More blood spills in Greater Noida
Fresh skirmishes were reported from Parsaul and Achhepur villages on Sunday, a day after Bhatta Village in Greater Noida witnessed a fierce clash between farmers and policemen.
Fresh skirmishes were reported from Parsaul and Achhepur villages on Sunday, a day after Bhatta Village in Greater Noida witnessed a fierce clash between farmers and policemen. The clash had left two policemen dead, while many, including the district magistrate and SSP, were injured.
Many farmers were reportedly injured on Sunday even as the police managed to take over these two villages.
On Saturday, a violent fight broke out when the police had gone to Bhatta-Parsaul village to rescue three roadways employees, who were held hostage by farmers on Friday. The farmers have been seeking higher compensation for land being acquired for a toll road and other projects.
The clashes led to fear among residents of Parsaul, Achhepur, Mutaina, Sakka and Dankaur villages. After Saturday's violence, all young men have reportedly gone missing even as the police continued their operation. Women are unaware of the whereabouts of young men of their houses. "Kahin le gaye hain (The police have taken them somewhere)," many complained.
The police have admitted some more farmers to the Kailash Hospital in Greater Noida on Sunday, amid reports of another farmer succumbing to a bullet injury. But the condition of the district magistrate and the SSP is said to be stable.
"They (policemen) looted our shops, ransacked our houses and set them on fire. They didn't spare even the elderly and women," said a villager.
Provincial armed constabulary personnel went on a rampage and set vehicles and foodgrain stores on fire, he added.
Aarti, a newlywed woman, said, "The police took away my husband and father-in-law. My husband did return for a while, but he is nowhere to be found now." She feared the police have taken all males above the age of 13 years. Over 50 villagers are said to be missing.
Even as prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in the area and five FIRs have been lodged against 500 farmers for Saturday's violence, Bhatta looked like a garrison town with additional forces pouring in from adjoining districts.
Special DGP of Uttar Pradesh, Brij Lal, reached ground zero from Lucknow and policemen took over the entire village.
Explaining the absence of villagers, Lal said, "They have left the village in fear." He denied that the police resorted to violent acts against villagers.
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