'Jal Satyagraha' against sand mining in Ken river

Over 300 farmers Thursday started "Jal Satyagrah" to protest against sand mining in Ken river near Kolawal Raipur in Girwan area here in the Bundelkhand region.

"Over 300 farmers, including around 50 women, started 'Jal Satyagrah' by entering the waters of the Ken river to protest against sand mining in the area due to which their crops are getting damaged," said Naraini Sub Divisional Magistrate Awadhesh Kumar Srivastava.

He said the company involved in the sand mining deviated from the allotted place and has also made a temporary bridge on the river to make passage for the sand-laden trucks.

"We are trying to talk to the Vidyadham Samiti and Chingari members, who are spearheading the stir," the officer said.

Organisers of the stir, Rajabhaiya Singh and Shahroz Fatima alleged the henchmen of sand mafia had Sunday opened fire on farmers when they objected to passing of trucks through their fields.

"When informed, the police did nothing and threatened farmers to send them to jail. We have lodged a complaint regarding this with the district magistrate. The officers are aware of the illegal mining but nothing is being done," he alleged.