*Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij hails Ban on New Mining in Aravallis, Slams Opposition for Politicising Court Verdict*

*Atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh Demand Serious Introspection, Nation Still Paying for 1971 Blunders- Anil Vij*

Chandigarh, December 25 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the Aravalli mountain range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world and the decision taken by the Central Government for its protection is commendable. He said that he welcomes the Central Government’s decision not to grant new mining leases in the Aravalli region, and environmentalists and nature lovers should also welcome this decision. Additionally, Sh. Vij said that “major mistakes have been made in history, and therefore the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh must be given serious thought,” adding, “खता लम्हों ने की, सजा सदियों ने पाई”

Sh. Vij was responding to questions asked by media persons regarding mining in the Aravalli mountain range. It is noteworthy that following the controversy over the redefinition of the Aravalli range, the Central Government recently issued directions to the states imposing a complete ban on granting new mining leases within the mountain range. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has also directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education to identify additional areas and zones across the entire Aravalli region.

He clarified that after a recent order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, a misconception had spread among the public that large-scale mining would take place and the Aravalli hills would suffer extensive damage. However, the Central Government took cognizance of the matter and issued clear instructions that no new mining leases of any kind would now be granted in the Aravalli region. At the same time, the existing mining leases will also be reviewed and reconsidered.

He said that the Aravalli mountain range, which is approximately 600 kilometers long, stretches across Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, and its conservation is extremely essential for maintaining ecological balance. From this perspective, the decision of the Central Government is an important step towards saving the Aravallis.

Responding to questions regarding the opposition attributing a role to the government in this matter, Sh. Vij said that linking the Hon’ble Court’s decision to the government’s role amounts to disrespecting the judiciary. He said that the decision has been given by the Court, not by the government. The opposition neither reads the verdict properly nor understands the facts. He reiterated that he welcomes the clear order issued by the Central Government and environmental stakeholders should also welcome it.

On this occasion, Sh. Vij also expressed serious concern over the issue of atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. He said that this matter requires very serious consideration, as India had a decisive role in the creation of Bangladesh. He stated that after the 1971 war, Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, and at that time, Mrs. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.

Sh. Vij said that the kind of incidents now being witnessed in Bangladesh after changes in power suggest that earlier Pakistan alone was a challenge for India, but now circumstances have changed and Bangladesh is also emerging as a new challenge. He said that several major political mistakes were made in history, the consequences of which the country is still facing today.

He recalled that during the 1971 war, India had around 90,000 Pakistani prisoners of war, and at that time India had several strategic options available. Had there been political will, India could have reclaimed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, that opportunity was not utilized, and the prisoners of war were released, while the issue of PoK remains unresolved even today.

Similarly, he said that keeping international pressure and circumstances in mind, India also did not exercise the option of establishing control over Bangladesh. He further stated that there is a region in Bangladesh that lies very close to China and is strategically extremely important. Had this aspect been seriously considered at that time, the situation today might have been different.