Himachal Kisan Sabha to launch statewide protests over land acquisition issues
The Himachal Kisan Sabha held a one-day convention in Mandi today to address land-related issues, particularly those concerning land acquisition. Presenting the convention’s agenda, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar expressed concern over the large-scale land acquisition happening across Himachal Pradesh, where farmers and affected individuals are not receiving fair compensation. He emphasized the urgent need for farmers and the affected population to unite, stating that the Kisan Sabha is committed to organizing and leading this effort. Dr. Tanwar also pointed out that the 2013 land acquisition law, enacted nationally, is not being properly implemented in the state. He called for compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement to be carried out under this law wherever land is being acquired and construction projects are underway.
Earlier in the convention, Kushal Bhardwaj highlighted that land is being acquired or prepared for acquisition across the state for four-lane highways, other roads, railway lines, power projects, airports, industries, and various other construction activities. However, it is disheartening that the land acquisition law is not being enforced anywhere. Neither the compensation based on Factor 2 is being provided, nor are other provisions of the law being applied. He noted that the government and companies involved in these projects are not addressing issues such as rehabilitation, access roads, service roads, footpaths, wells, hand pumps, foot-over bridges, underpasses, or the damage caused to nearby land and crops due to environmental impacts. For instance, no compensation is being provided for the destruction caused by overflowing streams due to the construction of culverts.
Concluding the convention, Dr. Onkar Shad remarked that whenever farmers in this country or state have achieved anything, it has been through organized struggle. He stated that land has always been a core issue for farmers nationwide. Farmers across the country have historically fought long battles against feudalism alongside their struggle against imperialism. In Himachal, it was only after such struggles that the Land Ceiling Act and Tenancy Act were enacted, providing land to the landless and poor farmers. However, today, farmers across the state are suffering from displacement, and they are neither receiving fair compensation nor employment. Wherever farmers and the affected communities have fought unitedly, they have been able to secure some gains. Dr. Shad referenced ongoing struggles led by the Kisan Sabha in the Luhri-1 and Sunni Hydel projects and the earlier successes in Nathpa Jhakri, Rampur, Parvati, Malana, Preeni, Uhal-3, and Kol Dam projects, as well as four-lane highways, highlighting the importance of building organizations, providing the right direction, and developing struggles at every level. He criticized the previous BJP government for slyly reducing the circle rates of land, enabling the grabbing of farmers’ lands at dirt-cheap prices. Land worth crores in the market is being acquired for mere lakhs.
During the convention, it was decided to hold conventions at all district and local levels, launch a signature campaign on the demands, submit memorandums, and initiate local-level protests. Massive protests will be organized on September 16, 17, and 18 at SDM and Tehsil offices in Neerath, Kotgarh, and Rampur to address the demands of those affected by the Sunni Hydel Project.
The convention saw the participation of affected individuals from Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Sirmaur, and Solan. Representatives from various affected areas of Mandi district, including Balh, Sundernagar, Joginder Nagar, and Balichowki, also attended. Speakers at the event included Joginder Walia from Mandi, Narayan Chauhan from Kullu, Shokini Ram from Kangra, Dev Ram Thakur from Joginder Nagar, Jagmel Thakur from Sundernagar, Narayan Chauhan from Kullu, Jaishiv Thakur from Shimla, Chetan from Kusumpti, Ashok Kumar from Solan, and Rajendra Thakur from Sirmaur, who shared their experiences and raised issues during the discussions.
