Shimla, July 7 -- A convention of farmers and landowners affected by four-lane highway expansion projects across Himachal Pradesh was held in Shimla on Monday, jointly organized by the Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sabha, other farmers' groups, property owners, and activists associated with CITU.

The gathering aimed to formulate a long-term strategy to raise voices against what participants called the "destructive and unscientific" widening of national highways, which has resulted in land loss, displacement, and a threat to lives and livelihoods in several districts.

The meeting saw participation from residents of nine panchayats located between Kaithlighat and Dhalli on the Shimla National Highway, among others. Farmers from affected zones ac...