Punjab News:Before Asking Punjabis To Protect Their Turbans, Charanjit Singh Channi Must Answer Questions On Mining During His Tenure: Jasvir Singh Garhi

If Charanjit Singh Channi Is Serious About Protecting Natural Resources, He Must Explain Mining Complaints From His Own Tenure: Jasvir Singh Garhi

Mining-Related Complaints From Previous Govt Must Be Investigated, Findings Made Public: Jasvir Singh Garhi

People Of Punjab Want Truth, Transparency And Accountability, Not Political Stunts: Jasvir Singh Garhi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in-charge of the Sri Chamkaur Sahib Assembly constituency Jasvir Singh Garhi on Saturday hit back at former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi over mining-related complaints from his tenure, demanding an impartial investigation into alleged illegal mining in Rupnagar district and asking Charanjit Singh Channi to clarify what action was taken on complaints concerning Jindapur, Daudpur, Fasse and other locations in the region.

Addressing a press conference,AAP In-charge of Chamkaur Sahib Assembly constituency Jasvir Singh Garhi stated, “Before appealing to Punjabis to protect their turbans, Charanjit Singh Channi must answer questions regarding alleged illegal mining in Rupnagar district during his own tenure as Chief Minister. Illegal mining is a serious issue involving Punjab’s natural resources, the environment and public interest. It cannot be reduced to making videos or issuing statements while sitting in a tipper.”

Affirming that mining under the present AAP government is being carried out in accordance with prescribed norms, Jasvir Singh Garhi said that anyone genuinely concerned about protecting Punjab’s natural resources must also answer questions about their own tenure. “The people of Punjab deserve facts, transparency and accountability, not political rhetoric. If Charanjit Singh Channi is serious about the issue, he must clarify the mining-related complaints and cases that surfaced when he was Chief Minister,” he said.

Referring to Jindapur, Daudpur, Fasse and other locations in the area, Jasvir Singh Garhi called for an impartial investigation into allegations of illegal mining under the previous government. He also sought an inquiry into mining activities in the context of the floods witnessed between 2021 and 2023 and the damage caused in the region. “The investigation must establish whether any interference with natural water flows or environmental damage contributed to the extent of the destruction. The relevant records must be examined, and the findings must be made public so that people can know the truth,” he said.

Jasvir Singh Garhi also referred to a Forest Department complaint dated January 25, 2022, which he said contained allegations of excavation using machinery and the extraction of sand through tippers from a government forest area. Demanding a review of the complaint, official records and subsequent action, he questioned the response of the concerned authorities. “The authorities must clarify what action was taken after the concerned officials raised the issue of illegal activities. The complaint, the findings of any investigation and the action taken must be placed in the public domain. People have a right to know whether the matter was properly examined and whether responsibility was fixed,” he said.

Pointing out that illegal mining in the Mand belt of the Sri Chamkaur Sahib Assembly constituency had been stopped through his efforts, Jasvir Singh Garhi said he would continue to seek action through the concerned departments whenever information about illegal mining came to light. “I do not support illegal mining by anyone. The law must apply equally to everyone, irrespective of political affiliation or position. If anyone’s involvement is established through a lawful investigation, accountability must be fixed,” he asserted.

Jasvir Singh Garhi also raised questions regarding the construction of the Bele-to-Paniali bridge and promises made to residents of the Mand belt. He asked former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to clarify the steps taken during his tenure, the status of the project and the relevant official records. “The people of the Mand belt deserve clear answers about the commitments made to them, the work undertaken and the present status of the project. The relevant records should be examined so that there is complete clarity on the issue,” he said.

Highlighting the religious and historical significance of Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Morinda, Bhattha Sahib, Kotla Nihang and Gharuan, Jasvir Singh Garhi said the region bore witness to Sikh history and great sacrifices. “This historic region carries immense religious and historical significance. Protecting its sanctity, safeguarding the future of young people and preserving the social environment is a collective responsibility,” he said.

Jasvir Singh Garhi also raised concerns over liquor-related business activities and the use of alcohol at social gatherings in the region, alleging that questions had been raised over such matters in the past. He maintained that issues concerning the social environment and the historical significance of the region should be addressed with seriousness and sensitivity.

Reiterating his demand for transparency, Jasvir Singh Garhi said the people of Punjab wanted answers rather than political rhetoric. He called for an impartial investigation into past mining-related complaints, Forest Department records, official action and any potential environmental damage. “Action against illegal mining must not be confined to any one political party or individual. Everyone must be held accountable if their involvement is established through a lawful investigation. The findings must be made public, and the law must take its course,” he said.

Amandeep Singh Mangat, Sarpanch Gurpreet Singh Happy of village Farid, Vikrant Thakur and other prominent persons were also present at the press conference.