News

From Dubai to surrender in Rode, Sikh separatist has Punjab sweating

Published

3 years ago

April 23, 2023

Staff Reporter

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Amritpal Singh is fashioning himself into pro-Khalistani activist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was slain in 1984.

After dodging the might of Punjab police, supported by the Indian central government, for 37 days, emerging Sikh separatist leader Amritpal Singh ‘surrendered’ in the north Indian state’s Moga district on Sunday morning. The local government continues to say he was arrested, but details from Rode village in Moga tell otherwise.

It is another dramatic chapter in the short life of the political leader, months after leaving Dubai as a dispatcher at his family transport business to heading Waris Punjab De, an NGO which is now in support of asking a separate state of Khalistan for the Sikh community.

Rode in Punjab’s Moga district is the ancestral village of slain Khalistani ideologue Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Amritpal’s emergence in Punjab has been dubbed as the arrival of “Bhindranwale 2.0′. It is alleged that Amritpal Singh even went to Georgia for cosmetic surgery to make himself resemble like him on departure from Dubai to India to take over Deep Sidhu, an actor who headed WPD before he died in a road accident last year.

Amritpal chose Rode both for his Dastarbandi ceremony (a Sikh ritual) to take over as head of WPD in September last year and for his surrender before the police, reaffirming the idea that Bhindranwale remains his “idol”. In an address early morning at the local gurudwara, he said his arrest (meaning surrender) was “not the end but the beginning. ”

पंजाब पुलिस का दावा- सरेंडर नहीं किया, हमने गांव को घेर लिया था,अमृतपाल के पास कोई चारा नहीं था #wernewslive #dailynews #AmritpalSingh #Gurudwara #Amritpal_Singh #amritpal #PunjabPolice #BhagwantMann #AmritpalSinghArrest #AmritpalDetained @PunjabPoliceInd pic.twitter.com/BXMoHnaoAa

— WeRNews (@WeRNewsLive) April 23, 2023

Former Akal Takht Jathedar and Bhindranwale’s nephew Jasvir Singh Rode said “Amritpal was not nabbed by the police but he chose to surrender himself after paying obeisance at the gurdwara.”

“Amritpal had reached Rode late on Saturday night. I was informed by the police that he will surrender from our village. I got to know at around midnight and left for Rode soon after. I reached Rode at around 4 am and he was already present. When I met him, he said that he was going to surrender.

“Amritpal had informed the police last night itself that he will surrender today morning after paying obeisance at the gurdwara. He also addressed the sangat (congregation) for a few minutes before the surrender. Had the police arrested him, would they have allowed him to address the sangat? He was all prepared for it and had packed his clothes, combs etc. The police took him away at around 7 am,” Jasvir Rode added.

Amritpal Singh has been taken to Dibrugarh, Assam, where the rest of his aides are also in jail. All have been booked and taken in under the National Security Act. When Amritpal first evaded the police net on March 18 (see timeline), it was rumoured that he was apprehended and will be bumped off in an encounter.

Amritpal Singh escaped the police dragnet twice — first on March 18 in Jalandhar district by switching vehicles and then again on March 28 in Hoshiarpur when he returned to Punjab along with his associate Pappalpreet Singh, who has allegedly been in touch with Pakistan’s ISI.

Pappalpreet Singh has been sent to Dibrugarh jail in Assam.

While on the run, two videos and one audio clip of Amritpal Singh had surfaced on social media. In one of his two videos, which surfaced on March 30, Amritpal Singh had asserted that he was not like those who flee the country.

ROAD TAKEN BY AMRITPAL – FROM DUBAI TO RODE

A timeline of the event so far.

September 29, 2021: Sandeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Deep Sidhu starts ‘Waris Punjab De’ as a pressure group to “fight for the rights of Punjab and protect its culture”
February 15, 2022: Deep Sidhu, who shot into the national limelight during farm protests, killed in a road accident
September 29, 2022: Amritpal Singh appointed ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief by his supporters months after Deep Sidhu’s death
February 16, 2023: FIR registered against Amritpal Singh and Lovepreet Singh, alias Toofan, in Ajnala, for allegedly kidnapping, thrashing, and attempting to murder
February 17, 2023: Toofan arrested by the Ajnala Police
February 23, 2023: Amritpal and his supporters storm Ajnala Police Station and lay siege to pressurise cops to release Toofan. Under pressure, the police agree to release his aide Toofan.
February 24, 2023: Toofan released from the judicial custody. Police secretly register an FIR under attempt to murder, assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty.
February 25, 2023: DGP chairs a meeting of senior officials and discusses possibilities of action against Amritpal and his aides. The plan was also discussed with the chief minister.
March 2, 2023: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann along with DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav meets Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. A foolproof plan to act against Waris Punjab De Chief and his aides was given a go-ahead by the home minister. Shah also assures Mann of every possible help from the Centre, including sending Central Armed Forces.
March 17, 2023: As the G-20 meeting concludes in Amritsar, senior police officials are directed to implement a state-wide crackdown against Amritpal and his aides.
March 18, 2023: Police teams of more than eight districts start chasing a cavalcade of Amritpal from his native district Amritsar to Bathinda. The cavalcade was intercepted at Mehatpur of Jalandhar district and seven aides of Amritpal were apprehended. However, Amritpal manages to give a slip. On the same day, the four of his supporters are airlifted to Dibrugarh Central Jail of Assam, after the Punjab government invokes National Security Act against them.
March 19, 2023: The manhunt enters the second day and police arrested 34 more persons.
March 20, 2023: Amritpal’s uncle, identified as Harjit Singh, and his driver surrenders in the wee hours in Shahkot of Jalandhar. Harjit was also booked under NSA and airlifted to Dibrugarh Jail in Assam.
March 28, 2023: Amritpal spotted in the Hoshiarpur district along with his friend Pappalpreet Singh but again managed to give the police a slip.
April 10, 2023: Pappalpreet arrested from Amritsar district by Punjab Police.
April 23, 2023: Amritpal, already booked under NSA, arrested from Rode village in Moga district. He is likely to be shifted to Dibrugarh Central Jail of Assam.

Staff Reporter

Education

No buses for now as UAE students return to classrooms

Published

15 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the temporary postponement of school bus services across the United Arab Emirates as students return to in-person learning.

The decision applies to all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools. Officials said the move is aimed at allowing time to complete operational readiness in coordination with transport authorities and municipalities, ensuring services meet the highest safety standards.

The ministry confirmed that the situation will be reviewed weekly, with updates on the resumption of school transport to be shared through official channels.

The announcement comes shortly after authorities confirmed that in-person classes will resume from April 20, 2026, for students, teachers, and administrative staff across the country. Schools have already completed key preparations, including facility readiness, staff training, and updated safety procedures.

Private schools will also have the option to implement a hybrid learning model if required, depending on their readiness and in line with approved regulations. However, schools must ensure that teachers are not required to handle both in-person and remote classes at the same time, to maintain education quality and manage workloads.

Flexible attendance, transport fees waived

Schools will take a flexible approach to student attendance as transportation challenges continue during the current phase of reopening.

Authorities said schools will assess attendance on a case-by-case basis, considering individual family circumstances while ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system.

In public schools, no transport fees will be charged during this period. For private schools, any arrangements related to school transport fees will be handled by local education authorities in line with approved regulations.

Officials say all measures are aimed at supporting families while maintaining stability in the learning process.

Officials added that schools will remain ready to switch to alternative learning methods if needed, ensuring continuity of education under all circumstances.

News

Dubai eyes new law targeting kids’ e-scooter misuse

Published

19 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Authorities in Dubai are considering a new law that could hold parents legally responsible if their children misuse electric scooters, as part of efforts to improve road safety.

The proposal, currently being developed by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aims to address growing concerns over unsafe riding and rising accidents involving minors.

Officials say electric scooters are no longer just recreational devices, with some being modified to reach dangerous speeds. Under the proposed law, parents could be held accountable if their children ride in restricted areas, break safety rules, or endanger themselves and others.

Authorities are also planning to introduce mandatory registration and number plates for all electric scooters. The move is expected to improve tracking, prevent misuse, and strengthen enforcement.

The proposal follows a rise in e-scooter-related incidents across the city. Recent figures show hundreds of accidents involving scooters and bicycles, including multiple fatalities and serious injuries, many of them involving children and teenagers.

Dubai Police have already stepped up enforcement, confiscating scooters and taking action against riders performing dangerous stunts in public areas.

Officials say the new measures aim to promote responsible behaviour, enhance accountability, and reduce risks linked to the growing use of micromobility devices.

Education

No more fries and soda: UAE announces new school rules to promote healthy eating

Published

19 hours ago

April 16, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE has introduced a new national guide aimed at improving the quality of food and beverages available in schools.

The National Guide for Food and Beverages in the School Environment is designed to help schools, suppliers, and service providers offer healthier and more nutritious options to students throughout the day.

Officials say the guide focuses on building healthy eating habits among students while ensuring they receive the energy needed for academic performance. It promotes balanced, age-appropriate meals that support physical growth, improve concentration, and boost overall learning outcomes.

The framework also sets clear standards for food safety, preparation, and storage, while defining responsibilities for schools, local authorities, and food suppliers. It applies to all educational institutions, including public and private schools, as well as centres for People of Determination.

Schools to keep watch

Under the new rules, schools must ensure full compliance with nutrition and hygiene standards, while suppliers are required to meet strict guidelines and maintain valid permits. Parents will also have access to canteen menus, and schools must track and address any food-related complaints.

The guide introduces a structured system for monitoring and enforcement, with local authorities responsible for inspections, compliance checks, and reporting.

A list of banned items has also been outlined to encourage healthier choices. These include sugary drinks, fried foods, chocolates, processed meats, and products containing nuts.

Authorities say the initiative marks a major step toward creating a healthier school environment and supporting long-term student well-being across the UAE.