Why I Was Finally Able to Reclaim Possession of My Land
It has now been more than a month since I successfully regained possession of the land that had been encroached upon by neighboring farmers, whether by mistake or deliberately, over many decades. Looking back, I believe several factors contributed to this peaceful and successful resolution.
1. Determination and patience
The foremost reason was my and Harvinder’s unwavering determination to recover both the correct demarcation and physical possession of my land. This was not a battle of days or months, but of many years. Patience proved to be our greatest strength.
2. Learning from past mistakes
Earlier, I had succeeded in getting the land measured, but I failed to secure actual possession of the encroached area. This time, I made sure that the process did not end with demarcation alone. I remained focused until possession was also restored.
3. Cooperation and support from the police
The support of the local police was invaluable. Their timely intervention, balanced approach, and willingness to maintain law and order were crucial in preventing the dispute from escalating. This support was made possible through the intervention of respected and appropriate well-wisher who spoke to the police on my behalf. At the same time, I ensured that the police officials were treated with due respect and courtesy throughout the process. Their cooperation created the confidence needed for both sides to eventually accept the lawful demarcation and hand over possession peacefully.
4. Accepting the truth about the disputed well
One important turning point involved an old irrigation well. My late father and I had always believed that the well was jointly owned by our family and our Mistry neighbors. However, when the revenue records were carefully examined, the Kanungo pointed out that the well, located in Khasra No. 183/26, had never been recorded in our family’s ownership. It appeared only in the Mistry family’s revenue records.
After verifying the documents myself, I realized that our long-held belief was incorrect. I immediately accepted the facts and willingly gave up any claim to the well. This honest acceptance created trust and goodwill with the neighbors.
At the same time, it became clear during the official measurements that while the well rightfully belonged to them, they were also occupying portions of my land beyond their legal entitlement. The facts were now evident to everyone.
The access path leading to the well, along with nearly half an acre of adjoining land that had remained uncultivated for years, was restored to me. Although one of the neighbors initially resisted giving up the remaining encroached land, after several days of discussions he too agreed, and possession was peacefully handed over.
5. Support from village leadership
I received wholehearted support from the village Sarpanch, respected villagers, and local cooperative and Kisan Morcha leaders, particularly Jwala Pradhan. Their impartial advice and mediation played an important role in resolving the dispute peacefully.
6. Public opinion and changing circumstances
Another contributing factor was that many villagers had become unhappy with the behavior of one of the Mistry brothers, whose arrogance and frequent quarrels had alienated people. In a recent incident, he had even injured the head of my leaseholder. Moreover, there were differences within their own family. These circumstances created an environment in which fairness and justice received greater community support.
7. Above all, Waheguru’s blessings
Ultimately, I believe that none of this would have been possible without Waheguru’s grace. Every factor came together at the right time, and the matter was resolved amicably without violence or prolonged litigation.
Today, the reclaimed land has already been sown with paddy. Watching the young crop growing on land that has finally returned to its rightful owner is deeply satisfying. It reminds me that patience, honesty, perseverance, and faith can ultimately prevail over even the longest-standing disputes.
