Agitating farmers warn of intensifying stir over water demands

Sriganganagar, Oct 11 (UNI) Agitating farmers in Gharsana in Ganganagar district today warned they would intensify their stir from Monday if the state government fails to address their demands by Sunday.

The farmers, under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Vyapari Sangarsh Samiti (KMVSS), also declared extending their agitation to Rawatsar and Nohar in Hanumangarh district.

Addressing thousands of farmers in Gharsana today, leader Vallabh Kocher threatened furthering their stir from Monday if state government fails to take any action by Sunday.

Criticising irrigation minister Sanwar Lal Jat's statements that demands of Phase I farmers were ''unlawful,'' Mr Kocher said they will burn the effigies of the minister and irrigation secretary tomorrow.

Leader Sant Lekha Singh, while declaring the continuation of their agitation, said farmers from Rawatsar and Nohar will join them from Monday.

At least 6,000 farmers assembled near the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's (SDM) office for the meeting today.

The farmers in Phase I are demanding 58 percent water from the total available from IGPN apart from the release of arrested leaders like CPM leaders Hetram Beniwal and Congress leader Sahibram Punia, along with dozen of others during the past two days, arrested as a ''preventive measure.'' The markets remained closed for the second day today even though KMVSS did not give a call for bandh. The district administration did not allow the movement of roadways buses apphrehending trouble.

The RAC and STF jawans kept a watch over the SDM office and police station.

Yesterday, the farmers' agitation turned violent as thousands of farmer laid seige in the Dhan Mandi area of the town. A pitched battle continued between farmers and policemen amidst stone pelting, firing of tear gas shells and firing in the air.

In Sakhi village, three police men were held hostage by the angry farmers, who beat them up injuring two seriously.

The administration had promulgated Section 144 CrPC as a preventive measure before the agitation.

The angry farmers also set fire to two police vehicles. Many other policemen and farnmers were also hurt.

Sensing the tense situation, the district administration had imposed curfew in Gharsana and Rawla areas of Ganganagar district yesterday. But violating the curfew orders, the farmers continued their protest.

The administration had to later withdraw the curfew orders seeing the farmers' resolve to continue their agitation.

UNI XC RRT VD HT1805