Shimla, Feb 27
The opposition BJP on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government after an alleged attempt was made to crush five forest personnel, including a Range Officer, with a vehicle during an incident of illegal khair smuggling in Bilaspur district.
BJP State Vice President Bihari Lal Sharma termed the incident “extremely serious” and said it reflected a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. “The fear of law has vanished in Himachal Pradesh. The forest mafia has become so emboldened that it is attempting to mow down government officials on duty,” he said.
Sharma alleged that during the past three and a half years, the Congress government had failed to control rising criminal activities, leading to an increase in illegal khair cutting and smuggling of forest produce. “Forest wealth worth crores is being looted due to administrative laxity and political patronage, yet the government remains silent,” he added.
State BJP General Secretary Sanjeev Katwal said the attack was not merely on the Forest Department but a direct challenge to the state’s security system. “If Range Officers and forest staff are not safe while performing their duties, how can the common people feel secure?” he questioned.
Katwal further alleged that the government was neither serious about environmental protection nor committed to safeguarding natural resources. He said rampant illegal logging was disturbing ecological balance and damaging the green image of the hill state.
The BJP leaders demanded strict action against those involved in the incident, prosecution under stringent legal provisions and the formation of a special protocol and task force to ensure the safety of forest officials.
They warned that if the government failed to take concrete measures, the BJP would launch a statewide agitation on the issue.
