Shimla, December 30: The Himachal Pradesh unit of the All India Kisan Sabha and Himachal Pradesh Apple Growers Association has voiced strong opposition to the eviction of farmers from their land, demanding immediate regularization of agricultural land occupied by farmers and orchardists.
The demands were raised during a convention held on Monday at Kalibari Hall, Shimla, which witnessed the participation of over 400 farmers from across the state.
Call for Policy Reforms and Action
Addressing the gathering, National Convenor of the All India Apple Producers Association, Rakesh Singha, highlighted the challenges posed by existing forest laws, including the Indian Forest Act (1927), Forest Protection Act (1980), and Forest Rights Act (2006). “These laws need amendments to safeguard the interests of farmers and orchardists,” he stated, while urging governments to exhibit strong political will and sensitivity. Singha also criticized the state government for failing to secure relief for farmers in the Supreme Court.
Himachal Kisan Sabha President, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, outlined the action plan agreed upon at the convention. “District, block, and tehsil-level conventions will be organized in the next 1.5 months, followed by memorandums being submitted to state and central governments by February 11. A mass protest will then be staged at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat in Shimla to press for our demands,” he said.
Key Demands
The convention emphasized the following demands:
- Mutation of non-forest land occupied by farmers in favor of the rightful occupants.
- Resolution of Nautaur land issues through special mutations.
- Compensation for houses lost during the 2023 natural calamities.
Criticism of Government Inaction
Farmer leader Dr. Onkar Shad criticized the state government for failing to act on resolutions passed in 2015-16 regarding land regularization. He called for the formation of a strong organization to secure the rights of farmers and orchardists.
Support from Various Organizations
The convention received support from representatives of several organizations, including CITU, Janwadi Mahila Samiti (JMS), and Students’ Federation of India (SFI), further strengthening the initiative.
The event underscored the growing unrest among farmers and the urgent need for policy changes to address their concerns.
