Hisar thermal plant protest: Talks remain inconclusive

The protesters said they had asked the three-member panel to revoke the FIR filed against 800 people and release their four youths, who were arrested in connection with the violent clash

The three-member panel appointed by the Haryana government on Monday held deliberations with the committee formed by Khedar residents to cremate the body of a 56-year-old farmer, who died during a clash on Friday and resolve the issue, but the talks remained inconclusive.

The three-member panel appointed by the Haryana government on Monday held deliberations with the committee formed by Khedar residents, but the talks remained inconclusive. (HT File Photo)

The protesters said they had asked the three-member panel to revoke the FIR filed against 800 people and release their four youths, who were arrested in connection with the violent clash.

“We have asked people from various parts of the state to attend the mahapanchayat on July 13,” they added.

A 56-year-old farmer was killed and four others, including three cops, had sustained injuries when a tractor driver allegedly tried to ram his vehicle into a barricade, but ran over them during a protest outside Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant at Khedar on Friday, forcing the police to use water cannons and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

Residents of Khedar and adjoining villages have been protesting against the new guidelines issued by the ministry of power to stop giving free ash to farmers, which they have been getting for the last many years.

Former Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja and BJP leader Sampat Singh have already extended their support to the protesters and condoled the farmer’s death.