5 cops among 18 injured as farmers' protest turns violent in Mathura

, Nov 1: Protesting against non-payment of compensation for their land inundated due to construction of Gokul barrage, hundreds of farmers today held a protest here during which they clashed with police and torched two buses, leading to injuries to 18 people including five policemen.

According to police, hundreds of farmers from seven affected villages adjoining the barrage led by BJP activists blocked Gokul-Mathura road, demanding adequate compensation for their land inundated due to construction of the barrage over Yamuna river.

Trouble started when Additional District Magistrate of Mathura Dhirendra Pratap went to the spot to pacify the villagers. They insisted that the District Magistrate should come to the spot to negotiate with them. This lead to a heated argument. In the melee, some protesters pushed Superintendent of Police (City) Manoj Sonkar, the ADM said, adding police resorted to mild force to disperse the mob when some people started pelting stone.

In the ensuing clash, five policemen were injured and have been hospitalised, Mathura SSP Manzil Saini said. Inspector General of Police Sunil Kumar Gupta took stock of the situation after reaching the spot.

"Five policemen have been injured. However, the number of injured protester is being ascertained," Gupta said. According to hospital sources and a eyewitness at least 13 protesters were injured and were undergoing treatment at the district hospital.

District Magistrate (DM) Rajesh Kumar, DIG Laxmi Singh and the SSP took round of Damodarpura, one of the seven villages where farmers have been affected. The DM said the situation was under control and that movement of the traffic from barrage was normal. "Those who have taken law in their hand would severely be dealt with," the DM added.

PTI