Peeved about illegal mining at the banks of the Ravi river leading to the change in the course of water to Gaggrewal village, 35 km from here, village residents and mass organisations have been protesting since yesterday. In connivance with the ruling party, influential persons of the village were digging sand from the river banks, Kirti Kisan Union senior vice-president Datar Singh and Pendu Mazdoor Union leader Pooran Singh alleged today. They said if illegal mining was not stopped, the village would soon be submerged. Villagers Ranjit Kaur, Sukhdev Singh, Amarjit Kaur and Lovedeeep Singh said they were protesting to demand a ban on the illegal digging of sand. The Kirti Kisan Union leader said the illegal mining was underway for weeks and sand worth crores of rupees had been dug up. “Illegal mining is against the Supreme Court order.” Datar said, “The mass organisations have apprised Khadur Sahib SDM Ravinder Singh of the matter. If the administration fails to take action, the mass organisations will protest against the district authorities soon.” The SDM said he had ordered mining officials to take action. Mining mafia pervades Gaggewal village residents have been protesting since Saturday against illegal mining at the banks of the Ravi river leading to the change in the course of water to the village In connivance with the ruling party, influential persons of the village were digging sand from the river banks, mass organisation leaders allege If the administration fails to take action, the mass organisations will protest against the district authorities soon, Kirti Kisan Union leader Datar Singh says