Achhar Singh Chhina - Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha 1946-47

Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha 1946-47

Harse Chhina Mogha Morcha was an agrarian revolt in Punjab that took place in 1946-1947. The campaign was launched in June 1946 by remodelling the moghas (canal outlets) under the leadership of the Communist Party, which was later joined by all major political parties of the time, to stand against the decision of the British Government to decrease the supply of irrigation water to farmers. The campaign was headed by Comrade Achhar Singh Chhina, Sohan Singh Josh, Mohan Singh Batth, Baba Karam Singh Cheema, Jagbir Singh Chhina, and Gurdial Singh Dhillon. During the campaign all prominent leaders along with 950 protesting peasants were arrested by the police and detained in Lahore jail for three months. As a result of this movement, the British government agreed to provide more farming water to agriculturists as per the previous agreed terms. The participants of the Harsha Chhina Mogha Morcha were later recognized by the Indian government as freedom fighters, and were made entitled to freedom fighter pensions.