In Uttar Pradesh, twenty two people have been arrested in connection with violence in Bhatta Parsaul Village of Gautam Buddha Nagar. Four people including two police jawans were killed on Saturday during clashes with agitating farmers who were demanding better compensation for their acquired land. Police officials said in Lucknow today that efforts are on to nab the Farmers’ leader Manveer Singh Tewatia who is allegedly involved in inciting violence. The state government has already announced a reward of 50 thousand rupees on his arrest. Meanwhile, no untoward incident has been reported from any district of western region. AIR Correspondent reports that social activist Medha Patkar have demanded a repeal of more than a century old Land Acquisition Act.Congress today demanded a judicial probe into the violent clashes between farmers and police. AICC General Secretary Digvijay Singh told reporters at the Bhatta Parsaul village that they want a judicial inquiry by a retired judge into the incident. Singh claimed that the Uttar Pradesh government was acquiring land at cheaper rates which was later being sold at Rs 3000 per sqm. He said, injustice is being meted out to farmers whose land is being acquired at rates as cheap as Rs 800-900 per sqm. He also demanded the release of all those arrested after the clashes. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today interacted with villagers of Bhatta Parsaul in Greater Noida which witnessed violent clashes between the police and farmers over the issue of land acquisition. Mr. Gandhi also visited the houses of villagers early this morning. Farmers in Greater Noida and adjoining areas are demanding more compensation from the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh for their land.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had yesterday assured a delegation of Rashtriya Lok Dal leaders in Delhi that the Government will move the crucial bill to amend the Land Acquisition Act in the coming session of Parliament.Condemning police action on farmers in Gautam Buddha Nagar, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi had yesterday demanded that a new law for rehabilitation of people displaced by land acquisition should be framed.
News On AIR | May 11, 2011 2:18 PM
22 held for violence in Bhatta Parsaul Village