Shimla, July 14 -- Amid mounting tensions over the cutting down of apple orchards on forest land, farmers in Himachal Pradesh have warned of launching an aggressive state-wide protest if the government fails to intervene. Horticulture minister Jagat Singh Negi, however, cited limitations of the Centrally enacted law.

The Himachal Pradesh Kisan Sabha and the Apple Growers Association on Monday announced plans to file a petition in court to stop the ongoing cutting down of orchards. They also demanded land rights for landless farmers under central legislation.

A crucial meeting of various farmer bodies is scheduled to take place in Shimla on Tuesday, where major decisions regarding the protest strategy are expected.

Reacting to the devel...