Shimla, March 10,
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh, grappling with land evictions and loss of livelihood, have decided to launch a statewide protest against the government’s anti-encroachment drives. Under the banners of Himachal Pradesh Kissan Sabha and Seb Utpadak Sangh, a meeting was held at the CPI(M) office in Shimla on Saturday to strategize the movement. The gathering, presided over by Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, saw participation from farmers, street vendors, and horse-riding operators from popular tourist spots like Kufri and Fagu.
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The protest stems from two key issues. First, the state administration’s eviction drive, which has displaced farmers from their farmlands, leaving them without means of cultivation. Second, small vendors and pony/yak operators at tourist destinations are being removed under the pretext of environmental degradation, rendering thousands jobless and sparking widespread anger.
Dr. Tanwar highlighted that 68% of Himachal’s land is under the control of the Central government, while farmers have access to only 10% of cultivable land. With limited resources, many farmers had settled on small patches of government land to sustain their livelihoods. However, instead of addressing unemployment or providing alternatives, the government is evicting them, exacerbating their struggles.
The crackdown has also targeted vendors, hawkers, and horse-riding operators in tourist hubs like Kufri and Fagu, who rely on tourism for their survival. These individuals are being displaced without compensation or alternative arrangements, further fueling resentment.
Farmers have also accused the government of favoring big corporations. While small farmers face eviction, land is allegedly being allocated to wealthy industrialists. Additionally, key laws like the Forest Rights Act and the 2013 Land Acquisition Act are not being properly implemented in the state. Farmers claim they are being pressured to sign gift deeds to hand over their lands for road construction without compensation.
Drawing parallels to past struggles, Dr. Tanwar recalled that during 2015-17, under the Virbhadra Singh government, a similar eviction campaign was launched. However, massive protests and a siege of the Vidhan Sabha forced the government to reconsider its policies. Inspired by this precedent, farmers’ unions have resolved to march to the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on March 20 to demand justice.
The Kasumpti Committee of Kissan Sabha has pledged to mobilize at least 200 farmers from their region for the demonstration. As the movement gains momentum, farmers across the state are uniting against what they describe as an unfair and unjust eviction campaign.
Now the coming days will determine whether the administration addresses their grievances or faces an even larger wave of protests.
