Mohan Lal Vows to Continue Fight “From the Roads to the Assembly” After Being Marshalled Out for Championing Akhnoor’s Displaced Farmers Rights
Akhnoor MLA Mohan Lal forcefully demanded district status for Akhnoor in the Assembly, arguing it meets all criteria (three subdivisions, seven tehsils, etc.) and surpasses many existing districts in size and population.
Mohan Lal passionately highlighted the plight of farmers whose land was acquired by Defence Forces since 2016, emphasizing they have received neither rent nor compensation for nine years, leaving them in dire straits.
After the Revenue Minister denied the district status proposal, and in a show of protest and commitment to his constituents, Mohan Lal entered the well of the Assembly demanding justice, leading to his forceful removal by security.
Despite being marshalled out, Mohan Lal vowed to continue fighting for Akhnoor’s district status and farmer compensation “from the roads to the Assembly,” criticizing the Speaker for allegedly silencing his voice.
jj correspondent
Jammu, March 25, 2025: A dramatic scene unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday as Akhnoor MLA Mohan Lal was forcibly removed from the House after a passionate and ultimately confrontational plea for Akhnoor’s district status and compensation for local farmers. The incident underscores the long-simmering frustration over Akhnoor’s administrative standing and the plight of farmers whose land has been acquired by Defence Forces without adequate compensation.
During the Assembly session, Mohan Lal directly challenged the Minister of Revenue’s assertion that there was no proposal to grant district status to Akhnoor. The MLA countered with a detailed argument, highlighting that Akhnoor already possesses the characteristics of a district: three subdivisions, seven tehsils, three municipalities, and fourteen niabats. He pointedly observed that Akhnoor’s area and population exceed those of many existing districts within the Union Territory, making its continued denial of district status all the more unjust.
Beyond the administrative structure, Mohan Lal raised concerns about the lack of critical educational infrastructure in Akhnoor. He noted the absence of a Polytechnic or Industrial Training Institute (ITI), severely limiting opportunities for local youth to pursue technical education. He further demanded the appointment of an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) for Akhnoor, citing precedents set in Sunderbani, Nowshera, Basholi, Billawar, and Kotranka.
The MLA’s most forceful arguments, however, centered on the plight of farmers whose land had been acquired by Defence Forces since 2016. He stated unequivocally that these farmers, deprived of their primary source of income, have been left struggling for the past nine years, receiving neither rent nor compensation for their land. This prolonged injustice, he argued, demanded immediate attention and resolution.
In a powerful display of his commitment to his constituents, Mohan Lal moved into the well of the Assembly, demanding justice for the people of Akhnoor. The Speaker, faced with this escalating protest, ordered security personnel to marshal the MLA out of the House.
Speaking to the media immediately after his eviction, Mohan Lal remained defiant and resolute. “I will fight for Akhnoor’s district status from the roads to the Assembly,” he declared. “The people of Akhnoor sent me to raise their voices, and that is exactly what I am doing. I am working day and night to fulfill the promises I made in my Sankalp Patra (election manifesto). Akhnoor deserves this recognition, and I will not stop until justice is done.” He further criticized the Speaker, asserting that his attempts to raise these crucial issues were being stifled, leaving him with no alternative but to stage a walkout.
Mohan Lal’s actions highlight the deep-seated grievances within Akhnoor and his unwavering determination to advocate for his constituents, even in the face of opposition and procedural obstacles. The incident is likely to further intensify the debate over Akhnoor’s district status and the urgent need for fair compensation to displaced farmers.
