Chandigarh, March 1

 Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema today inaugurated 2ND India International Mega Trade Fair at Parade Ground in Chandigarh. The Minister hailed this initiative as a significant milestone in promoting economic growth, innovation, and mutual cooperation.

“Mega trade fairs like this one play a vital role in showcasing our country’s growth potential and fostering trade relations,” said Finance Minister Cheema. “These event provides a platform for businessmen to showcase their products, services, and innovations, facilitating connections, knowledge sharing, and exploration of new development opportunities.”

The Finance Minister also highlighted Punjab’s rich heritage in industry and trade, noting that the state has always been a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and traders. “We’re committed to building on this legacy, producing high-quality goods and services, and creating a conducive environment for industry and trade,” he added.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema extended congratulations to the Bengal Chamber and G S Marketing Associates for organising this event. He expressed his optimism that this event would be a resounding success, laying the groundwork for innovative business ventures and fruitful partnerships.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 1:

          In a major blow to trans-border smuggling amidst the ongoing decisive war against drugs ‘Yudh Nashia Virudh’ waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has apprehends two drug smugglers and recovered 4 kg heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Karanpal Singh (37) and Ranjit Singh (36), both hailing from border villages situated in the jurisdiction of Khemkaran in Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering big haul of heroin, Police teams have also impounded their motorcycle, which they were riding.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the notorious Pakistan-based smuggler used the Ferozepur sector to transport the drug consignment using drones. Further investigations are on establish backward and forward linkages in this case, he said.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that acting on reliable intelligence inputs, a police team under the supervision of ADCP Investigation Navjot Singh, ACP Detective Harminder Singh and ACP Narcotic Lalit Sharma and led by Incharge CIA-1 Inspector Amolakdeep Singh and Incharge CIA-2 SI Ravi Kumar conducted a special operation and apprehended accused persons during a naka at Jhabal Road at Amritsar and recovered heroin from their possession.

          He said that after receiving consignments from across the border, accused persons further selling it to drug peddlers to supply narcotics across the state.

          The CP emphasised that a detailed backward and forward link investigation is being conducted to uncover the entire drug supply network, including suppliers, dealers and buyers. Efforts are also being made to determine the total quantity of drugs purchased and distributed by the arrested individuals, he added.

          A case FIR No. 49 dated 27-02-2025 has been registered under section 21(C) of the NDPS Act at Islamabad Police Station in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, March 1

Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Saturday said that the decisive war against drug trafficking, initiated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, will yield positive results and eradicate the drug menace from the state.

In a press communique issued here, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the state government has given a clear and stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking, that they must either leave the state or put a complete stop to their illicit activities. He said that this warning comes as part of the Punjab government’s intensified efforts to combat the drug menace to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.

The Minister further added that the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking has been aimed at its commitment to protecting the youth and future generations from the devastating effects of drug abuse. He said that with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government at the helm, Punjabis would soon witness a drug-free Rangla Punjab.

Chandigarh, March 1:

Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Mr. Aman Arora, on Saturday, gave a clarion call to all the political parties, social and religious organisations and NGOs to come forward to join hands with the Punjab Government to form a united front and make Punjab a drug-free state.

He was addressing the media here after the high-level meeting of the 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee formed to combat the drug menace.

“It is a collective responsibility of 3 crore citizens of Punjab. We must stand united and fight this menace with all our might,” Mr. Aman Arora said, while adding that the state government and police alone cannot extricate Punjab from the deep swamp created by previous governments.

Mr. Aman Arora expressed confidence that by working together, Punjab can overcome this challenge and create a healthier and vibrant Punjab, as envisioned by AAP Supremo Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Mr. Aman Arora stated that the Punjab Government has made a comprehensive 360-degree action plan to completely eradicate the drug menace from the state. This plan also  includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation measures to help victims return to mainstream life. Where Police authorities are dealing drug traffickers with iron hands, they have been directed to treat drug users with empathy and compassion, viewing them as patients in need of help, he added.

He highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society as a whole, saying, “This is a battle we must win together. We need the collective strength and commitment of every stakeholder to effectively address this complex issue.”

“I assure you that we will not rest until we completely wipe out this menace from the state. It’s a matter of the existence of Punjab, the land of saints, sages, and warriors. It was deliberately pushed into this swamp by the previous regimes for their personal gains,” Mr. Aman Arora said. He also gave a clear and loud message to drug smugglers, warning them to leave the smuggling or leave Punjab or ready to face the consequences.

While reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to deal with the drug smugglers with iron hands, he also appealed to parents and family members of drug users to take them to government drug de-addiction centres or OOAT clinics for treatment. He informed that the state government has made adequate arrangements for proper care of drug victims. He assured them that if they face any difficulties, they can contact local authorities for immediate resolution, and the state government is standing by them to help them out from this situation.

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, March 1:

          In a major action by the SAS Nagar Police and Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) amidst the ongoing fight against organised crime launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Gangster Malkiat alias Maxi sustained bullet injury on his left leg while unsuccessfully attempting to escape from the police custody near Ghagar bridge on Zirakpur-Ambala Highway in Dera Bassi, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Gangster Maxi, a native of village Rodala in Rajasansi Amritsar, is an operative of foreign-based terrorist Goldy Brar and Gangster Goldy Dhillon and was operating an extortion racket on their behalf. Recently, Maxi and his accomplice identified as Sandeep alias Deep were arrested by the Patiala Police in Arms Act case, subsequently, both were brought on production warrant from Patiala Jail by SAS Nagar Police on Friday, in an extortion case wherein accused persons had targeted Mohali-based property dealer and demanded Rs 50 lakh extortion money in January 2025.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following the disclosures of Maxi, a Police team led by DSP Dera Bassi Bikramjit Singh Brar was taking him for recovery of weapon, a .32 Calibre Pistol, that he confessed to have concealed at an isolated place at Zirakpur-Ambala Highway, intending to harm the victim property dealer.

          “Upon reaching the location, the accused opened fire at the police team in an attempt to flee from the custody, in self-defence and retaliatory fire by the police team, Maxi sustained a bullet injury in his left leg fire and has been shifted to Civil Hospital, Mohali for medical treatment,” he said.

          The DGP said that the weapon along with three cartridges and two used/empty casings has been recovered from his possession.

          Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that the arrested accused has a criminal history with cases pertaining to extortion and arms act registered against him. Further investigations are on, he added.

          A fresh case FIR no. 46 dated 01/03/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221 and 262 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Dera Bassi in SAS Nagar. 

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, March 1:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted an illegal weapon smuggling module with the arrest of on associate of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang and recovered six .32 bore pistols along with 10 cartridges from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Gurbaaz Singh, a resident of village Warring Suba Singh in Tarn Taran. The latter has been facing at least eight criminal cases pertaining to attempt to murder, snatching, NDPS act, and violations of the Arms Act.

          Sharing operation details, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a team of CI Amritsar received a reliable input that accused Gurbaaz Singh and his accomplice are active members of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria Gang and they are in possession of illegal weapons, which will be used by them for committing criminal acts in the border state.

          Information further revealed that Gurbaaz Singh is expected to deliver weapons to someone near Church in the area of Indian Institute of Management Amritsar at Amritsar-Tarn Taran Bypass Highway, he said, while adding that acting swiftly police teams conducted raid in the aforesaid area and successfully arrested the accused after recovering arms and ammunition from his possession.

          The DGP said that preliminary investigations have revealed the recovered firearms were smuggled from Madhya Pradesh for use in carrying out criminal activities in Punjab.

          He said that Police teams have also identified the key member of this module, who is in direct contact with gangtser Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and raids are being conducted to nab him. Further investigations are in progress to trace the supply-chain and other persons involved in the illegal arms trade, he added.

          A case FIR No. 10 dated 28-02-25 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and 61(2) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.

Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 1:

Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains today said that the globally-acclaimed festival of Hola Mohalla, a symbol of Sikh glory and Punjab’s illustrious history, is being celebrated at Sri Anandpur Sahib, the birthplace of the Khalsa. For this festival, which will be observed in Kiratpur Sahib from March 10 to 12 and in Sri Anandpur Sahib from March 13 to 15, the Rupnagar district administration has made a comprehensive arrangements for the convenience of devotees arriving from across the globe.

After reviewing the ongoing arrangements for Hola Mohalla here, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana is giving final touches to the Hola Mohalla arrangements. All departments have been instructed to complete foolproof arrangements in time for the convenience of pilgrims.

S. Bains informed that this year the festival area has been declared a “No Dark Zone” with all areas being illuminated. All welcome gates in the holy city are being decorated and the city has been brightened with LED lights.

He further elaborated that 22 parking areas have been prepared, from where free shuttle bus services and e-rickshaws will transport devotees to the holy shrines. The parking areas will have proper lighting, drinking water and toilet facilities. He said that Kiratpur Sahib has been divided into two sectors and Sri Anandpur Sahib into 11 sectors. In addition to the main control room, each sector will have sub-control rooms with officials on duty. For health services, dispensaries will be set up in all sectors, along with veterinary dispensaries for the horses of Nihang Singhs, hundreds of clean drinking water battery taps and temporary toilets.

An appeal has also been made to pilgrims to keep this year’s Hola Mohalla pollution-free, green and plastic-free. Besides this, shopkeepers and commercial establishments have been specifically requested not to create traffic obstacles through temporary illegal encroachments on roads. Dedicated teams have been formed to check the quality of food and beverages. Entry of beggars into the festival area has been prohibited and the sale of drugs and alcohol in the festival area has been banned, he added.

He informed, during this year’s Hola Mohalla, Virasat-e-Khalsa complex will remain open continuously throughout the day without any breaks, adding that adventure sports (hot air balloon) and boating facilities will be available at Virasat-e-Khalsa. A craft fair will be organized at Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College to showcase Punjab’s progress and prosperity. He said that a special cleanliness drive has begun in the festival area, with special efforts for plastic and disposable waste collection and waste management. Similarly, baby feeding centers have been established for nursing mothers. Ambulance and fire brigade services have also been arranged.

Harjot Singh Bains categorically said that special security arrangements are also being made for the convenience of pilgrims. 4,500 police officers and personnel will be deployed during Hola Mohalla. CCTV cameras and high observation posts will monitor the entire festival area. He said that stern warnings have been issued in advance to anti-social elements, drug dealers, troublemakers and Miscreants.

He said that smooth traffic management plans have been implemented and route diversions have been arranged for vehicles coming from surrounding areas.

The Cabinet Minister said that Hola Mohalla is a prominent festival among those celebrated in our country.

“The security and comfort of pilgrims is our responsibility so helplines have been established for complaints, convenience and security”, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that Lost and found and help desks are being set up. Six LED screens in the festival area will provide pilgrims with all necessary information. Strong network connectivity will be ensured by installing mobile towers. He urged the pilgrims to visit Sri Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla wholeheartedly and pay obeisance.