One year completes for the 80-year-old man’s sit-in protest to save a historic mango orchard; the administration remains unmoved.

One year completes for the 80-year-old man’s sit-in protest to save a historic mango orchard; the administration remains unmoved.

Bapu Labh Singh, who is sitting in protest, has declared: "I will continue the fight to save this historic mango orchard until my last breath."

Balwinder Kumbhra, President of the SC/BC Morcha, has appealed to the Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prioritize an investigation into the 'Phoenix Mall' currently under construction in Phase 8.

Master Banwari Lal has stated that if any untoward incident befalls Bapu Labh Singh—especially given the approaching harsh cold of the winter months (Poh-Magh)—the administration and the owners of the mall will be held responsible

S.A.S.Nagar 13 November ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The protest led by 80-year-old Bapu Labh Singh—staged near Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali—has now completed one year. The protest was initiated to express outrage over the felling of a historic mango orchard—which occurred despite a stay order from the Hon’ble High Court—and to demand action against the owners of the mall and the concerned officials. Yet, the Mohali administration has remained completely unmoved; not a single senior official has visited the site, despite the advanced age of the protester. Speaking to the press, Bapu Labh Singh declared that he would continue the fight to ensure action is taken against the Phoenix Mall and the responsible officials until his very last breath. He affirmed that the protest will persist, aimed at preserving these orchards—which were once graced by the presence of Sri Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji. "My resolve has not been broken by heavy rains or intense heat, and the approaching winter will not be able to shake it either."

On this occasion, Balwinder Singh Kumbhra, President of the SC/BC Morcha, appealed to the Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct an urgent investigation into the Phoenix Mall project currently under construction in Phase 8. He stated that such an investigation would likely uncover a major scam. Expressing surprise at the conduct of the Mohali administration, he noted that despite a stay order issued by the Hon'ble High Court, the mall owners have remained completely indifferent, and the relevant authorities have failed to take any action. Criticizing the administration sternly, he warned that if appropriate action is not taken against Phoenix Mall, a major agitation will be launched in the coming days. He further appealed to social, religious, and political organizations, as well as environmental enthusiasts, to join hands in protecting the environment and preserving historic orchards, thereby safeguarding Punjab's ecological well-being.

Taking the government to task, protest leader Master Banwari Lal stated that, given the approaching cold weather of the *Poh-Magh* season, the administration and the owners of the property would be held responsible should any untoward incident befall Bapu Labh Singh. Those present on this occasion included Harnek Singh Maloya, Karam Singh Kurari, Gurwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Balwinder Singh Shekhan Majra, Karamjit Singh, Gaurav Kumar, Babbal Chopra, Gaurav Mohali, Paramjit Kaur, Neelam Rani, Anju Bala, Balwinder Singh Nambardar, and Darshan Singh Rathi, among others.