Tractors of Dissent: Punjab Farmers Reject Land Pooling
Farmers in Punjab protested against the AAP government's land pooling policy, which they claim is anti-farmer. Demonstrations were held across various districts, with opposition alleging forced land acquisition. The ruling party refutes these claims, asserting the policy encourages transparent urban development without forcible land grabs.
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In an aggressive display of dissent, farmers in Punjab orchestrated tractor rallies at multiple locations against the AAP government's controversial land pooling policy. The movement, spurred by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, resounded with calls for the immediate repeal of what protestors describe as an 'anti-farmer' initiative.
Protests spanned across districts, including Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur, with demonstrations further supported by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha extending to Amritsar, Jalandhar, and other key areas. Spearheaded by leaders like Balbir Singh Rajewal, the agitation underlined the farmers' accusation of forced land acquisition, directly challenging the Bhagwant Mann-led administration.
However, AAP officials, including Hoshiarpur district president Gurwinder Pabla, countered the claims of coercion, maintaining that all land transactions will honor farmers' consent. Despite assurances of a development-focused policy, the conflict has set the stage for a contentious discourse on agricultural land rights in Punjab.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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