RAMPURHAT, 4 DEC: The Birbhum Adivasi Gaonta (BAG) leaders have threatened to close down all crushing units in the Rampurhat area if the administration does not take steps against the illegal practice by Monday. A meeting was convened in Rampurhat’s Tumbuni village this afternoon by BAG members. They also organised a procession in the crushers’ area. “After this deadline, we will launch a movement from Tuesday onwards as the administration has not taken steps against the illegal mines and crushing units so far,” said Mr Rabin Soren, secretary, BAG. According to locals, in October this year, BAG leaders closed down all 220 crushing units in Rampurhat’s Barpahari, Baromesia and Dighol pahari areas claiming administrative inaction against illegal mines and crushing units. Later, on 19 October, the administration convened a tripartite meeting with crushing units owners and representatives of BAG. In that meeting it was decided that the owners will have to submit proper documentation within a month and the administration will then take steps. However, the BAG leaders alleged that the administration has not taken any step against illegal crushing units. “We will isolate the illegal crushing units but it would take some time. However, no one can take the law into their own hands,” said Mr Vaibhav Shrivastava, SDO, Rampurhat. The owners have protested against the decision of BAG. “We are completely following the rules and regulations which were decided in the meeting. But, now the BAG leaders are trying to close down the crushing units once again. We have no option but to take our pleas to the administration if they begin their movement again,” said Mr Amanatullah, secretary, stone crushers’ owners’ association.