Mining Mafia Flourishing in Himachal, Police Avoiding Action: Jairam Thakur
Shimla, February 16 – In a scathing attack on the state government, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has accused the ruling administration of allowing illegal activities, particularly mining, to thrive unchecked across Himachal Pradesh. He also alleged that the police force is deliberately avoiding taking action against the mining mafia, which he claims has become more emboldened under the current regime.
In a press statement issued from Shimla, Thakur criticized the government for its apparent failure to maintain law and order and protect the state’s resources. He argued that criminal groups, particularly those involved in illegal mining, were operating freely in the state, with mining activities occurring in close proximity to sensitive areas like the Superintendent of Police’s (SP) office. This, Thakur pointed out, reflected the erosion of the state’s governance, where mafia activities had gained a dominant and alarming presence.
The Rise of the Mining Mafia
Thakur’s concerns center on the increasing reports of illegal mining operations taking place in Himachal Pradesh. In particular, he raised alarms over mining activities occurring near the SP office, where he claimed such operations were taking place in broad daylight with no intervention from the police. According to Thakur, illegal mining is being carried out so blatantly and at such an alarming rate that the state’s resources are being systematically plundered, and the police are turning a blind eye to these operations.
Thakur remarked that these illegal mining activities have grown so rampant that it has become impossible for local residents to live without being affected. He expressed frustration at the helplessness of the common people, who have turned to the police for help but received no response. Villagers, he noted, have repeatedly complained to the police about illegal mining, only to be met with inaction.
“The situation has become unbearable. These mafias are mining aggressively within a radius of just 100-200 meters from the SP office, and the police seem powerless or unwilling to take action,” Thakur stated. “It’s a sign of complete breakdown in governance.”
Government’s Failure to Tackle the Mafia
The Leader of Opposition was scathing in his criticism of the current Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led state government, claiming that it has failed the people of Himachal Pradesh by allowing mafia rule to take root. He accused the state government of turning a blind eye to the exploitation of the state’s resources, particularly in mining, and allowing it to flourish under its watch.
“The government’s credibility has completely eroded. It has become evident that the mafia is being provided with full protection and support, while law enforcement agencies like the police are rendered powerless to take any meaningful action,” Thakur said. “If the government continues in this manner, the state’s resources will be looted with impunity, and the government will stand by, doing nothing but issuing empty statements in the media.”
Thakur did not mince words when he referred to the apparent anarchy that is now taking hold of the state, particularly in relation to illegal mining. He claimed that this was a direct result of the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu administration’s inability to take strict action against criminal activities, such as illegal mining, in the state.
Thakur continued, “Will the state allow the mafia to steal its resources, while the government stands idly by and watches? It’s a serious question we need to ask ourselves. This situation cannot continue, and the people of Himachal Pradesh deserve better governance than this.”
A Breakdown in Law and Order
Thakur highlighted that illegal mining activities are not limited to remote, rural areas but have become common even near the most important law enforcement offices in the state. This, he claimed, proves that the state police have lost the will and capacity to act against the mafia.
“Not only have they been emboldened, but they are now operating openly in areas where they should fear being caught. Mining mafias are digging up resources right next to the SP’s office—a place where the police should be most active. This is the extent of the breakdown in law and order,” Thakur said.
Thakur went on to express concern about the potential dangers this situation could pose. He warned that these criminal elements were becoming more powerful by the day, and their influence was growing at an alarming rate.
“I’m not surprised to say that in the coming days, these mafias could even dig under the SP office and take it away if they’re allowed to continue unchecked,” Thakur remarked. He further highlighted the widespread use of heavy machinery, such as Pokland, JCBs, and tippers, which are being employed day and night to extract resources illegally from the state.
“The scale of illegal mining operations is shocking. The mafia has complete control of the situation, and the police are nowhere to be found,” Thakur emphasized.
Harassment of Police Officers Who Took Action
Adding another layer to his criticism, Thakur recounted a recent incident where the Baddi Police had attempted to take action against the mining mafia. According to Thakur, this was met with swift retaliation from the mafia and the state government, who allegedly harassed the police officer responsible for taking action. The officer, Thakur claimed, was forced onto leave as a direct result of his attempt to curb illegal mining activities in the region.
“This incident is a prime example of how the government is openly siding with the mafia and punishing officers who dare to take action. The action taken by the Baddi Police was commendable, but the mafia did not like it, and the government has now punished the officer who took a stand. This sends a dangerous message to law enforcement officers across the state,” Thakur said.
He further expressed concerns that this unjust treatment of police officers would create a climate of fear and discourage other officers from tackling illegal activities in the future. Thakur accused the government of deliberately undermining the morale of the police force, leaving them too afraid to act against the mafia.
A Call for Immediate Action
Jairam Thakur’s statement concluded with a strong call for the Chief Minister to take immediate action against the illegal mining mafia and those police officers and officials who had failed to act despite repeated complaints from the public. He called for a complete crackdown on illegal mining activities, urging the government to not only punish the offenders but also to take stringent measures to restore law and order in the state.
“It is shameful that the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu government is bowing to the mining mafia. The people of Himachal Pradesh have every right to expect their government to protect their resources and uphold the law, not to stand by and let criminals take over,” Thakur said.
He urged the Chief Minister to prioritize public welfare and take swift, decisive action to eliminate the mining mafia once and for all. Thakur further emphasized that such activities were not just an embarrassment but also a threat to the economic stability of the state.
The Need for Strong Leadership
Thakur’s statement paints a concerning picture of the state’s current governance and law enforcement situation. His accusations that the mining mafia is flourishing with the alleged protection of the government and police is a serious indictment of the ruling administration’s ability to manage the state’s resources and maintain law and order.
As Himachal Pradesh grapples with these pressing issues, it remains to be seen whether the state government will take the necessary steps to rein in the mining mafia and restore order. The call for justice, accountability, and strong leadership will undoubtedly shape the political discourse in the coming months, as the people of Himachal Pradesh await a response from the Chief Minister and the ruling party.
The future of the state depends on the government’s willingness to take action, curb illegal activities, and prioritize the welfare of the public over criminal enterprises.
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