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News- March 19 commemorates the anniversary of the PEPSU Muzhara movement, a significant agrarian struggle in Punjab. PEPSU Muzhara Movement.
About PEPSU Muzhara Movement
- It was an agrarian struggle led by landless tenant farmers (muzharas) in Punjab.
- It aimed at land ownership rights against feudal landlords (biswedars).
- It was originated in the 1930s, intensified post-independence in PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union).
About Muzharas
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- Key Events and March 19 significance
- March 1949: Biswedars attempted to reclaim land in Kishangarh village, but were met with strong resistance.
- March 17, 1949: A confrontation led to the death of a Patiala police officer, resulting in the arrest of 35 muzharas. All were acquitted in February 1950 due to the movement’s sustained efforts.
- March 19, 1949: The Patiala administration sent the army to suppress the resistance. The confrontation led to the killing of four muzharas, making March 19 a symbol of the struggle.
- 1953 Onwards: March 19 was annually observed to honor the movement’s martyrs.
- Geographical Spread- It covered 784 villages across Patiala, Barnala, Mansa, Sangrur, Bathinda, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, and Jind (Haryana).
- Key Leaders– Jagir Singh Joga, Buta Singh, Teja Singh Sutantar, Sewa Singh Thikriwala, Bhai Jodh Singh – mobilized and led resistance.
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