Apple Growers Rally Against Orchard Eviction in Himachal

Hundreds of apple growers took to the streets outside the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat on Tuesday, rallying against the government's initiative to remove apple-laden trees from encroached forest lands.

The demonstration was held shortly after the Supreme Court halted a high court order demanding the removal of fruit-bearing trees from these lands.

Leading the protesters was former Theog MLA and CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, accompanied by the Himachal Kisan Sabha and the Himachal Pradesh Seb Utpadak Sangh. The rally stretched from the Talland area to the Secretariat and caused traffic disruptions for several hours.

(With inputs from agencies.)