Chandigarh, Jan. 1 -- The state government on Wednesday extended the winter holidays for all government, aided, recognised, and private schools until January 7 in view of intense cold and dense fog across most parts of the state. The announcement was made by education minister Harjot Singh Bains on the microblogging platform X . "In accordance with the directives of the hon'ble chief minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, and in view of the continuously increasing cold and fog across the state, and with due consideration to the health and safety of children and staff, holidays are being declared in all government, aided, recognised, and private schools of the state until January 7. All schools in the state will now reopen on January 8," he wrote. A regional transport authority (RTA) officer stationed in Jalandhar was found dead in his apartment's bathroom on Tuesday. Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased, identified as Ravinder Singh Gill, 54, may have suffered a cardiac arrest, while the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report. Gill, a native of Bathinda, had been recently posted to Jalandhar. "His driver and security guard broke into the apartment and found him lying unconscious in the bathroom. He was rushed to the local hospital, where the doctors declared him brought dead," the police said. Authorities have recorded the statements from family members and initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the BNSS. The anti-narcotics task force (ANTF) arrested two alleged traffickers and seized 3.5 kg opium apparently being transported to Punjab, police said on Wednesday. The arrests were made in the Bhamaura police station area in Bareilly following a tip-off, ANTF sub-inspector Vikas Yadav said. The team intercepted the suspects near the Hanuman temple crossing in Makrandpur village on Tuesday, he added. Police said the accused tried to flee but were caught after a brief chase. Searches led to the recovery of 3.5 kg opium, three mobile phones and Rs.3,650 in cash. During questioning, they claimed the consignment had been supplied by a man identified as Gyan and was to be delivered to Punjab. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway to trace other members involved in the network, police said.' The Army's Amogh Division on Tuesday carried out a swift rescue operation to save a youth stranded at a height while hoisting the chola sahib on the nishan sahib at a gurdwara in Gidderanwala village, Fazilka district. The youth was left hanging mid-air after a supporting wire snapped, leaving him unable to climb down. On receiving information from the district administration, the Army rushed a rescue team to the spot and conducted a carefully planned operation and the youth was brought down without injuries. No untoward incident was reported. The DC, Fazilka, thanked the Army for its timely intervention. Akal Takht acting jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj on Wednesday received a complaint from former students of Damdami Taksal, living in India and abroad, against seminary chief Harnam Singh Dhumma. The complaint relates to an event in Nagpur marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, where Dhumma allegedly violated Sikh maryada by sitting with his legs on a bench in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. The complainants termed the act disrespectful and against Panthic traditions. They also alleged that Dhumma colluded with anti-Panth forces. The students urged Akal Takht sahib to take strict action. The letter was signed by former students and Panthic leaders from several countries. Leaders of Sikh bodies, including the complainants, on Wednesday demanded the immediate arrest of those nominated in the case of the 328 missing saroops of Guru Granth Sahib. The leaders, including Sikh Sadbhawna Dal leader Baldev Singh Wadala, farmer leader Baldev Singh Sirsa (both complainants in case), Sikh Youth Federation (Bhindranwale) leader Ranjit Singh, Satkar Committees leader Sukhjit Singh Khose, SAD (Amritsar) leader Harpal Singh Bler, welcomed the FIR registered on December 7....