Punjab farmers protest as Bhadaspur village committee takes ownership of common land

In a bold move that has stirred significant unrest among the farming community, the village committee of Bhadaspur took control of a parcel of common land previously cultivated by local farmers.

The land, reportedly used for agricultural purposes by villagers for years, has now been claimed by the Gram Panchayat under the supervision of the Committee of Common Land (Shamilat Deh).

Led by prominent local leaders and the Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee, dozens of farmers gathered to protest what they called an unjust and unilateral decision by the administration.

The agitated farmers alleged that the committee’s decision was made without consulting those who had relied on the land for their livelihoods.

Farmers contended that the Gram Panchayat had never previously raised objections to their use of the land and questioned the sudden enforcement.

“Our committee has always protected the rights of marginalised and landless farmers, and we will not allow this land to be taken without due process,” said one of the protest leaders.

During the demonstration, leaders asserted that the government should take responsibility and ensure a fair resolution rather than siding with influential local bodies.

The protesters also raised concerns over the transparency and legality of the committee’s actions, suggesting political pressure may be influencing the village committee’s decisions.

The farmers have vowed to continue their protest until the land is restored to them or an equitable solution is negotiated.

Talks with officials are expected in the coming days, but tensions remain high as both sides hold firm to their positions.

This incident reflects a broader trend of disputes arising over village common lands across Punjab, where questions of land rights, governance, and economic justice increasingly intersect.