The Hindu : Front Page : 3 farmers die in clash with police in U.P.

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3 farmers die in clash with police in U.P.

Special Correspondent

Over two dozen policemen injured; Provincial Armed Constabulary deployed

— Photo: PTI

An injured farmer awaits help as police personnel look on at the site of the clash in Greater Noida on Wednesday.

LUCKNOW: Three farmers were killed and over two dozen policemen injured in a clash at Ghorhi Bachera village in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.

The clash followed a demonstration by the farmers who were demanding adequate compensation for land acquired in the village in 2006 for building housing colonies.

Apart from the Rapid Action Force, two additional companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in the village. Brij Lal, ADG, Law and Order, said the situation was under control.

While the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vijay Shankar Pandey, said what happened was a conspiracy by vested interests, Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh accused the BSP government of committing a serious crime against farmers.

Mr. Pandey said that for the land acquired at Ghorhi Bachera compensation at Rs. 450 a square metre had been settled between the owners and the district administration. However, later the farmers demanded compensation at the prevailing market rate of Rs. 850 a square metre.

Uncalled for

He said the protest was uncalled for as the farmers were satisfied with the rate agreed on by a committee constituted under the Meerut Divisional Commissioner on April 1, 2007. But Mr. Mulayam Singh alleged that the police resorted to unprovoked firing on the farmers who were going to a stage a peaceful dharna in the village.

He claimed that five farmers were killed in the firing, and that about 110 farmers were injured in the clash, of whom the condition of at least 15 was stated to be critical.

Demanding action against the guilty policemen, Mr. Singh said his party would continue to support the farmers’ agitation.

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