Powerful mining mafia grows under BJP patronage in Vijaypur: Manjit

Excelsior correspondent

JAMMU, Sep 10: Apni Party candidate for Vijaypur constituency Manjit Singh has expressed serious concerns over the emergence of a powerful mining mafia, most of whom are non-local in Koulpur and adjoining areas of Vijaypur and who have the political backing of the BJP.
“The mining mafia, which largely consists of outsiders, has become so powerful that authorities no longer question them about their illegal actions and plunder of resources that has damaged the ecosystem and taken away employment opportunities from the local youth,” the former minister said while addressing a public meeting at Koulpur village in Vijaypur constituency.
Manjit Singh said that the police and the administration seem to have become silent spectators as no action is being taken against them and the local youth, whose livelihood has been snatched away by this mining mafia, are being harassed. He asked the authorities to stop the harassment and take measures to protect the ecology and resources of Koulpur and adjoining villages from the mining mafia, which is hand in glove with the authorities.
He asked the authorities and police to release all the vehicles seized in the name of illegal mining. “Thousands of families have been rendered helpless and are facing famine-like situations due to poor economic conditions after the authorities allowed allocation of mining blocks to outsiders,” he said.
The Apni Party leader said that if he is elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly from Vijaypur, action will be taken against outsiders and local mining will be promoted in a sustainable manner. This will boost employment and reduce construction costs by providing cost-effective construction materials like sand, stones, etc.
Meanwhile, development issues were also discussed, with the Apni Party candidate ensuring overall development of Koulpur and other areas.