Political parties unite against illegal mining, give govt 15-day ultimatum

Leaders and workers from various political parties came together on Sunday to raise opposition against alleged illegal mining in the Hajipur block and adjoining semi-hilly areas. At a special meeting held at the Rest House in Power Colony No. 2, participants expressed deep concern over the issue and warned the government to stop the activities within 15 days or face a public agitation.

The meeting was chaired by Kirpal Singh Gera, President of Guru Nanak Sewa Society, and attended by political and social representatives from Mukerian, Talwara and Hajipur constituencies. Participants staged a strong protest against what they described as the failure of both civil and police administration to curb illegal mining in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Jathedar Kirpal Singh Gera, Sumit Dadwal, Amarjit Singh Dhade Katwal, Anil Vashisht, Shami Vashisht, Sukhwinder Singh Rana Kleran, Lakhwinder Singh “Timmy,” and Advocate Rohit Swaraj alleged that illegal mining has been continuing for a long time in the semi-hilly belt and has increased instead of stopping.

The speakers said the present Punjab government continues to blame previous administrations while avoiding responsibility. They pointed out that the government has been in power for nearly four years, yet illegal mining is reportedly being carried out on a larger scale both day and night.

Leaders also alleged a nexus between officials of the mining and canal departments, claiming that permissions for excavation of agricultural land are being granted from offices without proper field inspections. They further claimed that when local residents raise objections, the mining mafia allegedly files police complaints against them.

Participants said overloaded tipper trucks carrying mining material have badly damaged local roads, making daily life difficult for residents.

During the meeting, it was decided that a formal complaint will soon be submitted to Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain and Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Malik. The leaders warned that if illegal mining is not stopped within 15 days, they will mobilize villagers across the region and launch a strong protest movement against the government.

Among those present at the meeting were Charanjeev Singh Fatehpur, Narinder Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Anmol Chaudhary, Kunal Chaudhary, Kamal Grewal, Arjun Singh, Ranjit Singh, Shubham Sohal and Amarjot Singh Gill, along with a large number of local residents.