Activists attempt self-immolation to protest police action

Pathanamthitta, Feb 5 (UNI) Tension prevailed at Chengara Estate near here today when activists of 'Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi', who had encroached upon the estate, tried to immolate themselves after police attempted to evict them.

Police said the encroachers, who doused themselves with kerosene, demanded release of the detained persons.

A sub inspector was held hostage by the encroachers.

On information, more police force rushed to the spot and freed the police official.

It was in August 2007, the activists belonging to 'Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi' encroached 6,000 hectares of the estate owned by Malayalam Plantation.

At present, over 3,000 activists are staying in the estate.

Police had arrested the activists, who had came out of the estate.

The Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi, led by one Laha Gopalan, was demanding allotment of five acre of land and Rs 50,000 to each estate worker family.

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