Kisan Sabha slams Himachal govt over land acquisition, seeks fair compensation

A state convention organised by the Himachal Kisan Sabha was held at Sarkaghat in Mandi district to discuss the challenges arising from the construction of National Highways, four-lane roads and other major infrastructure projects across Himachal Pradesh. The meeting criticised the alleged exploitation and negligence of construction companies executing these projects. Former MLA and state general secretary of the Kisan Sabha, Rakesh Singha, also addressed the gathering.

Speakers expressed concern over large-scale land acquisition for road and project development, alleging that affected farmers are neither receiving fair compensation nor being rehabilitated as mandated by law. They said unscientific hill cutting, illegal dumping of debris, damage to local roads and destruction of natural drinking water sources have worsened the plight of villagers.

Referring to the ongoing Hamirpur-Mandi via Sarkaghat highway project, speakers noted that construction has been stalled for five years and that the quality of work remains poor.

Prominent leaders, including Dr Kuldeep Tanwar (state president), Rakesh Singha (general secretary), Kushal Bhardwaj, Joginder Walia, Bhupender Singh and others, addressed the convention.

Bhupender Singh presented a resolution announcing statewide protests on November 26 to demand 70 per cent employment for local Himachali workers and fair treatment of affected farmers. He said every reform achieved by farmers, including the Land Ceiling and Tenancy Acts, was the result of organised struggle under the Kisan Sabha.

Rakesh Singha emphasised the need for unity among farmers and affected communities, stating that the 2013 Land Acquisition Act is being ignored in Himachal.