Kisan Sabha to stage protest over land acquisition issues

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 19

The Himachal Kisan Sabha has decided to launch statewide protests over the issues pertaining to land acquisition in the state. Farmers are demanding the implementation of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, for fair compensation for their land acquired for development projects in the state.

The Kisan Sabha yesterday held a daylong convention in Mandi to address the land acquisition issues and related concerns. Presenting the convention’s perspective, Kuldeep Singh Tanwar said while the land acquisition on a large scale was taking place in the state, the farmers and affected parties were getting inadequate compensation. He emphasised on the need for the farmers and affected communities to unite and said the Kisan Sabha was actively working towards this goal.

Tanwar criticised the lack of implementation of the Land Acquisition Act in the state, demanding that compensation, resettlement and rehabilitation should be ensured as per the legislation. The convention began with Kushal Bhardwaj pointing out that land is being acquired across the state for various projects, including highways, railways, tower lines, hydroelectric projects, airports and industries.

He expressed concern that the land acquisition law is not being enforced, with compensation not as per the stipulated factors, besides other provisions being ignored.

Bhardwaj also criticised the alleged failure to address the issues related to resettlement, access roads, environmental damage and other impacts of the land acquisition.

Onkar Shad stated that organised struggle has historically been key to achieving farmers’ demands. He recalled past struggles against feudalism and imperialism that led to land reforms in Himachal Pradesh. Shad said despite such efforts, the farmers were getting inadequate compensation and employment opportunities. He criticized the previous BJP government for undervaluing land and exploiting farmers by reducing land circle rates.

The convention resolved to hold additional meetings across all districts, initiate signature campaigns and petitions and start protests at local level. Demonstrations are planned for September 16, 17 and 18 at Neerath, Kotkhai Rampur to address the demands of those affected by the Sunni Hydro Project.

Representatives from various districts, including Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Sirmaur and Solan, attended the convention.