Date:14/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/14/stories/2008081456130100.htm

Front Page

Farmer-police clash in Greater Noida: 3 killed

Special Correspondent

Policemen surround a farmer injured during the clash in Greater Noida on Wednesday.

LUCKNOW: Three farmers were killed and over two dozen policemen injured in a clash in 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 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.

Two of the deceased have been identified as Manoj and Yogesh.

A PAC constable, Ravi Dutt Sharma, was seriously injured and was admitted to hospital in Greater Noida. Among the policemen injured were the Senior Superintendent of Police of Gautam Buddha Nagar district and the Circle Officer of Greater Noida. The District Magistrate also sustained injuries, Mr. Lal said.

While the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vijay Shankar Pandey said what happened was was a conspiracy by vested interests and the violence was instigated by anti-social elements, the Samajwadi Party accused the Bahujan Samaj Party government of committing a serious crime against farmers.

According to the Principal Secretary to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Vijay Shankar

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