Ryots hurt in police action

Khargone, MP, May 13 (UNI) A few farmers were injured today after police used mild force to disperse peasants blocking a local road in support of their demand to stop black-marketing of BT cotton seeds and supply them to cultivators.

The ryots alleged that a seeds packet costing Rs 750 was being sold for Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200. Farmers from surrounding areas also staged a sit-in in front of the Collectorate and Deputy Inspector-General's office.

Police said that the peasants were first urged to lift the blockade but in vain. Denying a canecharge, Superintendent of Police Rakesh Gupta said, ''the crowd was merely dispersed.'' Additional Collector B L Kulmi pointed out that only 88 packets of seeds were available but the number of ryots seeking them were in the thousands. ''Further supply is expected by May 15,'' he assured.

UNI