NGO team submit report on Gharsana agitation to Raj. Governor

Jaipur, Nov 4 (UNI) A seven-member fact-finding team today submitted to Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil its report on the alleged police repression of farmers in Gharsana and Raola in Ganganagar district, who have been agitating for more than a month demanding water to save their rabi crops.

The team, comprising of members of human rights, democratic and women's organisations, in their report alleged that the district administration was vindictive against the farmers. They alleged that the manner in which Chanduram's body was kept for a week because of the government's stubbornness shows its insensitivity.

They demanded the immediate halt of ''police brutality on unarmed farmers'' and dismissal of District Collector Kunjilal Meena and Superintendent of Police Vinita Thakur.

They further demanded a financial package to the family of Chanduram, who died of wounds inflicted during police lathicharge.

Their other demands included release of all arrested farmers and withdrawal of cases and implementation of the Ajmer Agreement of 2004 by the government.

They alleged that even minor school children were beaten up and put behind bars for weeks including a hearing impaired child.

They further alleged that two women lost their babies due to ''brutal police repression'' unleashed in the villages during the agitation, the report said.

UNI PJJ VA BD1836