HP BJP chief expresses concern over 'attack' on forest dept

Himachal Pradesh BJP unit chief Satpal Singh Satti today expressed serious concern over the "attack" on a team of forest officials who had gone to Gondpur Jiachand in Una district last month and alleged that the culprits were being shielded.
Moving the calling attention motion in the state Assembly, Satti said it was unfortunate that the government officials were badly "attacked" by a group of people, which even involved women and children, but proper action had not been taken against all the culprits.
He said mobiles of officials were also snatched and stones were "pelted" on them.
Satti also alleged that illicit felling was going on in the area for long in an organised way and the state government had not taken appropriate action.

He said it was a border area and the government should be very cautious about it and give proper protection to the officials who handle such situations.
He said it was "improper" to give protection to such culprits on considerations of vote bank.

Satti said Himachal was known for its environment and if illegal felling of trees was not checked, it could destroy the natural beauty of the state.
Objecting to the observations made by Satti regarding protection being given to culprits, Industries Minister, Mukesh Agnihotri said the jungle belonged to his family and he was in fact the sufferer if illegal tree felling was being done there.

"There is no question of protecting any culprit," he said.
Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri said the government was taking action into it and would provide proper weapons to the forest officials sent to check such smuggling or illicit felling.