On July 22, 1990, three apple farmers lost their lives in police firing at Kotgarh — the very place where apples were first grown in Himachal over a century ago. They were protesting the then BJP government’s move to stop the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), which under which culled apples are procured by the government. That day, Govind Singh, Tara Chand, and Hira Singh were shot dead by the police during the protest in Kotgarh.
“It’s because of the sacrifice of these three apple growers that apple continues to get support price, no matter which party is in power in the state. So, we are here to remember their contribution and pay our tributes to them,” said Horticulture Minister Jagat Negi, who joined other leaders and local farmers in paying tribute.
Local MLA Kuldeep Rathore shared how the tragic event became a turning point and inspired the locals to raise their voice whenever it was required. “I hope the people will rise above party politics and speak in one voice to protect the apple economy as and when needed,” he said. Rathore added that a proper covered memorial will be built in their honour, and funds have already been approved for it.
But the families of these martyrs have faced tough times. Sita Devi, who lost her husband at just 20, said raising her three-year-old son alone was a struggle. “I have faced a lot of problems in raising and providing education to my son. I thought he would get a stable government job after his studies, but he’s employed as an outsourced employee,” she said.
Harish Chauhan, head of the Sanyukt Kisan Manch, said “It’s good that the people who lost their lives while fighting for the future of apple are remembered every year. “As an apple community, we can go a step further and take good care of their families. That would be a great tribute to those three young men who lost their lives while fighting for the future of apple, the livelihood of so many people in the state.”
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