Farmers were demanding “adequate” compensation for land acquired for the Gokul barrage project
Farmers protest demanding compensation for their land at Gokul Baraj in Mathura on Saturday. (Photo: PTI)
Lucknow: A demonstration by farmers in Mathura district demanding “adequate” compensation for land acquired for the Gokul barrage project turned violent leaving 18 people including five policemen farmers injured.
The barrage was built in 2003 and the farmers have not yet received compensation for their land. What angered the farmers on Saturday was that the district magistrate was not present to hear them and announce a plan for compensation as had been agreed upon earlier.
The farmers were joined by local ABVP activists and, they began pelting stones when the police tried to disperse them. They also damaged several government vehicles at and tried to set the barrage plant on fire. Two roadways buses were also set on fire.
The police resorted to lathicharge and opened fire in the air, which worsened the situation. Senior officials have reached the spot but the situation remains tense.
Blaming the Akhilesh government, the BJP said that delay in solving the compensation issue led to the violence.
( Source : dc )
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