Farmers took out a protest march in Mandi demanding land rights

Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Kisan Sabha and Bhumi Adhikar Manch today held a joint rally at Bali Chowki in Mandi district to discuss burning land-related issues. The rally was addressed by Naresh Kuku and district co-convener and committee member of Bhumi Adhikar Manch, Mahendra Singh Rana. They alleged that the efforts being made by the government to displace people from their land for the construction of national highways are illegal. According to Rana, these actions are illegal as the affected people are not being given proper compensation. The rally highlighted the ongoing issue at Takoli toll plaza on Kiratpur-Manali four-lane in Mandi, where locals are demanding exemption in toll tax.

After the rally, a memorandum was submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Bali Chowki, outlining several demands. These include stopping land displacement, providing land up to five bighas to the landless, regularizing land ownership and applying the 2013 Land Acquisition Act on people affected by National Highway 305, giving them four times more compensation. The protesters also demanded revision of circle rates and free toll services for locals under Bali Chowki sub-division jurisdiction. “In response, the SDM assured that a meeting will be held soon with the National Highway Authority to address these concerns,” Rana said. He said if the demands are not met, the farmers will intensify their protest in March. Rana stressed the need to maintain constant pressure till their legitimate demands are met.