Curfew imposed in Wani

Nagpur, Dec 9 (UNI) Indefinite curfew has been imposed in Wani in Yavatmal district of Vidarbha region after violent protests today over the death of a farmer last night in police firing in the cotton procurement centre in the town.

The curfew was imposed after the protesting farmers, dissatisfied with the compensation announced for the victim's family, indulged in stone pelting, Yavatmal district Superintendent of Police Abdur Rehman told UNI over telephone. The curfew was imposed this afternoon, he said.

The police had arrested ten persons in connection with the disturbances in the town yesterday and today, and more arrests were likely, Mr Rehman said.

Earlier, guardian minister for the district Manohar Naik announced a compensation of Rupees four lakh to the next of kin of Dinesh Tukaram Gugal, a farmer who died after being injured in yesterday's police firing at the cotton procurement centre in Wani.

The amount includes an ex-gratia payment of Rupees two lakh from the Chief Minister's relief fund, Rupees one lakh from the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee, Wani, which operates the procurement centre, and Rupees one lakh from Vasantrao Naik Memorial Trust. Mr Naik announced a compensation of Rs 25,000 to each seriously injured and Rs. 10,000 to each injured in yesterday's police firing. The minister also assured to get the victim's son a job.

Meanwhile, Gugal's funeral was held at his native village Mendholi near Wani amid tight police security late this afternoon.

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