Farmers agitation continue amidst rumours of self-immolation

Sriganganagar, Oct 13 (UNI) Farmers in Ganganagar's district Gharsana continued their agitation for the fourth day today, amidst rumours that some farmers would commit self-immolation.

In an unsigned letter to the district administration yesterday, threats of self-immolation by the farmers were issued if the state government failed to release their arrested leader Hetram Beniwal.

There was heavy security arrangements outside the Collectorate and Superintendent of Police office following the threats. However, the rumours proved wrong.

After the talks between farmer leaders and state government officials failed to make a headway yesterday, the authorities are debating whether to start a dialogue with the leaders lodged in jail.

In the talks, the Kisan Mazdoor Vyapari Sangharsh Samiti leaders made it clear that there can be no dialogue with the state government unless leaders Hetram Beniwal and Sahabram Punia are released. The farmers say the government officials can talk with their leaders in the jail.

Ganganagar Collector Kunji Lal Meena said the farmers have communicated their decision to the government.

The farmers have threatened to intensify their stir from Monday if their demands of release of 58 percent water from the total available from Indira Gandhi Canal Project and release of arrested leaders are not met by Sunday.

On Tuesday, the farmers agitation turned violent in Gharsana, in which a number of policemen and farmers were injured.

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