Maharashtra: Police use pellet guns after farmers' protest turns violent
An agitation by farmers in Maharashtra's Thane turned violent when protesters clashed with security personnel, pelted stones, and police used pellet guns on them. Several were injured. Many had assembled on the Thane-Badlapur highway to protest alleged forceful acquisition of their land by the Navy for a proposed airport at Nevali. Later, they blocked a busy road, set fire to vehicles and damaged property.
Maharashtra: Police use pellet guns after farmers' protest turns violent
An agitation by farmers in Maharashtra's Thane turned violent when protesters clashed with security personnel, pelted stones, and police used pellet guns on them. Several were injured. Many had assembled on the Thane-Badlapur highway to protest alleged forceful acquisition of their land by the Navy for a proposed airport at Nevali. Later, they blocked a busy road, set fire to vehicles and damaged property.
What was the protest about?
Earlier this month, farmers approached the Bombay HC challenging a 1943 requisition order by the government, under which the Defence Ministry acquired 1,600 acres of land. The Defence said the land in question is owned by their ministry and the Indian Navy. "The Navy is constructing a peripheral boundary wall to protect and safeguard Defence land from further encroachment," said Rahul Sinha, Chief PRO.
Situation back to normal, says police
The Thane Police Commissioner said that 12 policemen had been injured in the melee, along with four villagers. All of them were provided treatment. "The situation is normal now," he said.
