Farmers' protest spreads to other parts of country

The focus of the farmers' agitation, however, remained in Mandsaur where Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was stopped from entering the sensitive region.

The agitation by farmers in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur spread to other parts of the country on Thursday with farmers of Maharashtra and Karnataka attempting similar protests.

The focus of the farmers' agitation, however, remained in Mandsaur where Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi was stopped from entering the sensitive region and was subsequently arrested.

Meanwhile, contingents of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in Mandsaur district where the situation remained tense. Two companies of RAF, comprising around 100 men each, have moved into Pipliamandi in Mandsaur, the site of Tuesday's shooting of five farmers.

While two companies of RAF have been posted in Garoth area in the district, another two have been deployed along the Mwoh-Neemuch Highway to prevent any untoward incidents.

Protests spread to Maharashtra

Youth Congress workers tried to block railway track in Mumbai.

Protest by Kisan cell of Karnataka Congress

The farmer agitation that erupted in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra also reached Bengaluru.

Rahul tries to corner Modi govt over farmer issue

Rahul had earlier decided to cross Rajasthan- Madhya Pradesh border and enter Mandsaur on a motorcycle.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh lashed out at the Congress vice president for attempting to visit violence hit region.

Agitators resort to setting vehicles ablaze

Fresh violence broke out Mandsaur on Wednesday as agitating farmers drove away administrative officials, demanding that the Chief Minister visit the violence-hit district. At least 10 vehicles were set ablaze by protesters. Fresh reports state that vehicles parked at a police station in Devas's Hatpipalya were also set on fire.

CM Chouhan appeals for peace

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that 'anti-social elements were trying to disrupt the atmosphere.

AAP leaders Ashutosh and Bhagwant Mann are said to among those making a beeline for violence torn area in Madhya Pradesh. Reports say that the AAP team may visit the area on Friday.

Rahul's visit can be seen as an attempt to make foray into the BJP stronghold. The state has been continuously voting for the BJP since 2003.

OneIndia News