People from at least 30 villages have formed a committee to check illegal mining in Hajipur area of Hoshiarpur district.

The Khanan Roko Zamin Bachao Sangharsh Committee, Hajipur, announced that it would protest against illegal mining on September 15. The Bains brothers, Simrajit Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains, and suspended AAP MP Dharamvira Gandhi have lent support to the protest.

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“Punjab Deputy Chief minister Sukhbir Badal had recently said no illegal mining will be allowed in the state but his remark is just a claim,” said Dharminder Singh, committee member.

Residents claim a Punjab minister owns some of the crushers due to which the hands of the civil and police administration are tied. The committee members claim they have proof of the minister’s involvement and would provide it to the media on September 15.