Farmer leader gunned down

Rohtak, Deb 24 (PTI) Vice president of Kisan SangharshSamiti Manoj Sindhu was gunned down today by two armedassailants while staging a sit-in on NH-10 demanding releaseof farmers'' land acquired by the state government for buildinga township.

One of the assailants was also killed when they tried toescape along with accomplices in a car immediately after theincident and opened fire on policemen, provoking them toretaliate.

"Four youths, including a killer, have been arrested bythe police after chasing them over five km, IGP Rohtak RangeV Kamaraja, said.

Though the exact reason for he attack on Sindhu is beinginvestigated, prima facie, personal enmity appears to be thereason behind it, he said.

Sindhu, also the former Sarpanch of Kheri Saadh village,had been leading the agitation for return of land to farmersacquired by the state government for building the township.

Enraged over the incident, agitating residents of KheriSaadh village blocked the NH-10 and caused damage to a HaryanaRoadways bus by smashing its window panes.

The road blockade was continuing till reports last camein.

Meanwhile, the Kisan Sangharsh Samiti has announced thatthey would not lift the body of Manoj from the mortuary of thePGIMS until a financial aid of Rs 5 crore is announced for thekin of the deceased.