HKS, Farmers and Citizens Unite Against Forced Evictions: A Cry for Justice in Himachal
Hundreds of farmers, apple growers, and concerned citizens gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shimla, raising their voices against the unjust eviction of farmers, demolition of water channels (dharos), and sealing of land. The protest, organized by the Himachal Kisan Sabha, Apple Producers Union, and Shimla Nagrik Sabha, highlighted the growing frustration among locals over the government’s failure to address land rights.
A Struggle for Survival
Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, State President of the Kisan Sabha, spoke passionately about how farmers have been fighting for years to protect their livelihoods. “If poor farmers cultivate small patches of government land just to survive, why is the government snatching it away?” he questioned. “They don’t provide jobs, and now they won’t even let people farm.”
He recalled how, back in 2002, the then-government had promised to regularize land ownership for a nominal fee of ₹50 per application—a promise that was never fulfilled. Instead, many farmers now face legal battles. “Politicians make grand promises before elections—land for the homeless, support for farmers—but once they win, they forget everything,” he said.
“Where Will the Landless Go?”
With nearly 67% of Himachal’s land under central control (mostly with the Forest Department), the protesters demanded an amendment to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, to ease restrictions and provide relief to affected families. “If the government genuinely wants to help landless farmers or those displaced by disasters, where will they get the land?” asked Tanwar. The Kisan Sabha has called for an immediate court affidavit to halt evictions and draft fair policies.
Shimla’s Street Vendors Face the Axe
Vivek Kashyap of the Shimla Nagrik Sabha highlighted another injustice—the demolition of small roadside stalls (ready phadis) and water channels crucial for irrigation. “The government collects taxes from these vendors for electricity and water, yet they’re now being evicted without alternatives,” he said. Despite pre-election promises of 2 biswa (0.04 acres) plots for the homeless, the administration is instead tearing down existing shelters.
Women Lead the Charge
Phalma Chauhan, State Secretary of the Janwadi Mahila Samiti, didn’t mince words. “Whether it’s BJP or Congress, governments betray the poor. They promise land before elections, then send bulldozers afterward.” She called for a massive united movement to force the government to listen.
What’s Next?
The protesters have vowed to escalate their agitation, with a major farmers’ and workers’ protest planned for May 20. As the voices grow louder, the question remains—will the government finally act, or will Himachal’s farmers and landless have to fight harder for their rights?
