Farmers' unrest spreads to new areas

Protests over land acquisition today spread to Agra, Mathura and Aligarh as farmers clashed with police and torched vehicles, while the toll rose to four in violence-hit Greater Noida.

The UP government announced rewards up to Rs 50,000 for information regarding the whereabouts of some farmers' leaders who allegedly instigated the violence.

"Four policemen were injured when farmers turned violent during a protest and indulged in arson" in Chaugaan village in Aitmadpur in Agra, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Brij Lal said in Lucknow. He said irate villagers set ablaze several vehicles and tents at a construction site, demanding higher compensation for the land acquired by the Mayawati government for the Yamuna Expressway.

Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh told reporters in Lucknow that rewards of Rs 50,000 had been declared on Manvir Singh Tewatia, Rs 15,000 each on Premveer and Neeraj Malik and Rs 10,000 each on Gaje Singh, Kiranpal and Manoj for inciting protestors who clashed with police in Bhatta Parsaul village in Delhi's suburb Gautam Buddha Nagar, killing four people.

Tewatia has been leading the farmers' agitation at Bhatta Parsaul since January 17.

Claiming that land acquisition or compensation were not the bone of contention, Shekhar said the incident took place due to "political ambitions" of some persons. He, however, declined to elaborate.

He said 22 people had been arrested in connection with the clash in Gautam Buddha Nagar. Director General of Police Karamveer Singh said some people also tried to demonstrate in Mathura and Aligarh, but situation remained under control due to "timely police intervention”.