CPI(M) Demands Immediate Implementation of Forest Rights Act, Unfazed by HP High Court’s Eviction Ruling
Shimla, June 20:
Unfazed by the recent Himachal Pradesh High Court order on land encroachments and evictions, the CPI(M) has demanded the immediate implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in the state, calling the ongoing demolitions of homes and traditional water sources (dharas) a direct assault on the poor, tribals, and disaster-affected families.
The demand came at the conclusion of the party’s two-day state committee meeting in Shimla, where Politburo member Comrade Tapan Sen and State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan charted out a roadmap for grassroots struggles against what they described as "anti-people, pro-corporate policies" of both the Centre and the Congress-led state government.
“We are not rattled by the High Court’s ruling. The real issue is denial of legal rights.
Evicting the poor without settling claims under the FRA is unconstitutional and unjust,” said Sanjay Chauhan.
Forest Rights Take Centre Stage
The CPI(M) accused the government of selective and ruthless evictions, especially in rural and tribal areas, and demanded an immediate halt until FRA claims are processed.
The party also sought amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, to secure land for poor farmers, tribals, and families displaced by floods and landslides.
Other Issues Highlighted:
Apple Economy in Jeopardy:
CPI(M) hit out at the Modi government for its bilateral trade deal with the U.S., which lowered tariffs on imported apples.
The party said this move will crush Himachal’s apple growers already reeling from rising input costs and climate shocks.
Power to the People, Not Profiteers:
The push for smart prepaid electricity meters and the privatisation of the power sector were sharply opposed. CPI(M) termed it a backdoor move to corporatise essential services.
Privatising Education, One School at a Time:
The party accused both BJP and Congress of pushing the New Education Policy (NEP) to favour private players. It blamed the current government for closing down schools and colleges, particularly in remote and tribal belts.
No Rollback on OPS:
CPI(M) demanded the state government stick to its promise of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) implementation and reject the NPS model being pushed by the Centre.
Stop HRTC Privatisation and Fare Hike:
Calling public transport the backbone of Himachal’s hill economy, CPI(M) opposed the privatisation of HRTC and demanded an immediate rollback of the recent bus fare hike.
Release MNREGA Funds Now:
The party demanded the Centre release pending MNREGA funds and ensure 100 days of guaranteed work for every rural household.
July 9 Strike Gets CPI(M) Backing
CPI(M) announced full support to the nationwide trade union strike on July 9, urging the people of Himachal to join the fight to “defend livelihood, land, and rights.”
“Whether it’s court orders or government pressure, we won’t stay silent while people are thrown out of their homes in the name of development or disaster response. The struggle begins now,” Chauhan asserted.
By putting forest rights at the heart of its agitation, CPI(M) is gearing up to challenge both policy and judicial decisions it sees as tilted against the poor. The party’s message is clear: legal rights must not be bulldozed in the name of law and order.
