On getting acquisition notice, farmer dies of cardiac arrest

AMBALA: After Gorakhpur, the death of a farmer in Ambala on Monday has resulted in sharp reaction from villagers of Panjokhra, Khatuli, Kakru, Mandur, Garnala and Janetpur villages, and there could be unrest from Tuesday onwards.
Locals informed that Panjokra resident Jasmer Singh (60) died of cardiac arrest. Jasmer had been under stress after an acquisition notice was served on him two months ago for the acquisition of 2.5 acres of his land in the village touching the roadside, said Balwant Singh, president of the farmers body protesting land acquisition.
Balwant Singh claimed that this was the third such death after the administration started the land acquisition process in Ambala. The other two farmers who had died after their lands were acquired included 58-year-old Amar Singh and Bakshish Ram of Panjokhra village.
Demanding adequate compensation for the families of the farmers who died after acquisition notices were served on them by the land acquisition officer, Balwant Singh informed that a Mahapanchayat has been convened by displaced farmers on January 12 to decide on the further course of action.
Hundreds of farmers belonging to these villages led by Zamin Bachao Samiti president Balwant Singh held a massive demonstration and shouted slogans against the government, while refusing to cremate Jasmer Singh’s body.
The situation was defused after Youth Congress leader Himmat Singh reached the village and assured the protestors that chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda was sympathetic towards their demands and the policy was being reviewed by the government.