incident took place near Mata Rani Chowk in the Model Town area, where a collision involving four vehicles occurred. Richie was among those seriously injured in the crash. Eyewitnesses reported a loud impact followed by scenes of chaos as bystanders rushed to help the victims. According to preliminary information, Richie KP sustained severe head injuries in the collision. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital,…
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