BJP Punjab Delegation Consults Governor on Illegal Sand Mining Crisis

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A delegation from BJP Punjab met the Governor about illegal sand mining.
- Villagers reported ongoing violence and harassment from the sand mafia.
- Serious injuries were reported during a recent attack on villagers.
- The Governor directed the police to take immediate action against assailants.
- BJP Punjab vowed to continue fighting for justice and accountability.
Chandigarh, April 18 (NationPress) A delegation from BJP Punjab, headed by Jai Inder Kaur, the President of BJP Punjab Mahila Morcha, had a meeting with the Governor of Punjab on Friday, presenting a comprehensive memorandum regarding the critical issue of illegal sand mining and the severe violence inflicted upon villagers in the Sahnewal constituency of Ludhiana.
The delegation included elected representatives from the villages of Gaunsgarh, Gadhapur, Khwajke, Mangat, Boothgarh, Rawat, Hawas, and Mangli, who recounted the persistent atrocities being perpetrated by the sand mafia under the protection of local authorities and the state government.
Accompanying them were BJP Punjab spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal, senior BJP leader Vineet Joshi, and Geja Ram Valmiki, all of whom voiced the villagers' concerns and strongly condemned the inaction of the state machinery.
The memorandum pointed out the devastation of rural roads caused by overloaded mining trucks, harassment faced by villagers, and false FIRs filed against peaceful demonstrators. It also recounted a disturbing incident on April 2025, where miners' goons assaulted unarmed villagers in broad daylight.
Among the seriously injured was Simranjit Kaur Gill, an advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, who was brutally attacked, sustaining severe injuries that required 15 stitches and indicated a possible fracture. Several other villagers, including Amandeep Singh and Balraj Singh, also suffered serious injuries during the attack.
Despite the availability of clear video evidence, no FIR has been lodged against the attackers, indicating a possible cover-up by the police and administration.
BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal accused the police, mining department, and PWD of colluding with the mafia and demanded prompt action against them. He also raised serious inquiries regarding the involvement of sitting MLA and Minister Hardip Mundian, who is alleged to protect illegal mining operations in the area.
The delegation pointed out significant violations of environmental regulations at the Rour mining site and demanded the revocation of its clearance.
After listening to the delegation, Governor of Punjab Gulab Chand Kataria instructed the Punjab DGP to immediately register FIRs against those responsible for the assault and compile a comprehensive list of all legal and illegal mining operations in the state. The Governor assured the delegation that stringent action would be taken to ensure justice.
BJP Punjab reaffirmed its commitment to combating this unholy alliance of crime and power, pledging to stand firmly with the people of Punjab until justice is achieved and responsibility is enforced.