in 2009 there was a land siege by the landless farmers in the malwa region which includes singrur, mansa, bhatinda under the leadership of the cpi(ml) liberation. this was as a result of unprovided free land as was promised by the ruling parties as per punjab land consolidation and fragmentation act of 1961. the protesters struck a deal with the government to legally allot them lands as per provisions within three months. the government demanded immediate vacation of the sieged lands. the farmers did not agree which led to a government crackdown on may 21.