The axing of hundreds of fruit bearing apple trees on the orders of Himachal Pradesh in Kotkhai and Kumarsain areas of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh has received strong reaction from the Communist Party of India (Marxists) – CPM and Apple Growers Association of the state.
Former CPM MLA Rakesh Singha, State CPM secretary Sanjay Chauhan and leaders of Seb Utpadak Sangh, strongly condemning the ongoing axing of apple plants in Chaithla village of Kotkhai has decided to convene a meeting at Hatkoti soon.
Expressing their strong resentment of axing the fruit bearing apple plants , CPM leaders said , “ Unscientific axing of hundreds of apple trees by forest officials after deployment of heavy police force is violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.”
President of Seb Utpadak Sangh, Sohan Thakur said, “We strongly condemn the action and will soon hold a meeting at Hatkoti to plan further action.”
The forest officials are axing apple trees on the orders of the High Court, as a drive to remove illegal encroachment on forest land.
The HP High Court issued the orders “as eviction of encroachers was not possible in any other way and nearly 4000 apple plants have been grown on hundreds of bighas forest land.”
Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi said, “The eviction of orchards from forest land in Chaithala village of Kotkhai was carried out on the orders of the High Court.”
