Land acquisition: UP farmers to hold protest rally in Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): Thousands of disgruntled farmers led by Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) will hold a massive rally here today to protest against the acquisition of their land for the Yamuna Expressway.

They are also protesting against the police firing, in which three farmers were killed.

According to sources, RLD chief Ajit Singh will lead a protest march of farmers starting from Ram Lila Maidan, which will then proceed towards Parliament.

At least 10 to 12 twelve thousand farmers are expected to reach the national capital.

They are expected to arrive in Delhi via the Gaziabad, Noida, Loni and Faridabad borders.

Police say their procession is expected to affect traffic at Rajghat, JLN Marg, Barakhamba Road, K G Marg, Janpath, Ranjit Singh Marg and Tolstoy Marg.

The movement to New Delhi Railway Station through Ajmere Gate may also be affected.

Earlier, three farmers were killed when police fired at them protesting inadequate compensation against acquisition of land in an area bordering Aligarh and Mathura districts.

The State Government had earlier fixed compensation at the rate of Rs 425 per sq m for the financial year 2010-11 for Aligarh district. Besides, an ex-gratia amount of Rs 24 per sq m was also being given.

The 165-km eight-lane Yamuna Expressway has been taken up by the UP Government to reduce the driving time between New Delhi and Agra. (ANI)