Farmers Demand Action Against Wild Animal Menace and Land Acquisition Issues at Himachal Kisan Sabha Convention
The Himachal Kisan Sabha’s state committee organized a state-level convention today in Khaniyara, Dharamshala, to address the rising concerns of wild animals, stray cattle, land disputes, and land acquisition. Over 200 farmer representatives from various districts across the state actively participated in the convention.
Key speakers at the event included state president Dr. Kuldeep Tanwar, state vice president Kushal Bhardwaj, state secretary Hotam Sonkhla, Kangra district president Satpal, Sirmaur district president Rajendra Thakur, Kangra district secretary Shokini Ram, Solan district secretary Pyare Lal, and CITU leader Ravinder Kumar, who collectively addressed the pressing issues faced by the farming community.
Thirty representatives from different districts contributed to the discussion, sharing their experiences with the challenges mentioned and offering valuable suggestions. A resolution was passed demanding government intervention to alleviate the problems posed by wild animals and stray cattle.
Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, the state president, emphasized that the issue of wild animals and stray cattle has become a major challenge for farmers, yet no government has shown genuine concern for finding a solution. He revealed that wild animals cause an annual loss of ₹2,300 crore in Himachal Pradesh, impacting over one million farmers, who suffer losses of ₹400-500 crore. He also urged the government to lift the ban on monkey exports and declare monkeys and other destructive wild animals as vermin. The hiring of skilled hunters through the forest department to manage these animals was also suggested. Dr. Tanwar further demanded the regularization of farmer-occupied lands and assured that the Kisan Sabha would not tolerate any eviction campaigns against farmers. Additionally, he called for land to be allocated to landless individuals for small-scale farming, horticulture, and housing.
State secretary Hotam Sonkhla elaborated on the convention’s objectives, highlighting that the stray cattle issue has also become a significant concern. He urged for livestock farming subsidies, the promotion of improved cattle breeds, and access to resources. Sonkhla proposed setting up animal feed banks at the panchayat level, employing local residents through the public distribution system, and assigning caretakers for fields through MGNREGA. He emphasized the importance of farmers uniting to strengthen their collective efforts.
Vice president Kushal Bhardwaj addressed the extensive land acquisition occurring in the state, where farmers and affected individuals are not receiving adequate compensation. He called for a united front among farmers and assured that the Kisan Sabha is persistently working toward this cause. Bhardwaj criticized the government for not implementing the 2013 Land Acquisition Act in Himachal Pradesh and for neglecting the provisions regarding compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement. He pointed out that despite large-scale land acquisitions for highways, railways, hydel projects, airports, industries, and other construction projects, the required legal frameworks are not being followed. Issues like access roads, service roads, footpaths, wells, hand pumps, and environmental damage to crops caused by construction activities are not being addressed, he added.
The convention resolved to launch a statewide campaign to address these issues. Local-level conventions and a village-wide signature campaign will be organized. On September 25, Himachal Pradesh farmers will protest in Delhi against the wild animal issue, followed by submitting memorandums at district and sub-division levels on September 30. Sit-ins will be held from December 1 to 10 at the sub-division and block levels. If demands remain unmet, the farmers will march to the Legislative Assembly during the winter session.
