China to give harsh punishment to illicit land seizure: Premier

China will mete out harsh punishment to those who illicitly seize land from the farmers, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday.

Wen made the remarks at a press conference rightly after the annual session of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC) was closed.

"The core issue concerning Chinese farmers is the land issue, "he said. "We must give adequate and due compensation to farmers whose land are seized. The land transfer revenue should mainly be paid to farmers."

Wen said China must adopt the strictest arable-land protection system and must protect farmers' right to independent farming on their contracted land.

China's reforms started from the countryside and the most important policy adopted is the introduction of household responsibility system. According to the system, the land belongs to the collective entity in the villages, while the right to production and farming belong to farmers.

Wen said the system is a major feature as well as a major advantage in Chinese countryside. China will guarantee the long-term right to independent farming for the farmers. "This guarantee will remain unchanged for fifteen years, for thirty years, or even forever."