Farmers' group abducts two government officials in Greater Noida

Greater Noida, Feb 19 (ANI): A farmers' group kidnapped two government officials in Greater Noida in protest against the arrest of two of their leaders.

The agitated farmers kidnapped R. K. Singh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and S. P. Singh, Deputy Collector, on Friday, when they went to negotiate over the land that they had acquired from the farmers.

The farmers said that they would not release the two officials unless their leaders were released, and claimed that the police started the violence by caning them.

"We were called by the authorities for talks. But when we went there, the police started frisking us and our people were beaten up," said Dharmavir, an injured farmer.

The police officials, however, said there was no cause for panic, and the situation would soon return to normal.

"The agitation has been continuing for the past many days. We are trying to calm down the situation. Today, we have arrested some farmer leaders and thus the situation has got a bit complicated. We are doing our best to bring the situation to normal," said Amitabh Yash, Senior Superintendent of Police.

Uttar Pradesh Government had earlier acquired land from the farmers for development work, including the express highway project.

The farmers are demanding proper compensation for their land. (ANI)