Punjab

8 Illegal Pistols Seized in Amritsar Amid Crackdown on Trans-Border Arms Smuggling

8 Illegal Pistols Seized in Amritsar Amid Crackdown on Trans-Border Arms Smuggling

Amritsar (National Times): In a major crackdown on trans-border arms trafficking, the Amritsar Rural Police, acting on specific intelligence inputs, carried out two separate operations, one of them in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF Punjab), resulting in the seizure of eight illegal weapons and the arrest of four individuals. According to official sources, the recovered cache includes five pistols of .30 caliber and three 9mm pistols, along with their magazines. The accused are suspected to be part of a larger cross-border arms smuggling syndicate. FIRs have been registered at Police Station Gharinda, and further investigations are underway to…
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Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Pays Obeisance at Golden Temple, Reviews Security Amid Threats

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Pays Obeisance at Golden Temple, Reviews Security Amid Threats

Amritsar (National Times): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar today, amid heightened security following a spate of threatening emails sent to the shrine and the city’s international airport. This marks the Chief Minister’s first visit to the Golden Temple since the threats surfaced on July 14, sparking concern among devotees and drawing criticism from opposition parties over the government's perceived delay in addressing the matter. Clad in traditional attire, Mann offered prayers at the sacred site and also reviewed the multi-layered security arrangements deployed around the temple complex. Senior police officials…
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Punjab Govt–SGPC Clash Escalates Over Guru Tegh Bahadur Event: Mann Questions SGPC’s Sole Authority

Punjab Govt–SGPC Clash Escalates Over Guru Tegh Bahadur Event: Mann Questions SGPC’s Sole Authority

Chandigarh (National Times): A sharp war of words has broken out between the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) over the organization of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The controversy began when the SGPC accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government of bypassing Sikh traditions by announcing a state-level event independently. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that centenary functions linked to Sikh Gurus must be held under the leadership of the SGPC, the apex religious body of the Sikh community. He further said that the government's duty should…
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Bomb Threat to Amritsar Airport After Series of Golden Temple Threats; Same Pattern, Dark Web Suspected

Bomb Threat to Amritsar Airport After Series of Golden Temple Threats; Same Pattern, Dark Web Suspected

Amritsar (National Times): A fresh wave of concern gripped Punjab after a bomb threat email was received by Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar, echoing the same pattern as the nine previous threatening emails sent to the Golden Temple. Authorities believe the same group is behind both sets of threats. The email, received on Sunday, claimed the airport would be blown up. As with previous threats to the Golden Temple, the tone, language, and formatting of the message closely match earlier emails, pointing to a coordinated and calculated campaign. Following the threat, security has been significantly tightened at…
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CM Mann Defends Land Pooling Scheme, Announces Major Grants and Development Initiatives

CM Mann Defends Land Pooling Scheme, Announces Major Grants and Development Initiatives

Dhuri (Sangrur), July 21: Terming the new and progressive land pooling scheme as pro-farmer and development oriented, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday urged the people of the state to not get swayed away with the misleading propaganda of the opposition on this ambitious scheme. Addressing the gathering after disbursing the grants worth Rs 31.30 crore to 70 villages of Dhuri assembly segment for development works, the Chief Minister slammed the opposition for hoodwinking the facts to misinform the people about this scheme just for vested political interests. He categorically said that there will be no forcible…
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Punjab Renames 115 Government Schools After Eminent Personalities to Inspire Students and Honour Legacy

Punjab Renames 115 Government Schools After Eminent Personalities to Inspire Students and Honour Legacy

Chandigarh, July 21: With an aim to honour the legacy of the state’s notable personalities, the AAP-led Punjab Government has renamed 115 government schools after such personalities including freedom fighters, martyrs and internationally acclaimed players, said S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.Notably, the School Education department has renamed 25 Govt schools after various freedom fighters and martyrs on July 18, 2025. The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann announced yesterday that a school of Beas village in Jalandhar district would be renamed after the legendary marathon runner Sardar Fauja Singh.While addressing a press conference here at Punjab…
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“Punjab Needs Recognition, Not Just Packages”: Sunil Jakhar Clarifies BJP-Akali Remarks, Calls for Trust-Building with Punjabis

“Punjab Needs Recognition, Not Just Packages”: Sunil Jakhar Clarifies BJP-Akali Remarks, Calls for Trust-Building with Punjabis

Chandigarh (National Times): Senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar issued a powerful clarification on Monday following his recent remarks suggesting a potential BJP-Akali Dal alliance to ensure communal harmony in Punjab. Emphasizing that his comments were rooted in understanding Punjab’s emotional and social fabric, Jakhar outlined a heartfelt vision for how political parties, particularly the BJP, should engage with the state. “Punjab is not just a state … it’s a deeply emotional and self-respecting society,” said Jakhar in his statement, reflecting on the sentiment-driven politics of the region. “Punjabis are resilient, proud of their history, and driven by sentiment. But over…
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Indian Army Steps Up for Braveheart Shawan Singh, Pledges Full Educational Support

Indian Army Steps Up for Braveheart Shawan Singh, Pledges Full Educational Support

Chandigarh (National Times): In a heartening move aimed at uplifting and empowering the next generation, the Golden Arrow Division of the Indian Army has taken full responsibility for the education and overall development of young Shawan Singh, fondly referred to as a “little warrior” for his remarkable courage during Operation Sindoor. Recognizing his indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve, the Army has announced that it will fund Shawan’s education in its entirety, ensuring that no financial obstacle stands in the way of his growth or dreams. A special event was held at Ferozepur Cantonment, where Western Command’s General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Lieutenant…
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Sukhbir Singh Badal Announces Principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa as SAD Candidate for Tarn Taran Bypoll

Sukhbir Singh Badal Announces Principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa as SAD Candidate for Tarn Taran Bypoll

Tarn Taran (National Times): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday officially announced Principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, head of the Azad Group, as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Tarn Taran bypoll, marking a major political realignment in the region. In a significant show of strength, 43 sitting Sarpanches, 8 Municipal Councillors, and dozens of former Sarpanches and Chairmen from the Azad Group formally joined the Akali Dal. Welcoming the entire group into the SAD fold, Badal said this collective decision reflects growing public support for the party’s ideology and leadership. ‘Massive Rally Signals Change’ Speaking about…
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CM Mann Bids Tearful Farewell to Marathon Legend Fauja Singh, Announces Tributes in His Honour

CM Mann Bids Tearful Farewell to Marathon Legend Fauja Singh, Announces Tributes in His Honour

Jalandhar (National Times): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, along with thousands of mourners, paid an emotional farewell to Fauja Singh, the world-renowned centenarian marathon runner, who passed away on July 14 after being struck by a speeding vehicle in his native village. The cremation, held in Fauja Singh's ancestral village, drew an outpouring of grief from the public, sports enthusiasts, and government officials alike. CM Mann placed floral wreaths on the body and hailed Singh’s life as an enduring example of perseverance and discipline. “A Symbol of Patience and Strength” Remembering Fauja Singh as the world’s oldest marathon runner,…
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