In a powerful display of unity and defiance, farmers across 116 villages in Punjab have launched a large-scale tractor rally to protest the state government’s proposed Land Pooling Policy. Organized under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), this demonstration reflects deep-rooted anger and anxiety among rural communities, who fear losing their fertile agricultural land to residential and industrial development projects.
Largest Rally in Ludhiana
The epicenter of the protest is Ludhiana district, where the government plans to acquire 45,861 acres of land—including 24,311 acres for residential purposes and 21,550 acres for industrial zones. Farmers here are determined to oppose the policy, which they say threatens their livelihood, identity, and future.
Leading the charge, SKM leader Balbir Singh Rajewal stated,
“The tractor marches will start at 10 am. This will be the biggest-ever march in recent times. People in rural areas want to show their anger against the bid to take over their fertile lands and displace them from their homes.”
The tractor rallies are being launched from key villages in Ludhiana, including Kumkalan, Balion, Dakha, Jodha, and Jagraon.
Heavy Participation Expected
As the sun rose, hundreds of tractors began lining up in village fields and main roads, with participants waving flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans against the land acquisition plans. Local residents, including women and elderly citizens, joined the movement, transforming it into a community-wide act of resistance.
Authorities remain on high alert. Police presence has increased across Ludhiana and nearby areas to manage the growing crowd and ensure law and order. Despite this, the protest remained peaceful in its initial stages, reflecting the disciplined approach of the participating unions.
Farmers Stand United
The primary concern of the protesting farmers revolves around the fertility and productivity of the land being targeted. Punjab’s farmland is among the most fertile in India, and farmers argue that converting it into industrial and residential zones would be an irreversible loss.
“Our land feeds the nation,” said Harbans Singh, a farmer from Jagraon. “We are not against development, but not at the cost of our fields and families.”
The SKM coalition, which was also instrumental in the successful protest against the now-repealed farm laws, has once again mobilized widespread support. This time, the demand is not just policy rollback, but also greater transparency and dialogue between the government and the farming community.
Government’s Silence Fuels Anger
As of now, the Punjab government has not issued any new statement in response to the protest. However, with growing unrest and significant public support for the farmers, pressure is mounting on officials to address the concerns or face intensified agitation in the coming days.
The tractor rally is expected to continue until late afternoon, with parallel protests planned in other parts of the state if the demands are not met.
The ongoing tractor rally in Punjab is more than just a protest—it’s a loud and clear message from the heart of rural India. At stake is not just land, but the very soul of farming communities who refuse to be silenced or sidelined in the name of development.