1907 Punjab unrest

The 1907 Punjab unrests were period of unrest in the British Indian province of Punjab, principally around the Colonisation bill that was implemented in the province in 1906. This time line has often been called the beginning of the freedom movement in Punjab. Important leaders of this movement include Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Ajit Singh among others.

Colonisation Bill

The colonisation bill was passed in the year 1906. This bill was passed after the passing of the Punjab Land Alienation act which had already caused a feeling of discontent among the Elite urban class. The colonisation bill provided for transfer of property of a person after his death to the government if he didn't have any heirs of his own and the Government could sell the property to any public or private developer.This was completely against the social conditions prevailing in the region and hence it was rejected by all the sides.

The Agitation

The agitation against these measures of the Government was led by lala lajpat rai, he called for "extreme measures" . The first of the Protests was organised in the chenab colony, which was supposed to be the most affected by this bill. the 1st protest saw various organisations submitting memorials to the government to redress their grievances, but the government failed to pay any heed to these memos. This agitation was followed by a protest at Lyallpur. these agitations led to the formation of secret societies like Anjuman-i- Muhibhan-i- Watan, the founder of which was Ajit Singh, a Jat Sikh who was believed to have the popular backing of lajpat rai. This period saw mass agitations which finally ended in the deportation of both Rai and Ajit singh.

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