Probe ordered into Greater NOIDA farmer-police clash

Greater NOIDA (Uttar Pradesh), Au. 15 : A probe has been ordered into Wednesday''s clashes between agitating farmers and police in Greater NOIDA, which is located on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Farmers, demanding revision of compensation for the land acquired by the Uttar Pradesh Government, staged violent protests in which one policeman was killed and several farmers injured.

The situation turned ugly as the protesters started pelting stones and also fired with countrymade guns at the police.

"We have not attacked anybody, we ourselves ran for our life. Some of our friends are still missing. 8-9 farmers are in one hospital and 2 died in Apollo hospital. We don''t know anything about others," said Vijay Mohan, a farmer.

A heavy riot police posse was deployed in the affected area on Thursday and police picked up some suspected miscreants.

"Those who were responsible for disrupting law and order have been identified and till now 19 people have been arrested under various sections. Law and order situation in the area is absolutely normal," said Devender Chaudhary, Commissioner, Meerut zone.

Protests like this are not new, as India has seen many protests in the past over acquisition of the farmlands by the government for setting up of Special Economic Zones or other development works. (ANI)