Okara (Pakistan): Demanding land rights is not terrorism – Massive repression of the AMP peasant movement - Europe Solidaire Sans Frontières
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A massive repression of the most militant but peaceful peasant movement—the Anjman Mozareen Punjab (AMP)—is underway. Most of its leadership has been arrested under false anti-terrorist laws. Dozens are missing while over 50 remain behind bars. All have been declared “terrorists” by the Okara district police, working hand in hand with the Military Farms administration, which mainly serves military officers.
The source of the problem is that while 14000 acres of land in the Okara district is owned by the Punjab government, it is occupied by the Military Farms administration. Since 2001 the tenants of the Military farms have refused to turn over half of their crops (bitai), which they and their families had been paying for over 90 years. How could ordinary people dare to say no to the military officers? But that is their real “crime.” They demand their land rights.