The Mann government has also cut the subsidised power tariff for domestic consumers by Rs 3. The previous Congress government had brought the scheme. The step has been taken to improve the state’s economy as the Centre has also suspended Rs 10,000 crore funds to Punjab.

In the Union Territory of Chandigarh, prices of petrol and diesel are Rs 94.24 and Rs 82.40 per litre, respectively.

A decision in this regard was taken by the council of ministers in a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann here.

At present, the retail price of petrol in Mohali stands at Rs 97.01 per litre and diesel is priced at Rs 87.21.

Already, the fuel is more expensive in Punjab than in Chandigarh.

Fuel pump owners strongly condemned the decision of the AAP-led government, saying it would hit their business hard.

They further said it is the third time that the Bhagwant Mann-led government raised fuel prices in the past two-and-a-half years.

(With PTI Inputs)

According to the police, the incident reportedly happened on late Monday evening when the doctor was heading towards her hostel after duty at the adjacent Guru Nanak Dev Hospital.

In her complaint to the police, the woman doctor alleged she was intercepted by an unidentified bike-borne man on the medical college premises when she was near her hostel on Monday evening.

The resident doctor, who hails from Delhi, alleged that the assailant snatched her purse and “touched her inappropriately” but fled the scene when she raised an alarm.

A senior police officer said they have registered a case in this regard and efforts are underway to trace the unidentified accused using CCTV footage.

“We have retrieved the CCTV footage of the area and its being scanned to identify the accused,” Amritsar Assistant Commissioner of Police Maninderpal Singh told news agency PTI.

Further investigation in the case is underway, Singh said.

The incident comes close on the heels of the brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month which triggered mass outrage and protests across the country.

(With PTI inputs)

According to officials, the ATC  tower spotted a sudden movement of three objects resembling drones in the airspace on Monday night which disrupted the landing and taking off operations of scheduled flights for around three hours.

A senior official said the incident occurred on Monday at 10.10 pm and the suspiciously moving drone-like objects remained active almost for three hours, resulting in the suspension of all flight operations at the airport from 10.10 pm to 12.45 am.

Flight services were later resumed following a clearance from the ATC tower, Sandeep Aggarwal, officiating Director of Shri Guru Ramdas International Airport, told news agency PTI.

Aggarwal said the airport authorities immediately informed the police after the movement of the drone-like objects was noticed, but they (police) are yet to determine if the objects were indeed drones and who was operating them, adding the help of the local Air Force station adjoining the airport was also sought in the matter.

The director said it was the first time that such objects were seen in the Amritsar Airport’s airspace and it was a matter of deep concern for the authorities due to the close proximity of the airport to the Indo-Pak border.

Meanwhile, police said the Airport Authority filed a complaint in the matter following which a comprehensive joint search operation was launched with Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

“We questioned several people from various adjoining villages around the airport but they had no clue about the objects flying around the airport,” said SHO Airport, Harsimar

She said usually when drones move in the air, the lights fitted atop blink, but in this case there was a “single spotlight” as per airport authority.

Investigation is on in the matter and it is too early to say whether they were drones or some other article, the officer added.

(With PTI inputs)

According to the police, the victim, identified as Samuel Masih, a resident of Singhpura village in Dhariwal area in Gurdaspur, suffered from seizures and used to let out loud screams when he suffered a fit.

However, instead of opting for medical treatment, Samuel’s family invited Jacob Masih, a local pastor, to their home on Wednesday to hold a prayer meeting for the victim.

The pastor claimed that Samuel was “possessed by the devil” and convinced the family that he needs an “exorcism”, and beating up the afflicted man would “force the devil away” from his body.

Assuring the family that nothing would happen to Samuel, the pastor, along with eight others,  started beating him up to  “drive the evil away”, resulting in his on-spot death, the police said.

“Samuel Masih, a daily wager, was badly beaten and died on the spot. The family buried him the next day”, an officer said, adding that two days after his death, the victim’s mother and his wife filed a complaint against the pastor.

Based on the complaint, a case was registered against the pastor and eight others under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Samuel’s body was exhumed for a post-mortem examination on Saturday, he said.

The entire exercise was conducted under the supervision of duty magistrate Inderjit Kaur, the officer further said, adding investigation in the case is underway.

(With PTI inputs)

The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras and showed the victim, Sukhchain Singh, a US-based NRI who recently returned to his native Daburji village on the outskirts of Punjab’s Amritsar city, being forced inside his home at gunpoint by the two assailants.

An NRI, Sukhchain Singh, was shot in his home in Daburji village, Amritsar, after recently returning from the USA. The shocking incident, caught on CCTV, shows two assailants firing three shots at him. He’s now in serious condition and has been admitted to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/HyFORgr3rI

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) August 24, 2024

The gunmen then ask him to handover the registration papers of his newly-bought luxury car, which he refused, leading to a scuffle as the attacker manhandle Singh and fired three shots at him while his family pleaded them to spare his life, the CCTV clip showed.

The assailants fled the scene after their guns jammed, the video showed.

Fear of the law is vanishing in punjab.

This morning two scoundrels entered an NRI’s home in Amritsar & opened f!re on Mr. Sukhchain Singh in broad daylight, ignoring the pleas of woman and child. Mr. Sukhchain is now fighting for his life in the hospital.#punjab #AmitShah pic.twitter.com/TDLgZ00bwS

— Eknoor Singh bajwa (@eknoorbajwa90) August 24, 2024

Singh sustained two bullet injuries– one to the chest and another in the head– and was rushed to a private hospital for treatment, the police said.

Giving details, a senior police officer said Singh was going for a morning walk when the bike-borne assailants intercepted him outside his house and forced him inside at gunpoint and later shot him in front of his family members, including his wife and his two children from his first marriage.

The horrific episode was captured on CCTV cameras installed at Sukchain’s house, showing the victim’s family, including his children, begging the attackers to let him go.

Police said they have obtained CCTV footage of the attack and launched an investigation.

The victim’s second wife has accused his ex-wife’s family of orchestrating the attack and lodged an FIR against five people, all family members of Singh’s first wife.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per an official release, Mann interacted with the bereaved family members after handing over the cheque and appointment letter and asserted that the Punjab government is committed towards the well-being of the state’s food growers.

“A young farmer Shubhkaran Singh attained martyrdom. This barbaric and tragic incident has bruised the psyche of every Punjabi. The martyrdom of a farmer is a huge and irreparable loss for the family which cannot be compensated by any means,” the chief minister said, according to the release.

However, he said Rs 1 crore financial assistance and a government job to the family is a humble initiative of the state government to bail out the family in crisis.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said it is the bounden duty of the government to help the farmers and their families in the hour of crisis adding that the state government is already making strenuous efforts in this regard.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non Political) leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal and other farmer leaders were also present on this occasion.

Notably, the SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers to press the government to accept their demands which include that the Centre should give a legal guarantee for MSP of crops.

The farmers have been staying put at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 when their march was stopped by the security forces.

Shubhkaran Singh, a native of Bathinda, was killed in the clashes at the Khanauri point on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21 during farmers’ protest. The 21-year-old was allegedly killed in police firing during the clashes in which 12 cops also sustained injuries.

The clashes erupted when the protesting farmers were trying to march towards the barricades but were stopped by security personnel from crossing the state border and marching to Delhi.

(With PTI inputs)

According to reports, the victim, Baljinder Kaur, was attacked with a sword by a man named Sukhchain Singh while she was on her way to the office in Mohali’s Phase-5 on Saturday morning. The barbaric attack was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the area and showed Singh, who is wielding what looks like a sword of sorts, attacking Kaur with the sharp-edged weapon in the middle of the road while she is on her way to her workplace.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: (Warning: Disturbing Visuals)

Shocking: CCTV footage from Mohali, shows a person murdering a girl with a sword in the morning. According to the initial investigation, the boy was pressuring the girl to marry him, but when she refused, he took this drastic step. They have known each other for the last 3-4… pic.twitter.com/k0OJZZGWlu

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) June 8, 2024

The victim tries to run away but the sword-wielding accused gives chase and attacks her multiple times. Kaur finally falls to the ground and the accused hacks her to death with the sword, the video showed.

Local reports said the accused, 36-year-old Sukhchain Singh, had been pressuring, the victim, Baljinder Kaur, 31, to marry him for quite some time. However, Kaur continued to turn down Singh’s proposal on multiple occasions, which ultimately led the jilted lover to brutally murder her.

The accused and the victim had known each other for the past 3-4 years, they said.

Kaur suffered multiple fatal injuries in the assault and was rushed to a local hospital where doctors declared her brought dead, police said, adding that the accused has been arrested and booked for murder under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

However, police has not yet confirmed the motive behind the brutal killing and said the attacker’s motives are being ascertained.

Further investigation in the case is underway, they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jayy Randhawa and Deep Sehgal are excited about their forthcoming film, “Je Jatt Vigarh Gya,” set to release on May 17th in theaters. Directed by Maneesh Bhatt, this film offers a dynamic blend of drama, action, deep emotions, and romance, providing a complete entertainment package suitable for viewers of all ages.

In an exclusive chat with India.com, Jayy Randhawa expressed his gratitude for the widespread affection the trailer has received across various states. “Punjab se bhaut pyaar mila, Haryana se mila, Uttar Pradesh se mila, Delhi se bhi mila” (We have received so much love from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi,) he noted. The trailer portrays Jayy’s character, Diler, as an impassioned young man fiercely protective of his family. Diler is depicted as both a guardian and avenger, particularly concerning his sister, played by Gurdeep Grewal. Alongside intense action scenes, the film delves into a love story between Jayy’s and Deep Sehgal’s characters. Deep’s role as the lively and humorous Meher undoubtedly draws the male lead’s interest, igniting their romance.

In our exclusive interview, Deep disclosed that her character, Meher, embodies the quintessential cheerful and spirited girl next door. “Mujhe lagta hai jo character mai play kar rahi hun na, 70% ladkiyan aise hi hoti hai”(I believe the character I’m playing is like 70% of girls out there), she said. Initially indifferent to Diler, Meher gradually falls for him, significantly influencing his transformation throughout the movie.

Making her debut in a leading role, Deep spoke about the hurdles she faced coming from a non-filmy background, particularly in persuading her family and relatives of the safety and security of her career choice. “Society ko, family ko, aur parents ko thora sa difficult hota hai understand karvana in terms of security and safety” (It’s somewhat challenging to explain to society, family, and parents about the security and safety concerns in this field), she shared.

Jayy Randhawa on Box Office Performance

Discussing their concerns about the film’s box office performance, Jayy Randhawa conveyed a sense of calm derived from dedication to his craft. When you work wholeheartedly, leave the rest to God, “Jab aap apna kaam dil se karte ho toh baaki cheezein bhagwan pe chordh do” he remarked.

Jayy Randhawa and Deep Sehgal on the growth of Pollywood

When asked whether he thinks Pollywood surpasses Bollywood, Jayy expressed confidence in the growth and future prominence of Punjabi cinema. “Mujhe lagta hai Punjabi cinema grow kar rha hai aur yeh itna bada hojayega ki poore India ko represent karega” (I believe Punjabi cinema is growing and will become so significant that it will represent the whole of India), he says.

Besides the robust action, stirring drama, and profound emotional content, the film also poses a critical question about the inadequacy of government hospitals compared to private ones in the country.

Amrita reportedly made the remarks while addressing an election event. “Main Gurua de Panje lai vote mangan ayi han (I have come to seek votes in the name of the Guru’s hand),” she is heard saying to the attendees at the function.

Amrita Warring also allegedly claimed that the Congress adopted its ‘Hand’ symbol to pay homage to Guru Nanak Dev Ji– the founder of Sikhism. She said the party’s original symbol was actually “inspired” by the revered Sikh Guru’s ‘panja’, hinting that the Congress had adopted the ‘hand’ symbol to pay homage to Guru Nanak.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

While addressing a public gathering, Amrita Warring asked the Congress workers to vote for the ‘Panja’ (Congress symbol) “Main Gurua De Panje Lai Vote Mangan Ayi Han” pic.twitter.com/fW0HeXDACT

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) April 29, 2024

The backlash

However, Amrita’s comments triggered a political storm, drawing condemnation from various quarters, including the Punjab’s ruling AAP, the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), who castigated her for dragging the name of Guru Nanak in politics.

“Touch a bit of wisdom, Amrita Warring. The Congress government killed the youth in Punjab. Pushed Punjab into a dark period, imposed emergency, charged tanks on our holy Gurdham Darbar Sahib. How did this bloody paw become equal to Baba Nanak’s paw?,” the Punjab unit of AAP wrote on its X handle.

AAP has also demanded an explanation from state Congress unit chief Amrinder Singh Warring over his wife’s remarks while the SAD also voiced their objection to Amrita’s comments, asserting that Amrinder Warring has “completely lost the plot”.

“This divisive group from Punjab has attacked Sri Akal Takht Sahib and has caused immense suffering to millions of Sikhs. Please do not compare it with Guru Sahib for your petty politics,” the SAD wrote in post on X.

BJP leader and former MLA Impreet Singh Bakshi also attacked Amrita Warring for her remarks, asserting that Guru Nanak’s legacy deserves better and must not be dragged into politics.

“Enough with the distortion and manipulation! @AmritaWarring’s blatant disregard for truth is appalling. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s legacy deserves better than being dragged into political agendas. @INCIndia, it’s time to clean house and prioritize integrity over propaganda,” said in a X post.

Amrinder Singh is the contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls from the Ludhiana seat against three-time MP and Congress turncoat Ravneet Singh Bittu, who joined the BJP ahead of the general elections.

Punjab goes to polls in the last phase (Phase 7) of the Lok Sabha election 2024 on June 1.

According to officials, out of four cake samples taken for analysis from the Patiala bakery, two were found to contain a high concentration of saccharin, an artificial sweetener often used as a substitute for sugar, especially by diabetics.

According to doctors, saccharin is perfectly fine to use in small quantities, but a higher concentration of the synthetic sweetener can result in stomach troubles.

It is not clear yet if the girl, Manvi, died due to eating the cake as the forensic report of the same has not come out yet. A senior health official said it is unclear if the cake eaten by Manvi and her sister was contaminated, however, samples of other cakes taken from the same bakery were found to contain a high concentration of artificial sweeteners.

Punjab girl dies after eating her birthday cake

On March 24, 10-year-old Manvi, a resident of Aman Nagar in Patiala district of Punjab, died after eating her birthday cake. As per the family’s complaint, Manvi celebrated her birthday on March 24 and ate the cake which they had ordered via an online food delivery app.

In their complaint, the family stated that Manvi went to sleep after consuming the cake at her birthday party but suddenly woke up and asked for water, before going back to bed.

Later, when the family members went to check on Manvi, they found her lying unconscious and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

“It was our daughter’s birthday and we had ordered a cake from a local bakery shop through an online food delivery application. She ate it after the celebration, after which her health started deteriorating. She complained of feeling thirsty at midnight and asked for water.

But around 3-4 am, her body became cold, and we took her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead. We want strict action to be taken against the bakery,” Manvi’s grandfather, Harvansh Lal, told news agency ANI.

Lal alleged that other members of the family who ate the cake also fell ill.

Following the family’s complaint, police had registered a case against the bakery owner and sent samples of the cake for forensic testing.

(With ANI inputs)

Pinky was six months pregnant and expecting twins, the police said.

A senior official said the grisly incident took place at the couple’s home in Buled Nangal village in Rayya area of Amritsar on Friday.

Giving details, the official said that the couple had a strained relationship and used to frequently quarrel over various issues. The husband-wife duo got into another heated tiff on Friday, and Sukhdev, in a fit of rage, tied Pinky to a cot in the front yard of their house and set her on fire, he said.

Police said the victim, who was six months pregnant with twins, died on the spot, while the accused, her husband, Sukhdev, fled the spot after committing the heinous act and is absconding.

An official said that a case of murder under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has been registered against Sukhdev and searches are underway to trace him and nab him at the earliest.

He said that the police is investigating the exact circumstances which drove the would-be father to murder his pregnant wife and unborn children in such a gruesome manner.

Further investigation in the case is underway, police said.

A senior official said the police is investigation the incident and the reason behind the prison fight is being ascertained.

“We are investigating what led to the clashes between prisoners. Four inmates were injured in the incident, two of whom later succumbed at a hospital,” the official said.

STORY | Clash among inmates in Sangrur jail leaves 2 dead

READ: https://t.co/tpgxyCT8RQ

VIDEO | Inmates being taken to Patiala for further treatment after receiving initial treatment for their injuries at a hospital in Sangrur, Punjab. pic.twitter.com/p5saISyLLA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024

The official said the injured prisoners were rushed to the government hospital in Sangrur where doctors declared two of the inmates as brought dead.

“Four patients (inmates) from the district jail were brought to the hospital, out of which two were brought dead. Two seriously injured have been referred to Patiala,” Dr Karandeep Kahel told reporters at the state-run hospital.

#WATCH | Punjab: 2 dead after a fight broke out between prisoners in Sangrur Jail

(Visuals from the hospital) pic.twitter.com/YqwMzsE7p3

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

“Harsh and Dharmender were brought dead while Gagandeep Singh and Mohd Shahbaz are injured”, the doctor said.

He said that the injured, Singh and Shahbaz have injuries on their backs, heads, arms and ears caused by a sharp object.

A police official said further investigation in the matter is underway.

(With PTI inputs)

As per the police, the shameful incident took place on March 31 in Valtoha village, days after the victim’s son had eloped with his girlfriend and couple got married against the wishes of the woman’s parents.

A disturbing video of the incident surfaced on social media platforms on Friday, showing the attackers assaulting and stripping the women and then parading her semi-naked through the streets of the village.

Note: As a responsible news website India.com is not showcasing the video to respect the dignity and privacy of the victim.

Citing a complaint filed by the victim, a senior police official said the woman was alone at her home when her daughter-in-law’s parents and other family members barged into her house and assaulted her.

The accused then tore off her clothes and paraded her through the village in a semi-naked condition while hurling expletives and assaulting her, she alleged in her complaint, as per the police.

Notably, the newly-married couple are reported “missing” as they have not returned to the village since they eloped, reports said.

Based on the victim’s complaint, an FIR was registered on April 3 under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354B (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe), 354D (stalking), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 149 (unlawful assembly), police said.

They said that five people have been booked in the case but no arrests have been made in so far.

Three of the accused have been identified as Kulwinder Kaur Mani, Sharanjit Singh Shanni and Gurcharan Singh, they said.

“The accused are absconding and raids are being conducted to nab them at the earliest,” said an official, adding that further investigation in the case is underway.

(With PTI inputs)

In a video statement on his X handle, Jakhar announced that the BJP will go solo in the Punjab Lok Sabha elections, adding that the party took the decision after getting feedback from people and party workers.

“The BJP is going to contest the Lok Sabha elections alone in Punjab,” Sunil Jakhar said on X.

BJP to contest the Lok Sabha elections alone in Punjab.

ਭਾਰਤੀ ਜਨਤਾ ਪਾਰਟੀ ਲੋਕ ਸਭਾ ਚੋਣਾਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਚ ਇੱਕਲੇ ਲੜਨ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। pic.twitter.com/FbzfaePNj3

— Sunil Jakhar(Modi Ka Parivar) (@sunilkjakhar) March 26, 2024

‘PM Modi’s work will speak for itself’

The BJP leader noted that the work done by the Modi government during the past decade will speak for itself and people will vote for development.

“The works done by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are not hidden from anyone,” Jakhar said.

Jakhar added that in the last 10 years, produce of farmers was procured at minimum support price.

Punjab Lok Sabha Elections

Over the past few week, rumors were afloat about an impending restitching of alliance between the SAD and the BJP after several rounds of talks between the former allies. Both BJP and SAD are eyeing to take on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its INDIA bloc ally Congress, in the upcoming general elections.

The Lok Sabha Elections for all 13 seats in Punjab will be held in a single phase on June 1, which also marks the last phase of the seven-phase elections.

Votes will be counted on June 4.

‘Mann in Delhi while people dying in Sangrur’

Meanwhile, Jakhar on Sunday visited the families of Sangrur hooch tragedy victims and attacked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for not visiting the area following the incident.

“This is Bhagwant Mann’s area. He should have been here before anyone else. He could have attended to Arvind Kejriwal later,” Jakhar said in an sharp attack on Mann who was in Delhi to protest the arrest of AAP national convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur also blasted Mann over the Sangrur deaths, saying that Punjab Chief Minister reached Delhi to save “liquor scam kingpin” Arvind Kejriwal but 21 people died in his village due to illicit liquor.

“21 people died in a state due to illicit liquor and their CM (Bhagwant Mann) is sleeping in Delhi. He has not even spoken 2 words or taken any action against alcoholism… Punjab CM reached Delhi to save Arvind Kejriwal but 21 people died in his village due to illicit liquor… He is in Delhi to protect the liquor scam Kingpin. He (Arvind Kejriwal) is so arrogant that he wants to run the government from jail,” the Union Minister said.

The death toll due to the suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Punjab’s Sangrur district has climbed to 21, according to officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials said that five policemen, including a Station House Officer (SHO), as well as four prisoners were injured in the clashes. The situation was finally brought under control after over 8 hours on late Thursday evening, they said.

Visuals shared on social media showed some people, presumably inmates, standing atop the roof of the jail building and hurling bricks and stones while plumes of thick black smoke emanate from the premises.

STORY | Punjab: 2 groups of inmates clash in Gurdaspur central jail

READ: https://t.co/fM86IdbVMl

VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/QzpbO5t6P0

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 14, 2024

5 cops, including SHO injured

As per the police, clashes erupted between prisoners and jail staff over some issue at around 11 AM on Thursday morning. Police personnel guarding the prison rushed to control the situation but were met with bricks and stones hurled by the enraged inmates.

Five cops, including an SHO were injured in the stone pelting by inmates while four prisoners sustained injuries in retaliatory action by security personnel, they said, adding that all the wounded are undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital Gurdaspur.

Prisoners clashed in Central Jail Gurdaspur, they attacked on police force that went to rescue the prisoners. Constable Jail Security Jodha Singh and SHO Mandeep of Dhariwal were injured during the attack and were admitted to Civil Hospital. @DGPPunjabPolice @BhagwantMann pic.twitter.com/SUYRV25SiT

— Manjot singh Kang (@manjotsinghk15) March 14, 2024

The injured cops were identified as Yoddha Singh, Havildar Baljinder Singh, ASI Jagdeep Singh, Manoj Kumar (a jail employee), and Dhariwal police station SHO Mandeep Mangotra. The injured prisoners are; Javed Ehmand, Gurvinder Singh, Harsh, and Vishal, the police said.

What caused the clash?

Giving details, a senior police official said that three days ago, there was an altercation between jail staff and some inmates who complained of poor facilities at the prison, security, and ill-treatment of prisoners.

“On Thursday morning, there was a scuffle between a group of inmates and a security guard which soon escalated and clashes broke out between police personnel and prisoners,” said DGP (Law and Order) Gurinder Singh Dhillon.

The DGP said that the rioting inmates broke into the jail barrack, climbed on the roof of the building and and set it on fire, adding that the prison barracks were damaged in the incident.

The senior officer added that the issue was finally resolved after nearly 8 hours and prisoners were assured that there demands would be looked into.

“The Divisional Commissioner (DC) has deputed three specialist doctors to visit the jail within the next three days and conduct medical checkups of inmates,” DGP Dhillon said.

Situation under control, CRPF deployed

Another senior officer said the prisoners have apprised him of their problems and efforts are underway to address these.

“The situation is completely under control and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause behind the incident,” said ADGP (Jail) Arunpal Singh.

The ADGP said that strict action will be taken against those involved in vandalising the jail premises.

Meanwhile, the Gurdaspur police requisitioned the services of police personnel from neighbouring areas like Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Batala, Tarn Taran to bring the situation under control at the jail, officials said.

A CRPF contingent has also been deployed at the Gurdaspur Central Jail in wake of the clashes, they said.

AAP’s Aggressive Campaign

With Punjab comprising 13 Lok Sabha seats, AAP’s aggressive campaign underscores its ambition to make significant inroads, especially considering its current hold on just one seat.

The party’s decision to field five of its ministers is a clear testament to its confidence in their popularity and governance record, posing a formidable challenge to its rivals.

Now, time will reveal how many voters of Punjab continue to believe in the visions AAP presented before the Assembly elections, where it secured over 90 seats and formed the government.

Congress To Go Solo In Punjab

The Indian National Congress party, which currently controls seven parliamentary seats in Punjab, has decided to go solo in the state, breaking away its alliance with AAP in Punjab. However, they have alliance in other states. This move comes as a surprise to many, given the tactical alliances formed by political entities to strengthen their electoral prospects.

The Congress has yet to announce its candidates, adding an element of suspense to the political drama unfolding in Punjab.

Shiromani Akali Dal

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), holding two seats, is not far behind in the political race. Under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal, the party is earnestly working to rejuvenate its cadre and reclaim its former glory by reaching out to disillusioned members. This effort to consolidate its base is critical for SAD as it aims to remain a key player in Punjab’s political arena.

Bharatiya Janata Party

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which also holds two seats, finds itself at a crossroads, especially in the aftermath of the farmers’ protests that led to its separation from the longstanding ally SAD.

There have been calls within both the BJP and SAD for a reunion, suggesting that a realigned alliance could be their best shot at electoral success in the state.

Moreover, the entry of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), which secured the Sangrur seat in a previous by-election, adds another layer of complexity. Their determination to field candidates across the state reflects the fragmented nature of Punjab politics and the varied aspirations of its constituents.

The Political Chessboard In Punjab

As the political chessboard in Punjab gets set, the strategies of AAP, with its high-profile candidates, Congress’s solo run, SAD’s attempts at revitalization, BJP’s contemplation of alliances, and the ambitions of smaller parties, all play into a fascinating electoral battle.

The outcome will not only determine the immediate political future of Punjab but also serve as a barometer for the popularity and effectiveness of the incumbent state government and its opposition.

The stakes are high, and the political parties are leaving no stone unturned. As the citizens of Punjab prepare to cast their votes, the elections are set to be a referendum on governance, policies, and the aspirations of a vibrant electorate.

With the political landscape more fractured than ever, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Punjab promise to be a closely watched contest, with national ramifications for all parties involved.

The protest, called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP), was held from 12 noon till 4 pm.

In Punjab, farmers sat on railway tracks at many locations in 22 districts, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Firozpur, Fazilka, Sangrur, Mansa, Moga and Bathinda. Because of the disruption of train services, passengers experienced inconvenience.

VIDEO | Farmers begin their 'rail roko' protest. Visuals from Chandigarh.

Earlier, the farmers had said that they would hold the 'rail roko' protest from 12 pm to 4 pm on March 10.

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/uS6tow6v9d

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 10, 2024

#WATCH | Punjab: Farmers organisations hold 'Rail Roko' protest, in Amritsar. pic.twitter.com/kqmSYjd1z9

— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2024

According to railway authorities, nine trains including Ferozepur to Bathinda, Jalandhar City to Hoshiarpur, and Jalandhar City to Pathankot were cancelled and many trains were either short-terminated or short-originated.

Farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal claimed that their ‘rail roko’ agitation was successful.

“Till a concrete resolution is offered by the government to our demands, we will continue our struggle,” Pandher said.

They claimed that the ‘rail roko’ protest was held at 75 locations in Punjab, five in Haryana, three each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and 20 locations in Tamil Nadu.

During the protest, farmers raised slogans against the Centre for not accepting their demands.

Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), BKU (Dakaunda-Dhaner) and Krantikari Kisan Union – farmer bodies that are part of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) – also participated in the ‘rail roko’ agitation.

The SKM, which had spearheaded the farmers’ 2020-21 agitation against the now-scrapped three central agri laws, is not part of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest but has extended its support to the ongoing farmers’ agitation at Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border.

In Ferozepur, Inderjit Singh Bath, district president of the Kisan Majdoor Sangharsh Committee, condemned the Haryana police action against farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points.

Besides a legal guarantee of MSP, the farmers are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, pension for farmers and farm labourers and no hike in electricity tariff.

They are demanding the withdrawal of police cases and “justice” for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21.

The protesting farmers from Punjab have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13, when security forces stopped them from marching towards Delhi.

The farmer leaders have rejected the Centre’s proposal for procurement of pulses, maize and cotton at the MSP by government agencies for five years, saying it was not in farmers’ favour.

(Only the headline has been reworked by India.com staff. Copy comes from an agency feed)

The saffron coloured vans, carrying pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President J P Nadda, are fitted with a LED screen in the middle. Two vans will visit each of the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state and will gather suggestions from the people for the BJP’s “sankalp patra” (manifesto), Jakhar told reporters.

The state BJP chief said a mobile phone number is also mentioned on the vans, which the people can use to register their suggestions by recording a voice message. A box has also been kept in the vans for the people to give their suggestions.

Jakhar further said that heads of state BJP’s different cells, conveners, co-conveners and executive members will also accompany these vans and hold meetings with the people and take their suggestions when vans crisscross the Lok Sabha constituencies.

BJP-SAD alliance?

Meanwhile, amid the buzz about a possible BJP-SAD reunion before the Lok Sabha polls, Jakhar responded by saying the vans are going in all 13 parliamentary constituencies at the moment.

“So, our preparations are for all the seats,” he said.

Asked if an alliance will take shape and whether it it be beneficial for the BJP, Jakhar said it is not a question of benefit of any individual party, but it is always about Punjab and its people.

On senior BJP leader and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh reportedly playing an important role for stitching an alliance between the SAD and the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Jakhar said he cannot comment as he is not part of that process.

On being asked about how soon can Patiala MP Preneet Kaur, wife of Amarinder Singh, be expected to join the BJP, Jakhar said when that happens, the joining will be in Delhi.

Asked if there is any possibility of his nephew and Congress MLA Sandeep Jakhar joining the BJP in near future, Jakhar quipped by saying, “He has to take his own decision.”

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa on Tuesday merged his Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) with the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal.

The merger came amid the buzz over the SAD-BJP reunion. The Akalis had quit the NDA in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws.

The SAD (Sanyukt) had contested the 2022 Punjab assembly elections in alliance with the BJP.

AAP, Congress making ‘tamasha’ in Punjab assembly

Meanwhile, Jakhar said unruly scenes have been witnessed during ongoing Punjab assembly’s budget session and accused both the ruling AAP and the opposition Congress of being hand-in-glove and making a “tamasha” (spectacle) in the temple of democracy.

Someday, the chief minister talks about locking the opposition in the House and the other day Congress leader brings an iron chain, he said.

“I am sorry to say that they have made Punjab Vidhan Sabha a theatre. In the temple of democracy, they have made a tamasha of it,” said Jakhar.

He said the Congress as the principal opposition party was supposed to play the role of a watchdog, but they are “hand-in-glove” with the AAP.

On Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann saying that he has always been a votary of turning party manifestos into legal documents so that they cannot dupe common people, Jakhar countered him by saying, “The AAP has befooled the public. What about their poll promise of giving every woman Rs 1,000 per month?” he said.

(With PTI inputs)

Visuals from the spot which have gone viral on social media sites, showed the farmers who are camped at the Shambhu border after being halted by the Haryana Police and prevented from marching towards national capital Delhi, flying kites to counter the drone deployed by the law enforcement agencies.

https://twitter.com/HateDetectors/status/1757710216165310861

Farmer Protests and Drone Warfare at Shambhu Border

Yesterday, the Haryana government had dropped tear gas shells on farmers using drones.

Today, farmers are flying kites to bring down drones.

They have also brought spray machines to reduce the impact of tear gas.… pic.twitter.com/yoJLF51cxt

— Atulkrishan (@iAtulKrishan1) February 14, 2024

‘Delhi Chalo’

On Wednesday, thousands of farmers Punjab continued to stay put at the two borders of the state and Haryana while security personnel fired some tear gas shells on the protesters at the Shambhu border near Ambala.

As the peasants gather there to resume their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest, farmer leaders will first hold a meeting before moving ahead with their plan to break multi-layered barricades at the Shambhu border in an attempt to march towards Delhi.

The police used tear gas shells and water cannons against the protesters at the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryana’s Jind district. According to the police, nine of their men suffered injuries in this clash.

Farmers planning to breach barricades

With the farmers from several places in Punjab continuing to pour in to participate in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, a large number of tractor-trolleys could be seen parked along the national highway on the Punjab side.

The protesting farmers from Punjab plan to make a fresh attempt to break past the multiple layers of barricades at the border with Haryana.

The Haryana security personnel lobbed a few tear gas shells on Wednesday morning after some farmers gathered near the barricades at the Shambhu border, the protesters claimed.

While the protesting farmers said they were determined to march towards the national capital, many young farmers have made their tractors ready for removing the multi-layered cemented blocks at the Shambhu border.

They have also made arrangements of water tankers in order to minimise the impact of any tear gas shell lobbed by the Haryana security personnel.

The farmers were also carrying water bottles and wet clothes to limit the impact of tear gas shells.

One of the protesters was seen wearing body protective gears along with eye protective safety goggles at the Shambhu border.

Many farmers said they sustained injuries and faced difficulties in breathing and irritation in eyes because of the tear gas shells lobbed by the Haryana security personnel on Tuesday.

Many injured in February 13 protest

During their protest on February 13 at the Shambhu border, the farmers, with the help of tractors, managed to remove some of the cemented barricades and iron nails which were part of the elaborate arrangements made by the Haryana authorities to prevent protesters from heading to Delhi.

Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, officials said.

The Haryana government on Tuesday had extended the suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS and dongle services in seven districts – Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa till February 15.

(With PTI inputs)

He said the Manohar Khattar-led Haryana government has placed as much barbed wire at the state’s borders with Punjab as there is at the country’s border with Pakistan.

Khattar, however, justified the steps taken by his government to seal the state’s borders and stop Punjab farmers from marching towards the national capital, saying the arrangements are aimed at maintaining law and order.

Haryana authorities have sealed the state’s border with Punjab at Shambhu near Ambala district, placing concrete blocks, sandbags, barbed wire and anti-riot vehicles on the roads going towards Delhi. Elaborate arrangements have been made at the state’s borders with Punjab in Jind and Fatehabad districts as well.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have announced that more than 200 farm unions would march to Delhi on February 13 to press the Centre to accept several demands, including the enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

Addressing a gathering in Tarn Taran, Mann urged the Centre to accept the genuine demands of the farmers. “What are they doing in Haryana? They are laying nails and barbed wire at the Punjab-Haryana borders,” he said, expressing displeasure over the arrangements made by Haryana authorities.

“I urge the Centre to hold talks with farmers and accept their genuine demands. Do not create a border between Punjab and India. They (the Haryana government) have set up a border. There is as much barbed wire on the roads (at Punjab-Haryana borders) to go to Delhi as there is at the border with Pakistan,” Mann added.

Meanwhile, the Haryana chief minister said the arrangements were made to maintain law and order.

“The kind of agitation they do is not right in democracy and we have seen this the last time. There are many buses and trains (to go to Delhi). But they take tractors and also attach some weapons at the front side of the tractors and if somebody asks them to stop, they will not stop,” he said.

The Haryana Police have also installed iron sheets along the two sides of the road on the Ghaggar flyover near Ambala to prevent protesters from throwing police barricades off it. Water cannons and Vajra vehicles have been stationed near the Shambhu border and the Ghaggar river bed below has been dug up.

In Fatehabad, concrete blocks and spike strips have been placed on a road in the Jakhal area. At the Tohana border in the district, authorities have placed sand-laden containers and concrete barricades and cemented three layers of nails on the road.

(Only the headline has been reworked by India.com staff. Copy comes from an agency feed)