Surjit Singh is a correspondent. He covers politics and agriculture, besides religious affairs and Indo-Pak border in Amritsar and Tarn Taran.
Articles by Surjit Singh
After Rajoana’s objection, SGPC puts decision on Manmohan’s portrait on hold
Death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana writes to SGPC that former PM represented party responsible for atrocities on Sikhs so his portrait has no place in Central Sikh Museum at Golden Temple.
Published on May 23, 2025 04:53 PM IST
Panj Pyaras of 3 Takhts pass resolution against Takht Patna Sahib move
Akal Takht also hints at taking strict action if the controversial decree by the Takht Patna Sahib is not revoked
Published on May 23, 2025 07:30 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar
Row after Takht Patna Sahib Panj Pyaras declare Akal Takht jathedar ‘tankhaiya’
A row has erupted after the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones) of Takht Patna Sahib defied a decree issued by the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, and declared its acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib head Tek Singh Dhanaula “tankhaiya” (guilty of religious misconduct) for actions that allegedly hurt the sanctity and dignity of the Takht Patna Sahib
Published on May 22, 2025 08:30 AM IST
Akal Takht pardons Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale
The Akal Takht on Wednesday pardoned prominent Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale for his controversial remarks on Sikh principles and traditions. The Sikh clergy also lifted the ban on his religious discourses and participation in public congregations, nearly five years after directing a community-wide boycott
Published on May 22, 2025 08:24 AM IST
No air defence guns deployed at Golden Temple, says Indian Army
Clarification follows SGPC and Giani Raghbir Singh denying Army official's claim that permission was given to deploy weapons at the shrine during Op Sindoor.
Updated on May 21, 2025 04:56 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar/chandigarh
Head granthi denies army statement on air defence guns at Golden Temple
Giani Raghbir Singh was responding to Lt Gen D’Cunha’s statement that he had allowed deployment of air defence guns in shrine complex during Op Sindoor.
Updated on May 20, 2025 03:57 PM IST
Two arrested for spying for Pakistan’s ISI in Gurdaspur
Punjab DGP says Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh were engaged in sharing classified details related to Operation Sindoor, including troop movement and key strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, with Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
Published on May 20, 2025 10:00 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar
Two arrested for spying for Pakistan’s ISI in Punjab’s Gurdaspur
Punjab DGP says Sukhpreet Singh and Karanbir Singh were engaged in sharing classified details related to Operation Sindoor, including troop movement and key strategic locations in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, with Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
Published on May 19, 2025 02:06 PM IST
In biggest drug bust this year, Punjab cops seize 85kg heroin
Terming it a big success, the DGP said: “The module was busted after Tarn Taran police carried out a big intelligence-based operation, led by senior superintendent of police Abhimanyu Rana.”
Published on May 17, 2025 06:36 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar
Attari-Wagah border opens for Afghan trucks stranded in Pakistan
Traders, porters express relief as eight trucks carrying perishable goods from Afghanistan cross into India through Attari integrated checkpost.
Published on May 16, 2025 05:01 PM IST
In biggest haul this year, Punjab Police recover 85kg heroin, bust ISI-run smuggling module
Drug smuggler Amarjot Singh, caught with consignment smuggled from Pakistan, was supplying the contraband across Punjab. His house at Bhittewad village in Amritsar served as stash point for the network.
Updated on May 16, 2025 12:53 PM IST
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Two suppliers held from Delhi as toll rises to 23
Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested two accused from New Delhi’s Model Town in connection with the sale of spurious liquor that claimed 23 lives in villages of Majitha sub-division in Amritsar district over the past
Published on May 15, 2025 05:34 AM IST
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Two suppliers held in Delhi as toll rises to 23
DGP says main accused Sahib Singh was in touch with Delhi-based Rishabh Jain, as revealed through his WhatsApp chat history. It’s suspected kingpin received consignment from Jain that was used to manufacture the spurious liquor in Punjab.
Published on May 14, 2025 03:42 PM IST
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Victims’ families inconsolable, demand justice
Pall of gloom descended in many villages on Monday night as people, mostly daily wagers, started falling sick and dying after consuming spurious liquor
Published on May 14, 2025 10:18 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Majitha (amritsar):
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Methanol sourced via online platforms, say cops
Another consignment of 600 litres ordered by the main accused Sahib Singh from Delhi seized in Patiala.
Published on May 14, 2025 08:08 AM IST
21 die in Amritsar after drinking hooch; 10 held
Of the 10 people presently admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, the conditions of four have deteriorated, hospital authorities said
Updated on May 14, 2025 05:57 AM IST
Amritsar hooch tragedy: 17 dead, kingpin among 9 held in Majitha
Four officials, including ETO and DSP, placed under suspension for negligence; most victims daily-wagers from Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages of Majitha sub division.
Updated on May 13, 2025 02:55 PM IST
Drones spotted in Samba, Jalandhar, explosions in Hoshiarpur’s Dasuya
Pakistani drones were spotted in J&K and Punjab after PM Modi's address, prompting blackouts and military responses amid small arms fire at the border.
Published on May 13, 2025 10:00 AM IST
Amritsar hooch tragedy: 17 dead, many critical; kingpin among 9 held in Majitha
Most of the victims were daily-wagers from Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages of the Majitha sub division.
Updated on May 13, 2025 11:35 AM IST
Unease lingers, schools in 3 border dists of Punjab to remain shut
A semblance of normalcy was seen in the border areas of Punjab on Monday, with markets teeming with people even though schools in some districts remained shut as a precautionary measure following a ceasefire between India and Pakistan
Published on May 13, 2025 08:44 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar/ferozepur
Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death anniv: Uncertainty over Sikh pilgrims’ visit to Pak
Uncertainty looms over the visit of 500 Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh — to be observed on June 30 — following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack
Published on May 13, 2025 08:02 AM IST
Punjab: Ceasefire ignites hope for Kartarpur Corridor reopening
The Kartarpur Corridor — a visa-free passage facilitating access to this historic Sikh shrine — had been closed by Indian after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack
Published on May 12, 2025 05:04 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar
Punjab: Golden Temple sees return of devotees after ceasefire
The footfall at the shrine, which had declined amid India-Pak tensions, has seen a recovery, with around 75% of the usual Sunday crowd returning
Published on May 11, 2025 09:58 PM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar
Locals from Amritsar, Gurdaspur report seeing drones, hearing explosions at night
Amritsar and Gurdaspur in Punjab reported drone sightings and explosions overnight, prompting a red alert. Locals advised to stay indoors.
Published on May 11, 2025 10:13 AM IST
Op Sindoor: Pakistan escalates armed drone strikes on Punjab
Indian Army thwarts armed drone attack on Amritsar’s Khasa Cantt. Explosions heard in Pathankot, Jalandhar and Bathinda districts overnight.
Published on May 10, 2025 11:28 AM IST
SGPC relocates holy saroops of Guru Granth Sahib in Punjab’s Gurdaspur
As part of process, saroops from gurdwaras near border areas of Dera Baba Nanak and Galarhi in Gurdaspur district will be respectfully brought to Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib.
Published on May 09, 2025 02:00 PM IST
Amid rise in border tensions, Golden Temple footfall drops by 70%
On normal days, the shrine is typically filled with long queues of devotees. However, on Wednesday and Thursday, the premises appeared noticeably empty with no crowd congestion at the shrine
Published on May 09, 2025 08:40 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Amritsar
Gurdaspur first Punjab district under complete blackout from tonight
Amid cross-border escalation, significant civilian precautionary measure taken in strategic border district that is the gateway to Jammu and beyond to the Kashmir Valley.
Published on May 08, 2025 04:17 PM IST
After explosions heard at night, missile debris found in Amritsar villages
The shell of what appears to be a missile was found in fields of Jethuwal and Makhan Windi villages in Kathunangal area on the Amritsar-Batala road on Thursday
Updated on May 08, 2025 02:58 PM IST
Op Sindoor: Panic in border areas, villagers start evacuating to safer places
Similar reports were received from the Khemkaran area, which saw intense action during the 1965 war.
Published on May 08, 2025 04:24 AM IST
Surjit Singh, Khemkaran (tarn Taran)/ Ferozepur