Farmers’ stir: Violence in Agra,toll rises in Noida

“Four policemen were injured when farmers turned violent during a protest and indulged in arson” in Chaugaan village in Aitmadpur in Agra,Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Brij Lal said in Lucknow.

He said irate villagers set ablaze several vehicles and tents at a construction site,demanding higher compensation for the land acquired by the Mayawati government for the Yamuna Expressway.

Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told reporters in Lucknow that rewards of Rs 50,000 has been declared on Manvir Singh Tewatia,Rs 15,000 each on Premveer and Neeraj Malik and Rs 10,000 each on Gaje Singh,Kiranpal and Manoj for inciting protestors who clashed with police in Bhatta Parsaul village in Delhi’s suburb Gautam Buddha Nagar,killing four persons.

Tewatia has been leading the farmers’ agitation at Bhatta Parsaul since January 17.

Claiming that land acquisition or compensation were not the bone of contention,Shekhar said the incident took place due to “political ambitions” of some persons. He,however,declined to elaborate.

He said 22 persons have been arrested in connection with the clash in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Director General of Police Karamveer Singh said some people also tried to demonstrate in Mathura and Aligarh,but situation remained under control due to “timely police intervention.”

The villagers in Chaugaan allegedly opened fire,following which police used force to disperse the agitating mob,Agra DIG Aseem Arun told reporters.

“There was firing from the villagers’ side,but the police worked with restrain,” he said,adding the situation is under control.

Singh said searches were carried out in Bhatta Parsaul and Achchepur villages which were hit by violence yesterday,and some people have been held.

“Situation in Bhatta Parsaul is under control,heavy police force is camping in the area and some fresh arrests have been carried out,” Brij Lal said.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been clamped in the district. Areas around the village has been sealed off by the Provincial Armed Constabulary and the dharna site made out of bounds.