Kullu: Cattle, mining & liquor mafia flourishing in state, alleges BJP

Kullu, July 22

The BJP state vice-president and former minister, Govind Singh Thakur, alleged that various mafias were flourishing in the state due to the apathy of the Sukhu-led government.

Addressing a press conference here today, he alleged that cow smuggling, mining and liquor mafia had become active and it seemed that they were being sheltered by the government. He said such activities had become rampant as there was no governance.

Former minister said recently a truckload of cattle coming from Hoshiarpur (Punjab) was caught at Darcha in Lahaul and Spiti district. He said, “It was surprising how this went unchecked and the truck covered such a long distance crossing various state and district borders.” He added that the mining mafia had also become active and villagers themselves had to stop mining activities on the river beds.

He said a truck with 2,760 bottles of beer was seized, indicating that liquor mafia was also flourishing under the Sukhu-led state government.

He said the state government was forcibly levying hefty tax on commercial vehicles with All India Transport Permit (AITP), which had hit the tourism industry in the region. He said, “The state government is collecting tax ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 per day from commercial vehicles of other states. Due to this, tourism businesses of other states have turned their back on Himachal Pradesh and are sending tourists to other hill states.” He alleged that the state government was snatching the employment of people.

The BJP vice-president alleged that the Congress government was harassing the businessmen in the state. He said, “There are around 5,000 homestay units in the state and these are providing livelihood to the people who cannot make large investments. Now, this scheme is also under threat due to the proposed policies of the Cabinet.”