Aligarh/Lucknow: Three persons, including
a PAC jawan, were killed and nine injured near Aligarh when
farmers fought pitched battles with police who opened fire to
restore calm as the Uttar Pradesh government tonight ordered a
judicial probe into the violence.
Aligarh District Magistrate Rama Rao and SSP Vijay
Prakash were also shunted out by the Mayawati government which
announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to each bereaved
family.
The violence broke out last night in Jikarpur village
when farmers, demanding higher compensation for land acquired
for a township, went on a rampage vandalising a police post,
indulging in heavy brickbatting and setting afire vehicles.
The trouble erupted after rumours flew thick and fast
that a farmer leader had been arrested near the village which
lies close to Uttar Pradesh-Haryana border.
Police opened fire to disperse the violent protesters
and bring the situation under control, said SSP (Aligarh)
Vijay Prakash who was transferred this evening.
B D Palson, SSP of Mathura, which too was hit by the
violence, was also shifted.
Two persons and a PAC jawan were killed and nine injured
in the clashes, Uttar Pradesh Additional ADGP (Law and Order)
Brijlal told reporters in Lucknow.
Over 2,000 farmers today staged a sit-in at Jikarpur,
the epicentre of yesterday's violence. The protesters also
tried to block traffic at several places on Aligarh-Tappal
road.
Vijay Prakash said the farmers this morning destroyed
machinery for construction of the Expressway, adding the
extent of loss was yet to be ascertained.
"Taking a serious note of violence in Aligarh and
Mathura, Chief Minister Mayawati has ordered a judicial
inquiry," Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh said in the
state capital.
A Committee, headed by the Aligarh Divisional
Commissioner, would be set up to examine the issue of
compensation to farmers, he said.
The farmers are on the warpath demanding higher
compensation for land acquired for a township project along
the Delhi-Agra Taj Expressway.
The ADGP said the situation in Aligarh was now under
control. Police and Rapid Action Force were deployed in
strength in trouble-torn areas.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, August 15, 2010, 23:38