Lighting up the atmosphere

Chandigarh: On a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, city residents lit candles, diyas and mobile flashlights in their balconies, windows and verandhas here today. Some enthusiasts even burst crackers. At some places, people were seen chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram.” Several residents even started lighting diyas and candles before 9 pm. All residents switched off lights of their houses. “It was an electrifying atmosphere in our locality. People came in their balconies to light diyas. People were heard sloganeering loudly,” said Sumit Kumar, a resident of Sector 30. “Residents in Sector 21 wrote “Kick Corona CRAWFED” with candles. It gave a message that we can ward off darkness spread by Covid-19 with the light of unity,” said Hitesh Puri, chairman, CRAWFED. Mayor Raj Bala Malik said: “DeepJalao moment generated amazing positivity and a feeling of camaraderie among all in these testing times. I’m lighting diyas to salute #CoronaWarriors as they are putting their lives at risk for the safety of our countrymen. Thank you PM Narendra Modi from everyone in Chandigarh.” BJP president Arun Sood said: “I would thank my daughter Akshadha who made diyas with flour and lime. Everyone is united in this cause to thank Corona warriors and spread positivity.” Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, president, Chandigarh Traders Association, Sector 17, said: “I lit candles in the balcony of my house at 9 pm for 9 minutes as suggested by the Prime Minister. I appeal to people to maintain social distancing.” — TNS

In solidarity

Panchkula: Diyas and candles were lit up at almost every house late on Sunday evening. Some even took the opportunity to burst crackers. Whistles and PCR sirens were also heard. Panchkula residents, including those living in group housing societies in Sector 20, showed full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to switch off the lights for 9 minutes and light candles, earthen lamps and flashlights to show that the country is united in fight against Covid-19. So far, there are just two positive cases in the district. TNS

Langar outside police station

Chandigarh: A langar was organised for the poor and needy outside the Industrial Area police station. Station House Officer Jasbir Singh said langar was being organised outside the police station from the past few days. People from Colony no 4 and Sanjay Colony, Industrial Area, come to the spot for food. “We will hold the langar till the city is under lockdown,” said the SHO.TNS

Snatcher held with gold chain

Chandigarh: Two days after an Activa-borne miscreant snatched a gold chain from a woman in Mani Majra, the UT police nabbed him and recovered the chain. The miscreant has been identified as Sagar Kumar (23), a resident of Bank Colony in Mani Majra. Victim Poonam Kumari (48) was purchasing vegetables near her house when the miscreant snatched her chain on April 2. A case in this regard was registered at Mani Majra. During the course of the investigation, a naka was laid near the railway underbridge and the suspect was nabbed while riding an Activa, which was stolen from Rajiv Colony, Panchkula. The suspect disclosed that he had also committed a snatching in the Mani Majra area and a vehicle theft following which another Activa was recovered from the parking of Shivalik Garden, Mani Majra. tns

Water supply to be affected today

Chandigarh: Water supply will be affected in the city on Monday. MC officials said due to urgent repair of the Phase 1 pipeline from Kajauli to Chandigarh, there will be no pumping of raw water in the Phase 1 line on Monday. Due to less receipt of raw water from Kajauli, there will be normal supply in the morning. There will be no supply in the afternoon. The supply will be at full pressure from 6 pm to 9 pm. TNS

Entrance rescheduled

Chandigarh: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Panjab University has rescheduled the date of entrance test for PU-CET (UG) to May 16 instead of April 26 for admission to BPharmacy and BSc (Hons), said Prof Parvinder Singh, Controller of Examinations. He said the last date for submission of information on the website to generate the bank challan has also been extended from April 10 to May 4. Candidates can pay their fee through net banking/debit card/credit card. Detailed revised schedule is available on cetug.puchd.ac.in. TNS

Health centre extends timings

Chandigarh: The working hours of the Bhai Ghanaiya Ji Health Centre, Panjab University, have been extended from 9 am to 1 pm on all working days and 10 am to 12 noon on Saturdays and holidays, said Prof Karamjeet Singh, Registrar. Medicines available will be dispensed on holidays also. This would be followed till April 14, he said. TNS

Helping hand for villagers

Chandigarh: The staff of Delhi Public School has lent support for distributing dry ration and soaps among 300 families in Faidan village, which was sealed by the administration after a Covid-positive case surfaced. Principal Reema Dewan said they would arrange more packets in the near future. “Around 300 bottles of sanitisers were also given to health workers. We are planning to donate stationery and colouring materials for slum children to keep them busy and involved,” Dewan said. TNS

Teacher arrested with 18-gm heroin

Mohali: The police arrested a government school teacher with 18-gram heroin from Kharar on Saturday. The accused has been identified as Jaskirat Singh (35), a resident of Samrala, Ludhiana. He was currently putting up at the Old Sunny Enclave, Sector 125, Kharar. According to the police, Jaskirat was a lab attendant at a government school in Dalla village, Chamkaur Sahib. Inspector Sukhveer Singh, SHO, Kharar Sadar police station, said they received a tip-off that a person coming towards Jal Vayu Towers was carrying drugs. He said after getting the information, a special naka was laid at the Jandpur village T-point. “The accused was walking on foot and on seeing the cops, he threw a packet away. We nabbed him immediately and on checking the packet, 18-gm heroin was found. The matter is still under investigation,” said Inspector Sukhveer Singh. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of NDPS Act at the Sadar Kharar police station. The accused was produced in a local court on Sunday which sent him to two-day police custody.

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