Farmers gather in Shimla to oppose Eviction and demand Land Rights

Farmers from across Himachal Pradesh convened at the Kalibari Hall in Shimla today, uniting under the banners of the Himachal Kisan Sabha and the Apple Producers Association. The state-level convention addressed the pressing issue of the eviction of small and marginal farmers by the state government and forest department, amidst claims of legal irregularities. The event was presided over by former CPM MLA Rakesh Singha, Kisan Sabha State President Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, and party unit secretary Sanjay Chauhan.

The convention, marked by fervent discussions and impassioned speeches, focused on the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980. Farmers expressed concerns over the alleged misuse of amended FCA provisions, claiming they are being evicted without due process. “The amended FCA provisions are not being implemented properly,” said Tanwar. “Evictions are happening arbitrarily, leaving farmers fearful for their futures.”

Himachal Kisan Sabha and the Apple Producers Association accused the government of ignoring the plight of small and marginal farmers.

The gathering also highlighted that 67% of the state’s land is classified as forest land under the FCA. Farmers alleged that even land previously allotted under the Nautod policy and land occupied for generations have been declared forest land, leaving them vulnerable to eviction.

Representatives from various farmer groups, including Vinod Kumar (State President, Small Farmer Welfare Forum), Gulab Singh (Sirmaur Forest Rights Forum), and Jaggar Nath (Landless and Homeless Organization), voiced their concerns. Many recounted stories of families whose homes were sealed or lands taken away, despite legal safeguards.

The convention passed a resolution outlining key demands include amendment of the FCA to provide at least 5 bighas of land to poor, small, and marginal farmers, Recognition of forest rights under the Forest Rights Act for Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers, Compensation for farmers who lost land during the natural calamities of 2023 and reintroduction of a transfer policy to allocate alternative agricultural land for forest land occupied by farmers.

Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar announced that farmers and apple growers across the state would stage a march to the state assembly during the Budget Session in March 2025. “We will not rest until our demands are met,” he stated firmly.

The convention concluded with a strong call for unity and resistance against the government’s eviction drives. Delegates resolved to intensify their agitation at district and subdivision levels, culminating in a mass protest on February 10, 2025.

The Himachal Kisan Sabha and Apple Producers Association emphasized the importance of building a collective movement to secure land rights for small and marginal farmers. “This is not just about land; it’s about dignity, livelihood, and justice for the farmers of Himachal Pradesh,” said Chauhan.

The gathering underscored the resolve of Himachal’s farmers to fight for their rights, signaling the beginning of a sustained agitation against what they termed “an attack on their existence.”