Noida limping back to normalcy

Prime Minister promises bill to amend Land Acquisition Act

With farmers on the warpath on the issue of land acquisition, demanding more compensation from the Mayawati government, agriculturists in neighbouring Ghaziabad district on Tuesday decided not to part with their land.

“The situation is normal and completely under control. To avert further trouble in Bhatta Parsaul village, where four persons, including two policemen were killed in clashes on Saturday, heavy deployment of force continues,” a senior police officer said.

Along with civil police and Provincial Armed Constabulary, 200 personnel of Rapid Action Force is camping in the area.  As the issue took a serious turn a few days ago, the prime minister assured a delegation of Rashtriya Lok Dal leaders in Delhi that the government will move the crucial bill to amend the Land Acquisition Act in the coming session of Parliament.

After a 30-minute meeting with Singh, RLD chief Ajit Singh told reporters that the prime minister has told him that the bill would definitely be brought before Parliament in the next session.

He said the prime minister assured him that he would ask Rural Development Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to hold consultations on the bill after the RLD delegation pointed out many lacunae in the existing amendment bill.

Congress MP Jagdambika Pal, who met the prime minister separately on the same issue, said: “Singh expressed sorrow and concern over the incident (violence in Noida).”

Police release sketches

Meanwhile, police released sketches of 24 trouble-makers who incited violence in Agra based on video footage.

“We have released posters of 24 trouble-makers. Of them 15 have been identified by villagers,” DIG Agra Aseem Arun said.

In Greater Noida, police were making efforts to arrest Manveer Singh Tewatia, who allegedly instigated the farmers, and his five aides.

Tewatia, who has more than 20 cases against him, has been leading the farmers’ agitation at Bhatta-Parsaul since January 17. The state government has announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for his arrest.