Two officials assaulted as farmers’ stir turns violent

He claimed that the farmers were protesting against the Central Land Acquisition Act,demanding a change in the law. “We will take legal action against the farmers who took the two officials hostage. We had allowed them to protest peacefully. There was no need for violence,” he added.

Newsline had reported on February 2 this year that farmers in the district were protesting against the land acquisition policies of the government — demanding higher compensation than what was being allocated to them. The protest started on January 17.

The incident occurred on Friday evening,when a farmers’ delegation met the local administration at DIET institute in Dankaur. However,things got out of control when the administration decided to detain Manveer Tewatia,leader of the farmers’ group.

Though the district police and the PAC were present at the scene,they were unable to prevent the farmers — hundreds in number — from taking over the institute and holding the two senior officials hostage.

However,Gautam Budh Nagar SSP Amitabh Yash stated that the situation is now under control. “We are trying to identify the people involved in the incident. Strict action will be taken against them,” Yash stated.

According to Kesari Singh Gurjar,President,Dehaat Morcha,the farmers are protesting against land acquisition by the Yamuna Expressway Authority,and want an amendment in the Acquisition Act.