Farmers’ protest against the proposed Rs 450 crore ethanol factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan turned into violence on Wednesday. There was a fierce clash between the police and the protesters while trying to break the wall of the under construction plant in Rathikheda village. When the situation worsened, the police resorted to lathi charge, following which scenes like stone pelting, arson and stampede came to light.
Dozens injured, policemen and Congress MLA also injured
At least 12 people have been injured in the clash, including 5 policemen and Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia. The MLA has been admitted to the district hospital with serious injuries.
Hanumangarh SP Hari Shankar told-
“After the mahapanchayat, some people moved towards the factory and started breaking the wall. Seeing the situation going out of control, force was used. So far 7 people have been detained.”
Tension increased due to arson and stone pelting
The protesters set fire to police and administration vehicles. There was intense stone pelting at the police, in response to which the police fired tear gas shells and tried to disperse the crowd.
The uproar started when the farmers, after a meeting in front of the SDO office, demolished the wall of the plant with a tractor. After this the crowd became furious and the atmosphere became tense.
Farmers claim: Pollution will increase from the plant
Farmer organizations are opposing the ethanol plant. He says that after the start of the plant-
Water and air pollution will increase in the area
farming will be affected
There will be a big impact on the health of villages
The administration had tried to continue the construction work of the plant by providing security cover, but on Wednesday the protest suddenly turned violent.
Internet closed, school-market closed, section 144 imposed
In view of the situation, the administration has taken strict steps-
Internet services closed in Tibbi and surrounding areas
Schools and shops closed till orders
Section 144 imposed, ban on any kind of crowd
Additional police forces deployed on the spot
Efforts are underway to reduce tension, but the situation in the area still remains sensitive.