Baghpat: Farmer on dharna dies

A farmer sitting on 'dharna' demanding payment of dues by sugar mills and against the hike in rural power tariffs died in the Baraut town of this district, officials said today. Udaiveer Singh was protesting under the banner: 'Kisan Sangharsh Morcha'. The dharna was being held in the Baraut subdivision of this district since May 21. Singh, 60, died yesterday following which the district administration announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh to his family, officials said.

The farmer's death took a political color with leaders belonging to the SP, RLD, and Congress rushing to the dharna site to pay tributes. Agitated over the death, farmers intensified their protest following which the district administration advised the victim's family to write to the chief minister seeking raising of the compensation amount to Rs 50 lakh, according to officials.  The dharna over the demands of payment by sugar mills and against the hike in power tariffs was still on, officials said.