Protesters engage in stone-pelting at police, lathicharged

Police lathicharged and fired teargas shells to disperse a group of people who were protesting the demolition of some buildings in Aliaganj here today, officials said.
The agitators lead by Abdul Salam, former chairman of Rampur Zila Panchayat, were protesting against demolition of 16 houses recently in the area by district administration.
They pelted stones at the policemen, forcing the police to lathicharge, said Martand Pratap Singh, Additional District Magistrate, Rampur.
"The demolished houses were illegal entities and the action was initiated under provisions of law," said Singh.
"We had offered to allotLohia Homes and plots, each measuring 100 yards to the affected inhabitants, besides providing other assistance.But instead of conceding to the legitimate offer they preferred to opt for the agitation mode," Singh added.