PHAGWARA: In a remarkable display of leadership and dedication, Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal has successfully ensured the safe return of nearly 100 pilgrims from his Phagwara assembly constituency who were stranded near Chamba during the sacred Mani-Mahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh. The pilgrims, who had been cut off from their families for several days due to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and complete loss of connectivity, were brought back safely through coordinated efforts involving the Himachal Pradesh government and state police officials.
The situation in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Bharmaur and Chamba, remains far more critical than portrayed in the media, with thousands of devotees still stuck in remote areas. Amidst these worsening conditions, Dhaliwal maintained continuous communication with senior Himachal Pradesh authorities, including with Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, to facilitate rescue and relief operations for the pilgrims from Phagwara.
Once contact was established, buses and other transport facilities were promptly arranged to bring the stranded groups back to Punjab. Senior police officials of Himachal Pradesh also played a crucial role in tracing the pilgrims, who had lost all means of communication and were completely cut off from their families for several days. Their safe return has brought immense relief to the people of Phagwara, who had been anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
This is not the first time MLA Dhaliwal has come forward in times of crisis. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, he made special arrangements by providing more than a dozen buses to send stranded people from Jammu & Kashmir and other states back to their homes. On every such occasion, he has stood firmly by the people of his constituency, extending help without seeking political mileage.
Residents of Phagwara have expressed deep gratitude for Dhaliwal’s timely intervention, acknowledging his consistent commitment to serve people in need. Time and again, he has proven himself to be a leader who rises to the occasion, standing for what is right and offering unwavering support during testing times. His actions have reinforced the belief that true leadership lies in service to the people, especially when they need it the most.