Farmers protest against evictions in Himachal, demand Govt. action
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, Feb 11
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh, led by the Himachal Kisan Sabha and Apple Producers Association, have raised concerns over forced evictions from land, despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring such actions illegal.
The farmers have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, demanding an immediate halt to evictions and policy changes to safeguard their rights.
The issue stems from a Supreme Court verdict in the Babu Ram vs. State of Himachal Pradesh case, which ruled that evictions carried out without clear orders violated natural justice principles.
However, despite this, eviction drives continue across the state, with residential houses being sealed and demolished without proper demarcation. Even land sanctioned under the Nautod policy, meant for landless farmers, is not being spared.
In 2000, the state government introduced Section 163A in the Land Revenue Act, allowing farmers to apply for regularization of encroached land. Around 1.67 lakh farmers submitted affidavits claiming ownership, but the matter remains pending in the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Despite this, authorities are still issuing eviction notices, causing distress among small and marginal farmers.
The situation has worsened due to natural disasters, including landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods, which have destroyed farmland, leaving many without shelter. Farmers also allege that their rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 are not being recognized, despite Himachal’s history of forest-dwelling communities.
The Kisan Sabha has demanded an immediate stay on evictions and the issuance of an ordinance to protect farmers under Article 21 (Right to Life). They are also calling for fair compensation for land acquired for development projects and a special package for those who lost homes in recent disasters.
With mounting pressure on the government, all eyes are now on the upcoming winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly in December 2024, where farmers hope their demands will be addressed.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
1 thought on “Farmers protest against evictions in Himachal, demand Govt. action”